Cool Kicks

Posted by Shireen Sandoval  10/26/12, 11:29am

Looking dewey and radiant with half-naked men gyrating around her, Olivia Newton John made headbands hot in her video (Let's Get) Physical in a way only a movie star could. Swiveling her head and hips into positions I've only seen in  Kama Sutra books, Jamie Lee Curtis made spandex special in the movie Perfect, and Jennifer Beals made leg warmers and one-shoulder sweatshirts all the rage in Flashdance.

No doubt about it, even in my flabby triceps "I don't run unless being chased because someone wants my Gucci purse" kind of world, I do indeed understand film, fitness and fashion have always shared a special connection. I think it's perfectly captured in famed photographer Philippe Halsman's 1952 picture of Marilyn Monroe Lifting Weights.

Over the years though the muscle of that relationship has stretched and strained itself into something bigger, something broader. I'm doing one armed push-ups sponsored by Converse while writing this (not really) but as pop culture continues morphing into a world driven by *celebrity* which has shape-shifted into an overindulgent, overexposed, voyeuristic sport, work-out wear is influenced more by, say, athletes, rap stars, even reality show personalities, NOT necessarily the movies.

From Missy Elliot's love of vinyl tracksuits, Eminem's obsession with NikeAir Max LTD's, Bethany Frankel's Skinny Girl's Smoother's n' Shapers, The Sitch's own Jersey Shore work-out inspired clothing line and Dwyane Wade's well suited ways off the court named by GQ, Esquire even Forbes Magazine as one of the best dressed men in America, the new players in the fitness wear game have left film running on an old school track while hightailing it mach 10 on a modern day treadmill.

So it wasn't surprising when my stylist Shari, pumpkin latte in hand sprinted into my flat looking strangely Sporty as in Spice. The spring in her step wasn't from being over caffeinated, it was the way she rocked a new pair of perfectly wedged high heeled, high-topped sneakers. She'd seen a movie prior to our visit Taken 2 but I'm guessing Liam Neeson wasn't sporting swanky lifted kicks while kicking-ass. Instead, Shari reflects the sights and sounds of pop culture in the 21st century expressing them through her fashion choices.

I can't run through airport security or around the block in my new tennis shoes (unless being chased in the aformentioned way) but they are indeed comfortable & pretty cool. They have old school lace-ups in front with a nifty velcro strap to seal the fit. I chose a dark beige pair with a light rimmed sole for a hipster look. If you're say over 12, stay in your age range with skinny jeans and a dressier top.

I snagged my sneaks for $40 at JC Penney in the Aventura Mall with the theme from Chariots of Fire playing in my head (old habits die hard). Flex your own fashion biceps at http://www.jcpenney.com/

Falling for Winklepickers ...

Posted by Shireen Sandoval

I didn't notice him at first - but once I realized he was staring at me from across the room - I was a goner. He was beautiful. Smoldering really. Sure the place was packed, but our mutual attraction made me feel like I was the only girl in the world. He was subtle, I'd give him that and unusual. I'd never seen anything like him. Maybe a few cheap knock-off's but for the most part, I knew I had spotted a true original. I was beyond intrigued and utterly fascinated.

Holy Great Balls of Balm!

Posted by Shireen Sandoval

When I first saw the pretty little pastel balls at my neighborhood CVS (I'm not gonna lie,) I thought they were a rack full of self-pleasuring tools. You know, "a personal item." I knew drugstores had become pretty progressive, but this I had to see to believe. As I walked closer, I thought: "They didn't even try to hide 'em from the kids!" Curiosity quickly killed my shame. Matter-of-fact, I found myself completely hypnotized by the eye-pleasing, egg-shaped objects and not because I needed a vibrator.

The Widow Hat

Posted by Shireen Sandoval

 The rain beat down so hard on the windshield it was like God himself was mad. May didn't care though, she kept driving under the moody, black sky. She was eager to embrace her new motto: "Live each day as if it were my last." Actually, it was more than a motto; it was part of her life-changing epiphany.

The Gallant Gladiator

Posted by Shireen Sandoval

The Gallant Gladiator a blog story...

I know it didn't happen in slow motion but it felt that way. My feet danced around me; forward and backward, up and down, side to side. My body lunged in different directions, twisting and turning, in what I thought was a dazzling display of agility. So, imagine my surprise when my enemy sunk her dagger straight into my heart. I gasped in pain and my body grew limp. After she stabbed me, she pulled me close and whispered: "Rest in peace Gallant Gladiator."