Sunday Night At The Sports Flicks: Part 3

 

SENNA (2010)

It’s time for another installment of my favorite sport movies. Yes it’s Monday, but the Holidays have delayed my posting and I wanted to give you a few sporty classics to entertain you into the new year. Click the movie title or image for a preview. Happy and merry all!

This beautifully photographed documentary tells the remarkable story of Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna and spans the racing legend’s years as an Formula 1 champion, from his opening season in 1984 to his untimely death a decade later. Far more than a film for racing fans, Senna takes a cinematic approach and makes full use of astounding footage, drawn from over 15,000 hours of archival film, much of which was previously unseen.  Read More

 

IN-Vested: 6 Hi-Lo Puffer Vests

 

Clockwise from top left: AUTHIER® TOM’S VEST AT J.CREW $530; UNIQLO PREMIUM DOWN ULTRA LIGHT VEST $49.90; MONCLER GHANY VEST $525; PATAGONIA DOWN SWEATER VEST $150; JOE FRESH WEST LOOK DOWN PUFFA VEST $49; LANDS END DOWN VEST $40

A down vest is an essential for everyone’s outdoor closet. Worn under a peacoat or blazer, over a sweater or flannel shirt, they are the perfect extra layer of warmth. Some like them thin, others like them fat. Some prefer brights, other neutrals. Whatever your preference or budget may be, there lots of great choices. These are 6 of my hi-lo favorites!

 

Jeff Curtes: 20 Years Of Snowboard Photography

 

 
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THIS YEAR Jeff Curtes, Burton Snowboards’ primary lensman, marks his 20th year as a professional snowboard photographer. He calls himself a snowboarder first, a photographer second, and his pictures give an insiders view into the life of the professional snowboarder both on and off the mountain.

Read More

 

Goggles Galore!

 

 

Aspen, Jackson Hole, Squaw Valley and more are open for the season. Its time to start planning those ski and snowboard trips and with the Holidays upon us what better gift to get or give than a new hot pair of goggles! There are hundreds of colorful styles to choose from and what a fun way to add a little burst of flavor to your slopestyle attire.  But besides looking good your goggles need to protect you from the elements and anti-fog, scratch resistant, UV filtering, form fitting, no distortion lenses are a MUST. Click below to shop my season’s picks. All are available with inter-changable or adaptive lenses for varying light conditions.

Clockwise from top left: SPY OPTIC Marshall’12 $109.95; OAKLEY Splice $150SMITH OPTICS I/OX $175JULBO Orbiter Zebra Light Lens (Photochromatic) $180CHURCH AND STATE The Polka $169ARNETTE Skylight $139.95VON ZIPPER Chakra $100ANON Hawkeye $129.95

 

THE COLOR OF THE MONTH: SILVER

 

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Its mid-December and mid-Holiday season and time to celebrate Silver.
It’s shimmers and shines, is festive and fun, and glams up all that it touches!
Click below to shop!

ANON Comrade Goggles $129.95; NORTHFACE Super Diaz Jacket $349; SUPERGA Metallics $90; BALENCIAGA Classic Silver Pearly City $1599; SIDI T2 CB $199; PHILOSOPHY DI ALBERTA FERRETTI Organza and lamé dress $850; PRADA Metallic Platform Sandal $850; ANN DEXTER-JONES Silver ID Bracelet $2,535; SPEEDO Fastskin3 Elite Mirrored Goggle$74.95; JBRAND Metallic Stretch Denim Leggings $238; RAY BAN Aviators $150; KHOMBU Lovely $60

 

 

Frost Free Fingers

 

LULULEMON REFLECTIVE BRISK RUN GLOVE $28;

A week ago I posted about the pleasures of Winter Running and featured some of my favorite layering pieces. Gloves are critical part of the equation as well. Once you start moving, hands warm up pretty quick, so you want gloves that are flexible, moisture-wicking and breathable. Here are a few I really like (and you don’t have to wear them for running only). Pearl Izumi, Mountain Hardware and The Northface come in men’s sizes too.

MOUNTAIN HARDWARE WINTER RUNNING GLOVE $40; THE NORTHFACE POWER STRETCH GLOVE $35

 SMARTWOOL LINER KNIT GLOVE $24; PEARL IZUMI THERMAL GLOVE $25

NATHAN TRANSWARMER (glove with mitten shield) $35; ATHLETA PILAYO GLOVE $39

CLICK HERE FOR WINTER RUNNING PART 1

 

“Slide Your Brains Out”

 

 
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Thomas Campbell’s surfing photography has noticable lack of gloss and polish. Unlike most surf photographers, he eschews the familiar fish-eye shots or tightly cropped land angles and instead focusing on mood and vibe.

An artist, photographer and filmmaker, Thomas Campbell was raised on the aesthetic of the early 1980s skateboarding culture. In the mid-1990s, he moved to New York and immersed himself in the scene around Alleged Gallery, where he quickly befriended and exhibited among the generation of artists who would star in the landmark 2004 exhibition “Beautiful Losers”. His first feature-length film, “The Seedling”, came out in 1999, followed by “Sprout” in 2004 and “The Present” in 2009.

The first of ten projected volumes in UM YEAH PRESS’ surf photobook series, “Slide Your Brains Out” is a collection of his work from the past 15 years. Often lo-fi and gritty, other times lush and saturated, Campbell’s compositions, which include portraits and action shots of some of the best surfers in the world are always evocative and ethereal, appealing to both surfers and land lovers alike. Read More

 

December’s 31 Days of Sneakers

 

 

In the spirit of the holidays, I am celebrating this December with 31 days of sneakers. Each day this month will feature a new sneaker selected not just by me, but some of my most sporty and fashionable friends. So to all my sneakerheads out there, I’d love to hear some of your picks too.

CLICK BELOW TO SHOP

DEC.31: Well it’s the last day of December, the last day of my 31 days of sneakers and the last day of the year! Very hard to pick the final sneaker, especially while there are still so many more to choose. I am giving today to the ADIDAS SPEZIAL, because I love this orange and yellow combo, and because I couldn’t decide between the ADIDAS GAZELLE, CAMPUS or SAMBA… all timeless Adidas classics!

DEC.30: Going with a kid’s pick today from a very hip 8 year old, NYC Elite gymnast, Ellie Diamond (who happens to be my niece). Ellie always has the coolest kicks and loves these OSIRIS KIDS NYC83.

DEC. 29: PONY TOPSTAR. Remember these? Pony was born in Brooklyn in 1972 and quickly became of the most recognized and iconic Sports brands in the world.

DEC.28: SAUCONY ORIGINALS BULLET. Originally a track shoe with spikes, Saucony took this 1985 classic and adapted it for the street.

DEC.27: NIKE LEBRON X+. Today’s sneaker of the day comes from Ariel Foxman, the Editor-In-Chief of InStyle magazine! This shoe celebrates of the tenth anniversary of LeBron James and Nike Basketball, and features newly engineered cushioning and state-of-the-art support. When paired with the Nike+ Sport Kit (sold separately), the LeBron X+ tracks your highest jump, average jump height and total jumps per game, along with your steps per second, quickest moments and more. Very cool pick Mr.Foxman!

DEC.26: PUMA G.VILAS. This Puma classic named after 70’s tennis legend, Guillermo Vilas, is another timeless classic.

DEC.25: Gotta go with this green suede and mesh ADIDAS ORIGINALS DECADE OG for the Christmas sneaker.

DEC.24: Today’s pick comes my old friend Adam Glassman, Creative Director of O, The Oprah Magazine. Like me, he is obsessed with the Nike Flyknit Trainer, which happened to be my Dec.1 Sneaker of the Day. Adam has a sneaker feature as well in the January issue of O, and I am going with one his choices from the magazine, the ASICS GEL-LYTE33, as today’s sneaker of the day. This lightweight, super-flexible running shoe delivers a cushioned ride and promotes a mid-foot to forefoot strike. Plus the neon yellow and pink will definitely add an extra burst of speed to your runs! Read More

 

SKIN OF THE CAT

 

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CLICK BELOW TO SHOP

Row 1: ADIDAS ORIGINALS Jeremy Scott Leopard Track Top $220; BURTON Emerald Snowboard Boots $199.95; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Calf Hair Farida Bowler Tote $2195; Row 2: J.CREW Calf Hair Wide Belt $59; RALPH LAUREN Animal Stripe Sunglasses $160; NIKE Dunk High Skinny $85; Row 3: UGGS Classic Short Exotic $240; PRADA Stamped Leopard Print Mary Jane Pump $990; THAKOON ADDITION Angry Leopard Stretch Cotton Shorts $350; Row 4: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Classic Skull Leopard Print Clutch $1450; ADIDAS ORIGINALS Superstar $75; DKNY Animal Print Faux Fur Jacket $295

 

A Cold Winter’s Run

 

 

The holidays will soon be behind us and a couple more months of winter lie ahead. The snow is falling but this can be one of the most beautiful times of year to run. If you are one of the intrepid who decides to defy the cold, you will find a blissful calm in the tranquility that is winter running. The key is staying warm and dry, and the trick is layering! A moisture-wicking base layer, breathable pullover, and windproof jacket, depending on the temperatures, is the combo you need. Below are 6 winter-proof and stylish layering pieces to get you started.

 

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CLICK BELOW TO SHOP

Clockwise from top:
SMARTWOOL Women’s PhD HyFi Full-Zip Hoodie $210

Made from revolutionary bicomponent fabric, this SmartWool’s hoody combines the comfort of merino wool on the inside with weather and abrasion resistance of durable nylon on the outside.

GORE Path Windstopper Insulated ShellLADY Jacket $199

This stylish quilted jacket features PrimaLoft® Infinity insulation and a soft fleece-lined high collar and cuffs for a comfortable fit. This one you might want to wear even when your not training.

PEARL IZUMI Women’s Fly Evo Pullover $165

This pullover features a lightweight water and windproof fabric with high breathability to keep you dry and comfortable in cold, windy and wet conditions. There are internal fist mitt seals to keep hands warm and reflective external tape provides 360 degrees of reflectivity for low–light visibility.

ADIDAS Sequencials Flagstaff Long Sleeve Tee shirt $42

This Long Sleeve half-zip shirt is a fleece midlayer that wraps your core in breathable warmth. The shirt is designed with FORMOTION® for running-specific fit and comfort and CLIMAWARM™ keeps you warm and comfortable in cold weather conditions.

MOUNTAIN HARDWARE Women’s Super Power Hoody $120

This thermal-weight hoody features a smooth, durable outer face and moisture-wicking inner face for excellent thermal regulation. Breathable stretch panels on sides, arms and hood enhance your freedom of motion. Half-glove cuffs add coverage and warmth around hands.

NIKE Element Shield Running Jacket $99

The Nike Element Shield Running Jacket is a lightweight option that combines wind resistance and moisture management for excellent protection. This jacket is loaded with great details such as front storage pockets, thumb holes, and hand warmers. It also has reflective details for nighttime visibility.

CLICK HERE FOR RUNNING GLOVES
 

Quilted!

 

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Love to see a trend manifest itself on everything from a Lanvin iPad case to a classic Sebago loafer, and a backpack look as elegant as an evening bag. From flip flops to a leather mini skirt, the quilted stitching gives everything that chic touch… especially in black! As the holiday shopping season is upon us, I present the first of many gift ideas to come.

CLICK BELOW TO SHOP!

Row 1: BELSTAFF Anysley Jacket $695; LANVIN Amalia iPad Case $927; SPERRY TOP-SIDER Shearwater Boot $98; Row 2: BALMAIN Quilted Leather Mini Skirt $6870; SEBAGO Coast Two-Eye $89.99; MARC JACOBS Quilted Stam Bag $1395; Row 3: GIVENCHY Quilted Leather Clutch $1563; MOSCHINO Quilted Leather Jacket $4220; BARNEYS NEW YORK Quilted Cap $195; Row 4: CHANEL Quilted Lambskin Ankle Boot (price available upon request); H BY HARRIS Q3 Quilted Leather Rucksack $795; REEF Dreams $34

 

From Sorel to Chanel: Snowboots

 


Lots of ski and snowboard resorts are opening this week and snow will soon be coming to a city near you. To keep your tootsies toasty, here are 7 rubber soled, fur lined, warm and cozy options your feet will thank you for all winter long.

CLICK BELOW TO SHOP!

1. TORY BURCH Alma Leather & Shearling Lace-Up boots $375 2. MERRELL Taiga Buckle $175 3. SOREL Joan of Arctic $150 4. CHANEL Nubuck Calfskin Lace-Up Snowboot $1595 (available at Barneys) 5. BURBERRY Weather Storm Boots $450 6. MONTCLER Breuil Fur-Trim Lace-Up Boot $995 7. L.L.BEAN 10′ Shearling Lined $179

 

Power To The Purple!

 

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Lavender, burgundy, plum, violet, eggplant… purple is a hue of many colors. As we move from the fall to winter months, purple feels like a perfect segway color of the month for November. It’s still fun and poppy, but with a tone of elegance. So be it a bike, a snowboot, an evening bag or a pump, its time to work a little purple into the rotation.Lavender, burgundy, plum, violet, eggplant… purple is a hue of many colors. As we move from the fall to winter months, purple feels like a perfect segway color for November. It’s still fun and poppy, but with a tone of elegance. So be it a bike, a snowboot, an evening bag or a pump, its time to work a little purple into the rotation.

CLICK BELOW TO SHOP!

Row 1: TECNICA MOON BOOT $100; BIG SHOT CUSTOM FIXED GEAR BIKE $295; SKULLCANDY LOWRIDER HEADPHONE $34.99; Row 2: ARC’TERYX APACHE CARDIGAN $175; HERMES KELLY DOUBLE TOUR $455; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN DAFFODILE $1075; Row 3: ONITSUKA TIGER BY ASICS MEXICO 66 $80; CASIO BABY-G LIMITED EDITON $99; NIKE BOYCUT SHORTS $28; Row 4: BOTTEGA VENETA SATIN KNOT CLUTCH $1380; SMITH OPTICS PARRALEL $129; JCREW CASHMERE LONG GLOVES $68

 

 

Bill Cunningham: Rain and Shine

 

 

This image of Bill Cunningham came through the Twitter feed this morning. It put a big smile on my face to see him going about his normal routine on a wet, leaf-filled post-Sandy street. There he was on his bike as usual, taking pictures of NYC’s most fashionable for the New York Times Style section, wearing his LL Bean boots and a blue rain poncho, instead of his usual blue workmans jacket. Truly there is no one more “Style of Sport” than Bill Cunningham!

Now if you have never seen “BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK”, which is a charming, funny and touching portrait of this wonderful fashion icon, it’s available on DVD. Here is a little preview below.

 

 

 

Kustomyzed Kicks

 

 

While brands like ADIDAS, CONVERSE, VANS and NIKE offer hundreds of colors and styles, for those who want their own unique design, these days you can have your sneakers anyway you like them. All have customizable options for most of their classic models. Adidas Sambas and Gazelles, Nike Dunks and Free Runs, Converse Chuck Taylors and Jack Purcells, Vans Originals and many more can be made to order… from the laces to the soles, from the stripes to the swooshes, AND you can even have your nickname put on too. So for all you running, skating and other athletic artists, it’s time to get creative. Gotta go order mine!

 

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ALL SNEAKERS CUSTOM “CLAUDIATOR” DESIGNS

 

Sport Flicks Part Deux

 

AMERICAN FLYERS (1985)

Welcome to another installment of Sunday Night Sports Flicks. Tonight I give you 5 more sport movies favorites inspired by the fall season, back to school and the great outdoors. Click the images/movie titles for previews (ignore cheesy voiceovers).

While some may argue that Breaking Away is the best cycling movie, my favorite is an 80’s classic called “American Flyers” starring a mustached Kevin Costner and Rae Dawn Chong. Directed by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever), the film is about two brothers training to compete in a grueling bicycle race across the Rocky Mountains called “The Hell of the West”. There is a family history of illness and the plot takes a twist when we see which brother is actually afflicted. Set in The Rockies and filmed during the Coors Classic, a now-defunct stage race that was one of the world’s leading cycling events at the time, the movie features breathtaking scenery and action packed race photography. Read More

 

The Color Of the Month: PINK

 

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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, the color of the month for October is PINK. It is a happy color and makes everything fun. A little hit goes a long way, so whether your on the slopes, cruising around town, swimming laps or lounging around the house… THINK PINK!

Click product name to shop. Row 1 from left: K2 MISSBEHAVED $599.95; MARMOT SAFIRE $165; SWISS ARMY KNIFE MINI $15.95; Row 2: NIKE MENS HYPERDUNK $140; EVERLAST PROSTYLE TRAINING GLOVES $39.99 ($1 of every purchase goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation); SMARTWOOL WARMER HAT $36; Row3: MULBERRY IPAD SLEEVE $500; TOYWATCH MONOCHROME CHRONOGRAPH $275; ACORN ANNIKA MULE SLIPPER $65; Row 4: ADIDAS ORIGINALS SPORTY SNOW PARADISE $90; POC FORNIX SNOW HELMET $159.95; J.CREW COLLECTION CASHMERE WAFFLE CARDIGAN $258; Row 5: GLAMOURPUSS RABBIT FUR FUNNEL $225; ROXY LOL GLOVE $24; TYR SPECIAL OPS GOGGLES $36

 

Freefall

 

 

Today Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian skydiver, basejumper and daredevil, smashed the records for the highest and fastest freefall in history,leaping from the stratosphere 24 miles above the earth’s surface and breaking the speed of sound in his descent. Perhaps because the new Bond movie “Skyfall” is out and I’m hearing Adele’s sultry theme song in the background, I am reminded of an old 007 classic “Moonraker”I thought I would share.

 

Real Men Wear Pink

 

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and one of the most uplifting places to see this campaign in action is in the NFL. For the month of October, all the players from every team wear pink cleats, gloves, mouthguards, wristbands and other accessories in support of the NFL program “A Crucial Catch”. In partnership with the American Cancer Society, the campaign focuses on the importance of annual screenings and provides outreach to women in underserved communities.

Yesterday was the first sunday of October and one of the most touching moments from the day was that of 49ers wide receiver Kyle Williams dropping to his knees and pointing to the sky after catching a pass. His grandmother died from the disease. Williams said after the game, “I look forward to the whole month and being able to support it and wear pink. I was just saying hello. She was my rock.” To find out more about “A Crucial Catch”go to http://www.nfl.com/pink.

 

Pumped Up Kicks

 

 

It looks like some classic boots got busy last spring and hooked up with some heels, bringing us some sport with major style offspring for this fall/winter season. You’ve got hiking boots with platforms, desert boots with heels, work boots with stilettos and Uggs with wedges. So if you’re a girl who likes a classic but wants to pump it up a notch, here are nine of my favorite elevated booties.

CLICK PRODUCT NAME FOR SHOPPING INFO: Top Row from left: MANOLO BLAHNIK Suede & Leather Lace Up Ankle Boots $1175; ASH Suede Wedge Ankle Boots $290; YSL Ariane Wedge Bootie $1245; Middle row from left: TODS High Heel Leather  Platform Ankle Boot $945KENZO Leather & Suede Wedge Ankle Boots $395; HUNTER Suede & Wool Lace Up Ankle Boots $295; Bottom Row from left: FENDI Cathy Suede Wedge Ankle Boot $695MICHAEL BY MICHAEL KORS Elliot Bootie $175; ALAIA Lace-Up Calf Hair Ankle Boots $2625

 

Diana Vreeland:To be A Surfer

 

The documentary “Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel” (click to view preview), is a wonderfully entertaining portrait of the larger than life fashion icon DianaVreeland, editor of Harpers Bazaar (1937-62) and Vogue (1962-71).

Produced and directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland, her granddaugher-in-law, the film features a dynamic collection of interviews with her and numerous legendary designers, photographers, editors and models, whose careers were launched, influenced and defined by Mrs.Vreeland.

But of course what got my attention most was her rhapsody on of all things… surfing! I scanned youtube for the clip, but unable to find anything decent, I paid my own homage by putting togther her audio with footage of another icon… surfing legend Buttons Kaluhiokalani. I think both compliment each other nicely.

 

Slipper Chic

 

 

If we did not love Celine enough already, now Phoebe Philo has really gone and done it showing these fuzzy slides and pumps for spring 2013. Can’t you just feel the cozy softness now?  If only those pumps were available for those cold NYC nights to come. Our feet would be so happy!

But we have a whole winter to get through first and luckily have been given license to wear fuzzy slippers for the next few months in preparation for these spring shoes. So if slippers are the new “it” shoe,  here are nine I think make the the fashion statement that its all about comfort now.

slipper Chic

1. ACORN: TEXTURED MOC 2. EMU AUSTRALIA: TOVA 3. UGG: ANSLEY 4. MINNETONKA: CALLY SLIPPER 5. PATRICIA GREEN: BONNIE 6. GIESSWEIN: GEROLDING 7. ACORN: SPA SLIDE 8. SMART DOGS: KENYA

ALL SLIPPERS AVAILABLE AT ZAPPOS.COM

 

Shop NYC: The Sportiest Stores In Town

 

 

While New York City is synonymous with great shopping, sporting goods are not usually the first thing that comes to mind, but there are an incredible number of sport stores in every neighborhood of the city. Fall is a great time of year for outdoor activ-ites and with the mixed weather weekend ahead its the perfect opportunity to go shop for some new gear.

With that I give you another regular STYLE OF SPORT feature… The Best Sports Stores review. While these all have the goods, they also have the style. So whether you’re into sports and just want to look like you are, here are five stores you must check out.

NIKE RUNNING (above) 

Located in the Flatiron district, this spacious new Nike Running store carries shoes, gear and apparel for that one sport only. The goal, I was told, is to remind people that’s how Nike began. The store has every running shoe Nike makes, from super hi-tech flats like the Nike Flyknit for elite runners, to reissued vintage Air Max models for the “sneakerheads”. For the recreational runner in between, the store offers gait analysis and group runs where new gear can be tested.

The design of the store features that same juxtaposition of old and new. There is recycled gymnasium flooring, industrial lighting and a giant flat screen heat map highlighing the functionality of the gps sportwatches. One of the design highlights is a wall covered in sketches of the Nike Free Run drawn on the spot by the designer of the shoe, Mark Minor. 156 Fifth Ave.

Read More

 

The Chic Sport Watch

 

 

Whether you are training for a marathon, checking for surf, scubadiving or just looking for a sporty timepiece to stay on time, there are so many cool watches to choose from. I’m loving these in white and silver, so super chic
there is no need to change watches when the workout is done.

NIKE+ SPORTWATCH LIMITED EDITON $169

Equipped with GPS technology, this beautiful limited edition tracks your location, pace, time and distance. USB contacts are built into the watch strap and plugs in to your computer to upload data and keep track of all your runs. This edition was created for the US Olympic Team athletes, but theirs came with real gold on the trim.

CHANEL J12 CHRONOGRAPH $7850

This watch is a major fashion statement, but if you plan on wearing it for its functional capabilities it does feature self-winding mechanical chronograph movement, 42-hour power reserve, date and chronograph (12-hour, 30-minute, 60-seconds counters), unidirectional rotating bezel and is water-resistant up to 200 meters.

FREESTYLE HAMMERHEAD LDS $135

The Hammerhead LDS gives a little fashion edge to the classic dive style and the result is a sporty timepiece that looks great surfing or just hanging on the beach.

ROLEX SUBMARINER $7995

What can I say about this iconic timepiece? Its a Rolex, a timeless classic, the ultimate diving watch designed for extreme underwater exploration and able to withstand depths of up to 3900 meters.

NIXON SUPERTIDE $200

While one of the top action sports brands, Nixon watches are recognized for their cutting edge style and hip design by the fashion world as well. Nixon watches are sold in both the coolest surf shops and chicest boutiques in the world, including Colette in Paris.

TIMEX IRONMAN SHOCK-RESISTENT 30 LAP $65

A throwback to the original 1986 Timex Ironman watch with improved functionality and shock-resistant durability, this watch has style that can withstand time, and construction that can withstand anything else.

 

Street Style Slope Side

 

Left: Celine Colorblock Coat; Right: TheNorthFace Gonzo Insulated Jacket

Looks like the arts and crafts movement is not limited to fashion only. While the september issue of Vogue highlighted the Bauhaus inspired graphic patterns and color combinations for fall by designers such as Celine (above), Miu Miu, Narciso Rodriguez and Balenciaga, outdoor apparel designers were clearly on the same wavelength.

 

A Bicycle Built for One: The “Fixie”

 

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ABOVE: PASHLEY GUV’NOR ; GEEKHOUSE CUSTOM BUILD; GLOBE ROLL 2 SE

 

The main selling point when buying a bike used to be how many speeds it had. The hottest ride on the street these days is the “fixie”, or the “fixed gear” bicycle, which means one speed only. The pedals are directly tied to the movement of the wheels… you pedal forward, the bike goes forward… you pedal backward, the bike goes backwards. The bicycle and rider are one. There is an appeal in this fundamental simplicity and beautiful design is the result. With so few moving parts, the pared down aesthetic and retro styling makes these bicycles true works of art, reminiscent of the first bicycles ever built.

The fixed gear culture has quite the obsessive following. The objects of desire are the custom builds with carefully chosen frames, handle bars, wheels and other parts, but if you’re looking to pick one up ready-to-ride, here are a few beauties I have found. CLICK CAPTION FOR SHOPPING INFO

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GAVIN FISSO

 

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FELT BROUGHAM CHROME

 

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SCOTT OTG 10

 

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VILANO EDGE CHROMOLY

 

 
 

The Color Of The Month: ORANGE

 

CLICK BELOW TO SHOP!

Starting this month, I will be featuring a new color every month. Orange is the color for September as fall begins, bringing the change of seasons, and transforming the hues of nature into vibrant bursts of warmth. Above are some of my favorite orange things for the season. Whether in the country or city, on a guy or girl, a little dab or full splash, orange is fun color that makes everything sporty!

BARBOUR MENS LIDDESDALE QUILTED JACKET; NIXON NEWTON DIGITAL; HUNTER ORIGINALS; NIKE LUNARGLIDE MENS; BEATS BY DRE HEADPHONES; BARNEYS COOP CLASSIC LEATHER TOTE; SMYTHSON “WORK HARD PLAY HARD” NOTEBOOK; NIKE TWISTED RUNNING CAPRIS; PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-TS4 DIGITAL CAMERA

 

THE TENNIS GODS

 

 
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I grew up watching tennis in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s when champions like Bjorn Borg, Guillermo Vilas and John McEnroe ruled the courts.  So cool they were with their long hair, headbands, and short shorts, adorned in brands like Fila, Tacchini and Ellesse.  No titanium or graphite for them… they played with wooden racquets.

Now don’t get me wrong,  I love Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal but I do miss the style and swagger of those days gone by. So while your flat screens are tuned to the US Open, this final grand slam tournament of 2012, I leave you with these images of an era when our tennis players were gods among men.

JOHN MCENROE AT WIMBLEDON 1981 (SI VAULT.COM); GUILLERMO VILAS AND BJORN BORG EARLY 1980’s; JOHN MCENROE,BJORN BORG AND VITAS GERULAITIS IN CENTRAL PARK IN 1981(AP); DUNLOP MAXPLY; ILIE NASTASE EARLY 1970’s; BJORN BORG AND JOHN MCENROE; BJORN BORG AND JOHN MCENROE AT THE START OF THE 1981 WIMBLEDON MENS SINGLES FINAL

 

BACK IN BLACK: THE NETS

 

 

When developer Bruce Ratner embarked on the journey to buy the New Jersey Nets and build a new home arena  in Brooklyn, he recruited Jay-Z, who grew up in public housing just a couple of miles from the site, to join his group of investors. Despite his relatively small 15% ownership of the team, Jay-Z has become the face of the Brooklyn Nets, in particular helping to design the team’s new logo and uniforms.

 

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The look is surprisingly simple compared to other NBA logos and while we know Jay-Z loves “Black”, he says his inspiration came from old New York subway signs… “They were a strong, beautiful, iconic black and white. I just wanted something to withstand the test of time and be here forever.

As the much anticipated Barclays Center, home of the new Brooklyn Nets, nears it September opening, I thought I would share some of these new logos and old signs. This simple retro design seems quite fitting for the new hipster style of Brooklyn.

 

Sunday Night Sport Flicks

 

DOWNHILL RACER

Welcome to the first installment of Sunday Night at the Movies. I will be highlighting many of my favorites in the weeks to come, but tonight we begin with six classics. Click title to see preview.

Astonishing alpine locations, action-packed photography, a young Robert Redford in one of his earliest starring roles and the gorgeous Camilla Sparv, are just a few of the visual splendors of this Downhill Racer. Redford plays a ruthlessly ambitious skier competing in Europe for Olympic gold and Gene Hackman is the coach who tries to temper his narcissistic drive for glory.

 

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DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS

This skateboard documentary chronicles the glory days of the Z-Boys, a team of hard-core surfers from the Zephyr Surf Shop in Venice Beach, California who sought to translate surfing moves onto their skateboards. In the mid-1970’s, skateboarding was widely seen as a fad of the 1960’s, but the radical moves and gnarly streetwise style of the Z-Boys changed skateboarding as a sport and blazed the trail for the extreme sports movement. Directed by former Z-Boy Stacy Peralta and narrated by Sean Penn, this might be my number one sports documentary.

 

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PUMPING IRON

This 1977 docudrama about the world of bodybuilding focuses on the 1975 Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia competitions. Shot during the 100 days leading up to the competitions, the film focuses on the rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger, the five-time Mr.Olympia going for his sixth consecutive title, and his primary competitor, Lou Ferrigno. Schwarzenegger’s larger than life physique and persona are impossible to deny and with the box office success of the film a star was born. Lou Ferrigno also went on to star as The Hulk in “The Hulk”

 

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BIG WEDNESDAY

As with boxing there are so many fantastic surfing movies like Endless Summer, Five Summer Stories and Point Break, but none of those star the incomparable Jan-Michael Vincent, along with William Katt and Gary Busey. Funny and poignant, this coming-of-age drama captures the tumultuous 1960’s with the California surf as the backdrop.

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MUHAMMAD ALI: THE GREATEST 1964-74

It is very hard to choose one boxing movie with such other greats as Raging Bull, Rocky and The Fighter, but the combination of Muhammad Ali and William Klein makes this my first choice. In William Klein’s fascinating documentary, photographed with his inimitable point of view, Ali demonstrates why he is known as “The Greatest,” both in and out of the ring. Events such as his defeat of Sonny Liston, transformation from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, and resistance to the Vietnam War draft were all captured during filming.

 

Personal Best

PERSONAL BEST

This film starring a young Mariel Hemingway centers on a group of women trying to qualify for the 1980 US Olympic Track and Field team. Their dreams are thwarted when the United States announces its boycott of the Games for political reasons. The movie was praised by critics for providing a realistic look at the world of women’s athletics and for exploring the complex relationships that can exist among teammates and their coach. It is probably most noted for its portrayal of the lesbian relationship between Hemingway’s character and her older teammate. For me, the 1970’s track and field apparel, Adidas’s finest era when shoes like the SL 72, Gazelle and Orion were born, makes this movie a style of sport classic.

 

1 Run 2 Seasons

 

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GOWDY’S AT SNOWMASS. Photos by Jeremy Swanson

 

Hands Free: Chic Backpacks for All

 

 

As we get closer to September, I’m thinking about a new fall bag. The back to school promotions are everywhere and a backpack is a classic. Whether toting gym clothes, a laptop, magazines, or an extra layer should the temperature shift, backpacks need not be for school kids only. Above are my 8 grown-up picks for fall in sophisticated autumnal colors, high to low, all sporty, all chic!

Top row from left: Louis Vuitton “Bosphore” $1720; SkullCandy “Coin” $44.99; American Apparel “Canvas School Bag” $46; Herschel “Little America” $84.99; Bottom row: Burton “Monette” $54.95; Duluth “Scoutmaster” $175; Gucci $990; Jansport “Right” $55

 

Ping Pong Anyone?

 
 
Paul Newman and Robert Redford, Mexico 1968, by Lawrence Schiller

Hope everyone has a nice weekend and enjoys some recreation! Prints are available for purchase at The New York Times.

 

Nature’s Gatorade

 

Feeling a bit zapped in between a double spin class at Soul Cycle this weekend, I bought a bottle of coconut water hoping to revive myself for the next class. It was the most delicious I have ever tasted. It had none of the sour tanginess of other deli brands, but a silky sweetness I found perfectly tasty and refreshing… like a coconut that had just been cracked open and poured in a bottle. The brand is Harmless Harvest and I must say the design and illustrations on the label and on their website are as sweetly crafted as the beverage. I was ready to go for round two!

Now if you dont already know, coconut water is nature’s Gatorade. Its packed with potassium (twice as much as a banana), as well as those electrolytes and minerals your body needs to rehydrate after big workout.

So drink up… this really is good and good for you.

 

Professionals Only

 

 
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This fall 2012 architectural shoe of wonder by Alexander McQueen defies the laws of fashion and gravity. Only the most experienced fashionistas should dare to wear… trained professionals like Lady Gaga and Daphne Guiness or perhaps a prima ballerina. Despite the claim of stability due to the elongated base, the rest of us better hit the gym fast because I’m guessing 1 minute in these shoes equals about 60 calf raises. I wouldn’t worry too much though. With a price tag of $6395, I dont think too many of us will have to start training.

Photographs from left: Daphne Guiness by Bryanboy, Lady Gaga by Nick Knight, Veronica Tennant by David Street

 

Champions

 

 

Not much to say other than express my admiration for two great champions and take my hat off to Vuitton for celebrating their achievements. Gymnast Larisa Latynina, left, had been the record holder of most Olympic medals won (18) until Micheal Phelps, right, broke her record in the London Summer Olympic games, winning 22. The mutual admiration captured in this image by Annie Leibovitz is a testament to their sportsmanship and her ability to capture it on film. And what a treat it is to see Michael Phelps looking as comfortable in a three piece suit as he does in a Speedo!

 

It Was A Photo Finish

 

 

Last night Jamaican Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce defended her title as the world’s fastest woman edging out Carmelita Jeter of the US by .o3 seconds to win the 100-meter final. I love this image of the photo finish which NBC flashed on the screen.

The photo finish uses a special camera that exposes only a sliver of the image by light coming through a vertical slit. Any still object along that slit appears as a streak and thus these beautiful abstractions emerge.

Photo-finish cameras are used at track meets, horse racing, swimming and anywhere else where the winner is determined by competitors crossing a finish line. In track, any part of the torso which hits the tape first wins, which is why you often see these dramatic lunges at the finish. The margin of victory is often hundreths of a second and only the camera knows the winner.

Below are some other famous photo finishes…

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BEJING 2008

In 2008 Michael Phleps outtouched Milorad Cavic by .01 seconds in the 100 meter Butterfly to win his seventh of eight record breaking medals. This image is by Heinz Kluetmeier of Sports Illustrated, who was the first person to put an underwater camera in the pool at the 1992 games.

 

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1956 HOTHAM HANDICAP

Perhaps the most famous photo finish of all time was a triple dead heat with three horses hitting the finish line simultaneously at the Aqueduct Racetrack in New York.

 

MARK SPITZ

 

 

Before we had Phelps and Lochte, we had Mark Spitz. At age 17 he looked more like the clean shaven swimmers of today. By 1972 however, the year he won his then record 7 gold medals at the Munich Olympics, with his long hair and trademark mustache, he was so indomitable he didn’t even need a swim cap or goggles!

PHOTOS: From top: 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany by Tony Duffy /Allsport; 1972 by Rich Clarkson; Sports Illustrated cover, Sept.4 1972 by Heinz Kluetmeier; 1967, Mark Spitz At 17, Crystal Palace London by Central Press

 

Martin Schoeller’s Olympic Athletes

 

 

Internationally recognized photographer, Martin Schoeller, was commissioned by Time magazine to shoot three covers for their Olympic issue, featuring gymnast Gabby Douglas, hurdler Lolo Jones and swimmer Ryan Lochte as the subjects. All the images and behind the scenes stories can be seen on the TIME LIGHTBOX.

 

MY OBSESSIONS

 

Left: THE CELINE BAG; Right: BARK 12’6 STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD

I am lusting equally for both.

 
 

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