To him, it’s like Louboutin
It’s no secret that the ladies have an ongoing love affair with their Louboutins. But that passionate tryst is no match for the bond shared by a man and his sneakers. Nelly rapped about it. An episode of “Entourage” was devoted to it. Big Boi, half of the Outkast musical duo, just spent a cool $50,000 on a pair of diamond-encrusted Air Force 1s. The secret is out -- guys love their gym shoes.
Perhaps the most coveted of the sneaker lot are limited edition kicks from Nike. And the company is making sneaker fanatics drool again, with a retro-style rollout of Dunks, the college basketball shoe originally launched in 1986.
Nike retooled the classic for its Be True City Pack, a collection of all-black Dunks that use color trims and laces to represent one of seven world cities. Yesterday, a measly 86 pairs of the orange-accented L.A. shoe ($185) were released at Undefeated’s all-Nike shop. Knowing how gaga guys go for their shoes, it’s safe to assume that, as of this printing, none remain.
But there’s no reason to throw a tantrum just yet.
Though not as exclusive, the Be True Dunk 2008 ($148) mirrors its 1986 predecessor in the same colors that showed up on college courts, including Syracuse, Duke and Georgetown. If that isn’t special enough, Nike has added a distressed look to each pair -- making them look like they did in your dorm room closet 20 years ago.
Nike Be True City Pack Los Angeles shoes are available at Undefeated LA (One Forty Four Lab), 144 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, until the 86 pairs sell out. Be True Dunk 2008 shoes are available at Undefeated Silver Lake, 3827 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 668-1315. www.undftd.com
OPENING
Nanette Lepore Thursday: Midwest-bred Lepore is the latest designer to sweeten up Melrose with her newest outpost. Her baroque-inspired boutique will fit right into the street’s glam look with pink marble floors and romantic oversized mirrors. The strapless, marigold-hued Muse dress ($340) is sure to chase Old Man Winter away; in raspberry silk, the asymmetrical Love Triangle top ($325) will ensure he doesn’t return any time soon. Lepore’s line of delicate shoes, fragrances and baubles by Erickson Beamon are also on offer. 8420 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. (323) 653-3007. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.nanettelepore.com
SALES
Top Button Wow! Designer Shopping event Saturday: When designer bargains await, a road trip to San Diego starts looking a lot shorter. Head down the coast to this 40-booth bazaar where Free People, Ed Hardy, BCBG and Frankie B can be scored at up to 60% off. VIP ticket holders can peruse offerings while enjoying spa treatments and bubbly. VIPs can also score some beauty swag from Stila, Kerastase and Lorac. General ticket holders will get slightly less exciting limited-quantity gift bags. NTC Promenade, 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego. VIP hours: 1-3 p.m., admission $35. General hours: 3-5 p.m.; admission $20 in advance, $30 at the door. www.topbutton.com
Bliss Spa Monday through Sunday: One of the best things about this delectable New York transplant (besides the chocolate pedicure, of course), is that you can buy the spa’s blue-bottled products to keep looking head-to-toe fab. During the spa’s blowout sale, select products are 50% to 80% off regular prices, making now the perfect time to stock up on this year’s stocking stuffers. Give skin an early dose of spring cleaning with Steep Clean Body Polish, was $42, now $21. Beach bunnies will benefit from Ray of Hope -- the slimming lotion/ sunscreen/birthday suit booster, now $19. Use products to perform your own DIY spa night, since treatments aren’t included in this blue-light special. Bliss at the W LA, 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood. (323) 930-0330. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. www.bliss world.com
Noodle Stories Today: Fashion-forward Angelenos flock to this lofty boutique for seriously cutting-edge pieces. Now avant-garde winter offerings from Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons and Sofie D’Hoore are marked down 70% to 90%. Pants and skirts by elusive Belgian designer Martin Margiela will be stylish closet staples for seasons to come. A small selection of footwear deserves attention, if only for the sole pair of Yohji Yamamoto boots that were left in the mix. 8323 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. (323) 651-1782. noon to 5 p.m.
TRUNK SHOW
Miu Miu Handbags Saturday: See Miu Miu’s complete line of vibrantly colored bags for spring while checking out a video presentation of the brand’s last runway show. Nordstrom South Coast Plaza. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 549-8300, Ext. 1250. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.nordstrom.com.
EVENT
Real Beauty 2008 Wednesday: The pin-thin mentality of Hollywood breeds the perfect conditions to promote poor body image among us regular folks. Stylist Suzi Grgurich is doing her part to change that with a fashion show that features real, everyday beauties. You won’t find Agyness on this catwalk. Instead, clothes from the likes of Lululemon Athletica and Genetic Denim will grace bodies in sizes other than Girls 12. As a bonus, proceeds will benefit the National Assn. of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Club 705. 705 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-9705. 8:00 p.m.; tickets $25. www.24bluestyle.com
