ELEVATED SNEAKS.

Nike Sky Hi Dunks in Hyper Red, $125, http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-654059/pgid-654061

Since Isabel Marant first put wedged sneaks on the map, pretty much everyone I know has nabbed at least one pair (or some form of a knockoff). To me, they were always a little bit too stylized and I just  shoved them to the "nah not my thing" side of my brain. That is until I laid my eyes on Nike's Sky Hi Dunks. Via one of my good friends, I was introduced and instantly hooked. I had my sights set on a pair from the Nike x Liberty of London collabo, but they took them down from the site last week. Not letting that get me down, I headed to Premium Laces in SoHo (on recommendation from Eva Chen ) and picked up these Red ones-- featuring a slight ikat like print. The perfect mix of sport and femininity, I know I'll be rocking these everywhere this summer.

TO DO: Weekend of April 26th

image via BAM + Crossing Brooklyn Ferry

 

The 5"To Do's" to Stay in the Loop.

 To Check Out: BAM's Crossing Brooklyn Ferry Festival feat. the Roots & Solange

http://www.crossingbrooklynferry.com/

This 3 day festival is the perfect mix of music and film. 100 bucks gets you in for all three days, but 40 will get you a one day pass to check out your favorite headliner. I'll be going on Friday to see Solange. (PS-- if you can't make it, get in on the action via this rad playlist: Crossing Brooklyn Ferry 2013)

To Watch: Dove Real Men's Campaign Spoof

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Jiwo3u6Vo

As moving as the Dove Real Women Campaign was, it was only a matter of time until a good spoof emerged. This one, endorsed by The Cut, features dudes, and shows just what happens when the forensic drawings aren't so flattering. 

To Make: DIY All Saints Dress c/o Where Did U Get That

http://www.wheredidugetthat.com/2013/04/another-easy-diy-make-your-own-all.html

Karen really nailed it on the head with her DIY take on this All Saints staple. Take advantage of the sun this weekend, and make your own bleached masterpiece.

To Shop: Homies New York Tee, $24 on ShopJeen.com

http://www.shopjeen.com/apparel/ain-t-laurernt-without-yves-t-shirt-8193.html

Rep the best city on earth with this spin on Brian Lichtenberg's Homies Tees. With ShopJeen's Spring Clearance going on, it's just too hard to pass up.

STYLE SNAP: LAYERED

Wearing a black beret, black peacoat, & a corduroy Insight moto jacket, no longer available

Although in selfie form, this picture is the perfect representation of something I've been doing on the reg as of late-- layering jackets. For a season that's not sure if it's winter or spring, layering jackets allows me the the necessary versatility. My personal fave is layering a textured Moto jacket  underneath a light pea coat, but I also love a good denim parka combo.

TO DO: Weekend of April 12th

image via nymag.com

 Stay in the know with these early spring inspired links. 

To Read: New York Mag's Childhood in New York Series

http://nymag.com/news/features/childhood/

Get the lowdown on the early years of some of your favorite Native New Yorkers (the list includes legends like Spike Lee and Zac Posen)

To Eat: Hill Country Chicken @ the corner of Broadway and 25th

http://www.hillcountrychicken.com/

Hit this spot up for an authentic Chicken and Waffle Breakfast (think Roscoe's meets East Coast) or go the healthy route and indulge in their spectacular steel cut oatmeal. 

To Make: One of the bomb Horchata recipes from Saveur's 6 Recipe Gallery

http://www.saveur.com/article/Wine-and-Drink/Horchata-Six-Ways

Last month on a taco excursion with Stephanie from fashionandtea I was introduced to the goodness that is Horchata. Try one of these recipes with some authentic Mexican fish tacos and you're set.

To Buy: Uniqlo's UT T-Shirt Collection

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/

Uniqlo is killing the t-shirt game. Featuring graphics from greats like Warhol and Keith Haring, these dope tees are the perfect compliment to a pair of overalls (check these out) or those amazingly slouchy cropped boyfriend jeans that are just right for transitional weather.

-callia

WHAT I WANT NOW: The High Low Belt from Everlane

The High-Low Belt, Everlane, $40, all images c/o Everlane

-

I'm down for anything that can be worn multiple ways. In the words of Missy Elliot, if I can "flip it, and reverse it" I'm a happy camper, which brings me to why I love this Everlane belt. You can wear it on your waist or on your hips, solving that whole "Crap, will this belt fit my waist too?" dilemma. At only $40, the price per wear for this belt is insane, plus it comes in every classic shade, sure to match with all of your new springtime additions.

-Callia

WHAT I WANT NOW: Classic Rap Pencil Set by One Up Designs

Classic Rap Pencil Set by One Up Designs, $5

So, I have a confession to make. When it comes to music, rap reigns supreme, with classic rap being at the tippy top of my favorites list. Shoppe had these pencils included in one of their newsletters and the minute I saw them I swooned. Mixing an old-school writing implement with rap lyrics just makes schoolwork a lot less humdrum. These are those "black is the new.." pencils, just better. If rap isn't your flavor, the San Fran based online shop offers tons of other Pencils with quotables ranging from Math Equations to Zoolander on their own site. They even offer rad notebooks, if you're looking to create yourself a complete note taking set. 

Buy Here: http://shoppe.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/one-up-designs

-callia

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND: Basquiat at the Gagosian Gallery

Jean Michel Basquiat-- Untitled, on Display at the Gagosian Gallery, 555 West 24th Street
New York, NY 10011

Since this is supposed to be a fashion blog and all, I don't think that I have ever revealed my other obsession-- art. As a kid, my mom was always artistic and felt it was her duty for me to be well immersed. Growing up in New York means that every school trip equals a museum visit. Thanks to those adventures to the Met and MoMA, I started to idolize the works of Warhol, and most importantly Jean-Michel Basquiat. I'm literally obsessed with Basquiat. Aside from him being a genius (like poindexter status) and the epitome of downtown grunge-chic, it's kind of safe to say that he was an artistic mastermind. The fact that his stuff is on display in the US, is big reason for celebration. With that being said, here's what I recommend: Step 1) Watch his documentary on Netflix. Step 2) Head over to the Gagosian on 24th street, and take in the amazingness that is Basquiat before April 7th. Check for all the details here: http://www.gagosian.com/exhibitions/jean-michel-basquiat--february-07-2013