100 Days of Shoes - Days 15 & 16 - Shoes inspired by the machines that drive us wild!

I have always had an unnatural love for cars, and have been lucky enough to collect some pretty nice ones thanks to my family.  I've never seen cars as just something to get you from point A to point B.  If I'm going to sit my sexy self down in something, where people are going to see me, it needs to be an extension of myself.  Fierce. Bold. and Fashionable.  Once I get a new car it becomes an extension of my family, it becomes an entity all unto itself complete with name and personality.  There's been The Beast, El Caballo, Sady, Landon, and now Marco.

On the topic of cars being an extension of my personal style, I have been known to pick up a few outfits to reflect my cars in the past.  While it may be a bit tacky to wear a head to toe Ferrari track suit...when you are actually in a Ferrari, there's not much people can say.  On my vacation to Florida earlier this month I was thrilled to find a pair of shoes to commemorate my now lost love Sady.

Day 15 I was walking through the Premium Outlets in Orlando, filling our rental car with bags upon bags when we finally made it to Puma.  There sitting on the shelf, at 70% off and in my size, was a beautiful pair of AMG Racing Shoes!!! Not one to miss a sale I scooped them up...along with a few other pairs to sell in my future shop :)

Puma KILLED it again with their attention to detail, and color choices.  And lets be honest, it's almost a crime to not snatch up anything at 70% off if it's in your size.  These shoes are in memory of my long lost Sady (pictured below).  She met an untimely end when introducing herself to a pole.  We had some amazing road trips together dear friend.  I MISS YOU!!! 

 Being POSH with her friends.

 

Falling in LOVE in Connecticut

 

 Conquering blizzards!

 

Day 16 and its time to pay respects to El Caballo, the gone but not forgotten Ferrari F360 convertible.  He is still roaming free out in the world, but with the sale of our Amelia Island home, he had to go as well.  Back in the day we shared many a great show stopping rides to our local Starbucks and up and down the East Coast.  Ferrari's are not for the timid.  You have to be having a fantastic day to step out to do your errands in one, because there's no way around it; people will stare and pictures will be taken.  Everyone appreciates a rare piece of art, and everyone has something to say about the young punk they see driving it LOL.

Puma also makes shoes for the Ferrari Racing team.  Obviously I ordered these the second I knew our red beauty was coming.  It seemed disrespectful to wear anything else when we were together.  These shoes are another estimate to Puma's functional designs.  Not only practice, but eye-catching and cheeky all at the same time.  From the tire tread soles to the warnings signs these shoes are definitely a statement piece.

 What sneaker wouldn't benefit from a little carbon fiber?

 

 Great tire tread design!

 

Warning: for fast drivers only!

 Such practical luggage capacity for road trips haha

 

 Boiled peanuts along the water...an incredible Southern tradition

 

Omg who is that?  He's so young?!?!? He must be famous! 

People and their judgments always make for a good time.

 

 

Love.

World Peace.

and Stay Humble.

Sivad.

100 Days of Shoes - Day 13 & 14- Southern Neon Pride!

I apologize for the brief hiatus.  I went on vacation to Florida for a week and then with all the scarf orders I had to fill and the Raven's Super Bowl excitement I haven't had a second to myself to sit down and write.  Here's a few posts in one, in an attempt to catch up.  Florida inspired looks coming soon!

Day 13 and summer is starting to peak through the glorious winter clouds that have covered Baltimore for the last months...well at least the sun is out.  Sooo....LETS BREAK OUT SOME NEON!!! Lets start at ground level.  Slip on Converse Allstars are a summer classic.  I prefer finding some with a twist, no reason to wear the ones every other kid from Boston to LA is rocking.  I found these at an Off Saks outlet and instantly fell in love with the laces.

For some summer fun the neon yellow skinny jeans from Levi are step number 1. 

Step 2, throw on a white v-neck and military inspired cardigan from Burberry.  The detailing on this cardigan is epic. From the buttons to the shoulder armor, Burberry once again thought of everything!

Step 3, find some shades.  Today I went with these retro inspired tortoise Zara sunnies with  metal rims.  Found these babies in Spain for 10 Euros.  Can't beat that.

Down with Drab!

Love. Sivad.

Day 14 was a lovely frigid Baltimore winter nod to my fashionable Southern roots.  Mildly heinous, sure, but I love reaching for the unexpected.  It all started off with this pair of Black Timberland Boots with red stitching...I originally found these shoes back in Freshman year at a Timberland outlet in Florida.  I thought "wouldn't those be perfect for hockey games?!?!"  School colors and wintry?  So needed.  I'm fairly certain I only wore them at a max of 5 times during my 5 years at Northeastern but hey; if a shoe might have a purpose I MUST purchase it!!

So where does this become 'Southern' you ask? Don't worry!  There was plenty of plaid and camo to go around!  Starting from the ground up I started with my flannel lined Levi's.  Absolutely essential for winter! And they give the option to be cute and flip out the pattern if you so desire to make a splash.  Next I went with a plaid flannel drawstring jacket I purchased at Zara in Paris during January sales.  At 7 Euros I had to have it!  Just to get a dash more plaid in this dizzying outfit I went for the grey exploded print Burberry Scarf.

To top the whole thing off...what is more Southern then a camo 'Davis Express' trucker hat from Goodwill??? I challenge you to find something more authentic!

Southern till I die.

Sivad.

100 Days of Shoes - Day 12 - Tacky. Gucci. Love.

Day 12 called for more Italian...today's weapon...GUCCI (gucci bandanna gucci gucci bandanna).  I purchased these at the Saks sales Sophomore year (wow I feel old).  Patent leather has never looked so good! Yeah they are a bit tacky...but let's be real...it's Gucci.  I fell in love with these sneakers because of the holographic Gucci printed stripe in the middle...clearly I could not figure out how to take a picture of a hologram but rest assured...they are impressive.  

These shoes are classic Italian statements, and they barely left my feet when I was living in Roma. I traveled the world in these shoes.  From Norway to Egypt, these reflective beauties kept me fashionable in any environment!

Today threw on my grey Burberry jeans and a fitted black waffle shirt from Affliction.  Their brand can become a little heinous like Ed Hardy from time to time, but I found this subtle top at Buckle down in Florida.

Peace. Love. and Travel.

Sivad.

100 Days of Shoes - Day 11 - Paisley Meets the Great Outdoors

Day11 caught me feeling a little outdoorsy...thus leading me to a mountain-man-chic look....although I was freezing without a jacket.  I still don't understand the concept that it can be sunny in the North without being warm?  Guess I'm still a Southern boy at <3.  

Today's shoes were you average run of the mill camel suede desert boots from Clarks Bostonian.  Standard, but a winter classic for sure.  I paired them with some grey cords from Club Monaco, a gingham shirt also from Monaco, and a bright green down vest from American Eagle...I feel so Maine. Anyone want to go for a hike?

 

Must admit that these outfit pictures are a little old.  Since that day I have reinvented these simple boots through my Sivad Custom Hand Painted shoe line.  Adding this custom paisley pop was exactly what these shoes needed to liven them up and make them memorable.  This is one of the first Sivad shoes that I created and they get compliments constantly.  It is amazing to have people recognize your hard work and appreciate your craft!

 

 

Custom paisley pattern on these suede desert boots.

These babies are on sale on my website!

Classic. Yet still make a statement.  This is what shoes are meant to be.

 

 

Be Creative.

Live Life.

 

Love. Sivad.

100 Days of Shoes - Day 10 - Singing in the Rain!

Day 10 and Winter rain has struck again in Baltimore!  But I have no need to worry.  I just reached in to my closet for yet another pair of rain-boots and yes...yet another Burberry rain jacket! My boots of choice on this gloomy day?  Marc Jacobs of course!  These are the perfect rain boots for an otherwise dull day.  Bright Happy. and CHEAP at only $28 you can afford a pair in every color.  Make sure to check back at the store often for these unisex beauties as they often change colors.  Oh how I miss having a Marc store just two blocks away when I lived on Newbury Street in Boston...now I have to drive to DC for any hope of new fashion!

Make a statement even in the rain!

To add to my little Spring-esq Winter outfit, I threw on some cropped pale yellow (I adore this color!) shorts I found in Dublin and the classic Burberry golf rain jacket...wearing this jacket is the only time that I deem it acceptable to 'pop my collar' ... yes it makes me look like a tool...but at least a British tool :)

In Baltimore it's not a huge issue, but it seemed nearly impossible to find an umbrella that would hold up in the excessive Boston winds.  Every hazy evening after a long rainy day finds the streets of Boston littered with a grave yard of broken tiny umbrellas.  After months of search I finally found the answer to wielding a heavy duty 4 foot long umbrella.  The Nike Golf umbrella available at City Sports is the answer to all of our problems! It is a mid sized but completely wind proof with its double canopy design.  I highly suggest in investing in one for home and one for the office!

Another amazing rain moment earlier this year in Seattle with @megturtle !

Stay Dry!

Find something to keep you sane on another dreary day!

Love. Sivad.

100 Days of Shoes - Day 9 - Is it too late for some Christmas spirit?

Day 9 After a few days of dreary cold weather I decided to do a little dress up with a nod to my love of winter and Christmas.  These Jhung Yuro high tops are the perfect.  Premium leathers and suedes died green and hand stitched in brilliant red.  I love the contrast...and wear them year round even if they look a little like Ninja Turtle's.

 

And here comes the fierce wintry hot mess.  Starting with these brown plaid pants from Zara it was only going to get more crazy from there.  Next I reached for my fitted, military inspired, fur lined blazer from Ann Taylor...don't hate that I'm the perfect size 0 and you are not.  To top it all off I decided on these oversized vintage red sunglasses that I found at a street market in Rome....don't worry, I didn't leave the house in this getup...something tells me Baltimore is not ready for this look...HA!

Peace. Love. and Shoes!

Sivad

100 Days of Shoes - Day 8 - I'll be your sunshinnnnee :)

Day 8 and I decided it was my duty to be Baltimore's sunshine since the real one is insistent on hiding behind the clouds these days. To accomplish this mission I started out with these INSANE high tops from Emporio Armani.  My mind was blown the second these caught my eye walking through the Copley mall in Boston.  Minutes later they were mine :).  At first I wondered...how many venues can one really wear neon Armani high tops in?  But don't you worry!  I have found dozens of venues.  Just when there is an event or evening where they seem inappropriate; that's when I've needed to seize the opportunity to proudly unveil them to the world.

 

 

Obviously I needed to pair these with an equally offensive neon City Sports Baltimore T and my skinny black Love Moschino's so I could tuck them in and not block any part of these beauties from being seen.  And yes I know that wearing them to the club makes them dirty but honestly if you cannot afford to wear your fashion you shouldn't be buying it! Fashion is wearable art; not to be kept on a shelf, but to be displayed on ones body as you meander your way through the world.

 

 

 

Never let your star fade.

SHINE BRIGHT.

Love. Sivad.

100 Days of Shoes - Day 7 - The first Sivad and New Balance Collabo

Day 7 finds me working bright and early at City Sports Harbor East in Baltimore.  Whenever I work opening shifts I have to wear vibrant shoes to get myself excited to get out of bed.  It takes a lot of energy to socialize with every customer that comes in the store so I have to pep myself up before I get there...and my triple tall gingerbread frappuccino isn't always enough!

For today's shoes I went with my very first design collaboration with New Balance.  This is actually the first time I've ever worn these kicks.  They have been displayed on my ever expanding shelf for the last year and half; but, it was time to take them off their pedestal and give them some action!  All throughout the day customers were commenting on them.  It is so rewarding to have strangers appreciate your designs.  Even if it doesn't lead to a sale, just having the validation that people like the direction you're heading in is enough to keep me inspired to open The Shop by Sivad.

When designing with New Balance I had to start of with the base shoe NB US574; part of their "Made in the USA" collection.  Any one that knows me can attest to the fact that I have an infatuationf with America.  Growing up a Navy brat, and traveling the world, I have learned one thing...the US is only country I will EVER call home.

Everyone gets a kick out of the color combination I chose for these shoes.  New Balance has a tendency to be quite reserved, so people are shocked to see such a vibrant pair with laces and accents that pop at every angle.

I LOVE how they customized the heals for me.  Nosirrah Sivad was nothing more than an entertaining thought when I customized these shoes, and now it is poised to dominate the Baltimore sneaker game in the next year.  I am proud and excited to watch my concept grow and come to life!

As always I'm rocking Thorlo socks.  If you haven't ever run in Thorlo's you are missing out.  They have incredible padding in the toe and heal, while the arch is constricted to keep your foot in proper form and avoid arch sprains.  If you are the least bit serious about your running, do yourself a favor and try them out.  You will not be disappointed.

As far as the outfit for the day I kept it simple...I think the bright shoes and pink hair is enough for our morning customers lol.  I threw on some new AllSaints jeans that I picked up in Boston over New Years, my City Sports Staff T, and my go to Burberry fur collared vest.

 

Live your dreams.

Make them a reality.

Love. Sivad.

100 Days of Shoes - Day 6 - Let's Go Ravenss!!!

Day 6 is full of more pride.  This time my focus is the Ravens.  In the past few months I have come to fall in love with Baltimore's infectious love for its sport teams.  This city is always on the edge of its seats when either the Orioles or the Ravens are playing.  You can sense the excitement in the air as game-time nears; and it absolutely becomes a ghost town while either team is playing.  Everyone is glued to their TV's or at a local bar decked out in some heinous outfit the is composed either entirely of bright orange or offensive purple...as I cannot bring myself to dress from head to toe in purple I find my own little ways to support the home town team as they inch closer and closer to the Super Bowl!

For the big game this afternoon I chose to wear my incredible Officine Creative Rugby shoes.  These shoes always get amazing reactions when I wear them out...and while they are heinously uncomfortable, this is one case where the fashion statement outweighs my need to be comfortable.  I was a very lucky boy to find these shoes during my travels through Italy.  You may notice that they shoes seem to be slightly different colors and to have worn differently; that is because they are legitimate game used rugby balls.  That's right, Officine Creative struck a deal with the European Rugby League to claim several of the game used balls from the Final match of the 2006 Championships.  They then turned those balls in to a very limited number of these amazing shoes!

When I head out in these shoes I try to keep the rest of my outfit fairly tame as to keep them being the center of attention...though we all know that "fairly tame" for me can mean A LOT.  For today's game I chose to go with some skinny Zara check pants (Spain), a vintage electric blue v-neck found at a thrift store in Lyon(France), and my always subtle brown leather button up AllSaints dress shirt.  I highly suggest that any skinny mildly fashion forward male gets one of their leather dress shirts.  It's always a great conversation piece at parties and is incredibly warm!

Even little Steve gets in on all the Ravens love...though she rocks purple much better than I do!

Lets go BIRDS!

Love. Sivad.

100 Days of Shoes - Day 5 - Rain or Shine. Fashion Prevails.

Day 5 started off on the wrong foot for most Baltimorians...rain.  But I never fear a day of tragic weather...I actually secretly look forward to them, as I need a reason to wear one of my endless collection of weather specific boots.  This rainy day called for my favorite rain obsessions, short lace up Hunter boots (currently on sale for $89)!  As 3 of my very closest friends can attest, I nearly had a seizure when I saw these beauty's sitting on the round display tables in Niemans.  I had mentally already purchased them before trying them on...thinking of where the closest ATM was since I didn't have an AMEX at the time (thank god that problem has been fixed!)

I love that these boots have the ability to be cute, stylish, not bulky, and yet still protect you from the elements just as well as the tall Hunters...though as anyone knows with Hunters there is not much insulation and they have yet to make little warmers for these ones yet. *cough cough* I'm still waiting!  To go with the outdoorsy green color I decided to rock some maroon flannel plaid from AllSaints and grey skinny's...in a look I like to call the "Metro in the Great Outdoors."

Of course as any proud fashionista knows...NO RAIN OUTFIT IS COMPLETE WITHOUT BURBERRY!!!  To fulfill this requirement I went with my fitted moto style jacket rain jacket.  What is most amazing about this jacket is that it folds up in to its own pocket which doubles as a carrying case for travel.  If only all my clothes packed themselves!  I topped off the look with my crocodile bag from Zara...yes it is imprinted pleather, but it definitely is works.  Why buy the real thing?  Honestly how often can a man rock crocodile?

As a reminder...and I've said it once and I'll say it a hundred more times, THERE IS NEVER AN EXCUSE FOR BAD FASHION! WEATHER INCLUDED!!

 

Stay dry and fashionable.

Love.

Sivad