Can we kick it…well, yes we can. It’s time to reconsider the high-price of over-the-top sneakers. Now that we are officially in a Recession, it’s the moment to be smart about being stylish. The sure money is always on the classics. Keeping it simple, basic and clean is a great way to look cool without breaking the bank. My favorite types of sneakers are timeless and all endorsed (and named after) sports legends throughout the ages. Stylish, functional and “best in class”, these sneakers win every time. Check out my choice classic kicks.

While PUMA is celebrating its 60th anniversary, it is also giving back to art, culture and community. With the release of the Reality Bag No. 2, PUMA is a proud sponsor of the Rubell Family Collection’s exhibit 30 Americans. This ground breaking exhibition high-lights the works of 30 cutting-edge African American fine artist in the country. PUMA Urban Mobility created 500 bags and considers it a work of art for the working artist. The royal blue leather tote with red spider accent contains a crayon box, business cards, USB stick, the 30 Americans catalog and lots of other goodies for the modern art enthusiast. For each bag sold, PUMA will donate $100 to the Contemporary Arts Foundation of the Rubell Family Collection and the Serpentine Gallery Education Programme. PUMA considers this their contribution to sports, fashion and lifestyle. For more information go to: www.puma.com

This holiday season, any additional reason to celebrate is met with a grunt. Upon hearing another invite, my mind forgoes the “Drink and be merry” aspect of a party, and immediately thinks “Do I have to buy another gift?”

PUMA, in a very selfless act that stays true to the winter months mantra of giving and not receiving, is granting us admission to their 60th birthday party. Make that plural.

Hosted at different concept stores across the states, will be the “I Am 60” celebrations. Along with a 20% discount on your entire purchase, each party will have a live DJ, food, beverage, and naturally, a best-wishes b-day cake. The first 100 folks to spend $50 or more get an exclusive somethin’ extra (i.e. loot and treats), and PUMA will be raffling off one ultimate gift bag per city, as well.

Every great host provides a parting gift, and PUMA is no different, so expect to receive a stash of recession-appropriate coupons.

6:00 – 8:00 pm
December 2 – Boston, MA
December 3 – Austin, TX
December 4 – Houston, TX
December 9 – Miami, FL, San Jose, CA, and King of Prussia, PA
December 10 – Orlando, FL, San Diego, CA, and Short Hills, NJ
December 11 – Washington, DC, Las Vegas, NV, and Troy, MI

In true holiday-party fashion, they ask that you RSVP here. In this case, you must. It’s the only way you can get an exact address.

And it’s not a celebration until someone turns on a tune that gets drunk uncles and bratty tots, alike, dancing – I mean more “Cha-Cha-Slide” (which, unfortunately, has proven to be a suitable play at any event), and less “Chesnuts Roasting…” Music is as important as mistletoe during this time of the year, so in addition to the giveaways, PUMA is planning a series of concerts. These are free, too.

Us, New Yorkers get to see Pharrell’s newly-signed Star Trak-ers, Chester French, our June/July “Future Giants,” The Knux, mixtape-staple, Charles Hamilton, and hip-hop DJ Jus Ske.

December 1, 9:00pm, Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 N. 6th Street

We can pick up tickets (first come, first serve) at the PUMA locations in the Meat Packing District, SoHo, or Union Square West. Again, exact addresses here.

Other gigs:
West Hollywood, CA, December 8, 9:00pm
Plain White T’s w/ DJ Adam 12
Roxy
9009 Sunset Boulevard

San Francisco, December 9, 9:00pm
Steve Aoki w/ Lady Gaga
859 Ofarrell Street

Chicago, December 10, 9:00pm
The Bravery
Metro
3730 N. Clark Street

And it’s only right that we give back, so for the person that’s hardest to shop for, look no further than PUMA’s “I Am 60” Decade collection (to drop December 9). It consists of 3 capsule lines. Each will include accessories, apparel, and footwear inspired by classic styles and silhouettes from its designated era.

Expect the re-introduction of their first football boot, the Artikel 61, from the 40’s-50’s…

…pieces reminiscent of the T1 track jacket for the 60’s-70’s…

…and bright color blocks and revamped high-tops inspired by the 80’s-90’s.

Happy Holidays.

Acclaimed designer Mihara Yasuhiro has collaborated again with Puma for their Autumn/Winter 2008 line to create new styles and revive a classic. This season’s collection features Mihara’s signature design elements such as sleeker silhouettes, velcro straps as well as a jazz-music inspired delivery.

Mihara’s famed  MY-7 design also makes a comeback in the form of the the MY-7 Reborn (pictured above). The shoe was first introduced in 2003 as the designer’s first collaborative effort with the sportswear brand. It featured Puma’s iconic footwear style paired with a rubberized heel that hooked up the stripe color. 

The Puma by Mihara collection is available now at Puma stores and at Puma’s website. Check out the MY-39 and the MY-34 below. 

Fresh from the photo shoot, I had to take a couple of flicks of these joints. Massive ego not included.

Sorry, this post is a couple of days late but it is what is. We don’t know much about these stylish high-tops from designer Neil Barrett… except that we want a pair.