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Although we don’t like the idea of dropping temperatures and dare we say cold weather accessories like scarves and gloves, we can not prevent the inevitable. So why not embrace it? One way of doing that is by getting your fall wardrobe in order. We suggest starting with these boots from Alexander Wang.
Alexander Wang may be saying goodbye to Balenciaga as creative director but hasn’t missed a beat with his brand. We get a Timberland 6 inch classic inspiration from these suede wheat hiking boots. Features include two velcro straps across front. Black rubber sole with red and yellow laces. Pick these up here for $595.
Alexander McQueen- Embellished Shetland Wool Sweater
The star- like logo on the left chest of the sweater is to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of World War I. It resembles a pendant of a service medal a soldier would have received during this time . The motif is consist of metallic beads and iridescent gemstones.The sleeves, neck, and waistband are ribbed. Available for purchase here for $1345.
Best for: Dates/Groups (R)
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Directed by: Rick Famuyiwa
Stars: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, see full cast
Length: 103 minutes
This movie is about three high school geeks growing up in the tough streets of Los Angeles. The dynamic trio are outcast in their neighborhood because they do not possess the typical style of the kids from the hood. Quite humorous that they are obsessed with 90’s hip hop culture. Their clothes and vernacular speak soulfully to the rhythm of that classic music era. However this hip hop enthused teens have a punk rock band. It shows that you can be a nerd of many things and not just the typical stereotype.
The story primarily revolves around the character, Malcom (Shamiek Moore). The vastly witty teen has to write an admission essay on why he wants to go to Harvard. His counselor refers to him as arrogant and informs him he needs to be realistic in his writing. From this point the story moves further as Malcom inadvertently meets a drug dealer Dom (A$AP Rocky), gets invited to an underground party by a round the way girl Zakia (Zoe Kravitz).
Behind closed doors at the party a drug deal goes completely south and a shoot-out transpires. Through all the pandemonium Malcom is handed his backpack by Dom. When Malcom gets to school he realizes that he has drugs in his possession. This leads to a domino effect of intense conflict that will challenge him to make tough choices that will ultimately change the course of his life.
Rick Famuyiwa who previously directed movies such as “The Wood” and “Brown Sugar” has brought some attention to his name in the indie circuit. You can tell Rick has used some of the flavor from Risky Business, Ferris Buellers Day off and John Hughes to develop this flick. However Famuyiwa created an original piece by using unique and eccentric characters that hasn’t been put on the big screen before. The soundtrack for this film really heightened the intensity of each scene. Predominately used classic hip music of the 90’s. Each song was cleverly used to create the mood of each sequence. I guarantee that you will want to play the hit song “Scenario” from A Tribe Called Quest after seeing this film.
The actors did a fantastic job and Shamiek Moore totally owned his characters personality. He was very impressive not just with delivery but also the nonverbal communication. His gestures and looks made some scenes funnier than they were written. Kiersey Clemons was great in her role as the tomboy. She was very convincing as audience accepted her as just one of the guys. Ms. Clemons played up her sexual preference enough to make it believable and entertaining to the story. Tony was hysterically as he added humorous one liners during some of the best scenes.
Dope did an excellent job exemplifying a different type of “nerd”. The stereotypical geek is not known for having an eccentric love for music. It’s something we haven’t seen before on the big screen which made if fresh, fun and very interesting. The comedic tone was good and culturally on target. All of the characters had multiple layers and an intriguing point of view. The phrase “slippery slope” is used throughout the movie in a very witty way. The humor will draw you end but the depth of the conversation is very informative.
Implementing social media was one the smartest things to do to make this flick feel fresh. It was clever and hilarious that a new drug named “lily” went viral. This is something that you can see happening in today’s internet world. Incorporating the usage of bit coins was genius as it pertain the Malcom’s character.
The noticeable flaw of this movie is a few scenes felt a little tough swallow. For example, the teenage kid getting caught in a crossfire while playing his Gameboy wasn’t the movie best shot at humor. It was a fine line that the director was walking and the joke just did not land all the way. The speech at the end by Malcom takes your breath away. However the film doesn’t necessarily need the monologue. I believe the story itself hits the theme clearly. The script flames out as it appears there is a struggle to find an appropriate ending to an amazing flick.
This movie is the not only the surprise of the summer but of the year. Full of laughs, entertainment and wild adventures that will leave you at the edge of your seat. This is a film for everyone to see.
The trainers consist of blue calfskin and leather. One of the great features is The "Welded" sole construction which makes the sneaker both sturdy and light. Pick these up at a Dior location here. Not only fashion forward but well made.
Ending the collection in signature Tom Ford fashion, arguably the most stylish diner jackets in the game. These go-to jackets always impress and make their mark at any black tie affair.
Of course the adidas by Raf Simons Response Trail 2 are present with new and even bolder colors and its signature spoiler on the heal. Set for retail in mid February 2016.
Not your typical addition to the Rocky series. Adonis Creed, son of Apollo calls upon Rocky to train him to become a heavyweight boxer. The same profession that killed his father in Rocky IV when he took on the Russian fighter Drago.
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Graham McTavish, Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad.
The season features two new designs as well... the Cargo Sandal and Clog. Shark tooth rubber sole on suede stretch boots further reinforce the classic collection.
The collection will be available mid February 2016.
Riccardo Tisci is spreading the “love” through his designs for Givenchy, in which he is the creative director. We at Powerballas are all for the positive message and it doesn’t hurt for it to be stylish as we have come to expect from the Parisian brand. Givenchy has “love” inscribed on a small collection tops including a sweater, polo shirt, and t shirt.
The “love” motif is placed on the left chest or spread across the waistline. Available in a variation of colors such as a black crew neck pullover sweater with the four letter word in white. If you prefer the black or white short sleeve polo shirt, “love” is in red. Pick up of the array knits here.
The coat is a classic and has maintained its dapper appeal over the years. Available in dark brown suede exterior with black shearling wool interior. It features two flap front pockets. On the rear of this beautiful coat is a single vent opening. Pick this up here for a hefty price of $7490.
The Christian Louboutin blue and green patent leather wallet is one that true fans of the Louboutin brand would want in their collection. The combination of a great vibrant colorway and signature spike stud embellishments on the front of the wallet, finished off with red leather interior.
Additional features include a one bill pocket, five slots for cards and one snap flap coin pocket. Purchase here for $495.
The derby like sneaker resembles the classic Nike Air Huarache silhouette but with a luxury spin. Available in all white as well as navy blue. Purchase here for $1250.
Many styles come and go throughout the years. Some classic designs transcend time. This military inspired boot from Balmain meshes rugged, durability and luxury to uplift this popular silhouette. Spotted on Balmain.com for $1,555.
“Suede Tims Balmains on my feet makes my cipher complete..” Nas.
This post is also appropriate as it comes on the heels of a surprise announcement at the Billboard Music Award’s Red Carpet. Olivier Rousteing alongside Kendall Jenner and Jourdan Dunn revealed Balmain is the next high end fashion brand to join forces with H&M.
One would think that Hermes only has one belt under their Parisian brand, with its belt kit, which consist of its signature “H” buckle. It is widely popular, recognizable and available in a range of colors. We would like to showcase another style that we love.
The Bellini Belt is constructed of silver and palladium plated metal. It is not common occurrence to see belts made out of these materials. Adjustable five hole closure. Purchase here for $2250.
