It wasn't until we started this blog did I become aware of how intense the sneaker culture is. I've been through Black Sheep and Niche and was aware of the type of products out there, but it wasn't until Klepto was bombarded with comments from sneakerheads over an interview a writer did with a local shoe connoisseur that I became aware of the passion those involved in the sneaker culture really possess.
To further solidify my belief in that there are indeed people with vast respect and worship of the sneaker, here comes an event I'm sure will attract a whole slew of sneakerheads: The second annual NC Sneaker Summit.
Sponsored by local spots like Black Sheep, Flava Factory and Velocity Style, amongst so many others, this event brings you the opportunity to really see kicks that you just won't find at Foot Locker. KT, one of the founders of the events, says one of his goals with the Sneaker Summit is to help people become more aware of the sneaker culture. "Just like ladies with purses, there are counterfeit purses out there everywhere now, you know. Its the same concept with sneakers as well," he says. "People are selling bootleg sneakers for $40, $50, and a lot of times kids dont know the differences. Its obviously hurting the business and the shoe market and also a lot of these mom-and-pop businesses that are opening up around North Carolina. It hurts me to see these kids with Air Jordans with Spongebob on the side. They dont know the difference. Theyre like, Oh, I got a unique pair of shoes but, no you dont ... those are just counterfeit sneakers why would you support that?"
Last year, the event drew in over a thousand people in Raleigh, and KT expects the number to grow.
This year the Sneaker Summit will be held at the Metrolina Expo. You can expect to see businesses and collectors displaying their merchandise most likely things you won't be able to find at your local mall live entertainment, artists and more. Raffles will be drawn at the top of every hour, and there will also be a special $20 raffle for the chance to win some very rare sneakers, valued at around $600.
The admission price is $5, which includes the price of your raffle ticket. For more information, check out their Web site.
More incentive: Tomorrow night TPH will be hosting a launch party for the drive. Sip on wine and champagne and enjoy baked goodies from The Sweetie Pie Bakery. AND for every donation at the launch party, you can take an additional 5 percent off the purcase of a new item ... that's 25 percent off for giving to charity tomorrow night. You can also enter a raffle to win a $50 gift card to TPH, a pair of Bishop Jeans, a free mat class from Pilates With a Twist, a mani/pedi from Ballantyne Nail Spa, and more.
The clothing drive goes through Saturday, Nov. 21. For more information, click here.
2935 Providence Road, Suite 103
704-366-7272
If you've ever walked down Tryon Street in the Southend area, you'll know the lighting store I'm talking about when I say the one with the cool lamps. Modern Lighting Design Showroom is having a clearance sale, and you should check it out. It's about time to update those stale old grandma lamps or, at least it is in my house.
Modern Lighting Design Showroom
1447 S. Tryon St.
704-332-0109
Local makeup artist Jami Svay, as featured in the Charlotte Observer, Blu Magazine, and today on waxMaMa.com, has made it big (and I don't say that just because we're mentioning her here on Klepto). Her line of lip balm, Tastee Cosmetics, was recently the star of the show on QVC. Check out the video.
Sneakerheads, if you've got plans tonight, I highly recommend you cancel them. A shoe that collectors have been anticipating release for years is finally coming, and it's coming to your locally owned Black Sheep. The Nike SB Dunk High Premium RESN/ Gucci (Deep Forest/ Paprika) will be released tomorrow.
From the good folks at Black Sheep:
This particular shoe has a long (and legendary) history and it is finally seeing the light of day with an official release. Originally a part of the famous Nike SB Team Manager Series, the Girl Skateboards team manager Sam Smyth created this Gucci-inspired colorway, but it was shelved in favor of the Diamond Tiffany Dunk Low. Collectors have been literally anticipating this shoe for years ever since a few samples surfaced fetching prices in the thousands among private collectors.We originally planned to release these on Black Friday, but the phone has been ringing off the hook all week, so they will be available here on Saturday, November 14th at 11:00 am.
Did you catch that, folks? 11 a.m. on Saturday! For more information, read a list of FAQ owner Josh has on the site. This is sure to be a big deal.
The 7th week of Christmas, Handpicked brought to me ... $7 gifts to go under the tree.
Limited quantities of items, including jewelry and wine totes, are on sale for $7 through Sunday. Head out that way now.
1721 Kenilworth Ave.
704.334.2037
8040 Providence Rd., Suite 600
704.541.1431
9844-A Rea Road
704.405.9780
By Design has a dining room sale currently : Take 10 percent to 40 percent off a new dining set, just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
11501 Carolina Place Parkway
704-542-8803
2130 South Blvd.
704-342-4600