These Sneakers Are a Sleek Twist on a Childhood Favorite

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Today's pick comes from Racked LA editor Natalie Alcala.

Just like Sarah Jessica Parker, I've always had a soft spot for shoes. As a child, I always did my own research to ensure that mom knew exactly which pair to purchase for the first day of school. One year, they were navy blue New Balance sneakers. (My favorite thing about them was the big "N" on the side. I insisted it stood for "Natalie.")

Years later, New Balance trainers are cool again, thanks to clean styles sported by global cool-girls like Rihanna and blogger Amanda Shadforth of Oracle Fox. I wanted this exact pair spotted on Amanda's Instagram, but they seem to be sold out everywhere. Although a bit more pricey, these are pretty darn similar, so I'll take them. Just note: These are men's, so remember to order two sizes down.

Racked Miami editor Ashley Brozic: On my internet travels I stumbled upon The Reformation, a chic eco-friendly brand that uses vintage fabrics, and fell in love with the swingy Vigne dress. It's a long-sleeved, rayon-blend frock that currently comes in four different colors: nude, teal, black and black floral.

It's conservative, yes, but it has all the feminine sex appeal I need, what with the swaying skirt, the long slit running up the sides, and the low cut v-neck plunge in the front. All four versions may or may not still be in my shopping cart, so I'm going to make like this dress and move towards purchasing one of them.

Racked National associate editor Kenzie Bryant.: If you're like me, tight pants are not your first round pick for Team Get Dressed in the Morning. But I was a very late adopter to the slouchy trouser trend because I was convinced they'd look lazy or baggy in a Marky Mark way. No bueno. In fact, they're sort of a dream—like wearing sweatpants to work but no one knows or cares. Muy bueno!

This particular pair by Wilfred has pleats and tapered bottoms, giving them enough structure to look passably office-appropriate. I sized up for an authentic sweatpant feel and found that, because the elastic waistband (!) doesn't cut into the hips, it makes my torso look exceptionally ab-tastic.

Racked Vegas editor Susan Stapleton: Believe it or not, working in fashion and beauty is stressful work. A girl needs her downtime, a chance to let all the troubles fade away. Enter Lush Bath Bombs: fragrant balls of sweetness for the tub.

The Pink Bath Bomb was inspired by Audrey Hepburn and leaves a lingering smell of vanilla. The Dreamtime Luxury Bath Melt has moisturizing cocoa butter, plus lavender and jasmine to help you sleep when a glass of wine won't do the trick. And the Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, which smells like a decadent sweets shop, gets nicely sudsy, adding some child's play to your bath. At these prices (under $7.40), they don't just need to be saved for special occasions.

Racked SF editor Kristen Philipkoski: While I was panic Christmas shopping at the mall back in December, I came across a collapsing mountain of Champion sweatshirts at a department store that will remain nameless. I nearly cruised right by the unruly scene, but the word "eco" caught my eye. Yep, Champion has a line of reasonably-priced sweatshirts made out of recycled cotton and poly (though it doesn't have that poly feel).

I had been hunting for a vintage white sweatshirt with designs on copying the impossibly cool one that Isabel Marant wears in her H&M collab video. Turns out white and vintage are not the easiest combo to find (without stains, anyway). The Champion version, however, is doing the job quite nicely: it's inexpensive, environmentally friendly, casually chic, and I love the lack of pretension inherent in this old-school brand. Plus, if you spill red wine on it like I did? Buy another one—the men's version is only $15!
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