By ERIC DING
I used to be an avid shopper. However, due to growing pains and collegiate stress, shopping has taken a backseat to more pressing matters. So far removed from the shopping mentality, I almost didn’t even participate in Black Friday. But with a push from my friends, some money in the bank and a familiar resurgence of the rush I felt back in my shopping days, I decided to engage. And I definitely was not disappointed this season. Below, I highlight three of my favorite things I bought this past Black Friday:
Nike Free 4.0 Flyknits
Words cannot describe how excited I was to learn that these were marked down for Black Friday. In recent years, Nike has created a huge following from their “Free” line-up as well as the very popular Roshe Runs. Not only do these shoes look casually stylish, they also feel impeccably light, as though they were socks. The only caveat is the hefty price someone would have to throw down to afford this top-of-the-line footwear. Nevertheless, with the significant discount from Black Friday, I can finally enter the Nike ecosystem. I purchased the Flyknits with the black upper mesh and the white bottoms, and they are definitely worth the price. These shoes complete my quintessential streetwear look that I’m going for, and they are extremely functional as well. They are ideal for exercise, sports or just daily casual use.
ECM Records ¾ Sleeve Shirt
This unique shirt had a style and design that was very unorthodox, yet appealing, to me. Believe it or not, it’s from the ubiquitous store that is popping up all over the place: Uniqlo. Uniqlo gets pegged as a minimalistic basics and essentials store, but they have been implementing more style into their line by collaborating with artists and companies to diversify their offerings. The collaboration with Pharrell Williams called I Am Other is definitely a collection to watch. My particular shirt was made from a collaboration between Uniqlo and ECM Records, an European record label founded in Munich. The shirt rocks the always-appreciated three-quarter sleeve and the main design draws inspiration from The Sonatas and Partitas for Violin Solo by Johann Sebastian Bach from all places.
Short Twill Bomber Jacket
I’ve been wanting a bomber jacket for a long time, mainly because of their simplicity and malleability in outfits. Bomber jackets were originally used by pilots, and the jackets remarkably still retain the sturdy design and heavy insulation that the original jackets had. Seriously, this past week, I’ve worn this jacket multiple times and it stays resilient. The jacket is warm and has a nylon quilted interior that gives it a classy look. The jacket is just a simple, black jacket, and that is the beauty and value to this piece of outerwear. You can dress it up or dress it down, and it still completely works. The buttons are shiny silver and the ribbed cuffs and collar add a nice touch. It is a short jacket (as evidenced by its name), but honestly, I did not find it short at all. The bottom of the jacket hits the middle of my belt perfectly, so I have no complaints.
As of right now, these three items are still available, so check them out!
Eric Ding is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences. He may be reached at [email protected]. The Dapper Man appears alternate Fridays this semester.