Artwork by Ed Gloor

Just because the NBA’s on lockdown doesn’t mean that true basketball players won’t continue to play the sport. It’s time for the star players to shine. In order to achieve one must be at his or her best as well as looking ones best. 2011 introduces the answers to every star player’s dream: the Nike Zoom Kobe VI.

“I’m chasing perfection,” Kobe Bryant says, “and these shoes will help me lead the way!” The Nike Zoom Kobe VI mens basketball shoes are built to help the league’s most dangerous players defend their title, with super strong, ultra light weight support that uses the least amount of material while creating benefits to the athlete’s success.

Need something that fits? The Kobe VI features a tighter heel which makes a better fit for the back of the foot. In addition to that, a thin layer of cushioning wraps the collar of the shoe, with a special nook to secure the Achilles to help keep the foot comfortable and minimize distraction. But wait, there’s more. This shoe has less material at the collar for a low-to-the-ground feel that enhances flexibility through the ankle, allowing tricky cuts on the court.

True players have support from their team and fans; now they have support from their shoes. Nike Zoom Kobe VI features a fly wire body; this super-light, super-long nylon fiber that supports the foot by encasing it with a secure hug. The tough outer shell covers the Fly wire and provides super-durable upper support.

Hardwood floor is tough to work on, but the cushioning in Kobe VI will send players into another world. The midsole is Pylon-foam providing ultra-light weight cushioning and comfort. The heel and forefoot layer of cushion specifically responds to one’s stride, with the sock liner made of plush foam comforting the foot for a better feel on hardwood.

While ruling the court, the Nike Zoom Kobe VI will bring out the sense of fashion that others will demand. The variety of colors, texture and style is nothing like other basketball shoes. Get the celebrity lifestyle that people dream about. When they say dream, dream big!

Yes, this is still reality, but wearing these shoes will create unbelievable moves.

Additional Details

• Kobe signature sheath logo on tongue
• Flex groves for more natural movement and better flexibility
• Price $130 plus tax

Artwork by Mateo Rocha

As summer comes to an end and fall and winter begins, the fashion changes along with the weather. Placing the sandals back in the closet and finding something to warm the cold sensation in your feet, the winter boots are dragged from the dark.

Teen girls are reaching the age when they want to look trendy, but the practicalities of choosing winter boots goes beyond fashion into the realms of deciding what is suitable to keep their feet warm and look their best at the same time. There are various criteria to make the purchase of winter boots successful and to keep your mind off of the cold weather: safety and non- slip, waterproof, comfort, and style.

Searching for the perfect boots; one enters the world of UGG. Bryon Bay, Australia is the beach where Australian surfers began wearing sheepskin footwear for warmth between seasons, and set sail for Southern California in 1978 in the hands of Brian Smith. The Australian surfer introduced the brand to the United States with two dozen boots. Smith sold 28 pairs of boots, and his success continued. With his bag of sheepskin, the UGG brand became a symbol by the 1980’s. The “magical” twin face sheepskin is the finest available, I must say, with my own pair. It delivers a luxurious comfort that is truly one of a kind. The feeling captures my words: this item cannot be equaled by any other brand. When you purchase a pair it’s obvious the creators wanted something more, giving people different perspectives on their product. They wanted people not to just like UGG boots, but fall in love with them. I literally am not able to take them off my feet.

As time moves on, the spotlight still shines. The fleece-lined footwear has been around more than 25 years. The different collection of UGG increasingly has been seen on famous and fashion- forward feet, from Kate Hudson to Oprah Winfry. The UGG brand intends on symbolizing those who embrace sports and a relaxing attire life style. “I LOOVE my UGG boots,” Oprah mentions in Oprah’s Favorite Things. This distinct style suits both a causal weekend as well as the runways. Slip them on for some fun with friends on the weekend and get prepared for paparazzi as you walk the school hallways.

Price of UGG Collections

Weather/ Performance – $100- $400

Casual – $160- $300

Knit – $140- $200

Fashion – $170 – $2,000

Classic – $120 – $375

Photo by Hana Kazlouskaya

Hairstyles are a part of culture and generations. The mullet is a hairstyle that was very popular during the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. It has been viewed with a negative perspective due to the fact that it is outdated nowadays, but a few people here at TJ are doing their best to bring it back.

A civilization known as the Huns had been seen with this hairstyle in the 400’s, and the Romans dubbed it the Hun haircut. Although the Hun seemed to have the mullet first, the first highly acclaimed person to be seen with a mullet was crooner Tom Jones, the famous Welsh singer, nearly 1500 years later. David Bowie also rocked a mullet during the 70’s. The TV show The Brady Bunch had Florence Henderson with a mullet, inspiring the mass population to begin walking around with this funky haircut. The ice hockey players in the 80’s, including The Great Wayne Gretzky, sported this hairstyle, as well.

The term “mullet” was popularized in the 90’s after the Beastie Boys song Mullet Head. From then on, the hairstyle has been dubbed the mullet. A mullet consists of short hair in the front and sides of the head. The back of the head has long luscious flowing hair that is as elegant as Rapunzel’s magnificent locks. It combines the best of both worlds of hairstyles. If a person cannot decide between long or short hair, the mullet is the perfect solution because it is a combination of both.

As stated before, three young Spartans are working very hard to make sure the mullet makes a strong comeback into society. These students are seniors, and their names are Kyle Freeland, Sean Gonzalez, and Ohran Ramadani. Each individual has a unique style and look to his mullet, and his own story as to why he has it.

For Freeland, he has one because of baseball. It is a well-known fact that mullets give people special pitching powers on the field. “Well I have noticed I have a little more speed on my fast ball and a little more curve on my curve ball while pitching,” remarks Freeland. “It is also my senior year, and I wanted to go out looking funky, and I thought the mullet was the best way to do this,” says Kyle, with a proud look on his face. Freeland has a very distinct mullet, with long luxurious flowing hair in the back, correlating nicely with his tall body.

Sean Gonzalez rocks the mullet for his own personal benefits in society. “It all started when I was with my hairstylist, Carly, and we were wondering how to make my hair standout, and the mullet was born,” says Sean, who believes that if he looks a little more odd, people will remember him in later years. “Well, everywhere I go I try to make a kind of impression on the people I meet. It makes me happy to know that other people look at me for my unique ways,” says the awkward looking Sean. His mullet is poofier than Kyle’s, due to his thick hair. He also has a beard, which has been noticed to distract slightly from the mullet.

Ohran has a smaller version of the mullet, but it counts nonetheless. “It is a goofy hairstyle that needs to be more known in today’s society,” exclaims Ohran, whose straight hair makes him a perfect candidate for a mullet and, with a little time, his will top Kyle’s.

The mullet has been a ridiculous haircut to see on these few kids, and one can only imagine what their parents think. “It is an outdated haircut and it needs to be cut off,” remarks Christine Gonzalez, mother of Sean.

Kyle’s mom Susan Freeland is a bit more accepting of her son’s mullet. “I think it’s fine; he is keeping it short on the sides and top, and it is not too messy. The only problem is I think I’m looking at my brother, because back when he was in his 20’s he had a mullet, and it freaks me out,” comments Kyle’s mom.

Although it is old, the mullet can make a comeback in society. “What goes around comes around, and that is particularly true in fashion. Old styles from when I was in high school have made comebacks, and I think the mullet is bound to reappear in society,” says Freeland.

Artwork by Mia Nogueira

As the years go by and contemporary style shifts and changes like the tides of the sea, it becomes difficult for fashionistas to keep up with the latest fashion and styles.  To avoid burning a hole in your pocket when buying clothes for this holiday season, and to avoid all costs of traveling far and wide to find a place where your money won’t be wasted, in the heart of downtown, there is an affordable and stylish alternative that is commonly overlooked by people.  The Buffalo Exchange is a trendy little thrift store in Downtown Denver that is a true gem for people looking for some nice thrifty clothes.

At 230 E. 13th avenue in downtown Denver, is the thrifty store that is lauded by students and downtown Denver locals as one of the new hippest places to shop.  What started out as a clothing and accessories store in Tucson, Arizona has expanded into an underground chain of thrift stores.  It’s a profitable place to shop and it supports the community, as well.

The Buffalo Exchange is unique because it has a system that constantly circulates clothing with customers through exchanges and generous donations.  It’s a store that’s not only dedicated to providing one-of-a-kind items for its patrons but it also is dedicated to giving back to the community outside of the regular clientele.  It’s not uncommon for shoppers to find a sweater or flannel shirt for 14 dollars, whereas they might buy something similar that runs 40 to 50 dollars at the popular retailers.  The recycled fashion at Buffalo is affordable, considering the vast amount of options available.  What makes this a great place to shop is the fact that items are constantly fluctuating in and out of the store.  Customers have the option to come and trade in clothes or sell them at the front desk for cash or store credit.  Being able to barter with the friendly employees of the store makes it a unique shopping experience that is rare among other stores.

By reusing and recycling clothing Buffalo Exchange shows how much they value helping the environment and the community.  As long as the clothes turned in are clean and there is no sign of obvious wear and tear, patrons can continue the tradition of exchanging items to keep the store going.  Also through the “Tokens for Bags” program, Buffalo offers customers a token instead of a bag for using their service; in turn Buffalo donates five cents to a charity of the customer’s choosing.  Buffalo has made around 350,000 dollars for local non-profit organizations.  It’s just as rewarding to spend money there as it is to be an employee; the story has an integrity that makes it beneficial to shop for the entire community.

TJ students like Marelle Davey is one of many customers that have a great sense of style and clearly appreciate the deals Buffalo Exchange has to offer.  “One of my good friends introduced me to the store at the end of freshman year, and since then it’s a place I visit a lot to find some really cool clothes.”  The employees are all very friendly and even though it’s not a business that started in Colorado they treat the store with pride, and value every customer that comes through the door.  “I love going there because of the atmosphere, it’s very warm and comfortable, and I genuinely feel welcome every time I walk through the door,”  said Davey.  After being greeted with a smile at the front door the employees make it a point to make your shopping or browsing experience a great one, and they are more than willing to negotiate good deals with you on exchanges.  “It’s such an awesome way to shop, they practically pay you to walk in the door; the deals there are too good to pass up,” said Davey.

If shoppers are interested in finding great deals, especially now during the holiday season, there is no better place than the Buffalo Exchange. Great gifts and great prices are just a few of the things to be found at this unique store.

    The Buffalo Exchange originated in Tuscon, Arizona circa 1974. The store is a family affair, started by Kerstin and Spencer Block. The couple, both Swedish, thought Buffalo sounded American and Exchange was to the point. Lucky for us Denverites we have a franchise right on the border of downtown.
     The Denver store is located on 13th and Grant St. in Capitol Hill, and specializes in buying and selling men and women’s fashion. The place is too funky! There are so many racks full of clothes. For the girls: sweaters, long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, dresses, and racks of skirts and pants along the wall. And all the same sections are there for boys. Shoes, bags, $8 sunglasses, pins and leather, oh my!
     I stopped in on a Friday, right after I cashed my paycheck, and I immediately tried on probably ten shirts and dresses and all the men’s sweaters. I never know what to look for when I go, which is incredibly vital to the experience! When I go I’m in the mindset to create my personal iconic style. It’s like dipping into my best friend’s closet, in fact that’s exactly what The Exchange is about. I’m waiting till the weekend to go back in with my gently bruised treasures, the clothes that I bought for full price and only wore once, and trade them for clothes already stocked.
     With the solid discount from whatever I can trade, I can pick out a lot of pieces from the designers and the mall, but the store maintains its independent vibe. The staff is easy to pick out, dressed outrageously in articles pulled from the rack. It’s hard to miss the front of the store with the tall plastic mannequins dressed in themes. Halloween is the most flamboyant theme of the year.
     Everything inside the Exchange was purchased by the staff. Customers should bring in everything they can part with, but should only expect exchange value.
     I love this store because it allows me my basic expensive taste, but on a budget. I can’t help but come back every day when I have four hours and disposable income. Even down to the dressing room there’s a great feel to the place. I just know I’m going to leave one step closer to the stylish metropolitan girl I aspire to be.
     The shop’s flavor is well worth the drive and I implore anyone to go forth and shop at the Buffalo Exchange.  I know I’ve started dressing better since I last went. Park where you can get it and have fun at the Exchange.