FASHION FIX: Nike or adidas kicks?

It pays to be a baller. Check out the swag Nike sent Grigor Dimitrov and adidas gave to Fernando Verdasco recently. They're similar in style but which one is better? I'll take the Nikes, pleeeeease.



Grisha: "Fortunate to have @nike supporting me with only the best and the most unique products! Always keeping me fresh! Nike Air Force 1! #SpecialEditionRio"



Fer: "Special delivery from Adidas"

FASHION FIX: Nike spring looks for Serena, Sharapova, Azarenka, and Li

It's spring, right?! Uh, not quite. Winter is still hanging on here in NYC, clinging to life with its frozen talons (can you tell I hate winter?). At least there are parts of the world and this country where it's bright, warm, and people are half dressed. Miami is one of those places, and it's where the ATP and WTA tours are heading for the second Masters 1000 and Premier tourneys, respectively, at the Sony Open. You can see the draws here.

It's also where Nike is debuting some of their spring looks for their lady ballers. Check 'em out:

Top seed Serena Williams will be wearing the Force Pleated Knit Dress. The spring-esque color blocking, which I love, reminds me that spring is officially starting tomorrow. BUT YOU WOULDN'T KNOW IT BECAUSE IT WAS SNOWING HERE. YEAH, SNOWING.

Indian Wells champ and third seed Maria Sharapova will be, of course, working duds from her eponymous collection for Nike including the Premier Maria Tank paired with the Premier Maria Skort. Nice green.

Why does it always seem Victoria Azarenka, the No. 2 seed, always gets the short end of the fashion stick with Nike? Her Australian Open dress was a flop, and this outfit - the Force Printed Tank with the Force Flouncy Woven Skort - isn't going to blind you with its incredibly fashionable design. And that includes the disco print on the straps.

Here's the plus and it's a big one: SHE'S BACK. It will be fantastic to see fifth seed Li Na in action after being out since rehabbing the ankle she injured during her run to the Australian Open final. She'll be working the Force Pure Tennis Top paired with the Pleated Knit Skirt. Pretty basic and typical for her. I'm just excited she's showing up at all.

[Photo(s) credit: Nike Tennis Facebook Page]

SIGHTING: Maria Sharapova shines at Vanity Fair Oscar Party ***UPDATED***

Maria Sharapova looked stunning at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party last night. According to her website, the Russian glamazon "wore a dress by Amanda Wakeley, shoes by Manolo Blahnik and accessorized it with a clutch bag by Alexander McQueen, earrings by Isharaya and cuffs by Katherine Sultan."

The site even delves deep into her hair and makeup inspirations: "Inspirations for Maria's hair: Sleek, modern and chic. Inspiration for Maria's makeup:  Chic, young, classic, neutral palette, and lip on channel coco moisturizing lip balm. Line on top of eyes to define her eyes with voluminous mascara." Like I said, DEEP.

She also got to tweeting about her prep and the dangers of dressing in a floor-length at a crowded party (I totes get it):

Four hours of training in the morning, a baby birthday stop by and now the Vanity Fair party. I've seen it all today. Busy #oscars2013 day!
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Is the Vanity Fair party ready for some more sleek blonde hair action? #OscarReady
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Floor length gowns don't really work in sardine canned environments. #redcarpet
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) February 25, 2013

Last year, Shrieka looked like just she rolled out of bed. Or stepped into a paper shredder. What a difference a year, and a Career Slam, makes.

UPDATE: Here's an interview from the Oscar party.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Tomas Berdych in H&M

No, you're not looking at Tomas Berdych's practice kit. The Czech baller, who had been sponsored by Nike for years, is now working H&M, beginning at this year's Australian Open and off court as well.

I'm all for simple and classic, but these duds are severely under the top. Maybe it was a rush job or something. Hopefully, the fashion brand will give him something more like fashion in the near future. 

As for the shorts, I'm not sure what everyone is bitching about on Twitter. They're not that short. Gimme 70's McEnroe/Borg crotch huggers any day on ballers with legs like Big Berd. Besides, someone needed to carry Vika's torch this year.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty]

FASHION FIX: adidas for Roland Garros 2012

Andy Murray
Barricade Crew in dark onix and high energy

Caroline Wozniacki 
adidas by Stella McCartney Performance Tank + Skirt in yellow

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
adizero Crew in power green and high energy

Ana Ivanovic
adizero Dress in super green and core energy

Fernando Verdasco
adizero Verdasco Crew in electricity and high energy

A couple of more shots including Jo-Willy and a BODY BONUS courtesy of Fer after the jump - click the headline, y'all.

FASHION FIX: Venus Williams returns in Miami, revamps EleVen

There were two big returns to the court today at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Well, two and a half. First, Alisa Kleybanova. She played her first match since leaving the WTA tour 10 months ago to get treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma - and won. Next up was Venus Williams. She hadn't played a singles match since announcing she was suffering from Sjögren's Syndrome 7 months ago at the US Open. She won her opening match as well, routing Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-0, 6-3.

And now for the half. I say "half" not because it's half as good or anything but because it just doesn't compare to these two lady ballers coming back from these serious health conditions. But, it's worth a mention: EleVen is back, too!

V broke out a new dress for her match from the relaunched 2012 Spring Collection which has evolved into more sportswear than just sports apparel. Apparently, she now has an excuse for the full-on cray she had been wearing on court as of late. You know - this, this, this, this, this. It was all an "experiment." Like pairing a brown belt with black shoes. Or chunky bangs. This new EleVen is the rawlness (my word, not hers). And, get this - there's now a men's line. V's planning on having mass distribution for EleVen so more people can wear what she wears on court.

It's a fine restart. Some basics with a bit of fashion thrown in (loving the "Oh & Oh" tagline). And, V definitely upped the quality quotient from what I can tell in the pictures. I'll be interested to see how the collections evolve and where she ends up selling it. But, I give her full credit for continuing to build the Venus Williams brand. Young lady ballers, pay attention. There's life after tennis so be prepared.

More shots from the EleVen capsule collection after the jump - click the headline!

FASHION FIX: It's short but not so sweet

I know, I know. Everyone's talking about the shriekfest of a final we're all going to endure between former champ Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka tomorrow at the Australian Open. It's been fodder for the tennis media and bloggeratti so there's no need for me to add to the noise. But, people, there's something more sinister going on besides the idea of the shriek as gamesmanship (c'mon girls, you're losing the PR battle here). What I find most disturbing does involve Vika, but it's not what's coming out of her mouth, at least not this time. It's what's on her ass: The BOOM BOOMS. There, I said it.

Those white unassuming Nike BOOM BOOMS, on their own, are fine. They work really well in a practice session or match on a smaller court with a small, gathering crowd of drooling young boys and probably a few girls (it's tennis remember). But in a Grand Slam final??? Not. Appropriate. I don't blame the her, though. If I recall correctly, it was Venus Williams who broke the barrier back in 2007 and set the dangerous precedent when she wore white BOOM BOOMS from then-sponsor Reebok during her Wimbledon win against Marion Bartoli:

That's one barrier she should've left alone.

Of course, not everyone feels this way. In fact, some have been complimenting the fact that the BOOM BOOMS give off good leg for Vika. Her agent and former WTA lady baller, Meilen Tu, has been going on about "da legs" on Twitter while reader Wayne said "She looks way hot in those shorts!" over on the Down the Line! Facebook page. Her legs do look good, though "hot" and BOOM BOOMS are reserved, at least here, for shirtless boys in uncompromising positions on the tennis court (or in my head). If this sentiment sounds a little sexist, I'll say in my defense that at the very least I try to remain an equal opportunity offender.

I guess it's too much to imagine she might actually put on something else besides the BOOM BOOMS--maybe a a top with a skirt that actually gives her some curves--for her first major final. Oh, that's the other thing: They're not flattering on her. She's too straight up-and-down. Now, put them on Rafa. Seriously, I think we've got a winner.

[Photo(s) credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Nike puts Nadal in bold berry

I haven't really liked much of what Nike has given Rafael Nadal this season. It's not that any of it was full-on fug or anything. The duds just didn't make an impression. This week in Tokyo, the Spaniard broke out the Men's Winter Rafa Ace Masters Crew ($65) in bold berry that features a funky graphic on the bottom front and back. While it's still pretty basic I'm LOVING this color - it's deep, rich and looks really good against his skin tone. Plus, it feels fresh next to all the red that's been littering the ATP World Tour - major points.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

SIGHTING: Andy Murray + Kim Sears at Burberry

Andy Murray and the WAGilicious Kim Sears were spotted at the Burberry Spring/Summer 2012 Womenswear Show at Kensington Gardens today in London. As he did last year, Muzz took his spot in the front row with Kim next to famed photog Mario Testino, who shot the Brit baller for Vogue, and model-actress Rosie Huntington Whiteley.

Muzz also made another bit of news today when he told the BBC that the ATPers were ready to do what was necessary to get the schedule changed, including the possibility of some sort of strike. Right now, it would take years to get anything done according to Muzz, but the current ballers want something done sooner rather than later. They plan to meet up in Shanghai next month to discuss their options, including a strike. Via BBC:

"It's a possibility. I know from speaking to some players they're not afraid of doing that [striking].

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that but I'm sure the players will consider it."

Asked whether the subject of a strike or boycott will be mentioned during the meeting in China, he continued: "Yes I think so.

"If we come up with a list of things we want changed - and everyone is in agreement but they don't happen - then we need to have some say in what goes on in our sport. At the moment we don't.

"We'll sit down, talk about it with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and International Tennis Federation (ITF), see if they will come to a compromise and, if not, we'll go from there.

"We just want things to change, really small things. Two or three weeks during the year, a few less tournaments each year, which I don't think is unreasonable."

Tennis is made up of so many disparate parts with competing agendas and bottom lines that need to be fed. I think having the ballers convene and come up with their demands is one way to get the officials to listen. As much as I wouldn't want to see a strike it's a pretty remarkable to think they would actually band together push back that way. We'll see if they do.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Is Kuznetsova getting the good vibes?

Have you seen this Fila outfit before? Yes, no, maybe so? It's the outfit Kim Clijsters was supposed to wear to defend her US Open title. As we all know she was forced to pull out due to ANOTHER injury, this time to her abdominal area. Svetlana Kuznetsova was given the go ahead to wear it by the Italian sportswear brand.

I'm thinking it has some of Kimmie's lucky US Open vibes. Why? Because Sveta's actually playing well in Flushing Meadows. So far. I was hesitant to mention it because we all know the rollercoaster ride she puts us on when she hits the court these days. She can be playing well and then, out of nowhere, start spraying groundies everywhere but where they need to go. I suppose at some level we love the drama but it would be great to see someone of her talent (HELLO, she won two Slams somehow) play up to her ability. Plus, we still have JJ.

We should start a prayer circle for Sveta and hope she keeps this going. Then, maybe she won't have to wear Kimmie's hand-me-downs again, nice as they are. So there's that.

Pierluigi V-neck Top, $58

Pierluigi Skort, $60

Available at: Fila.com

[Photo(s) credit: Fila]

FASHION FIX: What exactly is this dress, Venus Williams?

So Venus Williams looked good today. LOOOOL. And you thought I was talking about her EleVen "mullet" dress. No, you didn't? My bad. Uh, more like her bad.

At least V's tennis was stand out. She beat Vesna Dolonts 6-4, 6-3 in the first round at the US Open hitting 28 winners to 27 errors - pretty impressive after not having played much this year. Granted, the Russian had literally spent the previous 10 hours on a flight from Russia after having visa issues and may have had moments of delirium, but hey, that's the luck of the draw!

But seriously, it's great to see the 7-time Grand Slammer back on the court in whatever insane (or inane?) design her mind can come up with. Aside from the first few games when V was launching shots into the sea of green, she played pretty solid. We'll see her true form, of course, as the lady ballers get more experienced and the matches get tougher. So what am I saying? Let's not get too excited about her tennis just yet. As for the dress, I'll let it speak for itself.

[Photo(s): Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images]

Venus + Serena Williams cover Hamptons magazine

Check out this gorgeous photoshoot and light-hearted interview with Venus + Serena Williams for this month's Hamptons magazine. The Sisters Sledge ask each other questions about everything from fashion and what V is wearing at this year's US Open ("it's all about the little black dress") to ReRe's thoughts on Pete Sampras's cuteness factor ("I definitely thought Pete was very handsome, but around 1996 I thought he was really hot...). Just like sisters would.

Read the full interview here.

More shots of Venus + Serena after the jump.

FASHION FIX: Andy Roddick Signature Collection polos by Lacoste

Andy Roddick did more than throw a temper tantrum, kill Babolat and launch a ball into the stands during his short stay in Cincinnati this week. He fell out of the Top 20 with the loss, too. Ouch.

Oh wait. This post is supposed to be about fashion. Right.

The former top baller debuted a new polo from his Andy Roddick Signature Collection with Lacoste. Check it out, plus two other styles I really love, after the jump.

US OPEN FASHION PREVIEW: adidas styles for Tsonga, Verdasco, Murray and Ivanovic

Yeah, we're looking at you, Frenchie.

So yesterday I posted about the Nike US Open fashions, and now it's time to check out the duds adidas busted out for some of their ballers.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be working the Fall adiZero Feather Theme Polo (about $51) in white with solid red and infrared paired with the Fall adiZero Feather Short (not pictured - about $43) in white with subtle striping.

adidas duds for Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco and Ana Ivanovic after the jump!

US OPEN FASHION PREVIEW: Nike styles for Nadal, Federer, Serena, Sharapova, Li and Azarenka

This time of year always fills me with joy mixed with a bit of sadness. The US Open is coming and the excitement builds inside me as I walk around New York City confronted by signs it's almost here. The "It Must Be (fill in the blank)" ads are all over the place with graffiti scribbled on, ballers' eyes scratched out and penises drawn into their wide open mouths with marker. It's like a rite of passage in these parts AND I LOVE IT.

But the arrival of the US Open also means we're entering the end of the Grand Slam tennis season and it makes me sad. Don't get me wrong. The fall indoor season is nice and the end of year tourneys are important. But nothing does me as good as a knock down, bare knuckle fifth set bruiser or a ladies' 3-set epic with everything on the line. You'd think I'd be used to the feeling of the majors passing but every year it's the same.

Something that always tickles me in my happy place (no, not Nole sweaty and shirtless this time), though, is Grand Slam tennis fashion. So let's take a look at what Nike has for their boys and girls starting with defending champ Rafael Nadal. He's wearing the Fall Rafa Ace Court Crew in white with sonic yellow ($65) paired with the Fall Woven Short ($65) in black for the day. For his night matches he'll be wearing the same top but in treasure blue with sonic yellow paired with the same short in obsidian navy with white.

Check out the US Open duds for Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Li Na and Victoria Azarenka after the jump!

FASHION FIX: Galina Voskoboeva in ellesse

So she got blitzed by Victoria Azarenka. Who hasn't been this week?

A tired Galina Voskoboeva was dismantled by the Belarussian bomber 6-1, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Rogers Cup today. The 26-year old from Kazakhstan had a stellar week, though, upending the likes of Marion Bartoli, Flavia Pennetta and Maria Sharapova, someone she admits "cheering for" in the past (I can see Shrieka's reaction to that quote already, "And??"). Not bad for a qualifier ranked outside the Top 100.

She also looked pretty good working this ultra-fem white ellesse tank dress with black piping, a Peter Pan collar and frilly skirt. It certainly borders on being more of a cocktail number than something for the tennis court but it's the Italian brand's way. Besides, they've done a lot worse.

Speaking of worse, we should all be REALLY thankful Nadia Petrova didn't get a hold of this one. Double phew.

[Photo(s) credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: You reach No. 1 and all you get is this lousy, recycled outfit

Maybe it's the tough economy. Or maybe they ran out of ideas. Or MAYBE it's Kate Middleton's sartorial influence.

Whatever the reason, Sergio Tacchini deserves a major red card for recycling this outfit for Novak Djokovic's first match as the top baller in the world. And it's not the first time they recycled it. He debuted it during the spring clay-court season and then, shockingly, showed up wearing it at Roland Garros. But even if the outfit was AMAZING (and it's not) it still wouldn't be okay to have him wear it again. You're lucky he won his match, ST.

The same could be said for adidas by Stella McCartney and Caroline Wozniacki. They recycled the much-maligned blue ruffle dress she debuted at Indian Wells at Roland Garros and today she appeared in Toronto for her opening round match (which she lost) in a similar outfit to the one she wore starting at Charleston in the spring. The skirt is the same but the tank top was the orange of her sports bra, not white. Same diff to me.

These companies have the opportunity to outfit the top-ranked ballers in tennis and this is the best they can do. I mean, REALLY. These spots are kinda high visibility. Get it together.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Venus ousts Akgul, debuts EleVen jumper

 

A quick note before we talk about Venus Williams and THE OUTFIT: I've recently started a new gig. And while I'm obviously excited to be starting this new adventure it means I won't be able to post as regularly as I have in the past and it might be at odd times (no, I'm not working the pole - TRUST). I wish I could've timed it a bit better, like after Wimbledon, but it is what it is. Just thought I'd let you guys know in case you started wondering why posting has a slowed down a bit. And, as always, thanks for reading.

Now back to V. She played well in her first round match, crushing Akgul Amanmuradova 6-3, 6-1. But, really, what we need to discuss is the new EleVen creation. I suppose I should just let the 5-time champ explain in her own words:

"It was a jumper. Jumpers are very now, as is lace. The shoulders have a lot of draping, which is also in the moment. It's just a trendy dress. It's fun. I'm really into zippers, so it has a focal point of a zipper in the front. And the back is a cut-out, or a peek-a-boo. It's just fun.

Right now I'm really trending towards simplicity. I'm not sure why. It's just how I feel right now. Everything is getting more simple."

LMAO. You gotta love V's idea of simplicity. In any case, it's SO much better than what she busted out at the Oz Open back in January. There was nothing 'now' about that outfit. More like 'never'. Please.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Lady baller looks from pre-Wimbledon party purple carpet

Here we go again. The lady ballers of the WTA tour attended the annual pre-Wimbledon party at the Kensington Rooftop Gardens in London last night with the usual mixed results (read: HOT, NOT AND WTF WERE THEY THINKING?!). Ahem.

Maria Sharapova looked incredibly chic in her red Alexander McQueen dress. The cut-outs on the shoulders are fucking brilliant. But what really pulled the whole look together were the stunning accessories including the gold collar, cuff and shoes by British accessories designer Lara Boinc and the clutch by McQueen. So delish.

More purple carpet looks with commentary (duh) after the jump!

FASHION FIX: Kuznetsova keeps it classic in Fila

Could it be Svetlana Kuznetsova has turned a corner in 2011? The former Roland Garros champ has struggled all season long but seems to have found her game in the City of Light. She defeated and in-form Daniela Hantuchova 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-2 and will face off against Marion Bartoli for a spot in the final four.

I really like the Fila kit she's been working on the red clay this year. She's been wearing the Whiteline Sleeveless Polo ($50) in black and white paired with the Essenza Ball Short ($28) in white.

The top, part of Fila's heritage collection, is a true throwback style which makes it stand out from everything else out there but with the large windowpane design stays modern. And while I'm not a big fan of shorty-shorts during matches, particularly during majors, they really work with the sleeveless polo style. But, if I had my way (like being the tours' stylist - please??) I would reserve them for the boys. I mean, they ain't called the Ball Short for nothing (though don't tell Sveta that).

[Photo(s): Fila, AFP PHOTO / JACQUES DEMARTHON]