WANT! Girls on Wheels
Tearsheet by Adele Cardani.
It’s still summer and I want to feel those vibes even if it’s just in my mind. Outdoor activities are not totally canceled. In fact, parks and patios are our saving grace. HBO’s Betty is one of my recent favorite binge-worthy distractions, and given my long-time love for girls who skate, this show is low key #goals. Watching this cast featuring the real deal ladies of Skate Kitchen, of whom I totally stan, has sparked the desire to take my summer back with dreams of skateboarding and roller skating. During one of my many scrolling marathons on Instagram, I came across the fascinating Oumi Janta who sparks joy in every molecule of my body watching her live her full summer life on a pair of skates. Pro tip: Do yourself a favor and check out her IG account filled with happy roller girl videos to lift your spirits. Honestly, it’s like there is nothing she can’t do on wheels. Did anyone else ever dream of joining the roller derby? I was ready to take the hits for the chance to feel that cool. Given all of these fab skating sheros in my sight reminding me that I too am able to roll around the obvious downers of life, I’ve decided to pour all of this newfound inspiration into this month’s WANT! Editor picks. Let’s get moving!
Tearsheet by Adele Cardani.
PROPER GNAR GODDESS SKATEBOARD ($60)
Proper Gnar is a black woman-owned skating and streetwear brand with a BIPOC team of women skaters creating a full range of products for this lifestyle. Are you in love yet? This Goddess Skateboard is designed by owner, Latosha Stone, and is inspired by master artist Michelangelo. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for women who skate. Not to mention, the fingernails totally sold me.
IMPALA QUAD SKATE MARAWA ROSE GOLD ($119)
In full disclosure, these along with almost all the Impala brand skates are sold out due to the recent high demand (people want to skate through this pandemic); however, they released a statement that they will restock soon, and you can sign up to be notified. Despite this sad news of unavailability, I decided to include these gems in my editor picks because, quite simply, these Marawa Rose Gold skates by Impala are my obsession. This magical holographic design comes with monochromatic appeal complete with rose gold trucks, baseplate, and hardware. The cherry on top is that they are also a PETA-approved vegan product. Guilt free purchase.
MOXI SKATES HAMMIES SHORTS ($70)
I am always drawn to anything with a retro aesthetic, and these Hammies Shorts by Moxi Skates are a direct hit on my ‘girls on wheels’ dream ensemble. This style became popular in the 1960s in Southern California and was a staple piece for decades. The fact that they are 100% cotton corduroy is wonderfully ironic in itself, and the pop of primary colors radiates throwback summer style seamlessly.
VANS DELUXE HANKLEY BUCKET HAT ($34)
The Deluxe Hankley Bucket Hat by Vans, a classic go-to brand for the culture, delivers pure skater style and practicality with a twist. The perk is that it’s really two hats in one, with a reversible option featuring an all over Vans print on one side and clean solid white with logo on the other. Now that’s more bucket for your buck and double the style.
A.L.C VICTORIA LILAC TANK ($88)
Summer and tank tops go together. This A.L.C Lilac Tank is a chic cropped staple for outdoor adventures. Not only is this color super versatile, but this classic cut supports the theory that less is more, especially when outside temperatures are set to Hell degrees.
Story by Ayoka Lucas, Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine.
Instagram: @ayokalu
