New Balance 9060 Sneakers Review

In my ongoing quest for retro lifestyle sneakers, I decided to try another style in the New Balance lineup. Having seen the heavily embellished New Balance 9060 pop up frequently on my FYP, I tried on a pair at Foot Locker. The cushioning, reflective details, suede and mesh panels, and retro dad styling instantly won me over. I tried on a grey pair, but was really looking for the pink colorway. Fortunately, the helpful Foot Locker staff helped me locate a pair in pink at sister store Champs, located nearby.

The New Balance 9060 in pink pink, pictured below. I gasped when I saw them on the shelf, and it was a perfect match once I tried them on. This is my best purchase of 2024, and that's saying a lot, considering how much I shop. The muted mauve details will pair perfectly with grey, ivory, pale pink, and taupe pieces in my closet. 

At $150, they cost more than other popular New Balance styles, but the design details and superb comfort make them well worth it. I'm eyeing chrome blue and granite grey as potential future purchases. Keep reading for my New Balance 9060 review with tips on sizing and comfort.

Sizing

The New Balance 9060 runs true to size for me. It comes in unisex sizing, so if you're unsure, I'd try on in store if possible. The toe box is adequate without being boxy, and the arch support is more pronounced than the New Balance 327, 574, or 237 styles that I own. If you wear a larger shoe size, be warned that the chunky silhouette can make your feet appear bigger. The insoles on the 9060 are removable, which is a nice feature in case you want to add your own. 

Appearance

In terms of design, the New Balance 9060 is a maximalist shoe. It features mesh panels with suede overlays, a translucent CR device at the heel, a reflective "N" logo, a diamond outsole pattern for traction, and enough Y2K vibes to make any Gen Z sneaker enthusiast happy. It's the quintessential dad shoe, begging to be paired with baggy jeans and a hoodie, a cozy sweatsuit, or your favorite tee and leggings.

Comfort

With a dial density midsole, the New Balance 9060 is more cushioned than other New Balance styles, making it ideal for short runs, long walks, or long hours on your feet. I'd wear these for HIIT training, cycling, or other intense workouts. They feel supportive and light, and I'm looking forward to putting some mileage on them.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Love New Balance? See my New Balance 327 sneakers review and my New Balance 574 sneakers review.

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UGG Funkette Slippers Review

During the dreary days of late winter and early spring, I always reach for my UGG Funkette slippers. They are the highest platforms in UGG's slipper lineup, so naturally, they're my favorite pick for cold nights and rainy days at home. They are similar in appearance to the UGG Disquette slippers or the popular UGG Scuffette slippers. Like the Fluff Yeah slides, they feature an elastic strap with the UGG logo at the back of the heel. I've had my UGG Funkette slippers for over a year in the best selling chestnut colorway. If you're considering purchasing this statement-making slipper, I'll be sharing my experience with sizing and quality in this UGG Funkette review. 

Comfort and Quality

The UGG Funkette is a solid platform slipper with a 2" heel, sheepskin collar, and sheepskin insole. The thick platform makes them look more like clogs than slippers. Sometimes I wear mine with the elastic strap tucked inside for easier, faster on and off. I also find them more comfortable with the strap tucked inside. If you're not used to walking in platforms, I'd wear the ankle strap for more stability. They are heavier than other UGG slippers, but not clunky. As a frequent wearer of platforms, I find them easy to walk in and I have not had any issues with stumbling or rolling an ankle. They keep your feet cozy and warm, especially when paired with winter socks.

I treat mine with suede protector, and I only wear them at home to keep them in good condition. If worn frequently, the insoles will flatten and degrade. If you plan to buy a pair in a color such as red or black, be aware of dye transfer onto your feet or socks. 

Since the UGG Funkette features the Treadlite sole just like UGG boots, these are suitable for outdoor wear. I would not wear them in rain or snow unless they are treated with a waterproofing spray. I often see girls wearing these while I'm out shopping. When worn with loose jeans, they look just like the UGG Classic Ultra Mini platform boots. 

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November 4, 2024 update - Shop UGG's collection of Fall 2024 slippers:

Sizing

The UGG Funkette runs true to size. As with most UGG shoes, the insole with mold to your feet in time, leaving more room. They only come in whole sizes, so if you're unsure, its better to size up. If your feet are narrow, I'd wear them with socks and use the ankle strap for a better fit. I wear mine with thick Nike crew socks or sometimes with colorful novelty socks. 

August 27, 2024 update - Shop the latest from UGG:

If you love UGG shoes, see my UGG Tasman review or my UGG Disquette review.

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Gucci Marmont Crossbody Bag Review

Every so often I treat myself to a luxury fashion gift. It typically happens on a birthday or after reaching a personal goal. During the pandemic, that gift was the Gucci GG Marmont small shoulder bag in pastel pink leather. Before making the purchase, I sought out online reviews for more information on interior capacity, durability, and quality. As is often the case with online searches for handbag reviews, I was led to YouTube, where I was met with an overload of enthusiastic unboxing videos and a lack of practical, useful information to help guide my purchasing decisions. Eventually, I braved the COVID retail landscape to visit a Gucci store to see the bag in person, test out the interior capacity, and try it on. 

I had originally planned to write this review soon after my purchase in late 2020, but time got the best of me and I forgot. All the better, because now I can attest to how my Gucci Marmont crossbody bag has stood the test of time. 

After buying my Gucci GG Marmont bag and using it for three years, I'm sharing my thoughts in this Gucci Marmont bag review with the hope that it will be of value to potential shoppers looking for helpful, real world opinions. At $1200 and up, the GG Marmont bag is not a purchase to take lightly.

 

I debated between the pastel blue and the pink (which are no longer available). In the end, I went with this pink beauty pictured below. It's a color which blends seamlessly into my wardrobe, and while I already own a black Marmont bag, this pink one actually gets more wear. For 2024, they came out with a new pink version with a tonal pink logo. 

Size

In terms of size, my Gucci Marmont bag fits just the essentials: a small wallet, keys, my mobile phone, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a few cosmetics. This is the "small" size. Unfortunately, I cannot fit a water bottle or reusable bag in it, but it's still a versatile and convenient size for everyday errands, going out to lunch, etc.

The dimensions are approximately 9.5" in width, 5" in height, and 3" in depth. The interior has one small interior slip pocket, which is about the right size for a lip gloss. The lining is made of microfiber fabric, which feels like suede. The interior does stain easily, so I recommend taking care to prevent pen marks and other pernicious stains. 

Comfort

The Gucci Marmont bag strap is adjustable, and the hardware is high very quality. The zipper opens and closes smoothly, but the pull tabs are short leather cords, instead of a metal pull tab. One of the things I dislike about the shoulder strap is that there is no strap keeper on the lower end, so the extra strap length sticks out a little bit. 

As you can see below, I tied pink ribbon around mine to keep it in place. Otherwise, the bag is comfortable to wear, which is something to look out for when the strap has a thinner width like this. In the past, I've found that wider straps are more comfortable on my shoulders. 

I wear mine across the body on the shortest strap setting, but you can also wear it on your shoulder or clutch it under your arm. 

Quality

The Gucci Marmont matelassé leather and the stitching are impeccable on my bag, and even after a few years, I can find no noticeable flaws. Unfortunately, the Gucci Marmont bags don't have feet on the bottom to protect them, so I never place my bag on the floor in order to keep it clean. I occasionally wipe it clean with a damp paper towel. I also take care not to wear the bag with dark denim or black pants, since darker colors can cause color crocking on lighter leather goods. With consistent care and storage, these bags can last for many years, making them a good investment.

I still regret not buying the blue bag, but at the time, I could only afford one, so pink was it. I've also been thinking about getting the white leather version for a while now, since it will pair with almost everything I wear during the summer.

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New Balance 574 Sneakers Review

For me, spring means stashing away the ankle boots and stocking up on sneakers for the transition to warmer weather and sunnier days. When I saw that New Balance came out with some 574 Core sneakers in a perfect mid-tone shade of pink (for $89.99), they haunted my dreams for a few nights. As an avid collector of New Balance sneakers, I had to make them mine. I'm deep into my pink coquette era, and I have been actively hunting for a cute pair of pink statement sneakers since last summer. Fortunately, Journeys had a new shipment of spring merchandise, and I was able to score a pair. In this post, I'll be reviewing the fit, sizing, and comfort of the New Balance 574 Core sneakers.

Sizing

In my experience, the New Balance 574 sneakers run slightly small. I recommend sizing up a half size for more comfort. If your feet are wide, I'd even go up a full size. Like other New Balance styles, the insoles are removable, so you can add your own inserts or orthotics. When it's cooler outside, I remove my New Balance insoles and I add UGG sheepskin insoles for a cozy feel. 

Appearance

In terms of design and styling, the New Balance 574 in pink sugar has a balanced mix of textural details, mesh and suede panels, a shiny patent heel panel, and tonal laces/logo. I love how the 574 silhouette is classic and understated, but the tonal pink uppers make them fashion forward.

They manage to look both modern and retro, with recycled materials for eco-conscious consumers. The only thing I'd change in terms of appearance is to make the logo white so it stands out. 

The rugged outsole and light cushioning make them appropriate for light hikes, short jogs, cycling, and leisurely walks. In terms of cushioning, I wouldn't reach for these for my HIIT workouts because I rely on my Hoka Bondi 8 sneakers for that. For me, the 574 is more of a lifestyle (or fashion) sneaker, and I plan to wear them with my handmade floral dresses for a casual sporty vibe throughout summer and fall. 

Compared to the New Balance 327 and 237, the 574 is more comfortable and feels more supportive. Compared to the 574+ platforms, the platforms are more cushioned and preferable for long walks than the 574. 

If you love platforms, then see my review of the New Balance 574+ platform sneakers.

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How To Shop DvF x Target on March 23, 2024

When Target announces a new designer collaboration, I'm always intrigued to see who they've teamed up with. This March, Target understood the assignment. They are teaming up with fashion industry icon and wrap dress champion Diane von Furstenberg for a colorful spring collection. Set your reminders for March 23, when Diane von Furstenberg for Target launches in stores and online. Prepare your wardrobe and your home for iconic graphic prints, vibrant colors, and of course, glamorous wrap dresses. The #DvFxTarget collection will include over 200 items in Women's, Girl's, and Baby apparel and accessories, as well as home décor and beauty. Girl moms, this one is going to be good! Your spring outfit options just got an upgrade.

The wrap dresses will sell out quickly, so keep reading for expert tips on how to shop Diane von Furstenberg for Target like a pro.

The DvFxTarget assortment will be available in most stores, and the assortment will vary by location.  The collection starts at $4 with most items under $50, and there will also be select made-to-order furniture (such as headboards, benches, and room dividers) starting at $325. 

According to Target, the collection will offer "fresh takes on activewear, loungewear, and intimates and more." I'm hoping this means there will be pickleball sets in bold graphics or bright colors, or cute swimwear with matching cover-ups. 

Plus sizes will be available in some stores and online. 

There will be a purchase limit of 2-5 per size and/or color of item, per transaction, on Target.com. There will be a limit on Women’s Wrap Dresses of 5 per transaction in-store.

Quick to do list:

1. Bookmark this page now to review the #DvFxTarget collection and prepare to shop.

2. Log in to Target.com.

3. Save your payment and shipping info.

4. Once the lookbook is releases, "heart" your favorites to make shopping easier. Start planning your #DvFxTarget spring summer 2024 looks.

5. Use #DvFxTarget to see previews on social media and browse main line Diane von Furstenberg for inspiration.

The In-Store Strategy

1. Know where to go.  Plan your shopping well in advance. 

2. Phone it in. Be extra prepared by calling your local store the week before the launch to confirm exactly where in the store it'll be located. It's helpful to know if it will all be merchandised together, or throughout the store. 

3. Be an early bird. You know what they say about the early bird, so be prepared. Stores open at 8am on launch days. I've found in the past that if I arrive by 7:30 am or earlier, then I'm able to get what I want due to decreased demand in my geographic region. For shoppers who live in large cities, I recommend going at least 1-2 hours before the store opens if you're really motivated to be the first to shop. For shoppers in more suburban or rural areas, the competition and crowds are reduced, but the selection of goods may be as well. In my experience, stock varies widely from store to store. 

4. Bring a buddy. A family member, friend, or significant other might be able to help you get the pieces you want and help you make purchasing decisions. Or even better, have a dedicated friend tackle one store while you visit another. "Divide and conquer" should be your strategy! Arrange to meet in line (while practicing physical distancing) or go to the store together so you're not cutting in line. 

5. Check for go-backs and barter. If your favorite pieces disappear from the racks in a flash, be courteous, be patient, and don't be afraid to chat with employees and other shoppers (from a distance) to politely trade to get what you want! Please respect the rules that they have in store. 

6. Persistence pays off. Target does not restock these collections, but you can still score your favorites. If you don't find what you want after the launch, check back for returns in the coming days, as many shoppers make returns. Don't forget to check the customer service desk and clearance racks for returns in April. After four or so weeks, the collection might be discounted to 30% (and eventually to 50% or 70%) off, so frequent visits to Target after the launch could really pay off. Call your local stores to ask what they have in stock or use social media to buy/trade/sell with others. 

The Online Strategy

1. Learn the lookbook. Study the lookbook carefully to select your favorites, get outfit inspiration, research the sizing, choose colorways, see online exclusives, set a budget, and check the prices. 

2. Play favorites. Make a list or collage of your favorites to help you stick to your budget and prioritize your potential purchases.

3. Know when and how to shop. Be extra prepared by using more than one web browser, mobile device, etc. Refresh, refresh, and refresh your browser often and have patience. I use Chrome for optimal performance. Expect some glitches and be persistent. Remember that patience is key. 

The collection goes live at midnight Pacific Time. Set an alarm if necessary, as some items will sell out within minutes.

4. Save your checkout info. As the time to shop online approaches, log onto target.com and have your checkout and payment details saved ahead of time. I've found that Chrome works best on my desktop computer. Clear your cart of any items in order to streamline the checkout process. This reduces the chances of having your cart emptied of any out-of-stock items before you can click the "complete order" button.

5. Click quickly. Shop your top pick(s) first and submit your order right after placing in your cart. Do not shop and fill up your cart. Why? Once an item is in your cart, it's not reserved for you. In order to avoid an item being removed from your cart because it's sold out, you need to click quickly and complete your order! That's why I create a prioritized wish list and try to buy my top picks first.

6. Multi-task. While shopping online, be extra prepared by using more than one web browser, mobile device, etc. Sometimes items become available first on the mobile site, and sometimes they don't. Sometimes some shoppers can see certain items while others cannot. Refresh your browser often and have patience. Items tend to pop up and then disappear during the initial launch. Expect some glitches but don't give up. Remember, persistence and patience are key, and you may have to sacrifice some sleep if you're really motivated to snag your favorites. 

7. Save your info and get a RedCard. If you don't have one already, then consider getting a RedCard. Why? Target RedCard users enjoy free shipping, an extra 30 days to return certain merchandise, and a 5% discount on purchases. 

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Preview DvF X Target below and save your favorites now!

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