Image via Complex Original

BYNICK GRANT

Uptowns. Flaves. Harlems. B-Mores. Airs. Forces. Ones. Whatever you choose to call 'em, the Nike Air Force 1 is as transcendent as any sneaker could possibly be, garnering adulation from veteran sneaker aficionados all the way down to the newbie who just wants something clean to kick it in. While that hasn't always been the case, considering the iconic basketball silhouette was almost discontinued in 1984 due to low sales—just a few short years after its debut in 1982—it has since solidified itself in the annals of sneaker culture, even going as far as becoming one of the best-selling sneakers in 2021. In fact, it isn’t even a guarantee that your local Foot Locker will have white on whites in stock anymore. The demand is so high that they’re selling out. And there is certainly no shortage of options, whether you're willing to shell out buku bucks for a resale pair of the original "The Ten" collaboration with Off-White, need a re-up of "Coke Whites,” want to channel your inner demon in a pair of black AF1s, or want to revisit some sneaker history by scooping up one of the “Color of the Month” colorways that recently re-released in 2022.

The versatility of the AF1 certainly allows individuals to figure out how the shoe fits within their constraints, but it always conforms. And the fact that these have a been a perennial starter pack sneaker for almost four decades speaks volumes. However, shit can go left very quickly if you don't abide by the unwritten rules bestowed upon us from our forefathers. Take a look at some pointers to consider the next time you lace up a pair of Air Force 1s, below. 

Choose Your Height Wisely

Photo by David Cabrera

While 5'10 Twitter would likely trade a couple inches for their first-born child, that's not the kind of "height" we're talking about. The preferential choice between the High, Mid, and Low variations of the AF1 has been at the center of many BBQ cookout and spade game debates. While lows are typically at the top of many lists because of their versatility, the height should be determined based on a number of factors. For instance, Highs tend to look like clodhoppers on big-footed folks, so tread carefully my size 13 brethren. Lows are a go-to in summer to wear with shorts, but Mids or Highs can easily be substituted in for any casual situation if coupled with a good pair of basketball shorts. 

There's Nothing Cute About a Dirty Ass Air Force One aka How to Clean Air Force Ones

Image via Complex Original

For some reason, cooked AF1s have become common for certain groups of people over the last few years. And we aren’t sure why. Don’t do this. Converse All Stars? Sure. Vans. Yea, why not? But AF1s? No one should be caught out in the daylight in a pair of Forces that look like they had a rough weekend at Coachella and were trying to ease their way back into the "real world." Preventative care is just as, if not more important (just ask your parents) than how you clean your Forces post-soiling. 

Waterproof 'em. Spray 'em with leather, suede and/or nubuck protector before wearing and after cleaning. Use at least two coats, depending on the product, and let them dry before wearing. There are a ton of cleaning products that will do the trick specific to the materials on your Forces, but you're likely to get the most bang for your buck with water, soap, a couple Magic Erasers, and prayer. 

How to Avoid (and Fix!) Major Creasing

Photo by David Cabrera

Creasing on a leather sneaker is inevitable, especially as the leather starts to soften after multiple wears. But there are ways to prevent major creasing. Use foam inserts that you can slip inside your shoe by the toe box so they don't crinkle up every time you take a step. But again, these only work so well. So, when Forces do start accumulating those wear-whiskers, dampen a towel (preferably one that is white or that won't rub off on the sneaker), place it over the creased area, take a hot iron and gently iron over the area and voila! It's the kind of sneaker magic we all wish we knew years ago. If this seems like a bit too much work for you, you could always take after Air Force 1 aficionados like DJ Clark Kent and keep multiple pairs on ice. Nothing beats a fresh pair of white on whites. 

If You're a Real One, Wear 'Em With Baggier/More Relaxed Pants

Photo by David Cabrera

The relaxed/wide-leg trouser movement is here to stay. It’s time to stop fighting it and get a pair or two of roomier pants in your rotation. The good news if you’re unsure how to pull them off, they will definitely look great with your AF1s. A pair of classic 874 Dickies that sit right above the top of your Lows, or some beefy Nike sweatpants with an elastic cuff for the Mids or Highs will never lead you astray. Try out some slouchy cargos or a baggier cut of denim too. Once you start experimenting, the opportunities will become endless. Plus, it’s just so much comfier to have a bit of extra room in your pants when you’re out and about. 

But Be Mindful of Your Denim's Cut

Photo by David Cabrera

As far as denim, the length and how they fall (or don't fall) on top of your Forces is the determining factor. Really, just about any type of denim could work with Uptowns. Jeans that are tapered at the bottom will stack up a bit as they hit the shoe, but are no longer a requirement. Just make sure you aren’t rocking some #NTDenim. You really don't want to be out here looking like Michael Jordan at any party that has Latina women there, thinking he got his "good jeans" on.

Keep a Pair of All-Whites on Ice

Photo by David Cabrera

There are three guarantees in life: death, taxes and price inflation will even effect the cost of Coke Whites. It should go without saying that one should have least one pair of White-on-Whites if you are even remotely interested in Forces. However, if you have the financial capability, it is imperative that you keep a pair of them on ice. They will never go out of style and they go with just about everything. You know how your mom used to always keep some chicken in the freezer just in case she didn't have anything else to cook, and it still came out bomb (as long as you remembered to take it out to thaw when you got home from school)? A fresh pair of all-white Forces are the exact same thing to any outfit.

How to Properly Lace Air Force Ones

Photo by David Cabrera

I'm fairly certain that there isn't a single shoe that has more "how to lace" tutorials on YouTube than the AF1. How you lace your Forces is one way to truly showcase your individuality. But don't get too cute. If you are going to try the double-lux-into-a-triple-axle of lacing, remember this: do not tie them too tight. However, the length on the laces that come with Lows and Mids is perfect for the not-too-loose untied look as long as done all the way to the last or second-to-last lace hole. And if you find a pair with the laces looking like this out the box, keep them like that! It's like a beautiful baby unicorn. 

Fall is officially on our minds and I, for one, couldn't be any happier for the season ahead. I always get giddy at the prospect of hitting refresh on my closet this time of year and I'm counting down the days until it's time to break out my boots, jackets, and knits. In my opinion, there's quite possibly no better season to shop for and with so many strong trends coming down the pipeline for fall 2022, there's a lot get excited about right now.

If you've been considering what to add to your cart for fall, you're in luck because our trend guide has arrived. Here, discover every cool thing you need to know for the season ahead and what to buy to tap into each trend. Whether you're looking to make a long-lasting fashion investment or are looking to save, we're highlighting the key buys for each budget.

With that, scroll down to read our ultimate fall trends shopping guide.

The Basic:

The white tank top is an unexpected trend for fall 2022 because of its simplicity, but its presence on the F/W 22 runways can't be denied. At Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Chloé, the tanks accompanied luxe basics like leather trousers and slip skirts, proving how the plain staple can be the foundation for so many fall outfits.

Splurge:

MARINE SERRE

Logo Tank $150

K.NGSLEY

Race Her Stretch-Cotton Jersey Tank Top $180

Save:

BP

Ribbed Crewneck Tank $19

HANES

A-Shirt $9

---

The Tailoring:

Suiting isn't going anywhere, but instead of the big, boxy blazers we've seen for several seasons, suits tailoring is going in a new direction for fall with nipped-in blazers that lend a bold hourglass shape.

Splurge:

BALENCIAGA

Hourglass Double-Breasted Prince of Wales Checked Wool Blazer $3200

WARDROBE.NYC

Contour Blazer $1000

Save:

ZARA

Fitted Corset Blazer $119

& OTHER STORIES

Silk Linen Blazer $179

---

The Aesthetic:

If there's one overarching trend that will come to define fall 2022, it's the biker aesthetic. The runways were flooded with toughened-up looks that featured loads of leather and cool hardware. Head-to-toe leather ensembles featured prominently, with pieces that go beyond the classic moto jacket.

Splurge:

16ARLINGTON

Salm Leather Top $705

BY FAR

Mini Soho Circular Bag $570

TONY BIANCO

Freja Sandal $160

AMY LYNN

High Waist Faux Leather Pants $109

---

The Skirt:

Maxi hemlines have been trending all spring and summer and we're excited to see that they'll be sticking around for fall, too. Look for sleek column skirts that will lend a minimalist '90s vibe to your fall 'fits.

Splurge:

JACQUEMUS

Novio Linen Maxi Skirt $675

SLVRLAKE

Worker Denim Maxi Skirt $300

Save:

MANGO

Linen Pleated Skirt $100

NIA

Shirin Strappy Maxi Skirt $98

---

The Color:

As if Valentino's pink-doused runway wasn't enough to signal the arrival of fall's new It color, the internet is abuzz with the hue, dubbing it Barbiecore after images circulated from the set of the upcoming Greta Gerwig–directed Barbie movie. The fashion world is following suit with retailers offering clothes and accessories in the most vivacious shades of pink.

Splurge:

JACQUEMUS

Le Sac Rond Satchel $890

VALENTINO

Tan-Go 155 Patent-Leather Platform Pumps $1150

Save:

URBAN OUTFITTERS

Rose Satin Slip Dress $79

Save:

REFORMATION

Lindy Knit Top $68

---

The Jacket:

Yep, I already know the It piece that everyone will wear with their jeans and boots this season. Bomber jackets have returned after a several years-long hiatus—and they're even better. Thanks to countless cool designs from Prada, Versace, Stella McCartney, and more, the jacket style has resurfaced as a wardrobe must-have for fall.

Splurge:

KHAITE

Shellar Leather Jacket $4400

THE ATTICO

Anja Oversized Tweed Bomber Jacket $1750

Save:

FRANKIE SHOP

Astra Oversized Shell Bomber Jacket $389 $156

TOPSHOP

Oversize Washed Faux Leather Bomber Jacket $102 $120

---

The Evening Wear:

Evening wear is getting a chic upgrade this season with delicate sheer sequins taking center stage. They're adorning everything from dresses to skirts and feel like a fresh way to approach party dressing.

Splurge:

16ARLINGTON

Heidi Sequined Mini Dress $1415

ROTATE

Adia Sequin Midi Skirt $240

Save:

MANGO

Sequin Tulle Skirt $50 $36

H&M

Evening Dress $60

---

The Shoes:

Speaking of the motorcycle aesthetic, moto boots are a key item of the trend that we're about to see everywhere this fall. With Balenciaga's Le Cagole boots paving the way, look for heavy-duty details like buckles and lots of hardware that give off the same feel.

Splurge:

BALENCIAGA

Cagole Buckled Knee-High Leather Boots $2150

JIMMY CHOO

Biker Ii Leather Over-The-Knee Boots $1175

Save:

SAM EDELMAN

Garret Boots $160

FREE PEOPLE

Sunbelt Santa Fe Moto Boot $198

---

The Dress:

Pretty slips that feature sheer fabrics, lace trimming, and soft shades of baby pink are having a moment and on the opposite end of the style spectrum from the aforementioned biker looks, the more delicate these dresses are, the better.

Splurge:

RODARTE

Silk Satin and Lace Maxi Slip Dress $1670

SIMONE ROCHA

Lace-Trimmed Chiffon Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress $740

Save:

ZARA

Beaded Lace Dress $169

LOVESHACKFANCY

Josette Midi-Dress $475 $285

It’s that time of year again. Students are returning to college and although it’s an exciting period, it can be worrisome for some parents intent on paying for their children’s education.

Their anxiety is warranted.

The average college tuition cost has jumped in the 2021-2022 academic year across both public and private schools.

Public college students are expected to shell out about $10,388 for the 2021-2022 year compared with $38,185 at private colleges. The average cost for out-of-state students at public colleges costs about $22,698.

Although the value of college has dramatically shifted among parents and students, economists still say a degree is worth the effort compared to going without.

Data shows that the average college graduate makes $570,000 more than the average high school graduate over their lives. Earnings for college graduates are 71% to 136% higher than those with just a high school diploma.

For those parents who are aiming to see their children cross the stage, here are a few expert tips they should keep in mind before their students head off to campus.

Take time to complete the FAFSA form as soon as you can

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is imperative for any measures taken to secure any grants or loans. In an interview with Nerd Wallet, Ben Miller, senior director of post-secondary education at the Center for American Progress, he said this should be completed even if the parent doesn’t expect any eligibility of receiving financial aid. It still qualifies the student for work-study opportunities, which is a great way for them to earn supplemental income.

Be Realistic

During the college application process, it’s important to assess how much it will take to make your student’s dream of attending that school happen. Utilizng a student loan calculator to get a clear picture of how much is owed per month after graduating, or if out-of-pocket tuition payments are being, how that would affect your household.

In an interview with Forbes, Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist at The Washington Post shared that parents should be realistic in their planning.

“Hope is not a plan,” Singletary said. “And as smart and bright as you think your kid is, the likelihood of them getting a full ride is just not there.”

Remain nimble

It’s important to staying open to change, particularly in a time of economic uncertainty. Jean Chatzky, CEO of HerMoney.com explained during a Forbes panel discussion in 2020 that shifting student’s college plan—taking a gap year, or attending to a community college for the first few years—should be open for discussion if it makes sense in the long term.

“We have to pay attention to what our college is requiring of us, what the temperament of our student is, what they’re studying, what progression their courses are taking and how all of this is going to play together,” she said.

For the first time in two years, public school meals won't be free for all students.

For the first time in two years, public school meals won’t be free for all students.

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued waivers to reimburse public K-12 schools giving free meals to students. That program is coming to an end next month, however, and the free and reduced-price meals will be available only to students who qualify.

The exception? Students attending schools where 40% of the student body is eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Those institutions are reimbursed for free meals under a federal program .

Of 107 schools in Seattle’s public K-12 school district, 52 fit that profile -- so students at those sites will continue receiving free meals, said district spokesperson Sondra Santos.

Parents of students at the other schools need to apply for free or reduced-price meals.

A family of four with about $51,300 or less in annual income will qualify for free student meals. A family of three making about $42,600 or less would also be eligible.

Students whose families make more than the federal program’s threshold will not be eligible.

Seattle public elementary and K-8 schools will be charging families $2.25 for breakfast and $3.25 for lunch this academic year. For the district’s middle and high schools, breakfast will cost $2.50, and lunch will cost $3.50.

More information about the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced-price meals at Seattle Public Schools is available on the district’s website.

The spotlight was on Los Angeles Unified school superintendent Alberto Carvalho Monday when he delivered his first back-to-school speech, promising “accelerating change” across the district.

“Community reform by nature does not have to be protracted or slow, it can be quick,” said Carvalho in his prepared remarks at the event titled “Imagine the Possibilities” where he committed to “swift and unapologetic” change to how LAUSD operates.

“It is with great pride that I welcome all of you to a new school year,” he said. “More importantly, welcome to a new day.”

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Carvalho promised everything from $7 billion in facilities and classroom upgrades to telehealth in schools (via a robot named Pepper) and new magnet programs in a speech that was both encouraging and rooted in real challenges the district faces.

Carvalho acknowledged LAUSD’s declining enrollment, widespread student mental health struggles and concerns about the district’s long-term financial outlook.

“There are very few urban superintendents who know how to do it as well as he — that is he lays out what are the challenges facing the district and ‘what are we going to do about it?’ ” said Dr. Pedro Noguera, Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education. “He struck a good balance between a sobering message of where we are and some inspiration.”

At the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, there was certainly an air of inspiration and flair.

Before Carvalho spoke, performances from students and student groups, including a marching band and mariachi band, filled the room with proud notes.

When Carvalho took to the stage, he did not initially speak. Instead, the spotlight shone on him while he took slow steps across the stage, arms crossed over his chest. His walk was accompanied by swelling violins, crescendoing from a video intended to galvanize the audience about the importance of education.

Throughout his speech — crammed with pop culture references (top contenders: Kylie Jenner’s three minute plane ride and Bridgerton season two) — the @LAUSDSup Twitter account pushed out tweets with main points from the address.

Some Twitter users expressed qualms in replies, heavily juxtaposing the celebratory tone of the event.

“Teachers feel discourage[d] because they are used and taken advantage of by parents and the district,” Twitter user @JeanettePanthen said in response to this Tweet.

Others felt more promise from Carvalho’s words, especially when he walked through the five “pillars” — “academic excellence, joy and wellness, engagement and collaboration, operational effectiveness and investing in staff — in the LAUSD 2022-26 Strategic Plan.

Advocates offered generally positive reactions to the speech, but also wanted more details about how Carvalho’s lofty goals would be achieved.

“The speech clearly conveyed vision and goals,” said Ana Ponce, executive director of GPSN in a statement. “ How this becomes actualized will be important. We are looking forward to the details of implementation, especially implementation at full scale across the whole district.”

Here are seven key takeaways Carvalho communicated in his speech and at a press conference:

1. Education will start early …

Carvalho asserted his prioritization of early education, saying LAUSD will transition from a district with a “K-12 possibility” to a “B-14 promise,” birth through at least two years of post-secondary school.

Starting in October the “Born to Learn” campaign will match more than 100,000 newborns with welcome packages and an LAUSD graduation date, so parents will know when to enroll their child.

This fall, there’s also a plan for 360 new Universal Transitional Kindergarten classrooms to open up, with spots for up to 19,000 4-year-olds.

2. … and continue past high school

In-person courses for college credit will be available for 225 recently-graduated students. Adult education vocational and apprenticeship preparation programs will soon be launched as well, including a nursing program producing 15 graduates annually.

3. Closing the Digital Divide

Through a $50 million investment, LAUSD will bring high speed internet to every student and family that needs it, Carvalho told reporters — a plan rolled out in May that advocates have expressed apprehension about. The investment targets more than 60,000 students who don’t have access to high speed internet at home.

On the commute to school, children will stay connected, too. Over the summer, Wi-Fi was installed on all buses, a move intended to help over 30,000 students maximize the time they can spend studying and completing homework.

4. What will the district do about the “lost children?”

LAUSD is grappling with high rates of chronic absenteeism, dipping enrollment and an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 students “lost” and unaccounted for on LAUSD enrollment rosters.

Carvalho said in the week before school starts on Aug. 15, he, his staff and thousands of other individuals will call and knock on doors to get unenrolled and chronically absent children signed up for the school year. The district is also launching a campaign called iAttend, which will focus on promoting high attendance by eliminating barriers to attending school.

Fifteen schools will now offer transportation for students living less than five miles from school, a distance that has not been included in past bus routes. Mobile laundry services, so families can have clean clothes, will be available in each district one to four times a month.

5. Boosting parent engagement and ties to LAUSD

A new Parent Academy will serve 100,000 parents with webinars and resources to equip them with skills and information to support their children. The Adult Education Virtual Academy will also serve about 1,000 students, including working parents, who may not be able to attend in-person classes.

6. LAUSD staff will get additional support

Carvalho said there will be a focus on recruitment, development and retention of staff. Through a partnership with the LA County Office of Education, staff will be provided with free counseling services via telehealth, a 24/7 hotline, referrals, and one-on-one therapy.

The contract with United Teachers Los Angeles, the district’s teachers union, expired at the end of June. Carvalho said he hopes to soon reach a new contract agreement — although he declined to give an estimate for when.

Twitter users responded to Carvalho’s tweets from the event with more pressure on contract negotiations:

In a response to one Carvalho tweet, user @writersgrind wrote: “Thanks for the pep talk. I would love a contract that includes a competitive salary, smaller class sizes … Quality teachers will continue to leave the classroom because we have nothing left to give in these conditions.”

7. Upgrades to facilities and classrooms – including eco-friendly changes

Carvalho announced more than $7 billion to upgrade over 2,000 classrooms and nearly 1,000 schools. Projects are either in design or already under construction, providing earthquake safety, accessibility, and “21st century upgrades.”

A $50 million investment will go toward environmental and sustainability upgrades at approximately 20 schools identified, through a “greening index,” with upgrades such new playgrounds and shading.