Converse

Possibly the best urban shoe ever created:

1. Form follows function. The rubber toe perfectly protects against soggy shoes on rainy days. Particularly useful when shuffling about cobblestone streets which is why every other person in Paris sports a pair.

2. Cleaning routing. Throw the shoes into the washer and they come out like new. My pink Converse with French roots are currently in their sixth year but look like out-of-the-box babes.

3. Style. Customization coupled with wide color assortment fits any mood or decade.

4. Convenience. You can get the shoes anywhere. My favorite is Zappos.com. Converse.com gives you all the options but the site is awkward to navigate.

5. Price point. $45 is a pair of Converse Core OX or (less satisfying) 9 Starbucks coffee days, 1 tank of gas, taxes on a rent car, or a pedicure + tip. No contest.


Suggested uses:

Go French with Converse, acid washed skinny jeans, Vanessa Bruno sequined tote (the more beat up, the better), ethnic print scarf, smart blazer with the sleeves rolled up twice, and insouciant smirk.

Go Preppy with Converse, short shorts, button down (ironing optional), ribbon or needlepoint belt. Add a blazer for cooler nights.

Go Yachting with Converse, cutoff jean shorts, striped boating shirt, and fedora.

Bliss...there's no place Converse cannot go except the Colony Club or La Grenouille. Go forth and be low key chic with a little je ne sais quoi + lots of savoir faire.