Chuck Taylor Sequined Leather High-Top Sneakers, $100, Converse

Surprise! It’s ...Read more]]> Far from the allure of platform pumps and towering stilettos, the fashionable lady knows how to kick it in sneakers as well. Here are 5 fabulous designer sneakers that put those high-heeled shoes to shame! Comfort and style in a package– what more can you ask for?

Chuck Taylor Sequined Leather High-Top Sneakers, $100, Converse

Surprise! It’s everybody’s favorite pair of sneakers dipped in delicious, multi-colored sequins! Wear with skinny jeans and watch yourself dazzle the streets!

Embellished Leather High-Top Sneakers, $750,  Giuseppe Zanotti

High-brow and über modern, these Giuseppe Zanotti leather high-top sneakers feature a sporty facade embellished with gold straps. Sports-luxe is so in.

Patent-Leather High Top Sneakers, $475, Miu Miu

Recreate retro with these patent-leather high top sneakers from Miu Miu! These shoes feature studded toe caps and and along with its lace up style make a versatile day-to-night footwear.

Metallic Cracked-Leather Sneakers, $565, Lanvin

Gold cracked-leather sneakers offer a classy but subtle take on your casual days. Taupe shoe laces soften it up for simple dresses or tailored shorts.

Louis Studded Patent Leather Sneakers, $835, Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin proves he’s not all about red, sky-high heels with these patent leather sneakers smattered with silver studs. Wear it to work for casual Friday to truly dress to impress.

These sneakers are available on Net-a-Porter.

Let me tell you, when I saw this picture, I ...Read more]]> Who would have thought that one of the most beautiful, elegant, red-carpet famous celebrities in Hollywood such as Nicole Kidman, would be seen dressed down in Chucks? Nicole was spotted in Sidney just this January, getting off the car with her beautiful daughter Sunday Rose, and hubby Keith Urban.

Let me tell you, when I saw this picture, I was surprised. But it wasn’t a bad kind of surprise, it was the good kind. She looks amazing! The all black casual ensemble paired with classic black Chucks, a hat, and sunglasses simply spell COOL. A word I never would have thought to use on Nicole until now, but a word that will surely be added onto the list of words often used to describe her (beautiful, gorgeous, breathtaking, lovely, glamorous, stylish, iconic, and on and on and on). I have seen her dress down, but never in this manner. She looks like a totally different person.

Classic Chuck Taylor shoes never go out of style. It first appeared in 1917, and was initially called ‘All Star’. However the name changed when basketball player, Chuck Taylor, eventually started endorsing it (kind of like, Michael Jordan’s ‘Air Jordan’).

Chucks became even more popular in the 50’s, when the greasers and fans of the rockabilly started wearing it. Today, Chucks don’t just come in classic black or white canvas, but in many colorful styles dictated mainly by artistic expression.

To copy Nicole’s look, dress in an all black top and skinny jeans, put on your hat and sunglasses, and pair it with classic black Chucks like this one.

Classic Black Converse Chuck Taylor All Star in Leather Ox, US$70

However, if you are into self-expression and would love to wear Chucks that are fun and retro, here are some suggestions that can take you back through time:

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Jams Specialty Ox, on sale at US$48

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Bubbles Print Ox, on sale at US$40

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Repeat Stars Print Ox, US$50