1. Madonna - Blond Ambition Tour (1990) Always lauded, and at times harshly criticized, for her chameleon-like reinventions, she is nevertheless the artist who most brilliantly illustrates -- and has done the most to encourage -- the symbiotic relationship between music and fashion. Madge reached her sartorial high point during her wildly successful Blond Ambition Tour, featuring costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier who designed the now legendary cone bra.

2. Michael Jackson - "Beat It" music video (1983) Perhaps the most iconic single article of clothing in pop music history, MJ's red leather jacket was a cultural watershed moment because it became almost synonymous with Thriller, i.e. the biggest album of all time. The ankle-baring trousers -- a nod to Fred Astaire -- white socks and black shoes were also trademarks of the 80s and still loom large over the singer's incredible legacy.

3. The Beatles - The  Ed Sullivan Show (1964) When the Beatles invaded America, they brought along with them enduring and generation-defining trends such as the Beatle boot, collarless suits and the mop top -- not to mention hysteria the likes of which Justin Bieber could only dream.

4. David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust Tour (1973-74) Without Ziggy, Elton John would never have discovered his love of feathered headdresses, LaBelle wouldn't have strutted around New Orleans in their silver lamé and simply put, there would be no Lady Gaga. A high-concept album with a high-concept look, David Bowie introduced androgyny to the pop culture masses, and decades later his seminal faux rocker is still a fashion favorite.

5. Diana Ross and the Supremes - "Come See About Me" on The Ed Sullivan Show (1964) Three black girls from Detroit became the epitome of style, grace, beauty and glamor in the midst of social upheaval and racial injustice. Oprah said it best (as she does with everything): it was life-changing.

6. Ramones - Ramones (1976) While the Beatles inspired bands to dress up, the Ramones' relaxed, almost comalike coolness influenced other bands to keep it simple -- years later their pared down style still feels like quintessential New York. Especially with all the hipsters dragging their Converses, skinny jeans and leather jackets around.

7. George Michael - "Freedom! '90" video (1990) George Michael's identity crisis led to the zenith of the supermodel explosion. Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Tatjana Patitz took the place of the singer -- reluctant to appear in his own video -- and  lip-synched their way to iconic status in the clip directed by future friend of Facebook, David Fincher.

8. Nirvana -  "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video (1991) Marc Jacobs' landmark Grunge collection for Perry Ellis in 1992 may have led to his dismissal, but it also cemented the enormous cultural impact Kurt Cobain and Nirvana had inadvertently etched out for themselves thanks to the success of "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Till this day the sight of plaid inspires those famous first notes and the image of zombie cheerleaders dancing through my head.

9. Run-D.M.C. - "My Adidas" (1986) Hip hop has long been obsessed with fashion and material goods, but we wouldn't have Kanye "The Louis Vuitton Don" West rapping about haute couture if we didn't have Run D.M.C. extolling the virtues of their shell tops.

10. Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance" music video (2010) Gaga went from popstar to phenomenon on the heels of her Alexander McQueen armadillo shoes. The video stands as an homage not only to McQueen and his legacy, but to the woman most responsible for Gaga's amazing aptitude for reinvention: Madonna. And she's been paying homage ever since.

You'll be the most colorful gal at the derby in this stunning floral dress from Alice + Olivia. We love the rich hues, perfect for the transition from spring to summer.

The girls of Madison Harding know good shoes, which is why we love this two-tone platform wedge. Perfect for cheering on your feet or sitting back with a cocktail.

The Kentucky Derby is nothing without the elaborate hats involved, but something simple and pretty like this pink and white piece looks just as stunning if it's more your speed.

Get your equestrian on with a little edge thrown in for good measure. We love the tiny silver studs, tasseled chain and unbelievable price of this cool accessory.

Add a little elegance and jockey flare to your derby day look with this charming silk scarf. We are loving the colors and horse bit print.

How adorable is this teeny leather accessory? Wear it alone or stacked alongside your favorites.

Tiny pyramid studs add a fun edge to this ultimately elegant sterling silver and 18K gold bracelet, adorned with Lagos' famous Caviar beading.

Shield your eyes from the sun (and the sun from your hangover) with these oversized, three-tone gradient sunnies.

What's a mint julep without a classy silver cup from which to drink it? This set of 12 vintage julep cups is just what your party needs for that real southern feel.

“It’s an incredible achievement and means that people are paying close attention to the brand [Dior] when it speaks,” said Alex Mendoza of Stylophane, a company that monitors crap figures like this. “They have an incredible brand and they are saying things that are bringing people back.”

Dior’s 12 posts during the month of January racked up around 13,000 likes each. Other luxury brands who are popular with the kids today include Chanel with an average 7,200 likes per post (lpp), social media juggernaut Burberry, which averaged about 6,800 lpp and The Art of Travel by Louis Vuitton, clocking in almost 4,400 lpp.

And for more in-depth info, take a gander at this handy dandy chart of the top 10 brands:

 [WWD]

Chief creative officer Christopher Bailey and co. fired off a series of “Thank-yous” after hitting the milestone, which served as yet another technical triumph for the iconic label. In October, Burberry was ranked as the most digitally-competent brand with the highest digital IQ in an index created by NYU’s think tank, L2 Luxury Lab. And while there are other fashion brands with more Facebook friends — Victoria’s Secret has over 16 million and Converse over 21 million — they’re not trying to sell you a $1400 bag anytime soon. [Vogue UK]

Brooklyn-based Parlá is known for his distinctive style that blends calligraphy, collage, textures, and color in paintings that tackle politics, urbanization, current events and a slew of other complex topics.

To grace the special pairs of Converse, Parlá chose his painting “Ephemeral Pitches, and Notes, Rhythm and Phonetics,” which — inspired by abstract noises, music, rhythms, languages and sounds of cities — explores the constant changes to urban life. Those themes are particularly resonant for Parla, who grew up wearing Chucks as a kid.

To date, RED, (PRODUCT)RED and its partners, which include Gap, Apple, Hallmark, Starbucks and Nike, has raised nearly $180 million for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. And starting this Thursday, you can do your part to help — and get a fly pair of kicks in the process. The José Parlá for Converse (PRODUCT)RED Chuck Taylor All Stars — in both men’s and women’s sizes – can be yours for $100 at Converse First String retailers.

Suede and nylon come together for a lightweight, retro shoe designed exclusively for Urban Outfitters.

Choose a geometric design in either black and white or purple and orange from this Marimekko x Converse collaboration.

We love our Nike hi tops, especially this peachy pink, mesh-sided version.

An adorable collaboration with Converse All-Star, we can't get enough of this heart-faced logo.

Only for the haute headed, these silvery glittered and studded sneaks are as luxurious as they are comfy.

From the beginning of the 20th century, Converse has helped to define many milestone movements of the last 100 years. From Chuck Taylor‘s love of basketball to world badminton champion Jack Purcell and even to the American soldiers of World War II, Converse’s rubber sole has fit many a foot and role in recent history. Not only can you always get the classics from this iconic brand, but the clothing and accessories lines will keep you looking fly from head to toe.

How can you win one of 10 pairs of Converse sunglasses, seen in the gallery below? Tell us in the comments which favorite outdoor fall activity will require a bright and sunny pair of shades. As always, may the most fabulous commenters win.

Have questions about Converse? Visit the brand website or ask me on Twitter @CrystlMeatballs.

Lead ‘em in Litas by Jeffrey Campbell. Salute these Stars and Stripes booties at Solestruck.

1. Lucky Brand Lazy Days Macrame Tote, $71.20 – The perfect color and texture for a day at the beach.

2. Jack Spade Leather Flask, $125 -  Just in case there’s no booze around, you can bring your own.

3. Nalgene OTF Water Bottle, $12 – Alcohol and sun WILL dehydrate you and leave your skin looking nasty. Make sure to drink plenty of water.

4. Sun & Sand Yellow Striped Straw Hat, $20 – Sun protection never looked so chic.

5. Roxy Lucille Flip Flops, $22 – Cute and functional, these beaded sandals are the perfect boho footwear.

6. Assouline American Fashion Travel, $45 – Get inspired and plan your next trip while soaking up the sun.

7. Clarins Sunscreen Soothing Cream SPF 20, $37.50 – This anti-aging, water-resistant sunscreen soothes while it protects.

8. NARS Cosmetics Multi Protect Primer SPF 30, $39 – Fortified with anti-oxidants, this primer works both on and off the beach.

9. Norma Kamali Bill Embellished Halterneck Bikini Top and High-Waisted Briefs, $450/$4oo – You will be a siren in this gorgeous vintage-inspired two-piece.

10. Converse Backstage With The Band Sunglasses, $58 – Over-sized for ultimate sun protection and fab factor.

11. CALYPSO St. Barth Kimberly Dress, $195 – The perfect frock to throw over your bikini when it’s time for lunch on the boardwalk.

12. Marimekko Unikko Pink and Red Beach Towel, $85 – You’ll never lose your place in the sand with this bright towel as your guide.

If you have any questions about the items or brands shown above, tweet at me @CrystlMeatballs.

Front Man; Converse $59

Halford II; A-morir $400

Red Lines (Black Chain); Coco & Breezy $75

Original Wayfayer; Ray-Bans $159

Neon Aviator; Armani Exchange $49

Medium Aviator; Gucci $220

Sacrificer; Stevie Boi $170

Keyhole Sunglasses; Ralph Lauren $375

Kadena; Mosely Tribes $180

The Ferris Sunglasses; Quiksilver $99.50

Model 10.03; Activist $450

Brown Keyhole Sunglasses;  Topman $28

Limited Edition Wayfarer; John Varvatos $420

Rodeo Drives Designer Sunglasses; Palmer Cash $10

Mercury NB; Nooka $130

Picture this: A regular 70 something degree  summer day. You’ve planned a great day of doing nothing besides walking around the city and random errands. A great stylish and casual outfit can consist of:  a J. Crew tee, Balenciaga cargo shorts, Levi’s plaid shirt (preferably open) Converse Hi-tops, and an A|X watch.

As the day comes to an end you realize that you have a few events and parties to go to in the evening. Instead of going in for a completely new outfit an appropriate amount of layering and accessorizes will completely change the look. Button up the shirt and add a skinny tie. Add more texture and prepare for a slightly chilly night by addding a leather jacket like this McQueen.

With just that your semi shelpy outfit has become fit enough to take on the night world by storm. Assuming that you’re going to some awesome event and not a black tie affair.

Look Two: Classic Rock Revamp

The Re-Imagined Real Led Zeppelin Tee: A. Turen, $625

There are real vintage concert tees that range from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the pedigree of the shirt. This 1984 Led Zeppelin Swan Song shirt happens to be one of them, and Ashley Turen just happened to have owned it. And thus, she began deconstructing it to turn it into something flashier, given studs and paint and a pair of scissors. 70’s to 80’s is her specialty; find your all time fave.

The Non-Shredded Mini Skirt: Wicce, $190

Paired with the rockin’ concert shirt is a shredded lookin’ mini skirt. Those are no shreds though, for the skirt is comprised of thousands of tiny sequins, jumping from black to gray to give it that appearance. The concept behind Wicce, possibly pronounced witch, is that a woman is space that she must fill up with her own desires and imagination.

The Glam Scarf: We are Owls, $180

Something about this shirt evoked the glam rock vibes within me (all in attempts to get the Led out).  So I wrapped this abstract cheetah print scarf round my head and rocked on. Creators Connie Lui, Ling Chen and Emily Chen are inspired by the night, the time when the three with day jobs come together and work on more beautiful things.

The Golden Prayer Bracelet Strands: Louis Morais, $420

Slid onto Portugese prayer bracelets are beads of solid gold. I used to wear these little strands (minus the gold) when I discovered them in Paris several years ago, now they’ve got bling. Morais got his start when he saw a bracelet in a magazine he could not afford, so he made it himself. He has evolved into a maker of fine fun jewelry, and prides himself on quality materials. Find jewelry care tips on his website.

The Mother of Rock Star Necklace: Ann Dexter Jones, $1180

Mother of the Ronsons, Ann Dexter Jones makes jewelry about as cool as her kids. Only sold in A. Turen on the east coast, this collection has a broad sense to it: little gold engravings are shown alongside giant hanging stars like this.

The Wedged Non-Cons: Ash $150

Take the shoes I was wearing in yesterday’s Boutique Critique and throw a wedge on it. Yum.

Ready to rock? Go to:

A. Turen | 85 Stanton St (btwn Orchard and Allen), New York, NY | (212) 533-8200

Photography by Christopher Hall

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Oh you know, just chillin’ in the tub. Just another day at Fashion Indie.

Note how sweet they look not glowing (and how glowing we look). The frame’s translucence leaning slightly green – it’s a color I’d consider even if they didn’t glow. Seriously getting myself a pair of these Cons asap. You know what I’m thinking? Festival season. Oh yeah.

But like I said, wear them anywhere.

Thick brows. Thin frames. Cynthia Rowley $175

Go ahead, wear your sunglasses at night. Converse $59

Glow in the day. Fold in the pocket case. Burberry $250

Remade designer vintage. Yes, please. Paloma Picasso by Retrosun 160 GBP

Mr. Ford has crafted the new shape of aviators: the circle. Tom Ford $290

Yellow lenses make the world a brighter, happier place for you. Persol $360

Yellow frames make the world a brighter, happier place for everyone else. Urban Outfitters $16

Cat’s eye curves best in tortoise shell. Elizabeth and James $155

Earrings flying on the tips of chained arms – genius. House of Harlow $143

Outline jagged angles bright. Karen Walker $180

Antique feeling of traversing a desert in shades. Diane Von Furstenberg $165

Bright gold and dark green fusion swoop gracefully. Dolce and Gabbana $190

Cat’s eye dipped tip. Alexander Wang $325

Octagon. Stop. Clear. Go. Charles Anastase X Linda Farrow $355

Iridescent Cyclops shades have got you covered. Cheap Monday $30

Vintage round looks best ombré. Fill in the lens at SpexClub $58

Aviator shape, jetting in neon. Carrera $150

If you can get these Tiffany sunglasses, you already see the world through rose colored shades. Tiffany & Co coming soon

Frameless frames with Cleopatra bling. Versace coming soon

Started with eyebrows, ending with eyebrows. Off the chain, full circle. Laura Kranitz $54

*I discovered my pair in a thrift store in Ohio, and I found them on Karmaloop today. I felt fabulous in these cat’s eyes and I highly recommend you try them, too.

- First Lady of America, and my heart, Michelle Obama may have a new stylist after parting seams with Meredith Koop. One of Mo’s favorite go-to designers, Peter Soronen, told a panel at the New York Public Library‘s “Why Style Matters” discussion: ”We heard that she [Koop]‘s gone already. So I’m not even sure who it is right now.” But Soronen’s colleague, Ellen Carey, doesn’t rule out the return of Mrs. Obama’s original stylist, Ikram Goldman. However, if she doesn’t mind catsuits, sequins and being draped in a wild assortment of dead animals, I’m more than willing to take over as Michelle Obama’s stylist. [The Cut]

- The people of Japan finally have something to celebrate! After being barraged by the elements, they’re about to be besieged by couture. Givenchy and Converse have shacked up and the result are these totally bad-ass Chuck Taylors, available exclusively in Japan, where they will go on sale at Converse and Givenchy stores April 27th. [Style.com]

Macho, macho – fail.

Where to begin? Black fringe, silver studs and mini-lockets, oh my! CLEARLY, none of these elements belong on khaki-colored converse. That is – unless you’re 6-foot-ten, 250 and respond to “The Hammer.”

Just because there’s torrential rain falling from the heavens doesn’t mean it’s not summer.  Check the humidity that just won’t give up.  There’s no way you can wear a trench and if you try a rain slicker you’ll be spending a good ten minutes peeling that thing from your skin once you get inside.  And let’s not forget about the foolishness of wearing rain boots.  So here’s a handy little guide on beating the heat (and humidity) while also staying reasonably dry.

As much of a pain in the ass as it is to carry an umbrella around, it’s totally necessary.  You can find a huge variety of cheapies around the city.  Go to Chinatown, Muji, Macy’s, Barneys, or Brooks Brothers, all with umbrellas ranging from $3 to $50.  By using an umbrella, you don’t have to drop a huge amount of coin on a windbreaker which–let’s face it–probably isn’t waterproof anyways.  And what rain does make it through?  It’ll feel damn good.For your top, wear a thin cotton button down.  A t-shirt is liable to get wet and stick to your body and when it dries, it’ll be wrinkled and unsightly.  Furthermore, t-shirts are extremely constricting in this weather.  You’re basically asking to get hot and sweaty (and not in the good, Al Green way).  You can leave the top few buttons undone and allow the shirt to breathe around you.  If a good breeze hits, it might even inflate the shirt and you’ll feel like you’re parachuting/Puff Daddy in that one Ma$e video.  That’s always a plus…if you’re particularly immature like I am.

Concerning your bottom?  Don’t wear pants, guys.  Most young men likely to frequent Fashion Indie probably also wear slim or skinny pants.  Your legs are the most likely part of you that will get wet.  If they do and you’re wearing pants, you’ll be extremely uncomfortable and it will take forever to dry.  If you’re wearing loose pants, you will still be extremely uncomfortable and probably look half-retarded.  Think about it–you’ll have your pants plastered to your shins while the rest droops off to the back.  Not a good look.

Go with a pair of shorts–preferably of a solid, darker color.  We don’t want the rain to soak through and show your privates off now, do we?

Now for the most daunting task of summer rainwear: the shoes.  You can always go the flip-flop route, but if you’re in a walking city, you might find it ‘icky’ or ‘eww-ie’ to leave your feet so exposed to the inevitable puddles you’ll have to traipse through.  If you can’t buck up, go for shoes that will dry fast, you won’t mind tossing, and that don’t look like you’re wearing them for those exact reasons.

Try going with plimsolls or the always reliable Vans and Chucks.  Or get your old-school Bruce Lee on with a pair of espadrilles which are being pushed hard this summer.  The shoes that make the most sense to wear, however, are some genuine boat shoes.  Seeing as they’re made to be worn on a boat, they should serve you well in rainy weather.

Finally, carry a tote.  A backpack’s going to extend too far out from the umbrella and get soaked, a messenger bag is just going to make things hotter.  A tote, however, stays close to your side, is of a quick-drying material, allows for a variety of patterns and styles for cheap and, most importantly, can hold a surprising amount of goods.

So there you have it.  How to stay cool in the summer without burning a hole in  your wallet, the rainy day edition.  A roundup of one suggested outfit culled from this article’s linked pieces below.

1. Navy and White Totes umbrella from Macy’s, $25

2. J. Crew Secret Wash lightweight point-collar poplin shirt, $59.50

3. Topman blue smart shorts, $50

4. United Bamboo Skull Tote, $50

5. Cole Haan Air Yacht Club boat shoes, $56.64

TITLE LOVE: McArthur Joseph

LINK LOVE:sak x Converse First String 2010 Summer Collection

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Their recently issued Converse look really, really worn out. The Free People say that the sneakers have been hand ripped and washed to shred them as vintage-y as possible. Now if you ask me, I think we can find far better ways to spend $128 than this, not to mention that you old, torn Converse have a sentimental value, way more important than a hundred bucks a Converse-pair can bring. That’s just me. How about you? (via)

Recycling Your Old Converse

LINK LOVE:Recycling Your Old Converse

Willow, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, wore the Converse sneaker pants, which we wrote about early last year, on the red carpet to the 23rd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards. Would you guys wear these?

Images via Just Jared

LINK LOVE: Racked

Everyone needs a pair of simple, flat sneakers to knock around in, so why not put the Converse on the back-burner and try these basic, jazz-esque flats from Ladyboy. Constructed from canvas, these grey flats are the perfect alternative to the atypical basic sneakers you see everywhere.

Get it at: Oak

Bess is really good at taking your every common day product, adding some well planned out studs, and making it totally badass. I’ve never been a big Converse guy (they really hurt my feet), but I would totally rock these.

By far the best purchase you can make right now. 100% customizable Converse. With over 13 pieces of remixable sections, it’s not only the perfect get out of work activity, it’s also down right addictive.

LINK LOVE: Converse

I’m getting pretty sick of seeing every guy wearing Converse sneakers, so here is a great alternative to the classic high top sneakers. These awesome Oak kicks have the same vibe as Converse but in leather and suede with an awesome heel zipper detail. Sure, they’re not as cheap as Converse, but they sure as hell are cooler!

Get it at: Oak

Thanks Teen Vogue!

Chewbacca the Wookie is the proud model for the latest Converse campaign…wonder how much he got paid?

Image found on Fashionista

While a good majority of New York males have a decent sense of style, their shoe choices tend to revolve around dilapidated Converse, Nikes, Toms or Vans. But should I ever come across a guy rocking out the classically inspired, Southern California based Esquivel Shoes, I may very well kiss the ground he walks on. Made entirely by hand from the finest materials, veteran cobbler George Esquivel has dressed Grammy nominees to members of royal families with his stunning array of men’s dress shoes. Ranging from simple, classic oxfords to distressed lace-up boots, Esquivel has a shoe for every type of man whether he be sophisticated or flashy. So tell me, is there a Mrs. Esquivel, and if so, does she craft women’s shoes? I’ll cross my fingers! 

GALLERY: DESIGNER TO KNOW: Esquivel Shoes

Check out Esquivel Shoes here! 

Not sure exactly where I found these two, but I am so glad that I did (so much that I want to tell everyone I know, and all of you Indies that I don’t know about it).  Formally Tomás and Geraldine, these childhood friends have created one hell of a design team that puts LaChapelle at the end of the line.  Photographer and artist Tomi, and artist/illustrator/graphic designer/teacher Cherry reside in Argentina and are constantly creating the most insane work I’ve ever seen.   A big way these two are creating such off-the-wall work is because of their similar visions, and passion for art.  Tomi described to me:

 

“How we work together, is by doing everything side by side. We work together from the beginning designing and manufacturing the scenography’s, and also afterwards taking the pictures (deciding best angle for the shoots and illuminating a scene together). So we don’t credit our work separately as nowadays our knowledges are melting into each other more and more.. usually we credit as doing the photos together, as the final photo is the result of all the work previusly done. But it’s not like I’m specifically the photographer and Cherry the set designer.”

It’s weird to see a Chuck Taylor with an ankle strap (seems a little Nike Dunk), but I kindof like it.  I like the slim look of Chucks, and Converse decided to jump on the high-top ankle strap band wagon for fall.  Keep a look out for more colors.

SOURCE: High Snobiety

It doesn’t get more classic than this, Woolrich and Converse teamed up to create these Chucks for fall. They’re aren’t available yet, but look for them for back to school.  I love plaid, and grew up in the Midwest, so obviously I was around a lot of Woolrich, and I’ll definitely be picking up a pair of these come August.

SOURCE: High Snobiety

Is she seriously wearing that?  Lets start with how rough her hair looks…you aren’t living in that small vampire town anymore, THIS IS AN AWARDS SHOW.  Second, that Spiderman dress…um…? Maybe it would’ve been okay if it wasn’t fire-engine red and didn’t have that weird belt around it.  Finally, Converse? really? I know that young Hollywood is trying to convince the world that they can wear Converse with their $5,000+ dresses because they’re “too good” for Hollywood and they’re “just like everyone else” even though they make millions doing who knows what, but really…THIS IS AN AWARDS SHOW, suck it up and put on some heels, or at least flats.  You won’t have many more chances to go to awards shows after people realize that your movies aren’t good, so you might as well take advantage of designers handing you anything you want while you still can.

</rant>

IMAGE SOURCE: MTV.com

This season Comme des Garcons PLAY worked with Converse on a series of Chuck Taylors. They kept  it simple with the sneakers by only adding their red heart logo to the black and white Chuck Taylor Hi and Lo, now available at Bobos.

LINKAGE: highsnobiety

Converse has announced that they are discontinuing the Converse by John Varvatos women’s line (launched only 3 years ago), effective April 24.

This will not affect the men’s wear line: “We have a strong relationship with John and are planning to continue both the Converse by John Varvatos footwear and men’s apparel lines as part of our on-going commitment to the growth of Converse.”

So sad since we just talked to John regarding launching his own women’s line, guess that won’t be happening either.

LINKAGE: The Pipeline via FWD

Finally, a shoe “inspired by the Prince of Darkness!” I’m surprised it’s not black — but I guess the straitjacket motif makes up for that.

This Ozzy Osbourne-inspired Jack Purcell sneaker by Converse is only $100 and available at Converse.com.

You’ve got to give it up to a dude who can properly rock Martin Margiela. This fashionisto was spotted in Paris looking like he beat the shitake out of a runway model and grabbed his garb.

Wearing Martin Margiela, Paris

Jacket: Black MARTIN MARGIELA Belted Jacket

Shoes: White Sneakers

Sunglasses: Black MARTIN MARGIELA Sunglasses

T-Shirt: White CONVERSE T-Shirt

Tights: Black BOUDICCA Leggings

Photo By: Phil Oh

LINKAGE: Street Peeper

Help me out indies, I can’t make up my mind on these new shin hi boots by Converse. They look pretty cool I think, but I can’t really decide. I know that I like them way better than those annoying Hunter boots, and sorry Marc Jacobs, but your boots don’t cut it either. The things I do like about these boots are the soft top that could possibly allow for some slouching, and the buckles are a nice added touch. Let me know what you think indies.

Get your own pair at Flauge

Naturally distressed Converse sneakers are almost as sentimental as great grandma’s baked macaroni recipe passed down through several generations. The thing I love about seeing someone sporting a nice beat up pair of these kicks are the stories behind them…the tragic bleach spill at the laundromat, the pit bull who mistook the chucks for a steak, the mud pit at Lollapalooza. The stories are endlessly entertaining. So, why one earth would you buy Chucks that already have tears, stains and battered laces? Not only are you sacrificing the story behind the timeless sneaker, you resemble the loser who actually coughed up money for torn Abercrombie jeans! I despise this instant gratification era we live in and Converse is just feeding the flame by pre-beating their shoes. Really people, have some patience, take your time with a natural distressing process…Chucks aren’t going out of style anytime soon.

Thanks Arquivo Urbano!

Deadheads of the world rejoice; you can now access a pair of trainers stamped with the imprimatur of The Grateful Dead.

The legendary hippie-era band, formed in San Francisco in 1965 and regarded as ‘the pioneering godfathers of the jam band world’, has joined forces with Converse.

The band has recreated its famed, psychedelic ‘Dancing Bears’ artwork as an eclectic, colourful print on the canvas upper which is based on the original Chuck Taylor silhouette.

The trainers, in a black/red/blue/yellow colour scheme, are priced from pounds sterling 44.99, from the Converse Store at UK Size 6-11, Carnaby Street, London W1 (020 7287 4016; www.converse.com.

-Via Telegraph

An interesting version of the All Star Ox has just been released – a clear, transparent version. Guess now you must be very careful with your sock choices…

Thanks Highsnobiety

I guess this girl threw on everything white in her closet...must have been the day before Labor Day.

Frumpy plaid is chic? I saw her dad wear that shirt yesterday.

Vogue...why would you advocate people who wear high-waisted jeans the WRONG way? She looks like she's going to pick up the kids at soccer, or drop them off at the pool. Take your pick.

Congratulations! You look like every other tourist who visits New York City in the fall!

Wait. So you're telling me that if I wear a raincoat and leggings I'll make an appearance on Vogue.com? Game on!

A t-shirt. A pair of jeans. Some Converse. How is this "Street Chic" worthy?

I can hear "Dueling Banjos" in the background. Yuck.

Sorry Vogue…please don’t let this bash jeopardize my internship application come next fall…please.

Okay, is it just me or is Drew Barrymore (whose definitely pushing 40) trying a bit too hard to appear…youthful. I mean, she was just juggling the “I’m a Mac” guys balls in her mouth and now she’s channeling her inner grungette by sporting dual toned, missmatched Converse on the streets. I can’t stand this look cause it screams of inner angst, a look that’s only cool when your 13-16 and your parents refuse to drive you to the mall, of course in the normal youths lifespan this ends when you get your license. In Drews, it seems like it’ll never go away.

?BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM A slim-looking Drew Barrymore spends the day with a mystery man. First, they grab a coffee at the Coffee Bean near the Hollywood Walk of Fame (and surprise a few tourists). Then, they go to a hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant in Silverlake. On the way out, both are seen carrying fortune cookies. Did the cookies predict love in their future? NON-EXCLUSIVE October 5, 2008 Job Code: 81005D13 Los Angeles, California www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

I met Ricky Powell last year shortly after moving to New York and had no clue who he was.

I guess I was never in the right scene to be super familiar with his work, but I can know respect him as a pioneer in his field.

Before hip-hop became mainstream and more or less a caricature of itself, street photographer Ricky Powell, was the independent. He was a major player in documenting the rise of hip-hop culture (think the mid-80s New York of Run DMC and the Beastie Boys). Powell still keeps busy shooting artists, events and ad campaigns, hosting a public access show, publishing photography books, and writing a column for Mass Appeal. He has done some collaborations with clothing companies like Converse, and has even been immortalized in the Beastie Boys song “Car Thief.”

Tomorrow night, the Rickster invites you to view his private work that chronicles decades of works. His Apt. A collection, which will run for the next two months, features Powell’s shots of legendary artists at a pivotal time in New York street culture.

Signed pieces will be available through SHQ.

Apt. A also marks the beginning of the Rick Powell World Tour 2009.

Gram.

D.A.T.E.

Schmoove.

Y-3 by Adidas.

Sneaky Steve.

Why do guys commonly use the term “high-tops” to mean the classic Converse sneakers or the recently popular Nike Dunks? You can never go wrong pairing your black Converse with a pair of raw denim straight legs, a black button-up and a few accessories here and there. And we all know how versatile those Nike Dunks can be…a red and black pair to match your plaid or even neons to go with all of your hiliter yellows, oranges and greens. But take a look around…your brother, your cousin, your best friend’s uncle’s ex-wife’s son’s next-door neighbor ALL have these shoes. I assure you, there are other high-top options out there!

Above are a few pairs I came across while searching Ssense and Revolve Clothing. Although these high-tops are rather similar to the designs and concepts of Converse and Nike Dunks (slim fit, aeration pores, ankle laces) they have enough detail and flare to make them unique. Depending on the brand and material, these shoes can set you back anywhere from $100-$400…but it beats looking like every other Beatle band reject and fake NBA star out there!

How cute is this Varvatos/Converse ad with Daisy Lowe? Daughter of Gavin Rossdale, Daisy has surely been making a name for herself in the fashion world.

Thanks DivisionStreet for the pic