I had my doubts about posting a pair of dirty Converse,... though they may not be very pretty or characteristically chic, they are a staple in many Parisian/European wardrobes (sitting comfortably beside dainty Repettos and Tropeziennes). This particular pair belongs to my friend, Florence, who visited the States last week from Paris (she's the one puzzled by large sneakers worn by cutely outfitted NYC women. Obviously Converse don't fall into that category).
What I love about this pair of shoes is that their life consists of climbing Paris' crowded metro stairwells and roaming her grand boulevards and lush sprawling gardens; lingering around buskers playing along the Seine and tapping to their swooning melodies. As they sat in my living room last week, Flo's worn and beloved Converse, I couldn't help but realize the dirt trapped in their soles were remnants of Paris herself...
p.s. This is not a personal or paid endorsement for Converse.
Cute title, Catherine! I always think about the Paris dirt that is left of my shoes when I come home. It almost seems a shame to remove authentic traces of Paris when I treasure everything about the city. Although I know Converse would be so much more comfortable for strolling in Paris, I still can't bring myself to wear them in such a chic city. This year's footwear of choice was a pair of riding boots that were comfy and stylish - great for my trips in January and March.
ReplyDeleteUnderstood Melinda - being the fashion maven that you are! I on the other hand find great consolation in the no-heeled comfort (and respectable enough chic :) of Converse (either way, we both get to take home artifacts of the City of Light!) btw, I love all the tickets and receipts and paraphernalia you shared from your recent trips...
DeleteWhile those Repettos are always-lovely, I love the look of this pair and the rich personal "history" they hold for you - not to mention they are a classic shoe, period (and loving the pun on words in your title:) Comfort is foremost:) I'm thinking maybe some classic Bensimons might also be comfy for all those urban adventures!
ReplyDelete(Also, LOL at your boys going through all the Nutella:)
Guess it's my incurable desire to reflect on the past (and dirt for goodness sakes! :) Bensimons are a wonderful suggestion/alternative for comfortable shoes Lulu! They're so cute, but alas when I tried them on, my too wide feet cramped their style ;) Thank you for the title love!
DeleteThese are photos are beautiful. I have always thought of converse as very classy. Last summer, my boys were outfitted in them as well as Adidas Sambas for a wedding. It was outdoors and not in a church and I thought they looked fetching in them: shorts, ties and good old chuck taylors. I love knowing that converse are worn by Parisians. It makes me feel like I have a slight pulse on european fashion. And again, these photos are stunning. xxoo
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you Rebecca :) I can picture your sweet boys in their stylish wedding outfits, Converse and all....cool, classic and rather chic :) xo
DeleteGreat title, Catherine! Converse seem to have taken over the Parisian streets these days - it is funny to see how "old" fashion items keep coming back in the spotlight. It is an eternal "recommencement"! Just the other night, I went out carrying one of my grandma's clutches... Another example of a successful come-back!
ReplyDeleteSo true Daydreamer, classic styles never really go out of style... Bet you were très chic carrying (and nobody could tell) Mamy's clutch :) I would love to raid my grandmother's closet in the Philippines if I could...
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