Converse Holiday 2010 Collection Sneak Peek

Even the staunchest of stiletto lovers needs a break from sky-high heels once in a while, and when she craves comfort over Christian Louboutin, more often than not she reaches for a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors. The ubiquitousness of Chucks has always baffled me as I've never owned a pair myself. So when the PR folks behind Converse invited me to a media preview of their 2010 holiday collection, I accepted, thankful for the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.

The Wrapping Paper collection

There were Chucks: high-tops, low-tops, in all colours of the rainbow, in canvas and leather, with the classic sole or the more streamlined Slim and Light silhouettes. Jack Purcell sneakers were also plentiful. But the most interesting shoes there were the ones that ventured into new design territory. They experimented with different fabrications (shine, sequins, textured leather, quilting, felt, flannel) and design details while still maintaining Converse's signature styling.

The Slim leather high-tops and oxfords

Vancouverites who hate how rain can soak their canvas Chucks in minutes should pick up a pair of the Slims in tan or gray textured leather. For days when there's light snow on the ground, Converse boots are guaranteed to keep you from slipping and your feet warm with their sturdy treads and cozy fabrications.



And for the little ones, adorable animal-themed Converse sneakers make great gifts.



Thanks to the generosity of Converse, I now have a pair of black canvas Chucks to call my own. It's always interesting how people can wear a pair of Chucks which are nearly identical to someone else's pair but do it in a way consistent with their own style. So how did I wear mine?

• Earrings (Swarovski)
• Tie-neck blouse (H&M)
• Sweater (Joe Fresh)
• Jeans (Mavi)
• Sneakers (Converse, obviously!)

Are you a Chucks fan? How do you wear yours?