CHUCK TAYLOR + HONESTLYKATE

Top: English Factory / Skort: Free People  / Shoes: Converse High Tops

Photography by Meg Niemann | @MSNPhotography

If you know me, you know that I’m completely Chuck Taylor obsessed! One of my favorites looks ever is pairing a really girly frilly outfit with high top converse shoes! It gives you more of a tomboy look even with an outfit that’s extremely girly and fun. Although the converse shoe is nothing out of the ordinary, I still find the history behind the shoe fascinating. The Converse Rubber Shoe Company was created by Marquis Mills Converse in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts. In 1917, the company designed the All Star. The shoe was composed of a rubber sole and canvas. It was designed to be an elite shoe for the professional basketball league. In 1921, American basketball player Charles “Chuck” Taylor joined a basketball team sponsored by the Converse Company called The Converse All Stars. Taylor held basketball clinics in high schools all over the county and while teaching the fundamentals of the game, he sold the All Star shoes. As a salesman and athlete for the company, Taylor also made improvements to the shoe he loved. His ideas for the shoe were designed to provide enhanced flexibility and support and also incorporated a patch to protect the ankle. Although Chuck Taylor All-Stars vanished from the professional basketball scene completely by 1979, they continued to flourish in popular culture and fashion.

            The outfit I’m wearing above is not only girly and fun, but it is also extremely affordable! I’ve always had a niche for finding inexpensive pieces that look more expensive then they are. The moment I found this top and skirt I knew I would wear them a millions times. This has been my summer go to look!

I’m also completely obsessing over “skorts” (cross between a skirt and shorts) these days… “We’re bringing skorts back.. WHAT”... I’ve always loved a great skort because you can get away with the shorter length of the skirt without feeling or looking inappropriate! You can also dress up a skort up or down. A skort is most definitely a party in the front and business in the back. It can look sophisticated or laid back!

Let me know what other looks you think will come back in style!

X kt