style is life

Dear Kimea,

I’m having a fashion dilemma that I hope you can help me with. I recently made a dubious purchase while on a trip to the mall with a friend (a trip that may have included a few martinis at lunch). Anyway, I am now the proud owner of a pair of bubble pink runners. My sister says I am far too old for such whimsical footwear; she had the nerve to call me “hip hop kid”! Am I too old for these kicks? If I’m not, what in the world should I wear them with? Should I stop having drinks at the mall?

Help,
Mitchell

Ah, the old A&S conundrum. Alcohol and shopping is a dangerous combination, for me anyway. Stop having drinks at the Mall? Never! Much like you Mitchell, I have many such stories to my credit; thankfully they’re locked away in the vault, never to be revealed. Now I’m not a running shoe wearer myself, I try and wear my heels as often as possible as I’m terrified of being short. There’s a lot to say about height phobias (BTW, wink wink– I don’t have one). Being in the tall girl club is very important to me, even if I’m just pretend tall. Forgive the sidebar but I tend to veer off course, back to your questions. This look may not be at the top of my list but I do have an appreciation for all aspects of style and I also have a tremendous amount of respect for those who do this look well. To best answer your main question, I had to think of the person I know that does this look best. After referencing your picture and after much pondering Vanessa came to mind, she’s an avid Converse wearer and always looks the picture of cool. Stealing from her style (all the best ideas are stolen), may I suggest a pair of distressed Skinnies in grey or ash paired with a black T, try one with something cheeky written on the front, untucked. If you’re going for Funk you can add a Bowler, I suggest something straw or straw-like, the tan/nude hue is very HOT right now. Throw in a studded bracelet to complete the look. If you want to stay understated forget the Bowler, a long strap handbag is your best bet, something retro. I say hit up Kensington Market, something circa 1986ish should do the trick. As for your age like Aaliyah said waaaaay back in the day, “age ain’t nothing but a number”. I would however leave the word “kicks” to teenagers, twenty year olds and Basketball players. Have Fun!

5 Responses to “Ask Kimea: A Converse Conundrum”