I’m not going to lie. I used to hate sneakers, and we’re not talking casual hatred here. I mean loathe with disgust–I refused to wear them even as a kid because I thought they made me look like, well, a kid. Specifically a babyish one who was unable to sneak out in her mother’s heels without said mother noticing and putting a stop to that. Other than when I was forced to wear them–for gym class–any sneakers I owned would stay in the far recesses of my closet. As an adult, I also felt the same way. Other than when using my elliptical or taking out the trash, the clumsy looking, cushy feeling things served no purpose as far as I was concerned. Though I will admit the comfort they offer is hard to resist as is the canvas-y cuteness of the Converses and Chucks rocked by many hipsters, sneaks were still, simply, just not me.
Until recently that is, and for a couple of reasons. The first is that my feet have finally begun to feel the effects of many years of abuse caused by the daily wearing of high heels. (As grandma warned me would happen, not that I listened.) Then there’s the second reason, which is a desire to be able “dress down” certain outfits. So as a result, I’ve begun noticing–and admiring–some, rather many, sneakers. In fact I recently invested in a pair–a high heeled off-white canvas pair–which did nothing to help my aching tootsies. But well, what can I tell you, it was the baby step I obviously needed since it led to my current desire for something else–actual flat, practical sneakers that don’t hurt, even after walking around a while. But of course…. they still have to be chic. Fortunately, this year, there seems to be no shortage of cute sneaks that come in all solid colors of the rainbow in high top and low top and they’re also available in all kinds of patterns from leopard to American flag to my favorite classic warm weather staple–floral.
Pictured here are a few floral sneaker designs that recently caught my eye during a recent Google search.
Starting from top left clockwise: Keds, Wet Seal, Converse All-Star, Kate Spade
In other news, voting is still open for a design contest I entered–Modcloth’s Make the Cut competition. My dress (pictured) is one of 30 finalists and well, I am currently getting clobbered by other contestants who I’m pretty sure have legions of Facebook friends. So if you could vote for me (you can vote once a day through Monday evening) I would be incredibly grateful. The way it works is the link takes you to a page where you “like” Modcloth on Facebook. Then you vote for the dress, which is also done on Facebook. Voting would count for a giveaway I’m holding with the prize being a custom portrait of YOU. (I checked Modcloth’s rules and they don’t seem to mention any problem about people encouraging votes through giveaways.) You can find details of the giveaway in this recent post.
This post is linked to Alexandra’s Sunday Sketches artist group. Stop by if you want to check out some art by people ranging from beginner to pro-level.
I’ve been wanting to get me a pair of sneakers to match my mood rather than just for the purpose of exercise. I’m liking those high-tops.
Thank you for your comment about the zines. I am realizing now just how much work it is to put one together.
So lovely sneakers, Amazing colors.
Parfum pas cher
Lovely illustration! I’d certainly be willing to vote for you!
I love patterned sneakers, as well. They add such an unexpected joy to any outfit.
Beautiful! I want a pair!
OH THESE ARE AMAZING!!!! love your work!!!
I own one pair of sneakers for exercise only. I do worry about my feet and have been looking for flatter shoes that I actually like, I could make an exception for floral sneakers…I have never seen them. I have always felt converse looked better on anyone other than me.
Besides heels make my legs look better…so they say and I need all the help I can get! 🙂
J’aime beaucoup loes sneakers!!!Super!!!
Angela Donava
http://www.lookbooks.fr
Sabina, I love love love LOVE your shoes! Wow. How incredibly good. I love the detail. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us again this week.
Hey Alex–How are you feeling?
Hi Sabina, I love flat shoes for comfort but oh boy do I love my high heels. My Nan was still wearing her heels at 91years old.
Such a lovely post, going to tweet about this later @clothesmaiden 🙂 xo
http://www.theclothesmaiden.com
Aw thanks, Steff!
I have hated sneakers my whole life too!!! And I’m old!! I especially hate white ones and only ever had one pair for work when I was pregnant…however they were hardly worn when a friend took them. I do however love chucks on everyone but me!!! My daughter always had a pair of cute colored high tops. Those above are cute, your illustrations are fabulous…but I still only like high top chucks!! I was a high heel girl, now I like wedgies!!
Great post!!
Hugs Giggles
Your snicker fashion illustration is amazing. Blessings!
Voted for you ~ Good Luck ~ namaste, ~ love your style ^_^
I am not a sneaker girl either…. but I may be swayed come summer by some floral numbers… they look very summery and inviting… maybe it is time to venture over to the dark side and get some as well.. if you can I can right???
I love the floral high tops! I have stayed away from sneakers for years now, though as a preteen tomboy I used my hole-y ripped up high tops as a statement. Now, though, I have been in the mood for some girly high tops. I think you have surely made up my mind!
xx
Lynn
I always looked a bit daft in converse – I liked the boat shoe variety. These ones are really cool. Love the floral patterns they are using – you captured them so well.
how lovely! I’ve enjoyed looking through your most recent posts here…you have such a talent and eye for design! Very fun! I’d love to have any pair of those sneakers! 🙂
Those sneakers are so pretty and cute!
Love this! I’ve had every color of sneaker in the rainbow but never floral…maybe it’s time! Great blog, too…I’ve enjoyed exploring.
I love canvas sneakers and your sketches with floral design are so cute! I’m not on facebook, but I’ll try to vote anyway! Good luck in the contest!
Hey Debbie. Voting is only through Facebook, but you could vote through someone else’s account if they don’t mind. And thanks for the support!
Your illustrations make them look so pretty but despite spending most of the 1980s in Converse I can’t bear to wear them no, they are just too flat and agony on my arthritic joints which is dead annoying as the floral ones are stunners! x
I hate high heels always have; could never wear more than one inch and even that hurt my back…so sneakers are FINE with me!!! And the ones you have drawn and painted here are so darn cute. I love the high tops and would even at my age (eighth decade) wear black Converse as dress shoes if I found them in my size. (5)!
good luck with your competition!!!