Chuck Taylor played basketball semi-pro in the first few years of his career. Unsatisfied by the shoes available to play the game, he took interest in the shoes made by Converse All-Star. He still did not think they were perfect enough for playing basketball. His next actions changed the course of basketball and of course, the company. Taking up the challenge, he worked on designing and selling shoes for basketball.
The design: He wanted to make shoes that were flexible enough to allow the players to move about freely. The sole is of brown rubber while the front is of white rubber. This is to help players keep grip on the court. The rest of the converse, covering the foot, is made of cotton canvas. The intention was to make the shoe move along with the sweaty socks and at the same time, avoid blisters. The patch on the ankle serves more purpose than to just show the logo. It consists of a minor padding to prevent the players from bruising. It was the first shoe of its kind.
The struggle: A hell of salesmen, he introduced this new line of shoes within the basketball community. He was very well connected to the members of the basketball association. This caused the sales of the All-Star Converse to skyrocket in 1920. By 1932, Chuck Taylor was so famous for his contribution that an entire line of shoes were named after him. Thus the All-Star Chuck Taylor Converse we so love and flaunt was born.
He was a man devoted to the cause. Word of the Converse company based in Massachusetts soon spread all over America. The credit goes to the man himself. He wasted no time in traveling from one state to another with no permanent address to his name. Chuck Taylor made no royalties off the millions of shoes sold in his name.
He was not done yet: He did not stop there. He was behind the invention of the ‘stitchless’ basketball. This made it much easier for players to hold and control the ball. He promoted basketball internationally and helped in making it an Olympic sport.
In his time, all the basketball players wore Converse Chuck Taylor. They were so popular that people bought them just to own a pair themselves. At a point, All-Star owned 80% of the sneakers market. Soon there were several companies coming up with different designs as well. All based on the original Chuck Taylor model. Soon after he retired, Nike bought All-Star. However, they remained true to the cause and did not stop manufacturing the Converse.
The Chuck Taylor’s name was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. There are several new brands around but none like Chuck Taylor’s version of Converse. Converse Chuck Taylors are now considered a collector’s item.
Fashion is a powerful tool that can enhance confidence and transform one’s overall appearance. While it’s easy to assume that looking fabulous requires a hefty budget or a personal stylist, the truth is that with a few smart fashion hacks, one can achieve a stylish and effortlessly glamorous look. Here are some fashion hacks for men and women that will help them elevate their style game and look fabulous for any occasion.
Fashion hacks for women
Fashion hacks for men
An essential aspect of dressing up is feeling youthful and vibrant. Dressing fashionably can enhance one’s mood and boost confidence. Moreover, staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends can enable one to shed their comfort zone and explore the intriguing world of fashion. However, some common mistakes can end up making the look feel contrived and overdone. Thus, here are some mistakes to avoid to achieve a young and trendy look:
Wearing ill-fitting clothes
Wearing properly fitting clothes is essential to accentuate one’s figure, which facilitates a young and modern look. For example, wearing well-fitting trousers can make one appear well-toned; hence, it is best to try out jeans and trousers of different sizes and purchase only those that fit well.
Pairing sneakers with casual wear
Wearing sneakers or running shoes is a good idea if one is engaging in athletic activities. However, pairing sneakers with casual wear like skirts and jeans, even for regular outings, can limit one’s options considerably. Footwear plays a significant role in enhancing one’s overall look. Although sneakers are typically comfortable, it helps to check out other types of comfortable yet fashionable footwear, including trendy flip-flops, slip-on loafers, huarache sandals, and strappy pumps.
Owning a wardrobe that represents a bygone era
Long beaded necklaces and bell bottoms may facilitate a great retro look, but wearing only such outfits can cause one to look old-fashioned. It is important to embrace changing trends and find a sweet spot that strikes the perfect balance between one’s personal dressing choices and preferences and the current fashion trends. While one may own a couple of outfits and accessories from a bygone decade, having a diverse and up-to-date wardrobe can ensure a young and happening look.
Using clothes to hide signs of aging
For example, trying to conceal wrinkles by wearing only high-neck and collared clothes can limit one’s choices. Furthermore, such clothes may not suit every occasion. It helps to opt for other subtle but effective ways to steer attention from certain parts of the body. For example, wearing longer necklaces like the opera-style and lariat-design necklaces, which fall below one’s chest and belly button, respectively, can act as excellent pieces of everyday jewelry and can subtly steer attention from the neck.
Wearing only black
While black has an indubitable charm of its own, wearing only black from head to toe can pass off a rather dull and boring look and take away from the radiance of one’s complexion. It helps to pair black with other colors, such as a black top with blue jeans or vice versa. Wearing a deep-neck black top can also ensure that the monotony is broken by the skin showing. Finally, one may pair black outfits with vibrant accessories.
Overlooking the importance of fashionable spectacles
If one wears eyeglasses, there is a lot that can be done with them to make or break an outfit. Wearing outdated spectacles can single-handedly bring down the appeal of one’s look. Conversely, certain basic tips for wearing eyeglasses can significantly elevate one’s style. For example, it is recommended to pick glasses with frames, as a variety of elegant frames is available today. Moreover, frames can help subtly conceal any wrinkles or dark circles around the eyes. The best bet is to look for trendy frames that match one’s outfit or opt for a classic style that matches most looks.
Not picking undergarments carefully
Panty lines are often overlooked, but they can spoil one’s look considerably. For example, thin-laced panties are good choices for light-colored trousers, as these can prevent panty lines from being seen. Visible bra straps, or bra straps contrasting the ensemble’s colors, can also work against an appealing look. Finally, wearing a bra of the wrong size can cause one’s breasts to appear saggy. Thus, it is important to purchase the right undergarments and coordinate them appropriately for each outfit.
Not going for the right make-up
Make-up is an essential aspect of one’s look. The color and brand of make-up one wears can determine whether a look is trendy or outdated. For instance, applying too much foundation or setting powder to hide wrinkles can cause one’s face and neck to appear cakey. Rather, it helps to master the various effective techniques of make-up application so that wrinkles and blemishes are not obvious, but one’s overall appearance is not affected. Moreover, choosing lipsticks of the right color and type is essential to stay trendy. Investing in lip primers and balms can prevent chapped lips and facilitate a smooth surface for the lipstick. Matte lipsticks may cause the lips to look thinner and flatter. Hence, it is advisable to opt for dewy lipsticks for a young and chic look.
Every aspect of one’s look, including accessories, make-up, footwear, and jewelry, is essential to complete the picture. Jumping onto trend bandwagons or sticking to an outdated wardrobe can prevent one from being fashionable. The best bet is to purchase outfits and accessories that are comfortable while being classy and trendy. Today, the online retail market has ensured easy access to various types of clothing, accessories, and footwear, opening up a world of opportunities for aspiring fashionistas. Exploring the latest trends and researching products by different brands can help broaden one’s horizons and can be a wonderful experience for personal growth too.