I think I got my first pair of Converse when I was a freshman in high school. They were purple. Since then, I've gone through who knows how many pairs, replacing them when they become threadbare and the heels are worn down to the ground. (Pictured above are the three pairs I currently have in rotation, 2 of which are about ready to be retired.)

I usually stick with black and white, but I thought it would be fun to play around with the new "design it yourself" function on the Converse website to create a colorful pair. It's so much fun! You can get wacky with the colors, and can customize everything from the color of the laces to the color of the racing stripe. You can even add your name to the back. They cost a little more than normal ($60) but proceeds go towards the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, so you can rest assured that the money you're spending on your new kicks will be supporting a good cause.