#Rubber Soled Canvas Shoes

[fallenangelkitten]

Déjà-vu

Synopsis: While living your daily life, you meet a stranger that seems to flip your world on its axis.

Warnings: angst, kissing, cuteness

Notes: while writing this I felt magic running through my veins and into my fingertips. Genuinely one of my favorite pieces.

She walked through the square to make it to the side walk across the street. The thick, rubber soles of her vans sloshed against the puddles that still lingered on the concrete. It hadn’t rained in quite a few days, but large clouds still flooded the sky and shielded the sun.

She didn’t mind.

Dreary, rainy days had always been her favorite.

Even as she stepped into a deeper puddle- one that soaked through the canvas of her shoes.

It wasn’t every day she came to this little coffee shop, but it was damn near close. She always claimed the third booth to the right, the one pressed into the corner of the café. She always ordered the same drink- an iced matcha. Always iced, no matter how crisp and cool the air was.

As she pulled the door open, a man stepped out. His brown curls flopped over his forehead, blue eyes locking with hers as he opened his mouth to apologize.

But the words never left him; they sat caught in his throat as he stared down at the woman.

She watched as his eyes widened to the size of her own. Shock fell through her as her mind swept to find any memory of him. Any explanation. Any moment of clarity.

There was none.

But the way he looked at her. The familiar way his eyes traveled over her face, searching. She felt as though she had seen him do it a thousand times before.

Their eyes stayed locked as he stepped aside to let her through. As the door closed behind them, they had to glance through the glass.

“Welcome in, (Y/N)! I was wondering when you would be by,” said the older woman behind the counter. Miss Humfry owned the little store, and adored her. She always slipped her muffins and pastries on the side.

She finally turned away from the door. “H-Hi, Miss Humfty!” She forced a smile upon her face to not cause her any worry. “Just the usual, please.”

“Of course, dear. Go ahead and go sit, I’ve got it from here.”

The green pleather was beginning to crack from wear, but it didn’t bother her. She had always admired old things. She always picked the most worn book at a second hand store. Always chose the sweaters that were just beginning to fray at the cuffs.

The man slid into the seat in front of her- into her booth.

That same dizzy feeling resurfaced inside her.

His blue eyes locked onto hers, causing her to grip at the seat. “I’m very sorry to disturb you, but I have to ask,” he took a deeper breath. “Have we met before?”

His eyes roamed… searching again.

Her head felt like it was spinning.

He came back.

“I, um. I don’t believe so. But-”

He cut her off. “We’ve never met?”

“Honestly?” She asked. His brow cocked up in response. “I don’t know. It feels as if we have. But I… I would remember someone like you.”

Embarrassment flooded her cheeks.

He looked as if he was going to speak, but Miss Humfry was there with the order in hand. “Here you go, (Y/N).” She set her iced matcha and a scone onto the table. “Oh, my! On a date, I see. I’ll leave you to it.” She winked towards her and was on her way before either of them could correct her.

She kept her eyes fixed on her breakfast.

“(Y/N) is it? That’s,” he cleared his throat. “That’s beautiful.”

She didn’t know what to say, so she muttered a thank you and took a sip of her drink.

Only a moment had passed. “I feel like I do remember you. I don’t know from where and I don’t know how, but I do.”

Her eyes flicked up. She couldn’t help but focus on the small patch of brown in one of his irises.

She sucked in a sharp breath of air as his knee brushed hers. There was a current, a shock. One she could feel through the thick fabric of her jeans, one that made her heart flutter.

His eyes widened as the words fell from his lips. “I should go.”

And he did. He was gone as quickly as he had fallen into her booth.

Her mind was racing as she abandoned her food and ran after him. The air had become cooler and a drizzle made its way down from the sky. She raked a hand through her hair.

“Wait!” She called out.

He wasn’t very far ahead of her, and he turned. She could tell from the furrow of his brow that he hadn’t expected her to follow him. She ran towards his direction, stopping just a few feet from where he stood. Dew coated his hair, his cheeks, the tip of his nose.

She took a few steps forward.

She was close enough that she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze. His lower lip was pulled between his teeth as his eyes flicked between hers and her mouth.

As her head moved closer towards his.

As he pulled his lip from between his teeth.

As she only slightly pressed her own against them.

She was still spiraling and the dizziness had faltered, but the arm that snaked around her waist made it all so much easier. For the first time in a long time, she felt grounded without the feeling of being stuck. It’s as if her feet were just touching the ground.

Even though the daze she’d seemed to be compelled into.

His lips pressed more fully against hers as she folded her arms around his neck. He pulled her into him; her touch his only drug.

Each time his tongue moved against hers- lips molded to the others, teeth nibbling- a new wave of static flowed through them.

An electricity that ignited them.

But it didn’t feel new.

It was something as old as time itself.

[shaanks]

I wrote something. Lmfao. It was initially just meant to kind of expand on my text post from earlier, but it turned into a little ficlet so I figured I'd share it. Why not, right?

fem!oc x Eustass Kid. sfw, cw: memory loss, unreality. (everything will be tagged in the actual tags section for blacklisting purposes)

word count - 2392

genres: hurt/comfort, horror if you squint, fluff towards the end, modern AU for the aesthetic lmfao.

**

There was a sound like an explosion, the blare of a car horn wailing over screaming metal, the scent of rubber hot and acrid in the air. In the light of the vending machine, Av jumped, whirling around, air catching in her throat only to find—nothing.

The street behind her was empty, devoid of everything but the blinking yellow of a streetlight, and the gentle pattering of rain. The asphalt was pristine, the clean lines slick with rain shone gold in the intermittent light, the sidewalk empty of trash, of age, of anything that might suggest human interaction.

Av craned her neck, head half-turned away from the bright white glow of the machine, looking up at the apartments around her. Neat, identical rows, 10 across, 10 high. All of the windows were darkened, the curtains drawn; each balcony held one or two suggestions of an occupant—a hanging plant here, a chair there, the peek of a bike seat or a laundry line extended across the space, but it was impersonal. Nondescript. A facsimile of habitation, without any indication of personhood, of decision, of individuality.

She looked down, frowning at her shoes, the light of the vending machine ever-present in her periphery. Her sneakers, at least, looked old. Well-worn, if a little plain, the white soles marked with dirt and use. She could see that the shoelaces were wet from the rain, could feel the water soaking through the threadbare canvas, her fingertips grasping at her jacket sleeves in absent concern. That was real. She felt real. Beneath her the ground felt solid, her face felt cool and damp in the slight breeze.

But what had made that sound? Another glance behind her confirmed the space to be empty still, and she hadn’t heard anything else. No voices raised in alarm, no distant car alarms blared to life, jostled by the impact—or what she had assumed must have been one. The night seemed undisturbed, save for the pounding of her heartbeat, just a little too loud in her ears.

Worrying at her lip, she turned back towards the glass display case, eyes flickering along the rows of drinks for sale. Black coffee with sugar, black coffee with no sugar, coffee with cream, with sweet cream. Six different energy drinks, a glass bottle of 7-UP that looked like it was from 30 years ago, and a solitary bottle of unlabeled water.

Surely that sound had been important, hadn’t it? It had been real enough to make her ears ring, to spike adrenaline through her like a live-wire.

Black coffee with sugar, black coffee with no sugar, coffee with cream—

Av frowned deeper, digging around in her pocket for the soft pack of cigarettes and her lighter. She was forgetting something, she knew she was, something that fluttered infuriatingly around the edges of her mind like a disoriented moth. She slotted the cigarette between her lips, the paper filter sticking slightly from the damp, the flame of the lighter momentarily adding a heat and warmth to the night that felt almost alien.

Smoke filled her lungs, hot and acrid like burnt rubber.

Six different energy drinks, a glass bottle of 7-UP that looked like it was from 30 years ago—

Inhale, exhale, plumes of breath and smoke that rose from her lips towards the dreary, impenetrable darkness of the sky above her, towards clouds that roiled thick and heavy with rain and nothing else. Surely, she thought, nothing else, although part of her knew that even when she’d tilted her head up to examine the apartment building, she’d been careful not to look any higher.

The worn rubber of her sneakers tap tap tapped against the sidewalk, making small wet spattering sounds as the movement displaced a puddle, and still she stood, smoking, making no decisions.

‘I should be cold,’ she thought, exhaling again, flicking ashes onto the street in a move that felt almost spiteful against the unnatural perfection upon which she stood. ‘How long have I been out here? What time is it?’

Her body shook a little, though she felt no colder than she had moments ago. She couldn’t bring herself to speak, her voice stopped in her throat—by disuse, perhaps. Or by fear.

The sound of sizzling brought her attention momentarily to the present, as a fat droplet of water fell, extinguishing her cigarette halfway through. Av took it from between her lips and stared at it. It felt...cruel. Intentional, perhaps. Irrationally, she wondered whether the street itself hadn’t responded to the slight bit of ash by extinguishing its source. Something about that wording made her shiver again, and she glanced around for a trash can, somewhere appropriate to throw it away, but of course, the street was devoid of any such thing.

A desire welled up inside her to simply throw it on the ground, to grind the ash and paper and unused tobacco into the sidewalk just to see what would happen...but in the end she thought better of it, and tucked it into her pocket instead. Her clothes would probably stink, but that was okay, she could just hang them out to dry.

Hang them out to dry. Out to dry.

Black coffee with sugar, black coffee with no sugar—

Did she have a clothes line? A balcony? She couldn’t remember for some reason. Had she even locked the door on her way out?

Av glanced around, the bright blue-white of the vending machine blinding in her periphery. Did she live on this street? Had she walked far to get here?

Was one of these nondescript apartments hers?

—the blare of a car horn wailing over screaming metal, six different energy drinks, a glass bottle of 7-UP that looked like it was from 30 years ago—

The sound was deafening, the smell of coffee like cigarette smoke like burned rubber like asphalt like hot metal stinging her nose and she squeezed her eyes shut, tepid fingertips curling into fists over her ears, she wanted to scream, to run, but she couldn’t remember where she lived, where to go, the sky pressed down on the wet asphalt and the white-blue burned out the gold of the street light and the darkness was bright bright bright through her eyelids and—

“You okay?”

Av yelped, her voice tearing free of a throat that felt like musty old paper, as she whipped around towards the sound. The voice.

There was a man standing about ten feet away from her, the campus buildings behind him looking ghostly and pallid in the blue-white of the vending machine light. Av blinked, the ghosts of a car horn, of a flashing yellow light, of melted rubber and blank apartments and a roiling dark sky fading from her mind like a half-remembered dream.

They were at school, she thought, the words wafting over her mind like a cool breeze, like rain. School. University? He was an adult, at least, and she felt like she must be one.

The man had retreated several steps at her startled sound, and he raised his hands slightly in placation before tugging at the straps of his backpack, pulling them tight in a motion that seemed too absent to have been intentional. He was nervous?

‘Most people get nervous when strange women linger by vending machines and scream when you address them, I’d wager,’ she thought, sighing with something between exasperation and relief.

The sound was normal enough to lower the man’s hackles. He was awfully tall, and seemed aware of it, ducking his head slightly and squinting into the light of the vending machines to see her better. Golden-orange eyes flickered in the light like traffic lights, on and off, on and off as he took a tentative step towards her. Calculating, like he was trying to make himself seem less threatening, like he didn’t want to spook her further.

It had been too long since he’d spoken to her, too long that she’d just been staring at him with distant, distracted eyes, but the startled noise had done little to awaken her actual voice. It was an effort, like raising an anchor from the bottom of the sea, to answer him, the words sounding willowy and thin in her ears.

“Ah yeah—sorry. Long day,” Av rasped softly, gesturing around. The big guy grinned a little, droplets of water falling from thick, red hair, and she found herself frowning again.

“Figured,” He said, tilting his head slightly, watching her expression carefully before continuing, “stopped by chem to bring you lunch and they said you didn’t show. S’not like you,” He paused, tilting his head the other way, and she felt her heart begin to race.

She knew him. They had classes together, he was bringing her lunch. Friend? Brother? Boyfriend? She felt her cheeks heat up at that last, glancing over him, and decided perhaps that must be the case. He’d closed the distance at some point when she’d been digging through her memory for clues, and she almost jumped when he smudged a thumb over her cheek, running a raindrop across the blush. Would have jumped, in fact, if the motion hadn’t seemed so tender, so intimately familiar.

“I don’t remember why I’m out here, Kid,” his name fell from her lips without thinking, more muscle memory than conscious thought, that willowy quality of her voice accompanied by embarrassment, by a fear that made her feel small.

He didn’t answer her for a long moment, those strange golden-hued eyes flickering intently over her expression. If he felt anything beyond concern, he gave no indication of it, instead lifting his hand from her cheek to ruffle it through her hair. Eustass Kid was warm. She sighed into the contact. Maybe she had been cold before. Maybe there just hadn’t been enough contrast to notice.

Eustass Kid. Black coffee no sugar. Black coffee with sugar. Black coffee with c—

“Hey hey,” he finally said, pushing her hair back from her forehead, tipping her head up to look at him in the process. The sky behind him loomed, too dark, too thick with clouds, wrong in a way that she couldn’t settle upon.

They were at university. She was taking a chemistry class. This was her boyfriend.

Six different energy drinks, a 7-UP b—

Her eyes settled back on his, her hand moving to grasp at his shirt and she breathed. Breathed.

Kid seemed to mull over his words, rolling them around in his mouth as he tried to find the right order, the right tone. He opened his mouth, thought better of it, closed it again, and then sighed softly, running his thumb over her forehead now, in an arc up into her hair.

“Doc said this was gonna be a shitty day. This time of year’s probably gonna suck for a while.” His voice sounded rough too, she noted, his expression pinching into a grimace around the words he seemed reluctant to say.

A scar, still angry and red and new, dipped jagged over his eye, down onto his cheek, spilling like red paint into her vision. How had she not seen that before? Had it always been there? She raised her hand from his shirt, fingertips ghosting up towards his face. He made no move to stop her, just watched until her hand was close enough to lean into, his skin warm against her palm.

There was a sound like an explosion, the blare of a car horn wailing over screaming metal—

Av’s face crumpled as she stroked her thumb over the scar.

“Because of the accident.” she whispered, her voice soft and wet like pattering rain.

“Yeah,” he kissed her palm. She nodded.

She still couldn’t remember much about the street, about the car that had swerved into them, about the hours and days in the hospital. Just the sound of the car horn, the way the tires had screeched and bled acrid smoke into the night air, the way not one light had turned on in the balconies overhead.

The doctors had said that memory loss was common in cases like this, with head injuries, with sudden traumatic events. The symptoms would fade, she’d been assured. Routines would help. Familiar scenery. A return to normalcy. All these things would speed her recovery. And yet, as with everything else, she still couldn’t quite remember how long they said it would take.

Her therapist had suggested grounding exercises for when she got lost, or her mind began to race, but the only thing she seemed capable of remembering with any consistency was the stupid vending machine outside of the dorms.

Kid followed her gaze to the faded offerings behind the glass, expression twisting into something half amused as he knocked against it with his knuckle, releasing her head to do so.

“S’funny, you’d think they’d restock the fucking thing eventually,” he said, the gravel of his voice low, thoughtful. “Hasn’t had anything in it since we’ve been here except—”

“A solitary bottle of unlabeled water,” Av supplied, grimacing a little at how practiced and robotic it sounded, but Kid just laughed.

“Yeah, that. Couldn’t even spring for some fuckin Dasani,” he muttered, fumbling in his pocket for a second before retrieving his wallet. He fished out a crumpled dollar bill and fed it into the old machine, fighting with it for a moment before it finally accepted the offering. The sound it made when he hit the button was like grinding metal and she tensed at the sound; wordlessly, he pulled her against his large frame, and this time when she breathed there was no hint of burning rubber or wet asphalt. He plucked the water bottle from the basin when the thing finally decided to relinquish it, and pressed it into her hands with a flourish.

“Bone apple teeth,” Kid intoned, grinning as if to show off his, and it was so absurd in that moment that she laughed, breath pluming up towards the sky. His grinned widened, clearly pleased that the joke had landed—relieved to hear the warmth in that sound.

“C’mon,” he squeezed her, turning her away from the blue-white light of the vending machine, towards the comforting darkness of the night. “Let’s go, it’s fuckin freezing out.”

Av, fingers blissfully cool around the water bottle, smiled back. “Yeah.”

**

[darkipadbaby]

PSA for anyone buying the new knee high converses, they are NOT the same aw the old ones. I have a pair of the originals and the new ones and the differences are kind of shocking to be honest. To list a few of them off:

- The patch is significantly lower quality

- The soles are cheaper and look to be poorly injection molded with none of the fine details

- The canvas is a new synthetic material that feels significantly cheaper and worse

- The stiching is a different color and stands out more (which draws attention to the zipper, but this is purely cosmetic and up to personal taste)

- The outsider rubber feels cheaper and more brittle, if I had to guess its synthetic or diluted and won't last as long

- The laces are cheaper too, and weirdly longer (I cannot for the life of me figure out why they made this change)

If you're buying these just be aware, if you told me these were bootlegs or counterfeits i'd 100% believe you, the build quality is genuinely that low. If you can, save up and buy an authentic pair, and if you can't, just be aware you are buying a lower quality shoe that will not last you as long as an older converse would. Pics attatched below for comparison

[siremasterlawrence]

Pretty Poison

John Mal Stephen’s is a unimportant, bratty, far too spoiled and wealthy gym head who is a constant sore in my thigh constantly he is fighting me.

He lives in my neighborhood making all of the rounds like a giant fucking heat sealing missile always on my tail I had the enough of this nonsense.

One day I cornered him in a back alley filled with his god awful street art the stench from his work out is ever consuming the air it is disgusting.

I want to purify this place as I laugh so hard to his shock I get this maddening expression on my face and back up to the wall at the end of the alley way.

I can see him rummaging through his pocket pulling out a carton of cigarettes taking one as I pop it in to my mouth and lit it up in his mouth.

The smoke from the area igniting an instant fire as it surges with chemicals I laced on to them for weeks on end the wall grow narrow automatically closing in on him.

He panics running into the wall as he bangs on them hard the power of the fire burns his hands he backs up feeling the pain under his feet.

The rubber soles of his shoes burning the heel then the rubber off is his shoes the fear on his face and the expression of strength is gone.

Replacing it with expression of horrific one now firmly planted on his face overtaking all of his senses as his mind shuts down all of the nerves.

The ground underneath him vanishes in the fire fading away in exhaustion of it all he is losing it the flames rising leaving no doubt of his end.

He stares at me digging his feet in leaping in to the air he lands on me throwing his hands as he pumples me hoping to a get me to try and get reaction.

He pins me down I laugh so heard my voice is hyper active bouncing on the wall it hits a crescendo of unknown proportions leaving the plain field.

“You honestly think that I am the one who deserves all of this pain?”

“After all you have done to me.”

“FUCK YOU! “

“What do you want from me?”

“Revenge “

“What are you doing to me?”

“Zip it! You will be a blank canvas”

“Blank Canvas”

“Yeah babe! Why are you fighting me?”

“No wait! Stop Bastard”

“You are redefining it”

“You meant babe”

“Yeah babe!”

“You can feel the transformation “

“Your hair is growing, combed”

“Becoming refined “

“A bright smile”

“White teeth”

“Pink pumped limps “

“Soulful eyes”

“Thinning eyebrows”

“More masculine face”

“Firm chine”

“Muscles blowing up “

“Track suit rips”

“Stripping to pieces”

“A suit forms in place”

“Hair lightens”

“Body rippling with definition “

“What’s up babe?”

The end

[lydiahosek]

An Ounce of Prevention

[My story for this year's @inklings-challenge! Thank you for a third great year!]

“What are these made of?” Pendula handles one of my mangled Keds with fascination.

“Uh…canvas. It’s a type of cloth.” I have no idea what their frame of reference might be for anything from our world, what Dylan may or may not have already told them. “And the soles are rubber…I think.”

“How do these last you any more than a day?”

"Well...the terrain's not as rough."

I hear a thump and then Picea squeaking in surprise. I turn and see the toddler staring at one of Dylan’s shoes, the red bulbs in its sole blinking. Dylan laughs. He picks the other one up and taps it against the floor for her to see. She is dazzled by the light show.

Dylan has always been an imaginative kid. An overturned watering can becomes a supervillain helmet. Elaborate dramas are concocted not just for his action figures but for his toy trucks, his silverware, his socks. His room is practically papered with his drawings of heroes, monsters, adventures. So when he told me that he had found another world in the back of the laundry room and invited me to see, I don’t think I could be blamed for agreeing to a visit without packing a change of clothes.

I should count my blessings. After all, how many children would keep this all to themselves, or among their friends, rather than bring Mom in and risk her spoiling the fun? This is hard to do, though, with my feet still stinging from the teeth of fifty or so things with too many legs to be fish and too good at swimming to be lizards. I had barely registered the marbled sky suddenly above us and the water suddenly up to our ankles before a crowd of them was barreling down on us from every direction. Swallowing a scream, I scooped up Dylan and made a break for the nearest structure. Pendula saw us coming, let us in, and introduced herself to me. I learned that Dylan met her and her granddaughter the last time he was here, but the hungry little creatures outside are new.

As I took in the space into which we’d been welcomed, I was reminded of an old picture book I used to have, The Elves and the Shoemaker – though in this case our host is both. The spacious room is lined with shelves of materials and tools and jars of who-knew-what, with a long table in the center piled with foot-shaped objects at different stages of creation. Pendula herself looks like she was once tall but now walks stooped. Her skin hangs in folds around her face but her complexion is rosy and elastic. Her movements are quick and sharp, as when she caught a small wooden bowl when Picea first bounded into the room and knocked it off a table. Her voice is raspy but not weak, as when she asked Dylan to take the little girl to the other side of the room (as close to a division between the living area and working area as there is) so she could focus on bandaging my feet.

Now she brings me a roll of something thick and shiny, gold with streaks of red like veins. She begins to unroll it and wrap it around my calf. “This is a strong hide coated in worpwax,” she says. “It will be pliable again once heated, so I’ll have you and your boy fitted and shod before nightfall.”

“Oh…well, thank you, but, um…” I have no idea what this material is worth or how much Pendula might charge under normal circumstances for whatever she has in mind to make for us. Even if I did, I am certain she doesn’t take American Express.

Apparently the guilt of those unaccustomed to unconditional hospitality is multi-universal, because she understands and shakes her head at my concern. “This is overdue. I meant to at least take Dylan’s measurements last time, but he left so suddenly. Granted, it was still the dry season then, but nobody should be out in this country unprotected.”

“Dry season?”

“Yes. For about a month the waters draw back to only the deepest parts of the valley, but you can count on them – and their inhabitants” (she very lightly taps my foot) “– nearly up to the door the rest of the year.”

I’d noticed outside that the door, the whole house, was about a foot off of the ground on a stone foundation. I’d noticed once we were inside the effort it took her to close the door, how heavy it was, how very, very little space there was for anything to get through once it was closed. I glance out the window and see other houses not far away. A breeze has picked up and miniature waves lap against their sides.

Again, Pendula seems to know what I’m thinking (perhaps telepathy is another feature common to this world, or maybe I’m just more obvious than I thought) and laughs. “Just a matter of preference. I could move up to the hills and have my house near blown down by the winds. Or I could move beyond the mountains and stuff it with featherweed to keep out the poison arrow flies. Or...”

I sigh. To think Dylan just stumbled into this place one day. What if it hadn’t happened to have been during the dry season? What other seasons await…here or back home, for that matter? Just this morning Alec and I were discussing whether we should let him take his bike to the library by himself. That should seem like nothing compared to this, but somehow now I'm only more uneasy at the thought.

Pendula holds the hide against my feet and legs at various angles and marks it with a tiny blade. “My Parsonsy, she was the same. She would have stayed in this house barefoot all her life. But if she doesn’t leave, she doesn’t sell her candles.” She nods her head backwards. I look and see another window, in which sits a pale pink candle, carved with an intricate design and embedded with colored stones. “She doesn’t learn to make honey bread from the market stand next to hers.” The corners of her mouth turn up nearly to her eyes. “She doesn’t meet an honest, loving ironcaster and bring me back a Picea.”

We both turn to the children. Dylan’s shoes are now on his hands and he crawls on the floor, growling. Picea alternately runs to and away from him, giggling.

“Who knows? Maybe someday she’ll go to visit him.” She smiles, then stands up and takes the hide to the table and picks up a large curved knife. “Wherever she goes, though, one thing is sure: she will have proper shoes.”

I keep watching my son. He’s always been an imaginative kid, and the more reality he is forced to face the more I worry. Now he has two whole worlds of it to deal with.

He did tell me about this one, though. He knows enough to know not to deal with it alone. And when the day comes that he’ll have to…well, before it comes I’ll have to make (keep making?) him some proper shoes, too.

[transgenderer]

He had a passionate intrigue with Joan’s washing machine. Although forbidden to come near it, he would be caught trespassing again and again. Casting aside all decorum and caution, he would feed it anything that happened to be at hand, his handkerchief, kitchen towels, a heap of shorts and shirts smuggled down from his room, just for the joy of watching through that porthole what looked like an endless tumble of dolphins with the staggers. One Sunday, after checking the solitude, he could not resist, out of sheer scientific curiosity, giving the mighty machine a pair of rubber-soled canvas shoes stained with clay and chlorophyll to play with; the shoes tramped away with a dreadful arhythmic sound, like an army going over a bridge, and came back without their soles, and Joan appeared from her little sitting room behind the pantry and said in sadness, “Again, Timofey?” But she forgave him, and liked to sit with him at the kitchen table, both cracking nuts or drinking tea.

do you think the real nabokov was also fascinated by washing machines. i want to believe

[ratwhsprs]

i’m sorry. it must be lonely for you here.

Night of the Ripper || Accepting!

Otis had been picking at the rubber seam on one of his shoes, a flimsy binding of canvas to the equally flimsy sole. There was enough noise to keep his thoughts occupied, to hide the lack of noise inside his head. …It made him dread going back to his cell, honestly. There was less to distract him there.

Glassy green eyes drifted to Mary at her comment; she looked to be in roughly the same boat as him. His knees pressed a little closer to his chest as he abandoned the idle destruction of his shoes.

“It's… been better. So many people and it's still too quiet. They checked the traps in my vents this morning and pulled a body out,” he huffed. “At least no one was shaking it in my face this time.”

[backstitchbroidery]

Does it count as an impulse purchase if it's been on my mind for a couple years?

Cuz American Duchess brought back the Kedwardians YESTERDAY and they're already almost sold out in my size. They were already sold out when I found out about them the first time and I wasn't just gonna miss my chance again.

So it took me all of two minutes to order $600 of shoes bc I want the black and I want the white and they just released a moss green colorway so I'm getting that too. And I know that I'm a little bit crazy for this but having a bunch of canvas shoes with rubber soles that happen to look like Edwardian lady's Oxford heels is gonna fix all my life problems at once I just know it.

[justsome-di]

Nobody Ends Up Dead in a Bathtub, Everyone Keeps Their Organs: Chapter 2

Chapter one can be read here.

If you are interested in reading chapters early and bonus material, you can pledge to my Patreon here.

Leo was leaning into the hallway from the couch, his body halfway hanging off to look around the corner. The overhead light reflected off his large eyes and the living room was dark behind him, making him look like a deer standing in the glare of headlights.

Damián locked the door behind him and stuck his boots by the door. He laid them between his other pairs (he could not be blamed for owning so many shoes) and Leo’s one pair of high-top Converse which had seen better days. The black canvas had begun to fade. The laces were stained. The rubber along the soles were rubbed down unevenly and were smudged with little parts of the city. Grass, mud, Damián was sure he saw dried cement. Maybe Damián would buy him new shoes for Christmas if Leo was willing to part with them. Something more appropriate for cold weather.

“I was getting worried,” Leo said.

“I’m sorry. I lost track of time.”

“Did everything go okay?”

“Yeah! It was all fine.” Damián walked down their short hallway. Leo already had a documentary pulled up on the TV and popcorn sitting on the beaten-up coffee table. “Aw, you got everything ready.”

“The popcorn might be a little soggy.”

“That’s fine. Just let me change real quick.”

Leo fell back into the sofa and watched Damián cross the apartment to his bedroom.

Damián pulled off his outfit, breathing well again outside of his tight jeans, and gently laid it all in the hamper. He rubbed the indents from his waistband on his stomach, examining them in his mirror. The side seam had imprinted itself onto his right thigh. While it wasn’t unusual for his work clothes to be so tight that they left little marks on his body, he preferred them not leave almost-painful divets in him.

Deep down, from his years of psychology classes, he knew that his perception of himself in the mirror couldn’t be trusted. Still, tightening jeans didn’t lie. He had gained a little weight.

Another thing to start worrying about.

Fuck.

He didn’t have the space in his head to worry about his weight. He already had too many things swimming around up there. There was Leo, new clients, one new client in particular. There wasn’t enough room, but in just a few minutes, his weight had again made itself at home in his head. It weighed heavily on his chest and knotted his stomach up, pushing his other problems to the side.

It had been so long since he had felt that specific anxiety. But it was so familiar that it felt like an old friend, settling back into his life. After being apart for so long, Damián couldn’t turn it away. Not when they knew each other so well.

Damián would start cutting back on all the take out meals he had with Leo. He had to find some balance between that and the recent spike in fancy dinners with the extra clients he had picked up. Dieting was always a slippery slope—no. He could make it healthy this time. It wouldn’t be like his last attempt at dieting where he passed out in the apartment’s gym and woke up to his neighbor standing over him.

It wouldn’t even be a diet. It’s just be mindful eating. Moderation. He had learned his lesson.

He pulled on his sweatpants and a SUNY t-shirt he had bought when Leo was accepted four years ago. He looked at himself in the mirror again. With baggy clothes, he looked slightly slimmer. It hid the little bit of developing pudge.

“Was everything really okay?” Leo asked.

“Yeah.” Damián flopped onto the couch next to him. He crossed his arms over his stomach. “It was different.”

“Different in a good way?”

“In a good way.” Damián gestured to the TV. “You can start it.”

Leo pressed play on the remote and pulled the popcorn onto the couch between them. Damián took a handful, found one butter-less piece and dumped the rest back into the bowl.

The beginning credits started. Flashes of mug shots went past the screen. They blurred together until the screen went grey and the title appeared. Last Words of Killers.

“What is this?” Damián asked.

He sunk down into the couch. It wasn’t very comfortable. He felt awful for making Leo sleep on the mattress tucked away inside it every night. But there was no room for another bed, and there was no money for a two-bedroom apartment.

“It was on your list,” Leo said. “It’s something about interviewing murderers about who they killed.”

“Oof. Morbid.”

“I just said it was literally on your list.”

Damián tucked himself further into the flat cushions and pulled a throw blanket off the back of the couch. A boring appointment, and he was still tired the second he sat down.

Boring wasn’t the right word. It had been eventful and emotional and, actually, exhausting.

Alex hadn’t been boring. Sexless appointments weren’t boring. In fact, he had had a pretty good time. It felt like less like an average appointment and more like he had had a night out.

And it hadn’t been that bad for business. Damián had walked away with a potential reoccurring client and a potential interesting scheme. He wouldn’t yet assume Alex was going to follow through with his idea. There was always a chance he’d get a message from Alex tomorrow morning saying he wanted to forget the whole thing.

Damián wouldn’t blame him if that happened. He could make the money with other people.

It would be a shame, though, if he didn’t get to see Alex again. Alex was quite handsome. He had a round face that Damián was fond of, and such honest, kind eyes. Damián couldn’t remember the last time he had met someone who was so visibly earnest, who made such an effort with their whole being to be nice.

Leo scooped up a messy handful of popcorn. He looked tired. His doe-eyes were droopy. He was looking a little pale. He was working so hard.

Damián bumped his cheek with his knuckle. Leo tilted his head away and kept it crooked to the side until Damián lowered his hand. Once, Leo had allowed Damián’s touches. When they were both younger. He had let Damián kiss him and cuddle him and carry him around on his back.

When they were much younger, Damián had been an altar bot. He took it somewhat seriously. Proud, his parents always sat in the very front. One morning Leo had slid off the pew and toddled up to him.

Everyone had laughed and cooed when Leo grabbed onto his robes, demanding to be picked up. Damián took his hand and led him back to their parents. It took all of their mortified mother’s strength to hold Leo down next to her.

“Did you get anywhere with your applications?” Damián asked.

“Yeah. I don’t wanna talk about it, though. I’m sick of thinking about them.”

A journalist talked on TV. She was all done up with pageant hair and make-up. She stood in a dim office and delivered her lines awkwardly almost as if she wasn’t quite sure if she could remember what she was supposed to say next. She over-enunciated everything and spoke so stiff. Wannabe actor, probably. A shitty Netflix show was the only gig she could land. It was mean to think it, but Damián couldn’t help himself.

“If you have any more application fees, let me know,” Damián said.

“You don’t have to pay for them. It’s not that much.”

So quick to refuse Damián’s help. Damián tried to not feel hurt.

“She’s not even interviewing them,” Leo said. “I thought she’d talk to them. This is just a bad WatchMojo video.”

The woman wasn’t on screen anymore. An old interview of Charles Manson was rolling. The footage was dull and fuzzy. Manson’s hair was long and greasy and stringy. His eyes were nothing but shadows, and occasionally the camera zoomed in and caught a sparkle in his black eyes.

Damián grimaced at how he spoke. There was so much confidence and anger in his voice. He moved around erratically, turning his head in every direction to check up on the people around him.

“We can change it,” Damián said. He tilted his head back. “We can just watch another episode of Making A Murderer. Or anything else you want to watch.”

Leo closed out of the show. He said something about a series a guy in his classes told him about. It was fiction, which he knew Damián didn’t prefer. But it was supposed to have a whole cult following growing among true crime fans. He couldn’t remember the title, but he’d recognize it when he saw it.

Damián closed his eyes. The remote clicked as Leo scrolled through their infinite crime options. He knew what all of the title cards looked like. Mugshots and crime scene photos. Smiling pictures of victims with their eyes scratched out.

He thought about himself and how lucky he had gotten that night. Alex could have been a different person, a more violent person. Not-Alex could have flipped, could have hit him, called the police. Could have done anything to him.

Damián didn’t let his mind wander too far with that. Nothing had happened. It would do no good to make up scenarios. He was lucky he had met the little awkward man in the restaurant, and he was going to leave it at that.

Actually, he wasn’t going to leave it at that.

Damián was lucky that nothing severe had happened to him at all in the 10 years he had been working. He prided himself on his selection of clients. His regulars treated him well and paid him better. New ones were always—usually—so carefully questioned that Damián hardly ever came across anyone in-person who was questionable.

Alex had been a surprising delight, but Damián would need to work out the kinks. He couldn’t believe some office workers got past his system that was almost flawless for 10 years.  

Maybe people were getting worse or maybe Damián was getting lazy. Whatever it was, he was going to try not to stress over it too much.

“Leo?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

There were a few seconds of silence. Then, a stilted, quiet, “I love you, too.”

Damián still smiled even though Leo sounded like he almost didn’t want to return the affection. It was okay because he knew Leo meant it. Despite the distance growing between them, Damián knew Leo still loved him only because he still lived with him and still sat through bad Netflix shows with him.

Leo had his own ways of showing love, and Damián was just going to have to cope with it. Like having a cat that only showed affection by sitting in the same room, far away in its own corner.

Damián could hear another show’s intro. He would open his eyes in a second. He would watch the show with Leo for a little bit and then crawl off to bed, letting Leo have his sofa bed back to himself.

Just one more second.

One more second.

[nikographyart]

NiXO Art Expressionism Shoes - Womens High Top Canvas Shoes

Step into a world of artistic expression and make a bold statement with our Facecs Expressionism Art Shoes by NiXO. These unique shoes are a blend of fashion and art, featuring a vibrant print inspired by the street art movement. Each pair is a canvas of digital art, showcasing intricate patterns and vivid colors that will surely turn heads wherever you go.

*NiXO Shoes not only do these shoes capture the essence of contemporary art, but they also prioritize comfort. Made with high-quality materials, they provide a cozy fit that will keep your feet happy all day long. The attention to detail is unparalleled, with every stitch and contour meticulously crafted for durability and style.

Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the fusion of fashion and creativity, these Expressionism Art Shoes are the perfect addition to your wardrobe. They allow you to express your individuality while adding a touch of artistic flair to any outfit. Stand out from the crowd and let your footwear do the talking with these statement-making print shoes.

Embrace the world of digital art and street fashion with our NiXO Expressionism Art Shoes. Shop now and elevate your style to a whole new level of artistic sophistication.

100% polyester canvas upper side Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) rubber outsole Breathable lining, soft insole Faux leather toe cap Padded collar, lace-up front Blank product sourced from China

*NiXO is a small design studio where creative artists work. We can make a custom pair of shoes for you, just write to us to specify the details.

The model is available with a black and white sole!

Link produkct: https://nikography.storenvy.com/products/36692273-nixo-art-expressionism-shoes-womens-high-top-canvas-shoes

[buttercupclothingcollectables]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Van's Slip Ons Stackform Black And White Checkered Sneakers Women's 8.5 NIB.

[allaboutmarketing4you]

Converse - The Rise and Fall...And Rise Again"Converse has had some major rises and falls. This video focuses on the rise of the brand, the reasons behind their 2001 bankruptcy, and how they've since recovered from it."

Video Source : Company Man 

More information about Converse ?

Well, complement the information and case study presented in the video with the  article, written by The Brand Hopper:"  Converse, a name synonymous with timeless style, rebellious spirit, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, has been a cornerstone of American culture since its inception in 1908. From its humble beginnings as a rubber shoe company to its meteoric rise as a global fashion icon, Converse has consistently delivered sneakers that transcend mere footwear, becoming cultural symbols that embody the spirit of individuality and self-expression.The Genesis of Converse: A Journey of Innovation and AdaptabilityConverse’s story began in Malden, Massachusetts, where Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company. Initially producing rubber galoshes and other utilitarian footwear, Converse soon recognized the potential for a more versatile and stylish sneaker. In 1917, the company introduced the Converse All-Star, a high-top canvas sneaker with a vulcanized rubber sole, forever changing the landscape of footwear.Marquis Mills Converse- Founder, ConverseThe All-Star, later renamed the Chuck Taylor All-Star, quickly gained popularity among basketball players, including the iconic player Chuck Taylor himself, who became an advocate for the brand and helped popularize it among athletes and non-athletes alike.A Sneaker for the Masses: A Symbol of CountercultureThe Converse All-Star transcended its athletic roots to become a cultural phenomenon, embraced by generations of individuals who valued its simplicity, comfort, and enduring style. The sneaker’s clean lines, unassuming design, and versatility made it a blank canvas for self-expression, allowing individuals to customize and personalize their shoes to reflect their unique identities.From rebellious youth subcultures to mainstream fashion trends, the Converse All-Star has been adopted by individuals from all walks of life, becoming a symbol of individuality, self-expression, and a defiant spirit. Its timeless design and adaptability have made it a staple in wardrobes worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries and generations.Acquired by Nike, Maintained by FansConverse is currently a subsidiary of Nike, Inc. Nike acquired Converse in 2003 for an estimated $305 million. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move by Nike to expand its reach into the lifestyle footwear market and to gain access to Converse’s iconic brand and loyal customer base.Despite being owned by Nike, Converse has maintained its own distinct brand identity and continues to produce its signature sneakers, such as the Chuck Taylor All-Star. The brand has also expanded into other categories, such as apparel, bags, and accessories.Converse: A Legacy of Authenticity and Enduring AppealToday, Converse stands as a testament to the enduring power of authenticity and timeless design. The brand has consistently remained true to its roots, continuing to produce sneakers that embody its core values of simplicity, functionality, and a rebellious spirit.Converse’s sneakers have become more than just footwear; they have evolved into cultural symbols, representing generations of individuals who value self-expression, authenticity, and a refusal to conform. The brand’s legacy continues to endure, as Converse remains a beacon of individuality and a reminder of the power of sneakers to transcend fashion and become cultural icons.Table of ContentsMarketing Strategies of Converse1. Brand Positioning2. Target Audience3. Product Innovation4. Influencer Collaborations5. Content Marketing6. Retail Experience7. Global ReachMarketing Mix of Converse

1. Product

2. Price

3. Place

4.Promotion

Marketing Strategies of ConverseIn the ever-evolving landscape of global fashion and footwear, Converse stands as a timeless icon with a legacy dating back to 1917. Renowned for its emblematic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, the brand has not only survived but thrived through the decades by consistently adapting its marketing strategies to resonate with a diverse and dynamic consumer base. From strategic collaborations with influencers and artists to a robust social media presence, Converse’s marketing playbook is a fascinating study in brand evolution and staying power. In this piece, we delve into the intricacies of Converse’s marketing strategies, exploring how the brand continues to capture hearts and minds while navigating the ever-shifting currents of contemporary culture.

1. Brand Positioning

Brand positioning is a crucial marketing strategy for Converse, as it helps the brand to differentiate itself from competitors and establish a unique identity in the minds of its target audience. Converse positions itself as a brand that celebrates individuality, creativity, and self-expression. The brand’s mission is to inspire people to embrace their uniqueness and express themselves authentically through its products.To achieve this positioning, Converse focuses on creating products that stand out from the crowd. Its iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, for instance, have remained largely unchanged since their introduction in 1917. 

The brand’s decision to retain the classic design is deliberate, as it allows consumers to customize the shoes with their own personal touches, such as colorful laces or patches. This customization option enables individuals to express their distinctiveness and creativity, which aligns with Converse’s brand values.Converse also communicates its brand positioning through its marketing campaigns. The brand often partners with influential figures in music, art, and fashion to showcase how its products can be incorporated into diverse lifestyles and cultures. For example, Converse has collaborated with hip-hop artist Tyler, the Creator and fashion designer Virgil Abloh to create limited-edition sneakers that blend streetwear with high-fashion. These collaborations not only generate buzz around the brand but also illustrate how Converse supports creativity and individuality. By leveraging user-generated content and partnering with influential figures, Converse reinforces its brand positioning and establishes a strong connection with its target audience.Tyler the Creator and Converse Collab On A Sneaker CollectionVirgil Abloh and Converse Collaborate on Limited Edition Sneaker

2. Target Audience

Target audience is a crucial aspect of Converse’s marketing strategy. The brand identified its primary target audience as teenagers and young adults aged between 15 and 30 who are interested in fashion, music, art, and culture. This age group is particularly drawn to Converse’s iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, which have become a staple in youth culture.To effectively target this audience, Converse employs a variety of marketing tactics. The brand recognizes that young people are heavily influenced by social media, so it invests significantly in digital marketing efforts. Converse creates engaging content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, featuring young influencers and ambassadors who embody the brand’s spirit of individuality and self-expression. This helps to increase brand awareness and credibility among the target audience.Converse Social Media PostAdditionally, Converse partners with popular music and arts festivals, such as Coachella and Lollapalooza, to reach its target audience. At these events, the brand sets up interactive installations and offers limited-edition sneakers, allowing attendees to experience the brand firsthand. Converse also collaborates with influential artists, musicians, and designers to create co-branded products that appeal to its target audience’s interest in fashion and creativity. By implementing these targeted marketing strategies, Converse successfully connects with its desired audience and solidifies its position as a beloved youth culture brand.

3. Product Innovation

Product innovation is a vital component of Converse’s marketing strategy. The brand continuously introduces new and updated versions of its iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers to keep up with the evolving tastes and preferences of its target audience. Converse understands that its customers crave novelty and exclusivity, so it regularly releases limited-edition collections and collaborations with renowned artists, musicians, and fashion designers. These collaborations not only generate buzz around the brand but also allow Converse to tap into new markets and demographics.Customized Air Jordan ConverseOne of the ways Converse drives product innovation is by experimenting with new materials and technologies. The brand has introduced sneakers made from sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic, and has also incorporated advanced technology, like Nike Flyknit, into its designs. This approach not only appeals to environmentally conscious consumers but also caters to those seeking performance-oriented footwear. Moreover, Converse’s willingness to take risks with bold, eye-catching designs has helped the brand maintain its relevance in the ever-changing landscape of youth culture.Another significant aspect of Converse’s product innovation strategy is its commitment to customization. The brand offers a wide range of colors, patterns, and materials for customers to choose from, allowing them to personalize their sneakers according to their individual style. Furthermore, Converse has launched initiatives like the “Design Your own Custom Shoes” platform, which enables customers to design their own sneakers from scratch. By providing consumers with the tools to express their creativity, Converse fosters a deep emotional connection between its customers and the brand, leading to increased brand loyalty and advocacy.Converse Customization Platform

4. Influencer Collaboration

sInfluencer collaborations play a significant role in Converse’s marketing strategy. The brand partners with influential individuals in various fields, such as music, art, fashion, and sports, to showcase its products and reach a wider audience. These collaborations help Converse tap into new markets and demographics, while also increasing brand awareness and credibility.Converse’s influencer collaborations are carefully curated to ensure that they align with the brand’s values and target audience. For instance, the brand has worked with popular musicians like  Metalicca band, who have a large following among young people and are known for their unique style and creativity. Similarly, Converse has partnered with fashion designers like Virgil Abloh and Rick Owens, who have a strong reputation in the fashion world and can help the brand reach a more stylish and trendy audience.The brand has also collaborated with Sacai which has been recognized and respected for its influence on luxury fashion since the brand’s 1999 inception. Created by Chitose Abe, Sacai has also collaborated with Nike over the years experimenting a bit with Nike’s low-top and high-top sneakers (The Blazer 77s are similar to Converse’ in terms of design.) Sacai and Converse dropped a progressive silhouette that reflected Japanese luxury streetwear beautifully, while still staying true to Converse’s simple casual style.AC/DC & Metallica x Converse Chuck TaylorThe collaborations are often structured around limited-edition product releases, with the influencer partner helping to design and promote the product. This creates a sense of exclusivity and hype around the product, driving demand and encouraging customers to buy the product before it sells out. Additionally, the influencer collaborations help Converse tell stories about its brand and products, highlighting the quality, craftsmanship, and history behind the sneakers. By working with influencers who share the brand’s values and aesthetic, Converse can amplify its message and reach a larger audience, ultimately driving sales and strengthening its position in the market.

5. Content Marketing

Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach that Converse utilizes to attract and engage its target audience. The brand focuses on creating valuable, relevant, and consistent content that resonates with its audience and aligns with its brand messaging. Converse’s content marketing efforts include blog posts, videos, social media posts, and influencer collaborations.The brand’s content marketing strategy is built around its brand pillars of creativity, self-expression, and youth culture. Converse creates content that inspires and educates its audience, while also showcasing its products in a subtle yet effective manner. For example, the brand might create a video series that features up-and-coming artists sharing their creative processes, or a blog post that highlights the best ways to customize Converse sneakers. By doing so, Converse is able to establish a strong emotional connection with its audience and position itself as a thought leader in the youth culture space.Converse’s content marketing efforts also help to drive traffic to its website, increase brand awareness, and ultimately drive sales. The brand’s content is designed to be shareable and easily accessible across multiple platforms, which helps to extend its reach and engagement. Additionally, Converse’s content marketing strategy is closely tied to its SEO efforts, ensuring that the brand’s content is optimized for search engines and can be easily discovered by its target audience. Overall, Converse’s content marketing strategy is a critical component of its overall marketing plan, helping the brand to build a strong relationship with its audience and stay top of mind in the competitive footwear industry.

6. Retail Experience

Retail experience is a key marketing strategy for Converse, as the brand aims to create an immersive and engaging environment for its customers. Converse stores are designed to reflect the brand’s heritage and personality, with features such as exposed brick walls, vintage advertisements, and iconic Converse imagery. The stores also offer a unique retail experience, with interactive displays and installations that encourage customers to explore and interact with the products. For example, customers can try on shoes in a specially designed “Shoe Salon,” where they can see themselves in a mirror surrounded by Converse’s latest styles.In addition to its physical stores, Converse also creates pop-up shops and temporary retail experiences that bring the brand’s personality and style to life in unexpected ways. These pop-ups often feature exclusive products, live performances, and other surprises that create a memorable experience for customers. For example, Converse recently opened a pop-up shop in New York City that featured a customization station where customers could design their own shoes, as well as a photo booth and a live DJ set. This type of experiential retail helps to create a strong bond between the customer and the brand, and reinforces Converse’s position as a leader in the youth culture and streetwear spaces.Converse Pop up Store in New York Customization Desk at the Pop-Up ShopCustomization Desk at the Pop-Up ShopFinally, Converse also uses its retail experience to communicate its brand values and storytelling. The stores feature visual merchandising and display elements that highlight the brand’s history, cultural connections, and commitment to creativity and self-expression. For example, Converse may display vintage advertisements or photographs that showcase the brand’s rich heritage, or create window displays that feature local artists or musicians who embody the Converse spirit. By immersing customers in the brand’s world and values, Converse creates a deeper emotional connection that goes beyond simply selling shoes. This approach helps to build brand loyalty and advocacy, and reinforces Converse’s status as a cultural icon.

7. Global Reach

Global reach is a marketing strategy that Converse employs to expand its presence and reach a broader audience worldwide. The brand has a strong global presence, with products available in over 120 countries and a network of distributors and retailers that spans across six continents. Converse’s global reach strategy involves adapting its marketing messages and campaigns to resonate with local cultures and communities, while still maintaining a consistent brand voice and image.To execute this strategy, Converse works with local influencers, celebrities, and artists to create culturally relevant content and experiences that resonate with the brand’s target audience. For example, the brand has collaborated with Japanese fashion label Comme des Garçons to create limited-edition sneakers that blend traditional Japanese design with Converse’s signature style. Converse has also partnered with Indian actress and singer Priyanka Chopra Jonas to launch a line of sneakers inspired by Indian culture. By tailoring its marketing efforts to local markets, Converse is able to build a strong brand identity that transcends borders and connects with consumers from different backgrounds and cultures.Comme des Garcons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor 1970sAs we wrap up our exploration of Converse’s marketing strategies, it becomes evident that the brand’s enduring success lies in its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation. From iconic sneaker designs to strategic collaborations and a strong emphasis on social engagement, Converse has not only maintained its position as a cultural staple but has also embraced the ever-changing dynamics of the market. In a world where trends come and go, Converse’s marketing playbook serves as a testament to the brand’s adaptability and its knack for staying relevant in the hearts of consumers worldwide. As we step back from the canvas of Converse’s marketing canvas, it’s clear that this brand is not just a shoemaker but a curator of style, self-expression, and the ongoing conversation of global culture.Marketing Mix of ConverseThe marketing mix, often referred to as the 4Ps, is a framework used to describe the combination of marketing elements that a company uses to promote and sell its products or services. The 4Ps stand for Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Here’s an overview of how these elements apply to Converse:

1. Product

Footwear and Apparel: Converse is primarily known for its footwear, particularly the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers. The brand also offers a range of casual and athletic footwear for various lifestyles. Additionally, Converse has expanded its product line to include apparel and accessories, allowing consumers to embrace the brand’s style beyond footwear.Innovation and Design: Converse places a strong emphasis on product innovation and design. The brand frequently introduces new colors, patterns, and limited-edition collections to keep its product offerings fresh and appealing to a diverse audience.Collaborations: Converse collaborates with artists, designers, and other brands to create special editions and unique designs. These collaborations not only bring fresh perspectives to Converse products but also generate buzz and excitement among consumers.

2. Price

Premium and Affordable Options: Converse offers a range of price points to cater to different consumer segments. While certain limited-edition or designer collaborations may be at a premium price, the core line of Converse sneakers remains relatively affordable, making the brand accessible to a wide range of customers.Value for Money: The perceived value of Converse products is often tied to the brand’s heritage, style, and quality. Consumers often associate the price of Converse products with the brand’s iconic status and the durability of its footwear.

3. Place

Global Distribution: Converse has a strong global presence, with its products available in numerous countries through various retail channels. This includes Converse’s own retail stores, department stores, specialty footwear stores, and online platforms.Flagship Stores: Converse often establishes flagship stores in key fashion capitals, providing a unique and immersive brand experience. These flagship stores serve not only as retail spaces but also as hubs for brand engagement and community building.E-commerce: The brand has a robust online presence, allowing consumers to purchase products directly through the official Converse website. E-commerce plays a significant role in reaching a global audience and engaging with consumers in the digital space.

4. Promotion

Social Media Presence: Converse utilizes various social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, to connect with its audience. The brand shares visually engaging content, promotes new product releases, and fosters a sense of community among its followers.Influencer Marketing: Collaborations with influencers, musicians, and artists play a crucial role in Converse’s promotional strategy. These partnerships not only extend the brand’s reach but also align Converse with individuals who embody the spirit of self-expression and creativity.Advertising and Events: Converse engages in advertising campaigns across multiple media channels, including digital, print, and outdoor advertising. The brand also sponsors events and initiatives that resonate with its target audience, reinforcing its connection to music, art, and youth culture.By effectively managing the 4Ps, Converse has established itself as a globally recognized and enduring brand, appealing to consumers with a diverse range of preferences and lifestyles. "T

- To read the full article and view images  from the article, visit thebrandhopper. com

- Source of the article:  thebrandhopper. com

- Video Source: Company Man

#mktmarketing4you #corporatestrategy #marketing #M4Y #lovemarketing #IPAM #ipammarketingschool #ContingencyPlanning #virtual #volunteering #project #Management #Economy #ConsumptionBehavior #BrandManagement #ProductManagement #Logistics #Lifecycle#Brand #Neuromarketing #McKinseyMatrix #Viralmarketing #Facebook #Marketingmetrics #icebergmodel #EdgarScheinsCultureModel #GuerrillaMarketing #STARMethod #7SFramework #gapanalysis #AIDAModel #SixLeadershipStyles #MintoPyramidPrinciple #StrategyDiamond #InternalRateofReturn #irr #BrandManagement #dripmodel #HoshinPlanning #XMatrix #backtobasics #BalancedScorecard #Product #ProductManagement #Logistics #Branding #freemium #businessmodel #business #4P #3C #BCG #SWOT #TOWS #EisenhowerMatrix #Study #marketingresearch #marketer #marketing manager #Painpoints #Pestel #ValueChain # VRIO #marketingmix

[dan6085]

Top 20 basketball sneakers of all time based on their popularity, performance, and impact on the game of basketball.

1. Air Jordan 1: The first signature shoe of Michael Jordan, released in 1985 by Nike. It features a high-top design with a leather upper and the iconic "Wings" logo on the ankle.

2. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star: Originally designed as a basketball shoe in 1917, the Chuck Taylor All-Star has become a cultural icon. Its canvas upper and rubber sole have remained largely unchanged for over 100 years.

3. Adidas Superstar: This classic sneaker was originally designed as a basketball shoe in 1969. Its rubber shell toe and iconic three stripes have made it a staple in sneaker culture for decades.

4. Nike Air Force 1: Originally released in 1982, the Air Force 1 was the first basketball shoe to feature Nike's Air technology. Its simple design and versatile style have made it a favorite of basketball players and sneakerheads alike.

5. Nike Kobe IV: Designed by Eric Avar for Kobe Bryant, the Kobe IV was released in 2009 and featured a low-top design with a lightweight, breathable upper. Its innovative design and performance features made it a favorite of basketball players around the world.

6. Reebok Shaqnosis: This signature shoe of Shaquille O'Neal was released in 1995 and featured a hypnotic pattern on the upper. Its distinctive design and durability made it a popular choice for basketball players in the 90s.

7. Air Jordan XI: The Air Jordan XI was released in 1995 and featured a patent leather upper and carbon fiber spring plate. Its sleek design and high-performance features made it one of the most popular Air Jordans of all time.

8. Nike Air Foamposite One: Released in 1997, the Air Foamposite One featured a futuristic design with a molded foam upper. Its unique look and performance features made it a favorite of basketball players and sneakerheads alike.

9. Adidas Crazy 8: This signature shoe of Kobe Bryant was released in 1998 and featured a distinctive wavy design on the upper. Its lightweight construction and high-performance features made it a popular choice for basketball players around the world.

10. Nike LeBron IV: Released in 2006, the LeBron IV featured a low-top design with a full-grain leather upper and Zoom Air cushioning. Its sleek design and high-performance features made it a favorite of basketball players and sneakerheads alike.

11. Air Jordan III: The Air Jordan III was released in 1988 and featured a full-grain leather upper and elephant print accents. Its distinctive design and high-performance features made it one of the most popular Air Jordans of all time.

12. Adidas T-Mac 1: This signature shoe of Tracy McGrady was released in 2002 and featured a sleek design with a leather upper and Torsion system for support. Its high-performance features made it a favorite of basketball players around the world.

13. Nike Hyperdunk: Released in 2008, the Hyperdunk featured a lightweight, breathable upper and Lunarlon cushioning. Its innovative design and high-performance features made it a popular choice for basketball players around the world.

14. Air Jordan V: The Air Jordan V was released in 1990 and featured a reflective tongue and clear rubber sole. Its sleek design and high-performance features made it one of the most popular Air Jordans of all time.

15. Adidas Pro Model: Originally released in 1965, the Pro Model remains a classic basketball shoe to this day. Its leather upper and rubber shell toe have made it a favorite of basketball players and sneakerheads alike.

16. Nike Zoom Kobe VI: Released in 2010, the Zoom Kobe VI featured a low-top design with a snake-inspired pattern on the upper. Its innovative design and high-performance features made it a favorite of basketball players around the world.

17. Air Jordan XIII: The Air Jordan XIII was released in 1997 and featured a leather and suede upper with holographic accents. Its sleek design and high-performance features made it one of the most popular Air Jordans of all time.

18. Nike Zoom Flight 95: Originally released in 1995, the Zoom Flight 95 featured a unique design with a carbon fiber shank and Zoom Air cushioning. Its innovative design and high-performance features made it a favorite of basketball players around the world.

19. Under Armour Curry 2: This signature shoe of Stephen Curry was released in 2015 and featured a low-top design with a SpeedForm upper and Charged cushioning. Its innovative design and high-performance features made it a popular choice for basketball players around the world.

20. Air Jordan IV: The Air Jordan IV was released in 1989 and featured a leather upper with plastic wing eyelets. Its sleek designand high-performance features, including Nike Air cushioning and a supportive midsole, made it a popular choice for basketball players of the 90s.

[veymax]

What do I need to wear to ride an electric skateboard?

Dressing for skateboarding is more than just putting on jeans and a t-shirt. In fact, there is a garment specifically designed for skateboarding that can make a huge difference in your performance and comfort while skating. The most important piece of clothing for any skater is a good pair of shoes.

Jackets or Hoodies The top can be a jacket or a hoodie. Again, durability is key, and jackets and hoodies made of sturdy materials like denim or canvas are good options. It should also be loose so that you have plenty of room to move. In addition to jackets and hoodies, you can also choose clothing specially designed for riding electric skateboards. They'll have pads sewn in at key places to protect your arms, wrists and shoulders should you fall. Of course, if you don't have such clothes, you can also bring some more protective gear to prevent serious injuries.

Jeans or Shorts Another must-have item is a good pair of jeans or shorts. Riding a Veymax skateboard can wear down your clothing, so it's important to choose clothing that won't rip or tear. Denim is a popular choice for skaters because it is durable and looks good even when worn. Take care to choose a pair of pants that are comfortable and won't restrict your movements. Loose-fitting jeans or sweatpants are usually the best choice, but shorts work just as well. In addition, in order to avoid hurting your legs when the skateboard is sliding, please be sure to wear knee pads.

Skateboarding Shoes Skateboarding requires a lot of movement and balance, so a pair of shoes that provide good traction and support is important. Shoes with flat soles and hard rubber outsoles are best, avoid shoes with a lot of padding or cushioning as they will make it harder for you to balance on the board.

Of course, these are just the basics, and you can always add more as you see fit. However, if you are new to riding electric longboards, these are the basic items you will need to get started.

[a-vamp-and-a-half]

The smell of burnt rubber hits him as he skids to a halt

“Already?” He exclaims, looking down at a sole of a shoe with a sigh, seeing the last of it skidded and melted on the street “Ach. Good while they lasted I guess” he says while swapping them for crocs

“Darks gonna get confused by all the shoes on his bills, if he isn’t peeved by me buying so many. Should I be getting a job” he suddenly ponders, holding the destroyed shoes in his hands for a long moment-

He shakes his head and hands, walking over to a trash can “No no no, not now. De stress, not add stress, think about a job later, just toss these- man this is not eco friendly, how many shoes have I burned through in a week” he says, holding the shoes above the trash can

His finger twitches, his lip getting bitten, a shoelace rolling down-

He shoves the shoes back in his bag “You’ll figure a craft for this. Recycle. Dunno what scraps of canvas and rubber can be recycled into that you haven’t figured out already Evs, but you got a chest, I’ll figure it out, one step at a ti-“

He pauses, before plopping down to sit down on his butt with a helpless giggle, holding his face as he just giggles in place, ignoring all passer-by’s around

“One step. You spend five minutes with your pseudo-grandpa and you go one step” he giggles to himself, utterly amused as the ocean breeze brushes through his hair

Wind more likely, brisk and sharp as he looks up, smiling and taking in a deep, deep breath

“What am I doing? It’s the end of October, it’s almost Halloween” he snorts, shaking his head bemused at himself, yet he still sits there, taking in the sight

"IT'S ALMOST HALLOWEEN!" Bing suddenly realizes back at the mansion. He dashes out the door, credit card at the ready.

[karenrae18]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Sperry Canvas Slip On Dock Shoes.