Somehow the idea of Marc Jacobs doing sportswear seems a little wrong, and at first glance these calf-length trainers look a bit of a perculiar sight. But I'm actually quite keen on this style, which uses a beautifully autumnal colour palate that's bound to match well this season.
Everything from the variegated soles to the neatly-sculpted suede padding is nicely in proportion and I bet they'd make excellent (and uncommonly stylish) hiking shoes for all those long winter walks.
£170 at Net-a-Porter
I'm not sure if the luxurious, tactile velvet 'coat' that these high top All Stars are covered in takes them out of the 'casual' category or not - but I like them all the same. They're reminiscent of a lot of spotted items I've - er - 'spotted' recently, including shirts, shift dresses, handbags and tights, so naturally they're a hot style right now.
What I like best about these shoes, however, is that they don't really look like any pair of Converse I've seen before - and I've seen a lot of Converse. They're a limited edition that genuinely look it, and I have to applaud that.
£86 at LuisaViaRoma
Related: Casual Friday: Ferne Cotton Converse and socks | David Tennant style pinstripe Converse
TV personality Fearne Cotton launched her brand new clothing range for Very this week, with affordable fashion finds galore. I popped along to get a taster of what's in store earlier in the week and was impressed by the vibrancy and fun in this still small collection.
With a snappy, rock-chick undercurrent, the collection is easy to wear but references lots of the harder-edged style around at the moment. The Converse shoe (shown with Fearn's own illustrations!) above left is ideal for the coming season and will match up nicely with any casual outfit.
The over-the-knee socks (which really have to be seen on actual legs to fully appreciate their impact, don't you agree?) will instantly jazz up a plain black dress and look amazing underneath this red duffel coat, which is also part of Fearne's collection.
Not everything in the range is on sale as yet, but you can check out what's currently in store here.
Related: Fearne Cotton's gorgeous patent red Mary Janes at the Glamour Awards
Converse have used just about every concievable fabric in their iconic sneaker range, but I don't think I've ever seen patent leather used before, and that's what makes these shoes interesting. They look very much like the casual shoes Lanvin are bringing out at the moment, but cost no more than what you'd expect to spend on 'ordinary' Converse, i.e. a fraction of the price.
Shiny Converse seems to be a look that works, and I'd definitely consider this style as a casual shoe for the coming season. Its sheen gives a nod to the 'boyfriend' look, I think, as it's reminiscent of high-polished gents' shoes. Neat.
£55 at Net-a-Porter
Related: Casual Friday: Onituka Tiger celebrates 60 years | Limited edition Barack Obama Converse
Many of us weren't even aware of Onitsuka Tiger shoes before they took centre stage on Uma Thurman's feet in the Kill Bill films, but the iconic running shoes have been around a lot longer than that: 60 years in fact - which in their native Japan has a special significance: it completes the 60 year 'cycle of life', which is seen as a great honour for any person, brand or shoe!
To mark the occasion, a special edition pair of Tigers is going on sale from 1st September in the original colours of white, red and blue. Priced at £100 a pair, they'll be sold in a limited edition gift box with a t-shirt and collector's mag Made of Japan which charts Onitsuka Tiger's evolution from sporting shoe to hip casual trainer. Visit Onitsuka Tiger for info on where to find the limited edition styles.
Related: Shoewawa Preview: Onitsuka Tiger A/W 09 | Casual Friday: Tokidoki for Onitsuka Tiger is back
I thought at first that these shoes are bordering on the "not-so-casual" due to their substantial price tag, but I've since decided that "casual" is all about look, not price, so in the same category as last week's £10 trainers, I bring you Alexander Wang's ultra hip, £500 creeper boots.
What I love most about these boots is the way the soft fabric looks just like hard, cracked stone, while the buckles provide a cool sci-fi look. £500 at Net-a-Porter
Related: Casual Friday: Ash star perforated lace-up trainer | Alexander Wang bribes models into staying upright at New York Fashion Week
Loving the craze for houndstooth chic but don't want to pay the full whack? New Look are going in for the look with gusto and have brought out a range of shoe styles featuring the print, either in black and white as above, or black and red.
Casual shoes in smart fabrics can often work well (think David Tenant in his pinstripe converse!) so I rather like what they've done here. Ease yourself into the look with a pair of the versatile trainers for £10 at New Look
Related: Moschino houndstooth high heels | Bargain Tuesday: New Look channels Chanel
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