Buy Now: Jack Purcell Converse x Hudson's Bay

Whether you're an undergrad, have little ones of your own, or haven't set foot near a school in years, every girl deserves a little back-to-school shopping. Number one on my list this fall? The just-released Converse Hudson's Bay Company Jack Purcell Sneaker Collection. Each of the 3 styles (a unisex Jack Purcell, hi-top Duck Boot and women’s Helen silhouette) embodies the iconic HBC wool point blanket stripes, complete with threaded stitching, antique brass eyelets and the Jack Purcell and Hudson's Bay logos. I saw these at the holiday preview in Toronto last month and all the editors were freaking over them. One foolish intern literally drooled right into the hi-top and was promptly hauled off by the HBC police. She hasn't been heard from since.

The Converse Hudson’s Bay Company Jack Purcell sneaker collection is now available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay Stores and online at thebay.com for $120-140. Must. Buy. That is all.

Pumped-Up Kicks

Converse All Star Light Leather Multi Strap Sneakers from The Bay

Hi-Top Basketball Sneakers from H&M

Hi-Top Wedge Sneakers from ALDO

A model off duty in her Isabel Marant sneakers - photo courtesy Elle 

Leave it to French design star Isabel Marant to start up one of the season's most surprising trends:  the old-school hi-top sneaker.  Seen on fashionable feet everywhere right now, from supermodels like Heidi Klum and Miranda Kerr, to Alicia Keys and Kate Bosworth, Ms. Marant's crazy cool kicks are on backorder and retail for around $700 - luckily, I've found some cute wallet-friendly pairs for under $50.  We're often left looking for comfy flats for the mucky transitional months between winter and spring;  ballet flats are cute but just don't cut it, while winter boots often feel far too clunky.  The hi-top sneaker turns out to be a fun flat alternative, helping you instantly update your skinny jeans and leggings.  Plus, they make you look like a baller, which is always cool :)  Will you dare to wear the hi-top this spring?

Get the Converse All-Star Light Leather Multi Strap Sneakers (on sale for $47.99) at The Bay, the Hi-Top Basketball Sneakers ($29.95) at H&M, and the Hi-Top Wedge Sneakers (on sale for $45.49) at ALDO.   Insane!