Until I came across this. I can and will change my stand on white shoes for this stunner. Technically, it's not all white, it's a half-bred. The white leather cap toe, trims and laces provide an excellent contrast to the navy canvas. A navy shade that is flattering and great for all year round wear. 

The Dior Homme logo is subtly and stylishly displayed on a lower lace. Quiet, cool and collected. Its got the same qualities you would want in a man/chick. Except that this doesn't fart...

Get this Dior Homme Canvas And Leather Trainers for US$493.88 at Browns.  

The Adidas Samba sneakers are a classic staple that get spun every season and this suede version syncs wonderfully with the suede incline of last and this season. 

The grey on black is a solid, refined contrast that looks party sporty and part dressy. Which makes this kinda wonderful worn with a suit. 

Get this Adidas Black Samba Suede for US$70 at Urban Outfitters. 

With the weather warming up, it's time again for relaxed, looser pieces and you can't go wrong with denim and sneakers combo. These high top leather sneakers fit the bill perfectly. 

The high top is just of the right height - sans obnoxious, faux-cool vibe. The black/white version has a sleek contrast and the subtle sheen only serves to elevate this pair, desire-wise. 

I am especially digging the black stripe on the side of the white rubber sole - simple and yet arresting. The kind of detail that stands the test of time. Also available in grey. 

Get this PRO-Keds Royal Plus Hi Leather Sneakers (black) for US$100 at Tobi. and PRO-Keds Royal Plus Hi Leather Sneakers (grey) for US$100 at Tobi.

I've been in a bit of a sneaker-phase lately. I seem to be more interested in wearing and buying them and when a kick-ass pair like this exist, I just have to write about it. 

The first thing that strikes you is its multi-lace detail. The long black lace gets a round trip that covers the top portion in an edgy way that is just simply so desirable. The silver zip at the back adds another level of detail that only increases the desirability factor. 

The contrasting white sole provides just the sliver of contrast that makes this a pair to wear for years. A fine example of how something simple (black on black with a hint of white) can indeed be so stunning. Wear with jeans and a can't-be-bought attitude and this goes without saying but a pair like this deserves to be worn to death. 

Get this Dior Homme Multi-Lace Hi-Tops for US$948.70 at Browns. 

As much as I love my lace-ups, boots and loafers; there are days where I just feel like walking about with sneakers. They are fuss-free, comfortable and really, can take a beating more than say a patent dress shoe. However, I won't go beating this sleek piece.

The variation of black, grey, metallic silver gives this pair a refined vibe that will look stunning with jeans or pair with a dark suit. The suede lining at the tip provides a textured look and feel; with all subtlety and restrain. 

You can't go wrong with such a combination and the mileage you get from this will go on for years and years. 

Get this Dior Homme Oblique Stripe Sneakers for US$655.20 from Luisaviaroma.com.  

Velvet pieces like jackets and vests give off a certain distinguished dressy-ness that never goes out of style. It is symbolic with luxury, refinement and excess - qualities that again, never go out of style. So I was pretty stoked when I found this velvet pair of sneakers. 

The outside of this distinct pair is completely velvet-ized. Even the laces are velvet. I am a sucker for detail and velvet laces take the care. The design of this pair is simple but yet so arresting - thanks to the lush shade of blue. A color that will look kick-ass with denim and tailoring. 

The detail does't just stop there. Maison Margiela's trademark is shrunk to a sliver of a single white thread on the back of the shoe. It's the kind of detail that only you and those who look closely will know - intimate and subtle. I am so sold! 

Get this Maison Martin Margiela 22 Flocked Replica Sneaker for US$552 at Tres Bien Shop. 

In a sea of dark sneakers, the light grey stands out. The suede fabric adds a warm, luxurious touch to this stylish pair. From the criss- cross straps to the flap on the mid-vamp to the white stitched detail, this pair is eye-catching and yet gives off a refined quietness that doesn't scream for attention. 

This quality makes this a perfect pair that goes with everything. Which is what I would do - wear this to death. The black version with its glossy exterior detail will be great for those who would prefer a pair that doesn't show everyday stains. 

Get this Cipher Subterranean Sneakers for US$149.99 at Cipher. 

Aside from my Converse pairs, I don't own any other high-top sneakers. But I've looked on at them for a couple of years now, always wondering if they would be in my style vein. I still don't know yet but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate gorgeous high-tops like this pair here. 

For high-top/sneakers fanatics, Cipher is definitely a brand to check out. This Hong Kong-based brand believes in injecting a bout of dressiness into urban contemporary pieces. This pair with its suede and gloss combination is refined and yet bold enough to garner attention. 

The multiple criss-cross straps make for excellent detail while the broad two-strap piece at the top brings to mind a retro quality that is part old-school and all cool. Wear this with everything - jeans, shorts, tailored pants. 

Throwing on a pair of sneakers with a dressed-up attire brings a particular twist that is fresh and current. This pair can certainly do that for you. 

Get this Cipher Seditionary Black Sneakers for US$199.99 at Cipher.   

Ideeli is having a fantastic sale for the boys - Puma By Alexander McQueen pieces are on seriously discounted prices. From as low as US$79 - US$94 (original retail prices of US$200 - US$230) - that is like a 60% discount! 

I have my eyes set on the first pair - the sleek low cut black leather pair but as all good sales go, they are all sold out of my size. Bummer, But I hope you guys have more luck! 

Check out the sale at Ideeli here. 

*Update: I managed to get my hands on the pair I wanted! The beauty of Ideeli is that each user is only allowed to hold an item for 15 minutes in the cart, after which, the item goes back up on the website for sale to the next person who adds it to his/her cart. So if you want something and it says 'All Reserved" and not 'Sold Out', just be patient and keep refreshing. Chances are, you might end up getting what you want in the end!*

I've seen my fair share of two-in-one clothing pieces. Back in the day when cargo pants were really all the rage, there were sea of cargo pants and shorts combo. The ones where you could zip off the lower half to wear as shorts or zip up to wear as pants. I remember wearing a nylon track-pants that unzipped to become a pair of shorts camping once. It was baggy and stretchy and just wrong. 

I forgot all about zippered two-in-one pieces until I saw this wonderful pair. This convertible high top sneakers zips off to reveal a pair of boat shoes or everyday sneakers. The zipper portion that is left when the high top is detached adds a sliver of cool detail that you don't see on many sneakers. 

The hand made leather is luxourious and the red/white strips on the sides give this a nautical feel-good vibe. I just love how versatile this is - it's like buying two pair for the price of one! The best is, it looks fantastic worn both ways so it leaves you spoiled for choice. That's always a plus in my book. 

Get this Creative Recreation Collection Capri for US$425 at Barneys.