Kicks With Sparkle

One of my favorite childhood shoes just got a glamorous makeover.

Keds, the iconic white canvas sneaker with their classic pebbled rubber sole, were a cool statement back in the day. I started with the PRO-Keds sneaker and then evolved into a Champion during my high school days. I would wear these sneakers with slouchy socks and jeans (You know it was Z Cavaricci) cuffed at the ankle in order to show off my fancy kicks.

The Keds of my youth...

Now, the original sneaker brand that revolutionized the industry has teamed up with contemporary fashion house Alice + Olivia for a truly fancy update. Four sparkly Champion-style sneakers --in black, silver, pale pink and safari green - will be available this Spring at neimanmarcus.com and aliceandolivia.com and retails for $88.

...has grown with me thanks to sparkly sequins.

A+ O Founder Stacey Bendet told WWD: "I don't think I removed Keds from my feet as a kid. I can't even count how many pairs I had. We decided to do a collaboration that would bring a little Alice + Olivia fun ot the 2010 Keds Champion."

If you want to tap into your creative side and play fashion designer, you can personalize your own unique pair of Keds. You get to choice from three different Keds styles or go for all three from their Champion collection. Then pick from a whimsical palette of bright colors, prints and patterns. You can even have the option to add your name or message on them. You can also pick the shade of shoelace, the eyelets and inner lining among other section the Check out my new pair. Don't you just love them? I think everyone should own a pair of their own designs, it's only $60.

And my own version.

New York City is known for being a walking city and for its fashion. So when I found out that contemporary fashion house Alice + Olivia is teaming up with the iconic canvas sneak Keds for a sparkling version, my girlie side squealed in pure delight.

What do you think of the new look of Keds? Do you think you would wear a pair of Keds as an alternative to ballet flats? Let me know in the comments.