A huge thank you to ShopStyle Collective and DSW for sponsoring this post!

We love a high-top in this house. Having grown up seeing my stepdad rocking a pair of classic white Converse Chuck Taylors and then later adopting the look myself, it’s so fun to see that I’ve successfully passed on my appreciation of them to my own kids.

I guess that it sorta goes without saying then that while gearing up for Back-to-School shopping, high-tops made it to the top of “The Essentials” list. I like each of the kids to have three pairs of shoes for the school year — an athletic sneaker for PE days, a versatile boot, and last but not least, a fun shoe that brings the cool factor to their outfits…and for me, that’s a high-top.

If I just so happen to get myself a fresh pair of Converse too…well, it just makes sense, honestly. I am technically going back to school, too, yeh?!

yellow converse | dino converse

Converse & High-Tops: Just Right For Back-To-School 2021

DSW is one of my favorites when it comes to back-to-school shopping. It’s so easy to navigate their site and find exactly what I’m looking for. I don’t know about you, but I dance a little when I knock out a task with a one-stop-shop kind of experience. It made back-to-school shopping a whole lot easier on me, which is saying a lot…because shopping for all three kids can be very overwhelming (especially at the beginning of the school year). There’s so much that they need. My brain just goes, “phhhhhhhht. *tiny whisper*…help?”. Yeh, anyways…

DSW heard my cry-whisper for help. Their broad selection of brands and sizes, which — let me say it again because it’s important to note — are all incredibly easy to find and well-stocked. The kids got their much-needed sneakers, so I’ll go ahead and call this a win. Job done!

Oh, and the cherry on top of the whole DSW shopping experience, friends — I found what I can only describe as rays of sunshine. I don’t think I’ve ever had a more cheery pair of shoes than these yellow Converse high tops.

dino converse | yellow converse | animal print converse | vans

yellow converse | dino converse | vans | animal print converse

vans

I’ve found that Vans are a better fit for Anthony. He’s not a massive Converse fan; I assume it’s because he has wider feet. So, a high-top style like Vans provides him with more foot support and a bit more space on the sides. A pair in slick black is never a bad idea for a kid’s school wardrobe, either!

dino sneakers

Now, Connor voices his opinion easily and was quick to let me know which pair he wanted — “the dinos with the cool shoe, mom”…translation: these Dino Daze Sneakers. He’s actually the first of my kids to pick out a pair of Converse for himself before I had the chance to persuade him into them. Ha.

Tying Connor’s shoes is like wrangling a wild animal. I count it as my workout most days.

Maddie wants anything that her brothers have, but decidedly more girly, if at all possible. These Jungle Cat Platform Chuck Taylors are all Maddie: the animal print that’s actually hearts. I, personally, really like the lines along the sides of the soles. A very cool detail! I’d wear them (actually, see below for a similar style in adult sizes!).

We’re Off To Start A New School Year In Style

Woo!! Yes, I have to get these kids out of the house! Right now. I feel a tug on my heart, a bit of “awwww, I’ll miss them”, but I also feel like…I need my sanity back, haha. You, too?

dino converse | yellow converse

vans | dino converse | yellow converse

Shop More DSW High-Top Sneakers For Kids

Whether you’ve got a kid who’s a bit more adventurous when it comes to their style or one who prefers comfort, DSW has the shoes for them. I was happy to see several Converse styles for my kids, but also…more athletic options for my middle kid (who has wider feet and is more comfortable in say, a pair of adidas or Nikes).

Shop More DSW High-Top Sneakers For Mom

Everyone needs new shoes when the school year rolls in, not just the kids! A new pair of shoes can help minimize the feelings of resistance when you’re having to get up before the sun…at least, in my experience. I find that if I have something fun on my feet, making lunches (that I should have packed the night before) isn’t so bad. Mmm, no. It still is, but I feel cute!

I’m super impressed by DSW’s selection. I thought I’d only find a few high-top options, but that wasn’t the case. I basically want them all. I think that I have uhhh 2-3 additional pairs of high tops in my cart right now. heh heh heh….

Back to top

Here’s to all of us! May we successfully transition back into the more structured and quieter, yet somehow still crazy and stressful school season. We’ve got this.

animal print converse | vans | dino converse | yellow converse

Again, a huge thank you to ShopStyle Collective and DSW for sponsoring this post! You’ve gotten me excited about back-to-school season and all the fun outfits that go along with it.

Cheers,

Cams

Find me over on the gram @camilledipaola to see all of the ways I procrastinate in life (and get a good look at our new 1950s farmhouse – I’m in love!)

Photo credit: Lisa Fink Photography