Phil Knight founded the company in 1964.

Although the name was later changed it was initially founded as Blue Ribbon Sports. The final name of the company was picked after a dream was had that included the Greek Goddess of victory, Nike. The company is well known for it's swoosh emblem as well and came up with that shortly after the name change.

Shoes, athletic wear, basketball, Chucks ?when you put all these words together, they seem to be synonymous with one brand of footwear only: Converse. Since that fateful date in 1921 when basketball player Charles "Chuck" Taylor walked into the newly-built shoe company called the Converse Rubber Shoe Company ?the all-star American brand or Chucks have become an overnight sensation.

HOT TIP: If your lightweight down jacket (see North Face down jacket or Patagonia Down Sweater) travels with you even in the summer months, stuff it in the pillow case. Instant pillow.

If you have an unused bedroom in your home, you can turn it into a walk in closet by installing shelving and closet rods around the perimeter of the room. You can also use rolling carts and hanging rods if you want to avoid installing hardware. To maximize the utility of your new dressing room, include a comfortable sitting chair for putting on your shoes and a full-length mirror to give yourself a quick appraisal before heading out the door.

When you are the rugged type or you simply love to match delicate urban styles with some country stability, there are of course those lovely leather boots lined with sheepskin. While Uggs are definitely the most well-known brand of shoes that provide this look, don forget that they are far from the only ones. Not only are these shoes fantastically warm, they are also incredibly durable, meaning that you will be completely protected as you march through the cold. Check out what other manufacturers make these charming, highly comfortable shoes.

Look for thick veneers on wood. Veneer has been used for hundreds of years and is not necessarily a bad thing. However, older veneer is thicker than modern veneer and it was glued onto wood. Newer veneers are very thin. Modern manufacturing methods allow for thinner cuts. Modern veneers are often glued onto particleboard or base woods.