I've finally found an online store that has Converse sneakers in bright colours and that will ship to Europe (Converse.com offers this too, but their shipping rates are outrageous). Unfortunately Sneakerhead.com only seems to have Converse for men.

Have any of you ever bought men's Converse and how much did you need to size down for them to feet your 'ladyfeet'?
I've had a look around Zappos and they seem to suggest that there's a difference of 2 sizes, so if you wear a women's 7, you should order a men's 5. Does that sound about right you think?

(and maybe a silly question: is their actually any difference between the men's and women's models, I don't really see it)