Essential Women's Shoes
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
This list contains the top ten essential women's shoes. While footwear comes in all styles, shapes, and colors, it never fails, something comes up, and the perfect shoes are nowhere to be found. This list will help solve that problem. Here are the essentials, complete with shopping links.
1. The "Little Black Dress" of Shoes - A Low Heeled Black Pump
A low-heeled, comfortable black pump is essential to every woman's shoe collection for all those times when a strappy sandal or overly-glamorous shoe is inappropriate or too dressy, like an early dinner; an impromptu business meeting; or even a funeral.
These basic pumps from Fitzwell are versatile enough to pair with anything, and feature heels that are only 2 inches high. As an added bonus, these classically-styled shoes are also available in wide widths.
2. The "New Black" - Neutral Pumps
Even with as versatile as black pumps are, they simply will not go with everything. Add a neutral colored (not white) pump to your collection, and you'll have the the "basic pump" category of women's shoes covered. Shoes like these pretty pumps from Stuart Weitzman offer a classic look that will work season after season, and year after year.
Looks great with black dresses too.
3. The "Comfort Food" of Shoes - Your Everyday Shoe
Only you can be the judge of what will work best as your "every day" shoe, but whether it's a sneaker, a loafer or a flip-flop; comfort, fit and style should be key in choosing the right shoes for your everyday wear. I wear a lot of jeans, so I'm a sucker for cute and casual flats, like the 'Sloop' from French Sole. I often opt for bright and unique colors, because they add a bit of personality to even the most basic of outfits.
4. The "Walk in the Park" of Footwear - A Sneaker
Again, the choice is yours, but whether it's a little white pointy sneaker, or an edgy, retro high top, every wardrobe needs a pair of comfortable sneakers. This simple sneaker from Puma is one of my favorite styles -- it's perfect for walks in the park, or trips to the grocery store.
5. The "Instant Make-Over" - Heeled Casual Shoes and Booties
Nothing can dress up a casual outfit and make you feel better about yourself, like adding a bit of height. It doesn't matter how high or low the heel is, it's just about getting out of flats for a bit. Look for casual booties or shoes with a bit of a heel for times when you want to be chic, even in jeans.
6. The Alternative to Women's Shoes - A Tall Boot
Whether it's a high-heeled fashion boot or a warm and comfy casual style, colder weather screams for boots. Plus, depending on the boots you choose, everything from skirts to jeans can look fantastic with them. Every woman's wardrobe should have at least one pair in brown or black. I like boots with a low heel that can go casual or dressy.
7. The "Warm Cup of Cocoa" - Slippers
I'm not talking about "glamourous" slippers here. I'm talking about, after a shower, sitting around in your bathrobe, talking on the phone kind of slippers. These "New Spa" slippers from Acorn are exactly the kind of slippers I'm talking about. After all, whatever shoes you wear during the day, you're feet will appreciate being pampered at night.
MY THOUGHTS
love this list. although recently i discovered i don't have pumps anymore. which shows to ptove that the shoes we buy and keep depends on our lifestyle. how can i have heels in my closet when i don't need them. i hardly ever go to formal affairs. even semi-formal events are rare. so,i have a whole array of comfort shoes. suitsme just fine.
Showing posts with label flat shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flat shoes. Show all posts
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Beautiful Shoes for Skinny Jeans
Shoes for Skinny Jeans
The Best Shoes for Skinny Jeans
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
Just hearing the term "skinny jeans" is enough to send a lot of women into hiding, because they're so ... well, skinny -- surely they're going to call attention to every flaw we've worked so hard to hide. But be that as it may, the popularity of skinny jeans seems to rise and fall every few years or so. Which means, every few years or so, we're going to have to decide whether or not we're going to wear them, and if we do, what we're going to wear with them.
There are lots of tops you can pair with skinny jeans that will make them more flattering. But skinny jeans are the least forgiving clothing item I can think of, so even if you find the perfect shirt to wear with them, your outfit will be ruined if you choose the wrong footwear.
To insure that doesn't happen, check out my picks below for some of the best (and worst) shoes to wear with skinny jeans.
Flat Shoes with Skinny Jeans
If you have long legs and narrow hips, ballet flats and skimmers are great for pairing with skinny jeans. Since they're not at all bulky, they won't stand out or call too much attention to your feet, and they also help continue the lean silhouette created by the skinny jeans.
Flats with pointy toes are also a good option, but only if you're not self-conscious about the size of your feet. While the look is ultra-slimming, shoes with pointy toes can also make your feet look very long -- and they're not always the most comfortable choice either.
If you're not long and lean, pairing flats with skinny jeans only emphasizes that fact.
Wearing Boots with Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans were practically made for tucking into boots -- and there are very few boot styles that don't work with them.
Tall, wider boots with lower heels are the easiest to pull off because they will actually make your denim-coated legs look thinner, but ankle boots and heeled boots can work well too. Just remember to avoid boots that are both short and bulky. Since skinny jeans are so form-fitting, they can be easily overwhelmed, and boots that are too hefty will call too much attention to your footwear, and not enough to your entire outfit.
Booties and Skinny Jeans
Booties with skinny jeans can be hit or miss, but generally speaking, they're a good choice. The easiest way to pull them off is to remember that it's a balancing act: if the booties have platform soles or chunky heels, you need a bit of volume on top as well. If you're going for a slim head-to-toe look, try a more refined bootie with less bulk.
Skinny Jeans and Heels
Basic pumps with slightly pointed toes work best with skinny jeans, but if you're not wafer-thin, you need to give consideration to the rest of your outfit as well.
Wearing high heels with skinny jeans helps to elongate the legs, so it's natural that shorter women, and those with a few curves, would be attracted to the combination. But wearing skinny jeans with stilettos also creates a very narrow "base," which of course means the middle of your body is going to look bigger by comparison.
If you want to avoid calling too much attention to your thighs and hips, or looking too much like a 50s pin-up girl, try adding a top that extends to at least your hips. Simple mini dresses, long casual tops, loosely-belted shirts, and longer jackets all work well with skinny jeans and heels.
Choosing Sneakers for Skinny Jeans
A popular combination since the 1950s, skinny jeans and sneakers can offer a cool and casual look, but some sneaker styles work better than others. Puffy cross-trainers are far too weighty for skinny jeans, but trim low tops look cute with fitted denim, and on the right person, even old-school high tops can add a fun touch to skinny jeans.
MY THOUGHTS
well, i'm not much for skinny jeans. but if you want to get away wearing one, choose the best beautiful shoes for the outfit.
The Best Shoes for Skinny Jeans
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
Just hearing the term "skinny jeans" is enough to send a lot of women into hiding, because they're so ... well, skinny -- surely they're going to call attention to every flaw we've worked so hard to hide. But be that as it may, the popularity of skinny jeans seems to rise and fall every few years or so. Which means, every few years or so, we're going to have to decide whether or not we're going to wear them, and if we do, what we're going to wear with them.
There are lots of tops you can pair with skinny jeans that will make them more flattering. But skinny jeans are the least forgiving clothing item I can think of, so even if you find the perfect shirt to wear with them, your outfit will be ruined if you choose the wrong footwear.
To insure that doesn't happen, check out my picks below for some of the best (and worst) shoes to wear with skinny jeans.
Flat Shoes with Skinny Jeans
If you have long legs and narrow hips, ballet flats and skimmers are great for pairing with skinny jeans. Since they're not at all bulky, they won't stand out or call too much attention to your feet, and they also help continue the lean silhouette created by the skinny jeans.
Flats with pointy toes are also a good option, but only if you're not self-conscious about the size of your feet. While the look is ultra-slimming, shoes with pointy toes can also make your feet look very long -- and they're not always the most comfortable choice either.
If you're not long and lean, pairing flats with skinny jeans only emphasizes that fact.
Wearing Boots with Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans were practically made for tucking into boots -- and there are very few boot styles that don't work with them.
Tall, wider boots with lower heels are the easiest to pull off because they will actually make your denim-coated legs look thinner, but ankle boots and heeled boots can work well too. Just remember to avoid boots that are both short and bulky. Since skinny jeans are so form-fitting, they can be easily overwhelmed, and boots that are too hefty will call too much attention to your footwear, and not enough to your entire outfit.
Booties and Skinny Jeans
Booties with skinny jeans can be hit or miss, but generally speaking, they're a good choice. The easiest way to pull them off is to remember that it's a balancing act: if the booties have platform soles or chunky heels, you need a bit of volume on top as well. If you're going for a slim head-to-toe look, try a more refined bootie with less bulk.
Skinny Jeans and Heels
Basic pumps with slightly pointed toes work best with skinny jeans, but if you're not wafer-thin, you need to give consideration to the rest of your outfit as well.
Wearing high heels with skinny jeans helps to elongate the legs, so it's natural that shorter women, and those with a few curves, would be attracted to the combination. But wearing skinny jeans with stilettos also creates a very narrow "base," which of course means the middle of your body is going to look bigger by comparison.
If you want to avoid calling too much attention to your thighs and hips, or looking too much like a 50s pin-up girl, try adding a top that extends to at least your hips. Simple mini dresses, long casual tops, loosely-belted shirts, and longer jackets all work well with skinny jeans and heels.
Choosing Sneakers for Skinny Jeans
A popular combination since the 1950s, skinny jeans and sneakers can offer a cool and casual look, but some sneaker styles work better than others. Puffy cross-trainers are far too weighty for skinny jeans, but trim low tops look cute with fitted denim, and on the right person, even old-school high tops can add a fun touch to skinny jeans.
MY THOUGHTS
well, i'm not much for skinny jeans. but if you want to get away wearing one, choose the best beautiful shoes for the outfit.
Monday, September 21, 2009
a guide to walking shoes
Walking Shoe Guide
The Best Shoes for Walking
By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com
Updated June 16, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Walking shoes are your most important item of gear. Our walking shoe gear guide will help you decide which to buy, where to buy, and reader reviews of shoes.
The Best Shoe
There is no one best shoe. The best shoe for you is the the one that fits you best, the one that gives you the proper support, flexibility, cushioning, and compensates for any stride problems you may have, such as overpronation. Each person's feet are different. Take all advice with a grain of salt and find a shoe fitting expert to help you find the shoe that is best for your walking distance, speed, style, and surface as well as your weight and stride.
Walking or Running Shoes?
Shoe manufacturers are putting the best design and technology into running shoe styles, while walking shoe styles are being designed primarily for market appeal rather than performance. Follow the tips on the upcoming pages to see whether that walking shoe you are interested really meets your needs, or if you should go with a running shoe design.
Essential Walking Shoe Qualities:
•Flexible: You must be able to bend and twist the shoes. When you take a walking step, your foot will flex as you roll through a step from heel to toe. If the shoe is too stiff, your foot will fight it with each step.
•Flat: Walking shoes should have a relatively flat heel.
•Heel Not Flared: Since walkers strike with the heel first, you do not want a big flared heel. In fact, a slightly undercut heel is preferred.
Boots for Walkers?
Many long distance walkers wear hiking boots. I noted over half of the walkers on half-marathon to marathon distance walks in Europe were wearing boots. However, boots do not provide motion control features that many people need, and may be inflexible and heavy. Walkers may discover that they need a boot for the trail but not for the street.
My thoughts
Had this article been available years ago, I could have saved my feet from a lot of pain. How may times have we hurt ourselves with the wrong beauiful shoes. We can wear beautiful shoes but we need to choose the right ones.
The Best Shoes for Walking
By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com
Updated June 16, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Walking shoes are your most important item of gear. Our walking shoe gear guide will help you decide which to buy, where to buy, and reader reviews of shoes.
The Best Shoe
There is no one best shoe. The best shoe for you is the the one that fits you best, the one that gives you the proper support, flexibility, cushioning, and compensates for any stride problems you may have, such as overpronation. Each person's feet are different. Take all advice with a grain of salt and find a shoe fitting expert to help you find the shoe that is best for your walking distance, speed, style, and surface as well as your weight and stride.
Walking or Running Shoes?
Shoe manufacturers are putting the best design and technology into running shoe styles, while walking shoe styles are being designed primarily for market appeal rather than performance. Follow the tips on the upcoming pages to see whether that walking shoe you are interested really meets your needs, or if you should go with a running shoe design.
Essential Walking Shoe Qualities:
•Flexible: You must be able to bend and twist the shoes. When you take a walking step, your foot will flex as you roll through a step from heel to toe. If the shoe is too stiff, your foot will fight it with each step.
•Flat: Walking shoes should have a relatively flat heel.
•Heel Not Flared: Since walkers strike with the heel first, you do not want a big flared heel. In fact, a slightly undercut heel is preferred.
Boots for Walkers?
Many long distance walkers wear hiking boots. I noted over half of the walkers on half-marathon to marathon distance walks in Europe were wearing boots. However, boots do not provide motion control features that many people need, and may be inflexible and heavy. Walkers may discover that they need a boot for the trail but not for the street.
My thoughts
Had this article been available years ago, I could have saved my feet from a lot of pain. How may times have we hurt ourselves with the wrong beauiful shoes. We can wear beautiful shoes but we need to choose the right ones.
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