What to Look For in an Online Shoe Store

Buying Shoes Online - What to Look For in an Online Shoe Store
Tips for Shoes Shopping Online
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
http://shoes.about.com/od/shoes_store/a/buying_online.htm

It used to be that if you wanted a new pair of shoes, you trudged off to a department or shoe store; tried on several pairs; settled on one (or a dozen), and took your purchases home with you that day.

Lately, more and more people are breaking with tradition, and buying shoes online. In part, I believe this is because we've become more busy, but mostly I think that it's because we now have access to brands, designers, styles and sizes that we were not able to find in our local shoe stores.

If you feel the need for a women's size 14, extra-narrow, red pump with a 3 inch heel, chances are, you can find it at one of the many online shoe stores.

But all online shoe stores are not created equal. Here is some advice for buying shoes online.

Shipping Charges: The Added Cost of Buying Shoes Online
If possible, try to find out shipping charges before spending a lot of time adding items to your cart. You may think you're getting a great deal on all those shoes, but if shipping is too high, you might ending paying a lot more than you anticipated. This is especially true if you are ordering from a country other than the one you reside in.

Many online shoe stores offer free shipping, which is great. But do a few price comparisons before you buy. Occasionally, you'll find a better price at an online shoe store that charges a reasonable rate for shipping, and still come out ahead.

Returns/Exchanges - Know the Policies in Advance
Another hugely important element to buying shoes online is having the ability to return or exchange them if have a defect, don't fit, or just don't look the way you thought they would.

While most online shoe stores will offer some kind of return policy, don't take it for granted. Know before checking out that you'll be able to return the "new condition" shoes for any reason.

Of course, if you're willing to take a chance on a deeply discounted pair of shoes, you might decide to buy without a return policy. But you still need to know what your return and exchange options are before buying.

Also, find out in advance whether or not you'll have to pay the return shipping fees if you do need to make a return or exchange.

Need Your Shoes in a Hurry? Check Shipping Times
If you absolutely, most certainly, must have a particular pair of shoes by a certain date, I strongly recommend buying them in person, or ordering them far enough in advance that you have other options if your shoes don't ship in time.

This is not some hidden code implying that online shoe stores don't ship in a timely fashion. In fact, most of the shoes purchases I've made online have arrived in record time, but why take any chances?

Again, know the shipping policies of the online shoe store you're dealing with, and check to see if the item you're ordering is actually in stock. If it is backordered, this could add weeks to your delivery time.

As long as you deal with reputable online shoe stores and pay attention to the details mentioned above, buying shoes online is a great way to save time and money; and to give yourself the most options when shopping for footwear.

MY THOUGHTS

i like online shopping.  i doubt it, though, if this could ever replace real shopping.  not for me.  and certainly not when i'm buying shoes.  and bags.  nothing could replace the thrill of the hunt.  going from store to store.  fitting from pair to pair. rushing home with the catch.  can't do that on line, can i ?

what your shoes say about you

Tuesday, February 2, 2010


What Your Shoes Say About You?






You wear them on your feet. But what does your shoes really say about you?



1. Pumps





Your values are basic: Work hard, get paid well, use your brain, value your family and friends, and give back. You are also intelligent, reliable and a loyal friend.





2. Stilettos





You embrace your raw female power, stepping out smartly, never afraid to state what you want. An intriguing mix of traditional and modern, deep down you believe in the fact that men provide and women look good."





3. Sneakers





The Sneaker girl is all about cool, but very accessible cool. You're also very witty, and often pepper your conversation with a bit of ironic or sarcastic humor just for effect.





4. Mary Janes





Women who wear these girly shoes like order and neatness in all things. But boring you're not! Beneath your prim and proper exterior, you're the quintessential girly girl, and have a great sense of playfulness.





5. Peep Toes



Peep-toe shoes are synonymous with natural flirts. Wherever you are off to, you usually make a sassy entrance with your shiny open-toe heels that tilt you just a little forward, put an extra zing in your walk, and give onlookers a tiny peek of the toe cleavage.



MY THOUGHTS



ballet shoes not mentioned here. i used to have lots of pumps and some stilettos. i still go for some peep toes but usually flats. so, i guess, i'm sneaker girl. i wear them whenever i could.

How to Care for Your Shoe Collection

How to Care for Your Shoe Collection

Services of a modern cobbler go way beyond the classic shoe shine.
By Elizabeth Larkin, About.com Guide

I know a very wealthy man--we’re talking private jet owner here--who hasn’t purchased a new pair of shoes in a decade. He gets them shined regularly, and once a year he takes them to the cobbler where they are re-soled, re-lined, cleaned and back in fighting form within two days.

A good cobbler can transform your shoes into something that very closely resembles “new.” Before you buy a new pair of shoes, consider the services a cobbler can offer:

Basic Shoe Repair:

•Replace heels and soles
•Install a protective outer sole
•Replace or repair inner sole (tip: Don't repair, just replace the insole!)
•Cleaning and reconditioning
•Stretching – this is key for people, like me, who have one foot slightly larger than the other.

High Heels:
•Repair the heels
•Recover a heel in new fabric (suede, leather, etc.)

Boots:
•Waterproof the outside
•Stretch or tighten the shaft

Beyond the Basics:
In addition to the basics, a “luxury” or “upscale” shoe repair outfit may offer the following services:
•Change a wide heel into a stiletto
•Additionally, can widen a stiletto into a traditional heel
•Lengthen or shorten straps on your strappy sandals or sling backs
•Have shoes dyed to a new color (tip: Many women do this to their wedding shoes.)

If you're not sure where to find an upscale cobbler ask around at the most high-end stores in your area. My friend Meghan, a confirmed fashionsita on a budget, once needed a pair of J Crew pants hemmed. She asked the store and they sent her to their own tailor who works independently at a store front in her neighborhood. Score!

TIP: Once you get your shoes back, don’t expect them to fit exactly the way they previously did; think of them like new shoes you need to break in.

MY THOUGHTS

i've been planning on doing this. just need to find the time and take the trip to a really good shoe repair shop.well, at least for the basic shoe repair. i don't about water proofing and beyond the basics. worth checking out.

Women purchase 469 pairs of shoes through life

Women purchase 469 pairs of shoes through life: Survey


The average women will spend 16,000 pounds on shoes in her whole lifetime, according to a survey by Gocompare.com.

According to the research, girls usually buy their first pair without their mum at 14, and then the purchase limit goes to seven pairs a year for the rest of their lives, which eventually brings the number to 469 pairs.

Spending 34.99 pounds on an average pair makes ladies splash out 244.93 pounds each year and 16,410 pounds over 67 years.

The survey of 3,000 women concluded that the average woman has nearly about 19 pairs of shoes which includes – three pairs with heels, six pairs of flip-flops, sandals, ballet pumps or wedges, three pairs of boots and four pairs of ‘foxy-style’ shoes for night parties.

Their shoe racks also have two pairs of work shoes and another two or so ‘random’ purchases.

Four in 10 women say they judge another female by the shoes she has on.

More than half find it easy to justify a purchase to themselves but a quarter rarely tell their partner about new ones as “he wouldn’t understand”.

“Shoes are women’s one major weakness,” the Daily Express quoted Hayley Parsons, of Gocompare as saying.

MY THOUGHTS

i'm normal, i'm normal...or as this article says, i'm an average woman. haha. i think i still have 69 shoes to hit the lifetime average....

Elderly should avoid going barefoot

Elderly should avoid going barefoot!

ANI, Jun 24, 2010, 02.34pm IST

A new research has suggested that elderly people should avoid going barefoot, or wearing slippers or socks with no shoes to prevent serious injuries, including fractures, sprains, dislocations, and pulled or torn muscles, ligaments or tendons, as a result of their fall.

Prevention of falls among older adults is a major clinical and public health concern, and hence the study has important implications in fall prevention programs.

"Therefore, older people should wear shoes at home whenever possible to minimize their risk of falling," says senior author Marian T. Hannan, D.Sc., M.P.H., co-director of the Musculoskeletal Research Center at the Institute for Aging Research.

During an assessment, participants were asked what type of shoe they usually wear - amongst athletic shoes (sneakers), flat-sole canvas shoes, oxfords or other tied shoes, loafers, sandals, pumps, slippers, socks or stockings only, or barefoot – and then followed for 27.5 months.

Of those who reported falling, more than 18 percent were barefoot when they fell. Nearly 27 percent were wearing slippers and 7 percent were wearing socks only.

Dr. Hannan said that wearing well fitting, low-heeled shoes with slip-resistant soles seemed sensible but designing an optimal shoe type for seniors will need to take into account such issues as foot problems and the ease of putting them on and taking them off.

The study will be published in the summer issue of the journal Footwear Science.

MY THOUGHTS

makes sense! better tell our old folks. i'm sure this will feel strange in the beginning - we live and breathe slippers when at home. better safe than comfy!

do you have the right kind of flip-flop?

The right kind of flip-flops to wear this summer

by Joanna Douglas, Shine Staff, on Thu Jun 3, 2010 7:04pm PDT

At last, the breezy days of summer are upon us. Instead of repeatedly checking the daily weather forecast to deliberate if we need a scarf or sweater for layering, we can enjoyably slip on some comfy shorts or an effortless sundress. For many of us, flip-flops become the go-to footwear to accompany such an ensemble, but as we’ve often been warned, these flimsy slip-ons do not always provide ideal foot support.

USA Today reports that Justin Shroyer, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, studied over 100 flip-flop wearers to uncover patterns in their feet and leg movements. While presenting his findings at the American College of Sports Medicine's annual meeting in Baltimore this week, Shroyer explained some of the key problems with these shoes. Namely, he discovered that by trying to grip and hold flip-flops in place, people work the muscles in their shins much harder than when they’re barefoot. He said that shortened strides while wearing flip-flops can also strain the lower legs.

"The more the shoe conforms to your foot, the better off your foot and leg will be," Shroyer told USA Today. "If it's loose, your foot has to work harder to keep your flip-flop on." He said that more structured flip-flops with deepened heel cups and defined arches can remove some of the stress from your feet and legs, but that a sneaker is still preferred when doing extensive walking or activity.

Dr. Rock Positano, director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery, confirms Shroyer's findings. "With no real solid support underneath the foot, it loses its shock-absorbing capabilities. The lower leg, shin, knee, hip, and back are overworking." Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery for the American Podiatric Medical Association, agrees with Shroyer as well. "Wearing flip-flops will shorten your stride, so your leg and foot muscles have to work harder," she says. "This causes the need for compensation--sometimes from your knees, hips, and back. This could be bad news for people with previous injury in these sensitive areas." In addition, Dr. Positano says certain pathological foot types (like high and flat arches) predispose people to foot and ankle issues, and that soft flip-flops with no support accentuate these mechanical deficiencies. Some short-term issues related to flip-flop use would be heel and arch pain, tendinitis, shin splints, sprains, splinters, cuts, and toe injuries. Long-term problems might be stress fractures, bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas.

As Shroyer suggested, "not all flip-flops are created equal," says Dr. Sutera. "The wider the straps, the better. Also, try to get a sandal with a back strap. Back straps take some of the stress off your toes and decrease the demand for them to work so hard." She agrees that a more contoured flip-flop is preferable. "If you have arch support and can cup the heel, then the foot may not pronate as much." (Pronation is when the arch flattens out when we place weight on the foot.) "There is a certain amount of pronation that is normal, but over-pronation causes many, many foot problems. I call it "the root of all evil."

When it comes to brands, some are better than others. Those ultra-affordable Old Navy flip-flops may be appealing and available in every color, but your feet will pay the price if you’re doing much more activity than sitting around at a barbeque. Dr. Sutera lists Crocs, Clarks, Born, Teva, and Birkenstock as acceptable brands for light to moderate use. For a higher end option, Dr. Positano is impressed with the offerings from Tory Burch, Chanel, Prada, and Bally. Here's a complete list of flip-flops given the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Even with a comfortable flip-flop, you should limit your use to no more than a few hours of wear. "If you’re hanging around the pool or going to the beach it’s fine. They’re not going to kill you," says Dr. Positano. "Where people get into trouble is when they use them all day, walking around, and standing for a long period of time." The worst scenario, perhaps, is what Dr. Positano refers to as the "Disney World fracture." "You have a person who’s already walking more than they’re accustomed too. Pair that with foot gear with no support, and you have the quickest way to arrive at the vacation from hell. Trips are ruined because people develop stress fractures, knee problems, and hip and back problems."

When in doubt, Dr. Positano offers up some simple but important advice: "The bottom line is wearing flip-flops is no different than wearing three-inch high heels. Be sensible. Know how to wear something and when to wear it."

MY THOUGHTS

this is a good read for citizens of flip-flop country. i got hooked myself. and then i realized it's not practical for someone who needs to wera office shoes 5x a week. and for someone who has hyperhydrosis, flip flops just won't work.

Worst Shoes to Wear to a Job Interview

Office Shoes
The Worst Shoes to Wear to an Office Job Interview
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

When it comes to footwear, and to fashion in general, I'm a bit of a style renegade. Preferring to have fun with shoes and clothes, I'm not much into rules or safe choices. However, business is business, and if you're looking to land an office job, dress codes can be serious business.

While many work places are becoming much more relaxed about dress codes, for a lot of companies, professional appearance is of utmost importance. And the way you present yourself on the day of your interview may speak volumes to your potential employer. Here are a few suggestions on shoes not to wear to a job interview.
Sneakers
With telecommuting gaining popularity, and many offices having a more laid-back attitude about work attire, it's easy for us to forget that a job interview is still a somewhat formal affair. While a pair of Converse chucks might show your artsy side, and a pair of trainers may be the most comfortable choice, to make your best first impression, don't wear sneakers to an interview for an office job.
Sandals & Open-Toed Shoes
It's fairly obvious that flip-flops are an inappropriate choice for a job interview, but for many office jobs, even dressier and heeled sandals should be avoided. While many offices don't have a policy against open toe shoes, some do. It's best to play it safe and find out the dress codes after you land the job, rather than to risk it on the interview.
Shimmery or Overly Embellished Shoes
I love embellishments more than nearly anyone, so it pains me to say that there is a time when it's inappropriate to be flashy - but there is, and it's a job interview. In fact, even after you've landed the job, it's more professional and appropriate to save the metallics, crystals, and studs for after-hours.
Extremely High Heels
In addition to the fact that they're difficult to walk in - you don't want to miss the interview because you sprained your ankle - shoes with extremely high heels can actually (and pay attention here, because it's one of the only time you'll hear me say the following) call too much attention to your footwear. The emphasis should be on you and your skills, and not on your shoes.
Shoes that are Dirty, Torn, or Show other Signs of Wear & Tear
While many of us obsess over our shoes, for many, they're merely a means of covering and protecting the feet. Therefore, not a lot of attention is given to how they look. But to make a great first impression, you should pay attention to the details. Your shoes should be shined or buffed, scuff and dirt-free, and should not have any visible strains, rips or tears. While new shoes should remove all of those concerns, you need to be careful that they're comfortable and easy to walk in before the actual interview day. The last thing you need is to add foot pain to your list of worries on interview day.
The Right Shoes for an Office Job Interview
The appropriate shoes for office job interviews will be dress shoes -- flats or heels of around 3" or less. They'll have closed toes, be clean, sharp-looking, and will complement your outfit, but won't overpower it. The ideal shoes will be free of metallic finishes, overdone embellishments, and excessively high heels. Having said all of that, it seems like you have few choices, but that's really not the case.
Stylish Shoe Choices for Your Job Interview
Let the company you're applying at, and the position you're applying for dictate how creative your footwear choices can be. For example, if you're going for a position at a fashion magazine, you'll definitely want your personality and sense of style to come through. Choose classic but stylish shoes with a subtle or chic print, or a large buckle. While you don't want to risk going over the top, you definitely don't want to seem boring or staid.

On the other hand, if it's a banking or investment job you're after, it's definitely best to stay on the conservative side of footwear. You can't go wrong with a basic pump in a color that complements your suit. A bit of classic hardware, like a simple buckle will appear chic and stylish, without crossing the line into trendy.

MY THOUGHTS

yes, we do look at how the applicant is dressed but not so much the shoes. this article is right it depends on the company and the job you're applying for. i don't mind embelished shoes. even shoes that are a little tattered. for as long as they are clean. what matters most to me when we're hiring is the competence and attitude. the person with the right attitude will certainly wear the appropriate pair of shoes.

Taking Off Shoes At Airport Could Be Health Hazard

Taking Off Shoes At Airport Could Be Health Hazard
10News Lifts Samples From Security Checkpoints

POSTED: 12:02 pm PDT July 3, 2006
UPDATED: 4:41 pm PDT July 3, 2006


SAN DIEGO -- About 17 million pairs of feet move through Lindbergh Field Airport in San Diego every year. Each passenger is asked to take off their shoes at security. Some are clean, some are dirty, and some carry diseases, 10News reported.

"If there are individuals walking barefoot or with socks, they will transmit to another person walking over the same spot," lower leg desease expert Dr. Daniel Lee said.

What do socked or barefooted passengers leave behind? 10News used petri dishes to gather samples where passengers picked up their carry-ons off the conveyer belt at the security checkpoint.

After sampling in San Diego, a 10News employee headed to Las Vegas and Phoenix -- two popular destinations for San Diegans.

Investigative reporter Marti Emerald gave the samples to Quadrants Scientific in Rancho Bernardo.

The lab identified a mold from McCarron Airport in Las Vegas as trichophyston, which causes ringworm and favus, a nasty disease of the scalp.

The next test was from Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, where samples were lifted to test for bacteria.

Scientists found bacteria and fungus unique to the areas where passengers removed their shoes.

"I do have concerns over the organisms you found," Lee said. "Staphylococcus causes skin infections that goes deep through the layers and people who are sensitive can pick it up."

Lee said this particular organism is resistant to many of the antibotics used these days.

"The other organism I saw was Neisseria. It is of the species and genus that can lead to gonorrhea," Lee said.

Lee suggests wearing medical booties through security. Airports in Phoenix and Dallas offer free booties for flyers. Lindbergh Field does not, but could that may be changing.

It is illegal to force anyone to take off their shoes, but passengers who don't comply may be sent to a secondary security checkpoint.

"We looked at that before more as a customer convenience. We were told the floors were perhaps too cold," said Diana Lucero of the Airport Authority.

The San Diego Airport Authority intends to revisit the idea of handing out booties as part of its response to the 10News findings.

"We are very concerned about the health of the traveling public. Any remedies that have to implemented as a result of this, we will certainly move quickly in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration to implement them," added Lucero.

The Airport Authority will test carpets themselves, and will clean and sanitize floors in the security areas more often.

They are also discussing the possibility of offering booties similar to the ones given away in Dallas and Phoenix airports.

MY THOUGHTS:

Yikes! I've always found this "taking-the-shoes-off" bothersome. I take the local flights at least 4x in a month!!! Never mind the inconvenmience. All these bacteria and fungus. Better go back to wearing socks.

Jesus sandals

How to Wear Jesus Sandals For Tourists
By Crystal Robertson
Level: Platinum

Simple looking sandals are some of the most comfortable shoes you will ever walk in, but sometimes they unfairly get a bad reputation. Some people immediately think of hippies when the term "jesus sandals" is mentioned, and this particular type of footwear is sometimes even described as "shoes or sandals that only tourists will wear".

When you sum up hippie and touristy outfits, they are not exactly at the forefront of the fashion movement or even considered to be within fashion's mainstream consciousness. However, in defense of tourists, they really do a lot of walking. They have to see as much as they can within a short period of time, so their feet and legs take a beating with all the sightseeing that they have to do. Therefore, being fashionably usually is not your foremost priority as a tourist.

Tourists need to wear shoes with proper arch support, shoes that will match with most of the clothes they have packed, and shoes that are not bulky so they will fit in a suitcase.

Now here lies the problem: how is a tourist supposed to wear shoes when traveling without looking like, well, a tourist?

The solution is to pick a pair of athletic and hip looking sandals. Forget plastic, woven, and leather sandals. In contrast to the latter footwear variations, athletic sandals give your feet all the support they need and do not attract the same negative attention. The general public will actually understand why you are wearing athletic sandals, especially if you will be visiting crowded tourist spots and popular tourist magnets. In other words, spend some time picking a pair of athletic sandals that will make you look good when you are out traveling, but a pair that will also take care of your feet.

Now that takes care of your footwear, if you are going to be a tourist any time soon. May we also suggest staying away from t-shirts in loud prints?

Crystal Robertson is a fashion writer with a particular focus on bags, clothing, and shoes. To find out more about jesus sandals, please visit http://www.jesussandal.com/

MY THOUGHTS

comfort is key. how can you enjoy the trip if you have blisters because of fashionable shoes. i usually take with me a pair so i'll have room for another pair that i intend to buy wherever i go.

organize your shoes

Organising and storing your shoes
from findmyshoes.com



Whilst most of us love to shop for shoes, shopping for shoe storage organisers is not quite as much fun. The options are endless and there's nothing worse than having forked out for a gorgeous shoe rack and then realise it only holds a third of your shoe collection. Soon you end up with a bewildering assortment of shoe storage units in every room of the house.
Step 1. Collate all your shoes in the middle of the room .

Step 2. Divide them into "shoes you wear every day" and "special occasion" shoes. Then sort by colour or style within each group. Further sort each group by season.

Step 3. Eliminate duplicates, shoes that don't fit and ones that are past their use-by date.

Step 4. If you've got 12 pairs or less, try looking for a shoe rack or cabinet. Over 12 shoes, you can't go past clear shoe boxes for their versatility and stackability. You can just keep adding and stacking boxes as you increase your shoe collection.

Step 5. The best clear shoe boxes have a slide-out drawer which makes getting your shoes in and out much easier than the ones with envelope openings. Try www.benjibox.com.au to order online.


Step 6. Assemble the boxes in your wardrobe or on shelves in a shoe closet. Place the current season's daily favourites front and centre. Out-of-season and special occasion shoes can go higher up or lower down. Help your shoes keep in shape by stuffing with tissue paper (or inflatable inserts for boots).

Step 7. Repeat next season!

MY THOUGHTS

A perennial problem! Now it's not just shoes. not there's slippers to organize. i love these shoe bags that i got from bangkok. they are great for organizing shoes while traveling. then i realized they're good for storage, too.

shoes changing your life?

Shoes In 2010
from lifestyle lounge

Everybody knows the story of Cinderella and how after many hardships, she was able to find her Prince Charming and live happily ever after. The moral may be anything from the need to be good hearted to the triumph of good over evil. However, one thing, which skipped our mind, is that “a pair of shoes can change your life.” Actually, Cinderella story is a classic example of the importance of shoes in our lives. It is no wonder why shoes are given a special place in the fashion world. You can never have too many good friends and too many good shoes. And when this is the matter, how come all the fashionistas be satisfied with just one type of the shoes. Every year designers brings the latest fad in for us and this year too is not an exception. The Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer 2010 shows in London, New York, Paris and Milan did actually brought out many trends with all new styles, hues, patterns and idée. So what are you waiting for? Read on to know the shoes trends in 2010 and get ready to transform your wardrobe.

Shoes Trend For 2010

Booties/ Ankle Boots
The first name, which comes to mind when you talk about shoe trends for 2010, is booties. Also a slang for a “hot girlfriend’, the amalgamation of shoe and boots, the booties are haute this year. Booties are not only comfortable but also look chic and stylish. Moreover, they are available in different versions ranging from fancy, retro, trendy, and sleek. They would go with anything you wear, be it skirt, pants, jeans to dresses and would up the style quotient by high measures. You could go for suede booties, booties with bows, with open toes, strapped booties, with platform, with ties, cutout booties, ruffled ones, velvet lace ups, cage booties, and even with feathers and glitters. The best buy of booties this year would be from Chloe, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Pucci, Marni and Calvin Klein, Nina Ricci.

High Heel Platform Sandals
While the last year was all about soaring heights with heels, this year is about supporting the heels with platforms. The platform heels with 4 inches or more are about to rule the roost this fall and summer. These platform heels not only look chic and sexy but also are not as uncomfortable as stilettos. The colors that would be the rage this season for high heel platforms sandals especially in spring are bright colors like cherry red, fuchsia, turquoise, silver, gold, and yellow. Subtle colors like white, beige, black, grey, auburn etc will also be seen especially in early winters. Burgundy, coral reds, orange shades, sandals with blue tones etc will also be ‘in’ for 2010. Sling back platforms, peep-toed platforms, and sandals with bows in leather or suede, platforms with sequins, platforms with straps, wraparound strappy sandals, cage sandals, croc embossed, etc not only look chic and sophisticated but also a little bit racy. The best buys for these kinds of shoes are Macy’s (especially the Paris Hilton brand), Valentino, Fendi, Olympia Maxine’s collection of sandals, Nanette Lepore’s, Gucci, Miu Miu etc.

High Boots
Be it knee-high boots or thigh high ones, the boots are all over the ramps and in almost all the fall and autumn collections of designer this year. Be it the Louis Vuitton’s fall collection, Prada’s, Fendi’s, Chanel’s, everywhere the winter collection of shoes consisted of high boots. Although winter collections are mostly drab as compared to the spring and summer trends, this year the dowdiness has seen backstage and many outrageous yet chic, traditional and sexy changes has been seen in the shoes ala carte 2010. Knee high or over knee or thigh high boots in leather, suede, shearling, drap, lace or silk with round or tapering toes in olive green, maroons, brown, black, grey, and even gold color would be in rage for a “stand out” look. You could pair them with short dresses, minis, skinny jeans, tights, or even long socks. Boots by Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Hermes, Giuseppe Zanotti, Lacoste, Alexander McQueen, Mark Jacobs, etc would be the best buy for 2010.

Flat Thong Sandals/Slides
A relief from the towering heels, comfort is the keyword for the fashion trend this year. Designers are choosing comfort and practicality over motley and strange forms of last year. An easy to wear flat thong sandals in colorful patterns would be an ideal footwear for the spring. However the thongs slip on’s and sandals in bright colors with beads and jewels would be an “in” thing 2010 spring and summer. These versatile shoes not only makes the feet look beautiful but they are also perfect for casual summer parties. The Brazilian style flip-flops and thong sandals would be your best bet this year. Britney Spears, Jennifer Anniston, Heidi Klum, Gwen Stefani, and many other celebrities also love these flat thong sandals and so pick your style and match your steps with them.

Stilettos
Although it is said that fashion is fickle, there are some things which never go out of fashion. Stilettos are one such thing. Those fans of these kinds of shoes can heave a sigh of relief with Victoria Beckham. Even if these shoes aren’t too healthy for your legs, it is important to have few pairs of stilettos in your closet. These are ideal for night outs and also make a classic option for job interviews. The trend of the stilettos 2010 are square or trapezoid heel of 6-inch stilettos in glossy or fake croc leather.

Mary Jane
Mary Jane would continue to feature in any fashionista’s wardrobe. However, this year will see a difference from the goody-two-shoes Mary Jane of a schoolgirl towards a punk mode. This year will feature retro peep toe with chunky buckles with colorful stripes in skyscraper heels. Although the former feminine looking Mary Jane would continue, glossy leather, multihued feature with sometimes, open toes will add a flirty tone to otherwise, sophisticated shoes. The best buy for Mary Jane would be from Guess, Fergie, Nine West, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Banana Republic, Nicole Richie’s Winter Kate Collection etc.

Lace Pumps
Lace is the key element in the autumn/winter collection of almost all the designers and this chic and sexy trend is believed to continue for spring/summer 2010 too. So if you are a fan of laces and love the translucent fabric, then this year fashion is custom made for you. Lace Pumps from Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Nina Ricci, etc will give you a romantic and fancy touch to your overall look. For a DIY look, you can cut up your lace and make pretty lacewings on your old stilettos.

Fringed Footwear
If you are the one who digs bohemian style, here is good news for you. The 70’s look of fringes is back and that too with a bang. In all the fashion weeks of autumn/winter and spring/summer, fringed footwear has offered their attendance. Be it pumps, booties, boots, everything is flaunting fringed look. The best colors for fringed footwear would be olive green, brown, black, petrol green, russet, auburn, cocoa etc. the best buy would be from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mineetonka etc.
Other types of shoes, which would be in vogue this year, are boots with studs and rivets, suede shoes and menswear inspired oxford high heels with lace up.

MY THOUGHTS

Shoes are shoes. I love them. in whatever form. i love pumps best though. I don't know about shoes changing one's life. a changed life though can change the way you choose your shoes.

caring for shoes

Caring for Shoes

By Vicki Lansky

Clean white baby shoes by rubbing them with a raw potato, liquid nonabrasive cleaner, or alcohol before polishing. Or apply toothpaste with an old toothbrush, scrub gently, and wipe off. Let shoes dry before polishing.

Spray newly polished white baby shoes with hair spray to pre-vent polish from coming off.

Use baby wipes to remove black marks from white shoes.

Remove gum from the bottom of shoes by putting them in the freezer. Scrape the gum off when it's frozen.

Make white canvas shoes white again by washing them and polishing them with white shoe polish. Let them air-dry.

To keep the soles of shoes from being stained with polish, paint the edges with clear nail polish.

Use hair spray on stains on tennis shoes. Spray, leave for a few seconds, and wipe with a soft cloth. Or try toothpaste and a toothbrush or a soapy scouring pad. Use bleach or lemon juice in the rinse water if the shoes are white. Even foam bathroom cleaner can be effective on leather sneakers.

Spray new sneakers with Scotchguard fabric protector to keep dirt from becoming embedded. Grass stains and mud will come out easier. Spray after every wash.

Clean the bottoms of children’s tennis shoes by using an old toothbrush or potato scrubber. Rinse under warm water.

Dry out wet tennis shoes overnight by placing them on their sides in front of the refrigerator. The fan should produce constant warm air to dry them.

MY THOUGHTS

Hair spray to clean beaurtiful shoes? or toothpaste? or baby wipes? why not? sometimes i use alcohol. not that effective. the best way is to clean the shoes immediately - before the shoes hit the shoe cabinet or shelves or whatever.