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.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
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....
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....
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, May 31, 2010
too many shoes? organize!!!
Too Many Shoes? Organizing Shoes in Your Closet
by Regina Leeds, Zen Organizer
Before we tackle your shoe issue, you should first clean out your closets so that they aren't stuffed. Walk over to your master bedroom closet and take a fearless peek inside. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I have items here that don't belong in a closet?
In general, let's say that clothing is the only thing you should find in your master bedroom closet. This isn't the place to store hundreds of family photos in search of albums. It isn't the ideal spot for holiday decorations. Gift-wrap and bows shouldn't take space away from suits and dresses. You catch my drift.
2. Is the closet bursting with clothing I haven't worn in a long time?
Perhaps you harbor full wardrobes from various sizes. It's time to clean everything out and keep only what serves you now. A charity or women's shelter is waiting for your things and wants to give you a tax receipt!
3. Is everything separated into categories and organized by color?
If your closet isn't at least divided into categories (blouses, sweats, skirts, slacks, etc.), every time you think of an item you'd like to wear, a battle to find it will ensue. It does indeed take a few hours to organize a closet. Over the course of a year, however, you'll save twice that time.
Now let's consider those shoes. I once organized a famous actress who had a huge shoe collection. She kept 89 pairs that I organized by color in stacks of clear acrylic boxes. ("If you can't see them, you generally don't wear them" is a good rule of thumb to remember.) And even she parted with 40 pairs! If she can give away 40 pairs of Manolo Blahniks to a women's shelter, I know you can weed through your collection. After you pare down your shoes, divide your collection by type. For example, it's nice to keep day shoes, sport shoes and evening shoes separate. If you live in a climate with four distinct seasons, you may have a winter and summer selection. Here are some common shoe storage solutions:
1.Hang a canvas shoe rack over your closet door and keep your sport shoes there.
2.Like most women you probably don't use your evening shoes too often, so they can go into clear acrylic shoeboxes on a high shelf in your closet. (You may want to have an extra shelf put in if you see a huge space between the standard shelf and the ceiling.)
3.With your closet organized, you can introduce a shoe rack. The metal expanding shelf variety works really well. You can also use a cedar shoe rack if you have the space and protect your woolens at the same time!
MY THOUGHTS
i agree - "if you don;t see them, you don't wear them" those acrylic boxes are great. when you have too many shoes and acrylic boxes will turn out to be really expensive, just cut out the shoe boxes or write down the description of your shoes. better yet, give some of shoes away.
by Regina Leeds, Zen Organizer
Before we tackle your shoe issue, you should first clean out your closets so that they aren't stuffed. Walk over to your master bedroom closet and take a fearless peek inside. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I have items here that don't belong in a closet?
In general, let's say that clothing is the only thing you should find in your master bedroom closet. This isn't the place to store hundreds of family photos in search of albums. It isn't the ideal spot for holiday decorations. Gift-wrap and bows shouldn't take space away from suits and dresses. You catch my drift.
2. Is the closet bursting with clothing I haven't worn in a long time?
Perhaps you harbor full wardrobes from various sizes. It's time to clean everything out and keep only what serves you now. A charity or women's shelter is waiting for your things and wants to give you a tax receipt!
3. Is everything separated into categories and organized by color?
If your closet isn't at least divided into categories (blouses, sweats, skirts, slacks, etc.), every time you think of an item you'd like to wear, a battle to find it will ensue. It does indeed take a few hours to organize a closet. Over the course of a year, however, you'll save twice that time.
Now let's consider those shoes. I once organized a famous actress who had a huge shoe collection. She kept 89 pairs that I organized by color in stacks of clear acrylic boxes. ("If you can't see them, you generally don't wear them" is a good rule of thumb to remember.) And even she parted with 40 pairs! If she can give away 40 pairs of Manolo Blahniks to a women's shelter, I know you can weed through your collection. After you pare down your shoes, divide your collection by type. For example, it's nice to keep day shoes, sport shoes and evening shoes separate. If you live in a climate with four distinct seasons, you may have a winter and summer selection. Here are some common shoe storage solutions:
1.Hang a canvas shoe rack over your closet door and keep your sport shoes there.
2.Like most women you probably don't use your evening shoes too often, so they can go into clear acrylic shoeboxes on a high shelf in your closet. (You may want to have an extra shelf put in if you see a huge space between the standard shelf and the ceiling.)
3.With your closet organized, you can introduce a shoe rack. The metal expanding shelf variety works really well. You can also use a cedar shoe rack if you have the space and protect your woolens at the same time!
MY THOUGHTS
i agree - "if you don;t see them, you don't wear them" those acrylic boxes are great. when you have too many shoes and acrylic boxes will turn out to be really expensive, just cut out the shoe boxes or write down the description of your shoes. better yet, give some of shoes away.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, May 21, 2010
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.
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.
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