
{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
Hey bargain hunters! We have an offer you simply can’t refuse: Now through the end of this month, the folks at Heels.com are offering $50 off your purchase of $160 or more. Simply apply the code: myshoes1 when purchasing your shoes. There are no restrictions on what brands you choose, the offer applies to regular and sale styles, and you can buy as many shoes as you want to get to the $160 threshold in order to nab the discount!
And to further sweeten the deal, Heels.com offers free, ultra-fast shipping on most styles, as well as free returns in the U.S. (Just think, you could be rockin’ your chosen shoes within two days of swiping your credit card!)
With such a great deal on the table, we of course took a spin around the Heels.com website and are super excited about a number of styles and exciting new brands. I’ve already placed a pair of Iron Fist’s gorgeous Sinking Ships platforms in my virtual shopping basket, and I’m already dreaming of all the nautical-inspired looks I can take to the next level with these towering peep toes!
I’m also poised to nab the Petra by JustFabulous, (aka the perfect summer cocktail party shoe) which features a series of girly tangerine-hued straps that weave across the forefoot and finish with an edgy rear zipper and a 3 1/2-inch stiletto heel. Simply sublime!
And just for kicks, since Heels.com is offering such a great deal, I thought it would be fun to splurge on a few pairs of shoes that I might not necessarily be able to wear everyday but that are definitely memorable. For shoes that fit the bill, I took a look at the styles of Irregular Choice, which include the zany but so-super-fun Specialzo, as well as the slightly more low-key, but still undeniably sassy Tea and Cakes.
Happy Shopping Ladies!
Lianne Woolley
Suited for all climates, tastes, and occupations, Planet Shoes’ offerings continue to impress us. Now the earth-friendly company has kicked off a special promotion during the month of April to help reforestation efforts–and you can get in on the action and help save the trees!
What It’s About
In an extended celebration of Earth Day, Planet Shoes established a special partnership with Carbonfund.org and the Million Tree Challenge. Simply add a tree to your purchase for $1, and Planetshoes.com will match your donation. Planet Shoes, which already champions earth-friendly brands, is dedicated to their cause, reminding shoppers that deforestation is responsible for 20% of global warming.
What to Buy
If you’re thinking about buying shoes this spring, consider picking up a pair from Planet Shoes to plant a tree for just $1. Can’t decide which pair to buy? Here are some of the company’s top picks:
Eco-Friendly Lines: Did you know it takes 1,000 years for a shoe to decompose? By buying a pair made from sustainable materials or a pair that uses recycled packaging, you’re helping the planet. Eco brands include Acorn, Merrell, Teva, Terrasoles, and Naya.
Lovely Brands: Brands with a conscience support essential activism, local communities, and grassroots groups. Chaco’s Local Ecotreads are perfect summer sandals from a responsible company, and would make a great addition to your shopping list.
Vegan Shoes: Skip the funky hemp (unless that’s your taste) and get sophisticated vegan sandals from Jambu and Earth Flora.
Planetshoes.com is planting trees all month, so why not join their list of generous donors today?
Mei Sawyer
If you don’t typically take style cues from flight attendants, perhaps you haven’t been flying Virgin Atlantic.
Seeing Red
Taking off Monday, April 3 (literally, on a flight from Manchester, England to Orland, Florida), female flight attendants wore new bright red, patent pumps, aptly dubbed Dorothy and Dotty (Dorothy, of course, is the girl who made scarlet shoes famous—Dotty for short). The shoes, which will be worn by all female airline attendants by this summer, are pretty simple in design. They feature a rounded, yet slightly elongated toe, low-cut side panels, and an approximate 2-inch heel that will make running up and down those aisles look effortless.
In a press release, Virgin’s Chief Executive Steve Ridgway noted that, “we have listened to our staffs’ comments and we have been working very hard to develop a pair of patent leather red shoes that will reflect the glamour of our iconic uniform…I am sure the new red shoe will add even more glamour to our female uniformed staff worldwide.”
Do it Yourself
Want to look like one of Virgin’s high-flying ladies? Then check out the almost identical Darla by TypeZ or the Marais by MaxStudio. Or, if an elongated toe is more up your alley, then check out the simple and sexy Ketchen5 by BCBG.
Lianne Woolley
While flats are cute and practical, there will always be room in every woman’s shoe closet for stunning, sexy, ankle-breaking heels. With that fact in mind, a host of insoles and pads have flooded the market, all geared toward helping women manage their beautifully decorated, yet aching feet.
Testing in Progress
To test which insoles provide the most relief, the folks over at ShopSmart magazine had 14 of their own female staffers totter around the office on shoes with heels measuring over 4 inches. They were then asked to test drive a variety of the market’s best insoles to see if they lived up to their lofty claims in the areas of cushioning, comfort, stability, and ease of use.
Very Low Scores
Overall, the ladies said that none of the products were all that impressive. In fact, some even said that the insole made their shoes even less comfortable and more unstable–providing the opposite desired effect!
A Ray of Light
According to the testers, some of the insole manufacturers fared a little better than others. Foot Petals did a decent job with their insoles and cushioning strips, both in terms of increasing stability and providing added comfort. However, the adhesive on the insoles was so strong that pulling them out of the shoes tore the lining in some cases. The reviewers also offered moderate praise for Dr. Scholl’s For Her High Heel Insoles. They noted that while overall the soles didn’t make a big impact, they did provide some cushioning and a hint of arch support.
Have you tried wearing insoles? Did they have any impact, good or bad?
Lianne Woolley
If you’ve kept an eye on fashion blogs and magazines lately, you know it’s all about the ‘70s for spring and summer 2011. Colorful eye makeup, wide-leg pants, and even frizzy hair are making a major comeback. This means that these fabulous looks are going to be everywhere, from the beaches, to the streets, to the office, as the weather heats up. Think platforms, super-cool style, and glamour that works for both day and night.
Platform Perfection
Get a serious ‘70s vibe with the Calysta pump from Steve Madden. These are a classic ‘70s-inspired platform worthy of Annie Hall. The shoes are closed-toe, so you may be able to get away with them in a more relaxed office environment. Don’t be discouraged by the sizeable 4-inch heel. Thanks to the platform, you’ll easily be able to stay standing. The platforms have a stud detail along the sides and an ankle strap that makes them perfect for pairing with a midi skirt (mid-calf length) or a maxi hemline (ankle length). Both of these lengths are all the rage for spring and summer, and a show-stopping pair of platforms will let you play with proportion without looking frumpy. Read more »
I recently heard nude shoes referred to as, “the chino of the shoe world.” That was not meant to be a compliment. Why all the hate for nude shoes? Not only do they lengthen the leg, but they are the perfect go-to shoes for a tough-to-coordinate outfit. That said, nude shoes can seem challenging to the uninitiated. That’s why I’m focusing the spotlight on the functional and fabulous nude shoe.
Subtly Stylish
Your nude shoes won’t stand out too much–letting your outfit shine! You can wear a plain pair that blends into your skin tone, which lets your dress, skirt, or amazing jacket sing. For an even sexier effect, you can buy nude shoes that wrap around once at the ankle and once at the toe, leaving the rest of the upper bare. Read more »