{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
May 31, 2011 
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Most folks flock to the Cannes International Film Festival to check out the latest in films or to at least sneak a peek at the movie stars. But me? If I could go I’d visit only to get a good look at the $180,000 pair of heels that model Anja Rubik, or as I like to call her, the luckiest lady in the world, wore to an event in Cannes.
The fuchsia strappy sandals were designed by Giuseppe Zanotti in collaboration with famed jeweler Chopard. The sandals boast hundreds of thousands of dollars in diamonds, pink sapphires, tourmalines, and russellites, according to our sources.
So what do you think? Would you dare to wear such a pricey pair of shoes, and if so, where would you wear them?
Lianne Woolley
May 25, 2011 Comments (2)
Nail polish is having a moment this summer, and it’s all about the toes. Sandals give you a chance to show off a stellar pedicure. Instead of sticking with your usual color, have fun with your polish by opting for unique shades that make the color of your sandals really pop. Use these fun tips to choose the perfect polish to coordinate with your favorite sandals of the season.
Pretty in Pink
When wearing a pair of playful pink sandals, such as Juicy Couture’s Hermosa shoe, go for polishes in cool tones. Gray and taupe are all the rage this season, and both colors really pop with pink sandals. If you have fair skin, opt for gray or taupe polishes with a slight lavender undertone. Those with medium or deep skin tones can reach for true gray and taupe hues.
True Blue
With blue sandals, such as the Natalia from Top Shop, go for a complementary orange nail polish. Tangerine, burnt orange and soft peach shades all work well with this ocean-hued color. Orange nail polishes work on any skin tone, giving you free reign to experiment with any shade you wish.
Heavy Metal
If you’re rocking metallic sandals like the Fossil shoe by Jimmy Choo, nothing looks more chic than a classic red polish. Utilize all the shades of red, and pair silver sandals with cool-toned pink shades like bubblegum or magenta. Go the opposite way with gold sandals, and make them really glow with deep shades of royal blue or rich navy.
Classic Black
Basic black sandals need a fun twist to keep them looking trendy. To go bold, those with medium and deep skin tones can opt for a taxi cab yellow hue for their toes. Those with fair skin can choose a yellow polish with subtle shimmer, which is easier to wear than a matte yellow shade. Another great color for black sandals that stands out this season is mint green. Fair skin tones will dazzle in mint greens with a hint of blue, while those with medium or deep skin tones can flatter their toes in shades with a true green undertone.
Samantha Cabrera
May 24, 2011 Comments (0)
Summer causes most of us to embrace our girlie side, and with this often comes the color pink. Pink is a fun color to wear, but even the girlyist of girls may have difficulty integrating the shade into their regular wardrobe. (No one wants to look like a large mass of cotton candy.) So what’s the best way to incorporate this color? On your feet of course! Here are our picks of pink sandals that will easily fit into your wardrobe this summer.
Go For Cork
These sandals from Naya are dubbed the Wind. We love them because the pink color is a softer shade with nude undertones. Almost working as a neutral, the subtle shade of Naya Wind sandals make them easier to wear. Bright prints and colors of the season, like lavender and canary yellow, work well with this particular style and color. The sandals are embellished with ruched leather across the top of the foot giving an extra feminine touch. With a subtle platform and a cork heel, these sandals give you a slight lift while adding an extra bounce to your step. The cork heel also offers comfort instead of the added stress of most wooden soles while acting as an easy addition to casual day-wear.
Slide In
Slide into a stylish look with the Gelpi sandals for Nine West. The Gelpi sandals are like a played down version of the Wind sandals mentioned above. For stay-at-home moms and/or college students who are always on the go, the Gelpi sandals are easy to slip on in seconds and add girlish appeal to even the most casual apparel like a T-shirt or a tank top and jeans. If you want to dress up the Gelpi sandals a bit, try them with a boat-neck top and twill shorts or capri pants. Add a statement necklace and matching tote to either outfit and you have a look that’s casual chic done right.
Stacked Up
If you want a little drama from your summer sandals, but aren’t in favor for the extreme wedges we’re seeing this season, opt for a pair of clogs. Clogs make an impact with any outfit and create that high fashion silhouette when worn with peg-leg trousers, skinny pants or capris. The Sheona sandals from Nina carry the same effect while adding a whimsical spin to any outfit with its bubblegum pink color and studded wooden platform, even working well with neutral shades like tan, gray, and navy. This bright pair of clogs are the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe.
Samantha Cabrera
May 23, 2011 Comments (0)
I have been living in (and loving) my platform sandals and wedges! They are bold and big, and they make me look great when I need additional height for a night on the town. Unlike sweaty leather pumps and binding booties, platform sandals and wedges add style to my outfits with added ventilation. Four reasons to love ‘em, coming right up!
1. More Comfortable Than Heels
Platforms provide the graduated comfort that regular high heels do not. With a chunky platform, you won’t feel the stress on your ankles like you would with high heels. Platforms often allow for more toe room and spacing, and if you shop right, you can get ones that are high, but not too narrow.
2. A Perennial Style Choice
Platforms have been in and out of style over the years, but if you get a pair that has a petite platform and a delicate wedge, you won’t be sorry. Platform heels are more of a must-wear for those of us who are shorter, and they can be found easily no matter what year it is. My go-to color is dark brown leather with a manmade sole for longevity.
3. So Sophisticated
We hear so much about the stiletto, but in my opinion, the wedge heel is more sophisticated. The stiletto requires more maneuvering and a significant amount of discomfort, but a wedge is more likely to fall into the day-to-day wear division with its added-comfort shape. Since you can also get platforms with foam or cork wedge heels, you can truly save your feet. Don’t forget that the skinnier your heel, the more pressure per inch.
4. Great Embellishments
More surface area on your platforms means that a colored or decorative sole goes far. If you have the basics down, and you’re now on the lookout for something with novelty appeal, you might want to try a pair with ribbon ties and a fun cork sole, or a platform with a textured surface wedge.
If I get my way, I will have you in platforms by the end of the summer. Considering all those belled jeans that are back in style, they are a foolproof pairing for the right ’70s effect. Plus, if you think your legs could deal with some added definition, then give the ankle-slimming wedged platform a try.
Mei Sawyer
May 20, 2011 Comments (0)
With the warmer weather right around the corner, it’s time to get your feet into sandal-worthy shape. If you’re a fan of the nail salon, use the following tips and tricks to make sure that you have a happy–and healthy–pedicure!
Do Your Homework
If you’re thinking of trying a new salon, it’s your duty to do your homework. It’s always a good idea to call the salon and ask the receptionist about the salon’s policies regarding safety and cleanliness. You may also want to come early for your appointment so that you can see for yourself if the salon looks clean and whether the nail techs are taking the time to disinfect the footbaths and sterilize their equipment between customers. (Better yet, many salons these days use disposable pedicure equipment, such as nail files and buffers, which they will actually give to you once your service is complete.) If you feel that the salon is not up to snuff, walk your un-pedicured feet right out the door and find a salon that is as clean as a whistle!
Buff Enough
Most states have banned the use of razors and other cutting instruments in nail salons and spas. But if you live in one of the other states, request a foot scrub or extra time with the exfoliating sponge in order to remove dead skin from soles…no razors required.
Cuticle Cutbacks
While most salons at least offer to trim cuticles, you can minimize the risk of infection by simply asking the nail tech to rub cuticle softener on your cuticles and simply push them back with a nail stick that has been covered with a small amount of cotton.
Nix Shaving
Before a pedicure appointment, consider skipping shaving your legs at least a day ahead of your salon appointment. Shaving can irritate the skin and cause nicks that can create an environment that invites even trace amounts of bacteria to cause a problem. Also try not to irritate any other cuts and abrasions on your feet, including bug bites or brand new blisters. Better yet, wait until the offending irritation has subsided before having your pedicure.
Follow-Up
Now that your feet have been beautified, it’s your duty to really inspect them in the days following your pedicure. Yes, you’ll want to check that your polish is holding up, but you also should thoroughly inspect the skin around your nail beds, the soles of your feet, and between your toes for signs of infection. If anything looks out of the ordinary, immediately contact your physician. With foot infections, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and a reassurance from your doctor that your feet are A-ok is better than a festering foot infection any day of the week.
Lianne Woolley
May 19, 2011 Comments (0)
When it comes to a shoe collection, more is definitely more, and women of all ages are eager to round out their shoe closets with the perfect nude pumps, the perfect black strappy sandals, and the perfect ankle breakers that make a little black dress come to life. So when should a girl spend versus save? It all boils down to you.
When to Skimp
Sometimes it’s OK to save a little cash when you’re considering purchasing a pair of shoes that’s hot for the moment. Trends come and go, so it’s usually not worth it to invest a lot of money on a pair of shoes that you’ll only wear a few times. At the end of the season, the trend will have passed, and you’ll be stuck with a pair of pricey shoes that will have outlived their usefulness.
When to Spend
Expensive shoes cost so much because they are usually comprised of luxurious and quality fabrics that help them stand the test of time. But this doesn’t mean every pair of shoes out there with a whopping price tag is worth the money. It’s important to become an educated consumer when you’re limited to how many quality pairs of shoes you can buy in any given year or season. Look for shoes made of soft leather with a leather or wooden sole, and a roomy toe box (expensive shoes tend to fit like a dream, if you find the right pair). Closures or throats that sit flush against the skin without piercing it are also key items to look for.
Buying Smart
Even if you have a little extra dough to spend, you want to be smart about when and where you spend your money. If you find a pair of shoes that are high priced and you know you’ll wear them regularly, then go for it. To make sure that they fit well, try to give the shoes a good whirl around the shoe department floor. You can then sleep on the purchase and try to find the same shoes online for less. Even pricey shoes go on sale online. Between coupon codes found here at myShoes.com and seasonal sales hosted by department stores and boutiques, you’ll always be able to find what you need for less money.
Samantha Cabrera
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