{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
May 16, 2011 
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If you’re a serious shoe connoisseur, chances are that you’ve fallen in love with at least one pair of Stuart Weitzman’s in your lifetime. (But it’s much more likely that you’ve fallen for at least one pair per season.) And with Weitzman himself churning out more than 300 new shoe styles and handbags each year, you can bet that the styles you’ve chosen are on the cutting edge or even way ahead of the style curve.
In celebration of the fact that myShoes.com has just launched a partnership with Stuart Weitzman and is working with the brand directly, we’d like to share our top reasons to love your wonderful Weitzman’s:
Lifting Summer Sandals
Whatever the occasion, you’re sure to look simply fabulous stepping out in the Grantee. This tan leather sandal boasts a series of slender horizontal straps, each with their own metallic buckle closure that’s anchored by an equally slinky T-strap at the center. An ankle strap with adjustable closure ensures a custom and comfortable fit, while a covered stiletto heel of approximately 4 1/2 inches will provide more than a hint of height.
If you’re looking for something in a wedge, we can’t get enough of the Giltalex, a tall wedge sandal that boasts a nature-inspired woven wedge heel, but turns up the glitz and glamour with braided bronze straps that intersect across the open foot before anchoring at the ankle with an oversized metallic buckle closure. They’re perfect for adding a little va-va-voom to a summer dress.
Slingbacks and Flats
When you need something more formal, it doesn’t get much better than the aptly named Bow Slingback. Available in a demure shade of nude, this patent leather pump boasts a flirty peep-toe accented with an oversized double bow. This gorgeous sandal is finished with a stiletto heel of about 4 1/2 inches.
We’re also super excited about Weitzman’s range of flat sandals for this summer. Take the Cuffed for example, which at first blush appears to be just a simple leather sandal with a bold strap at the toe and a slender, wraparound strap at the ankle. However, what sets it apart is the stunning gold accent at the arch, which adds a serious element of interest. The same can be said for the truly stunning Nowired, with an ankle strap that consists of a series of different gold chains, held by leather straps with metallic hardware.
To see more of Stuart Weitzman’s lines, you can check out his page at myShoes.com.
Lianne Woolley
May 13, 2011 Comments (0)
Not every fashion trend is a good trend (remember 80s big hair and Dynasty-caliber shoulder pads?). The shoe industry is no exception to these foibles, and our list of this season’s shoe hits and misses will help you head in the right direction when planning your shoe shopping excursions.
The Hit Factory
Unusual Peep Toes: A lot of peep-toed shoes have an interesting addition or two along the upper, such as interlocking straps to create a hypnotic effect. Cut-out designs might also be positioned along the backs of the heels giving those peeps a funky, hip look. Check out the Jazziest peep toes from Stuart Weitzman.
Light Brown Leather: Light brown leather is great because it’s summery without being overly casual. That means that this shade would work well for the office as well as the weekend. Check out the Lya style from Zinda or the Naomi from Scarpasa.
Tasteful Platforms: Platform shoes have been picked up, shaken off and given a new lease on life. Sophisticated styles have breathed new life into what was once kind of a low-brow look. Slip into the Apple platform sandal by Nine West or the Bevv B from Steve Madden and enjoy the view from up high.
Miss-Takes
Synthetic Shoes: Rubber or generally synthetic shoes will make your feet sweat, which doesn’t just lead to foot odor, but serious blistering issues as well. Take care to consider shoes with adequate ventilation for summer.
Painful Shoes: Forget about struggling with shoes that always give you blisters. Limping is out, and comfort is in, so start wearing shoes that feel good.
Heavy Black Shoes: Heavy black shoes look out of place during the summer. Instead of wearing shoes that drag down a lightweight outfit, consider strappy shoes or sandals in shades of tan, purple, or an animal print.
Mei Sawyer
May 11, 2011 Comments (1)
Many brides are opting for outdoor weddings this year. Usually held on private property, garden weddings are romantic and sweet, but a travesty for stilettos. If you’re headed to a garden wedding this season you’ll want to go with block heels or even a wedge sandal to avoid sinking into the grass. Here are our top picks that will let you look fabulous, while keeping you above ground.
Sweet and Chic
If you’re going for a sophisticated look at a garden wedding, you’ll want a shoe that’s just as chic. The Get Going wedges from Jones New York are the perfect sleek shoe for looking stylish while standing on the grass. These shoes have a leather upper with a peep-toe detail and a low-wedge heel. The black shade is perfect for weddings that take place at dusk, but the nude will elongate your legs and work well with pastel or bright dresses during wedding season.
Shimmer, Shimmer
Shine with a pair of metallic wedges from Bandolino. The company’s Adeline wedges are low enough to keep you comfortable while dancing the night away, while the soft gold color provides an excellent match for almost any outfit. For some of us, a true gold color may be a little much for a garden wedding (after all, the vibe is soft and romantic), but this brushed gold offers warmth without being too stark or clashing with your outfit. For an extra touch of sophistication, these wedges have a woven detail down the center and a covered heel that blends seamlessly.
Casual Cool
Maybe the garden wedding you’re attending is more informal. The Barcelona wedges from BCBG hit all of the right notes for a pair of shoes that are casual and cool. If you’re wearing a simple sun dress to the ceremony, opt for these neutral shoes with raffia wedge heels. The elasticized straps won’t constrict your feet or let them get too hot as you watch the happy couple exchange vows in the sun.
Samantha Cabrera
May 6, 2011 Comments (0)
Luxury shoe designer Raphael Young thinks he might have achieved the holy grail of shoes: Creating a sky-high stiletto that’s as comfortable as a flat. In fact, he’s so sure that his new design will revolutionize the way women think about shoes, that he’s patented his creation.
Inspiration
Young was inspired to create comfortable shoes more than a decade ago while visiting a factory that produced flexible footwear that mimics the wearer’s natural walk. This point marked the beginning of an obsession with crafting a shoe that was stylish, but could be worn all day without pain. Approximately 12 years later he unveiled a shoe with a design that he describes as “dramatically improving the comfort and flexibility of the shoe while keeping an external look similar to any other standard shoe.”
The range of shoes, dubbed R-Flex, boasts steel inserts in the heel for stability, as well as a latex gel injection in the leather soles and a rubber injection in the area under the balls of the feet. To improve the stability of these shoes, which are so flexible they can literally be bent in half, Young added an “anti-twisting steel accessory” near the toes that is designed to stabilize the shoe and prevent ankle twisting.
Round and Peep
In terms of style, the shoes are offered in round- and peep-toe varieties, with closed heels or sling-back straps. They’re also available in a range of colors. I would describe them as a nice, classic shoe to wear to the office and then on to happy hour. And with the promise of keeping you comfortable, you might be able to ditch those ballet flats you have stashed in your work bag!
But before you get too excited about Raphael Young’s R-Flex, please note that they come with a steep price tag: $600. But is it possible to pay too high a price for comfort and fashion?
Lianne Woolley
May 4, 2011 Comments (0)
Are you prone to blisters? I know I am. I’ve been battling blisters for years, and they can be quite the nuisance to say the least. In all of my years of shoe-shopping experience, I’ve discovered that there are certain shoe styles that are less likely to cause these oh-so-extraordinary little lumps of pain. The following shoe styles have spaired my feet from a bounty of blisters; perhaps they can do the same for you:
Shoe Styles
Sensible Heels: Lower heels can decrease the stress felt on your feet, so if you’re looking for a shoe that really feels comfortable, you need heels that are perfect for you. We’re all built differently, and some of us are simply supported better by a lower, blockier heel. When your feet are at their most comfortable, blisters are a lot less likely to occur.
Suede Shoes: When it comes to matte suede vs. shiny leather, suede often wins for me. Why? Because suede shoes have always proven to be much more forgiving to my feet. It might be because shinier leather, especially patent, is more likely to trap sweat, which can then lead to blisters. Our suede indulgent pick of the day: the Fastwist platform ankle bootie in brown suede by Christian Louboutin. Simply extraordinary!
Flexisole Shoes: Shoes with especially flexible soles are less likely to cause pain. When your shoes move with your feet, hugging them perfectly, it eliminates those odd areas of friction you get with other pairs. The hot points are gone, and you’ll actually be able to walk to lunch in your work shoes if you want.
Design Considerations
Open Back Sandals: These sandals completely eliminate one major area where blisters form: the backs of your heels. If you have serious issues with your straps rubbing or slipping, then you should try to circumvent the issue with slip-on sandals that don’t have a back strap. Problem solved.
Lace-Up Heels: If you wear heels, boots, or sandals that lace up the front, the laces will allow you to adjust the shoes as needed. Giving yourself more room or making your shoes snug can help create the perfect fit needed to prevent blisters from occurring.
Do your feet feel better already? In a pinch, don’t forget that when you feel a blister starting to form, you can use a smear of any petroleum-based lip balm to keep it from developing further. Reapply as needed during the day until you can switch to a pair of flats or take off your shoes.
Mei Sawyer
May 2, 2011 Comments (0)
It’s the beginning of the month, and you know what that means: shoe horoscope time! Take a quick look at what the stars have planned for you before you hit the shoe boutiques this month. I changed my shopping plans after looking at my horoscope, and maybe you’ll do the same.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
The universe is conspiring in your favor this month, Aries. You’re going to get a promotion or have some other form of good luck at work, and that means your shoes should be as professional as possible. Get a shoe shine and get hopping on any needed shoe repairs, and you’ll be ready for whatever fantastic opportunities will be coming your way. If you choose to purchase a new pair of corporate power shoes, look for a quality pair that will last.
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
You are going to make major decisions that will define the next year of your life, Taurus. And when it comes to making serious decisions, you should be prepared for change! As far as your shoe wardrobe is concerned, the wisest course of action means stocking up on shoes with all-season appeal. Be smart while shopping!
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
This month will be super-social for you, Gemini, so you’ll need to find the right shoes for going out. Flat dress sandals are perfect for garden parties, while a low-heeled pair of leather sandals will work perfectly for at-home entertaining.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Good financial times are on the way, Cancer, which will be great, considering the slight fiscal blow you took last month. To celebrate your luck, make a list of all of your shoe needs for this season and shop, shop, shop!
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)
There’s a good chance that you’ll hear about a new job opportunity, and that means you’ll need to invest in your look. Consider buying a pair of “investment shoes,” that are constructed of good upper materials and quality, work-appropriate touches.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Long-distance travel is very much in your future, so look for a comfortable pair of shoes to wear on the plane. Flats, shoes with barefoot technology, and sandals are all good travel choices, and don’t forget to bring a good pair of walking shoes with you for all of your sightseeing adventures. Avoid anything that doesn’t have plenty of room in the toe, as well as shoes that have binding over-the-foot straps.
Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
You’ll be making major decisions around the middle of the month, but after the choice has been made you’ll need to celebrate! If you find a great shoe sale, you’ll know what to do!
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
This month is all about entertainment and energy! Stay light on your feet with shoes that feature a cushioned sole for those action-packed days up ahead. Look for serious comfort-based labels like Aerosoles.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You’ll find yourself making all kinds of great connections this month, from dating to business opportunities. Invest in shoes that work well with your best date clothes (sexy pumps for a late night out or summery wedges that whisper “sexy and sophisticated.”) If you’re going to be focusing on a business deal, make sure that your shoes look professional during your next meeting.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
A fun family function is in the stars for you later this month. To show what a loving daughter/sister/cousin/niece you are, why not show up to the party with a shoe shopping gift certificate for the guest of honor? Who would say no to that?!
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
If no one’s throwing a party this month, then take the reins and bring the party to your house! Instead of having to rummage through your closet to see what shoes you have to match your new party dress, pick up a pair that you can wear to a gathering, large or small. Dress to impress!
Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20)
Warm weather means pedicure time, and that means that it’s cute-strappy-sandal-and-peep-toe-pumps time. A trip to a luxurious nailcare spa is definitely in your future this month and you’ll need a fabulous pair of shoes to show off those toes. Options to try: the Snakeeffect Tbar peep toe platform from Giuseppe Zanotti or the Amp ankle bootie from Hypnotic.
Mei Sawyer
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