Rock Star Shoe Style Uncovered

In our culture, there is a definite obsession with celebrities, and rock stars. What are they doing? Where are they shopping? What are they naming their kids? What are they wearing? Many magazines dedicate entire issues to celeb style from head to toe. The great thing about high-end celeb rocker fashion is that many designers and brands create knock-offs of the high priced version so that you and I can still look great, but for a fraction of the cost.

Take for example Beyonce. The pop diva/producer/writer/designer is known for her love of expensive high heel shoes. She often rocks over the top styles with funky designs like snakeskin stacked heels or heavily studded booties. However, her shoes choices are often hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. For the rest of us, we can emulate her style with discount shoes and discount boots that are styled similar to her taste. I always love the magazine articles where they put two identical items next to each other and ask you to choose the designer one. The fact of the matter is, you can seldom tell the difference.

Another celebrity who is constantly splashed across the tabloids is Lady Gaga. Sure, her outrageous style is just that – outrageous. But, she certainly has pushed the envelope in terms of expressing herself and being a fearless fashionista with no holds barred. Some of her shoe choices are equally attention-grabbing, such as those 10” platforms that she rocked at an awards show. Maybe you’re not ready to go to these heights, but it does make you think twice about taking more of a risk.

Pop star turned fashion designer Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas is a true style chameleon. One day you might see her rocking a killer pair of stilettos, while the next day, she may be styled in a pair of to-die-for leather boots. Fergie’s ladylike glam meets rocker style means that she can get away with just about any shoe style she pleases.

Consumers aren’t the only ones taking note of celeb fashion. Entire departments of big brand retailers are dedicated to watching these trends and adapting them for the masses. You’d be surprised how quickly a celeb-inspired design can be manufactured and hit the shelves. If you want to get in on these must-have of-the-moment designs, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t have to pay movie star prices.

Shoes trends for 2011

This year, there are some noticeable shoe trends that have fashion forward shoppers everywhere taking note. From the runway to the street, we uncover how the season’s hottest styles are being worn from coast to coast.

Sure, seeing a fabulous pair of high heel shoes on the catwalk or the red carpet is bound to evoke a sense of envy, but most of these styles are adapted so that they’re more mainstream than costume-y. Take for example, the gladiator sandal. These Roman inspired flat footed leather lace-ups were first spotted during fashion week being worn with short shorts and mini-skirts. The styles were a little over the top, playing into the drama and excitement that front-row fashionistas drooled over. However, unless you’re as gutsy as Rihanna, it’s not likely that you’ll be rocking gladiators that lace up your calves. Instead, from NYC to Miami, roman style gladiator sandals that lace up the ankle are all the rage. And you don’t have to pay outrageous price to rock the trend. Brands like Boutique 9 shoes, Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes and Style & Co. shoes all offer reasonable takes on this fashion must-have.

Another shoe trend that is back in full force are wedge high heel shoes. Wedges are great because they are extremely comfortable, and for summer, they’re versatile enough to go from beach to dinner to church. Wedges come in a variety of heights, but it seems that lately they just keep getting higher and higher. We suggest saving the 5 plus inch styles for those that are skilled walking in these designs. A good wedge height for a maxi dress is probably anywhere from 2-4 inches. Wedge materials vary from cork and wood to leather, which also makes them an affordable buy. Coach shoes have some really cute styles that are sure to make all your friends jealous.

Ballet flats are still very prominent on the fashion scene, with women ages 16 to 60 getting in on the trend. What’s great about ballet flats is that they can be worn to work, running errands or having brunch with the girls. Lately, different takes on this popular shoe include options in metallic, with embellishment or even in recycled fabrics and materials. If you’re looking for a dressy flat, Anne Klein shoes offers some great styles, while if you like something more relaxed, Rocket Dog shoes would be your best bet.

Great Ways to Store Shoes

If you’re a shoe lover like me, the only thing that’s on your mind when you bring home another pair of shoes, is “Where am I going to put these?” Granted I’m not as obsessed as Carrie Bradshaw, whose husband built her a walk-in closet that is unrivaled to any real life closet, I still like to consider myself a fashion-forward individual who has an ample amount of closet space devoted to shoes, shoes and more shoes.

Every season, I try to go through my closet and clean and organize my shoe and clothing collection. And every season, I think I get a little bit better at it. First, I take an inventory of all items and then I figure out the best way to categorize. I am definitely of the belief that I like to see everything in my closet. But with shoes, it’s important to store them properly so you get the most mileage out of them, while still retaining that like-new look.

I have tried shoe racks of every shape and size. I’ve tried hanging shoe racks and those that sit on the ground. I’m not necessarily a fan of the over the door shoe racks, as I feel like my high heel shoes aren’t getting the protection that they deserve. I find that those type of shoe racks work better for casual loafers and flat shoes like flip flops, or my beloved Rocket Dog shoes, of which I own several pairs.

Shoe shelves are great if you have the room. In fact, one of my girlfriends just had her closet re-done with cedar shoe shelves, and I have to admit, they smell pretty nice. Space is definitely a concern in any closet, but the great thing about built-in shelves is that you can use them for displaying folded t-shirts, scarves and your handbag collection too. If you choose to store your shoes on shelves, I would recommend either keeping the original boxes, or putting them in clear shoe boxes where you can easily see the content. Some women even go so far as to photograph their shoes and then stick it on the outside of the box for quick location. This is a great idea, although I can honestly say, it’s still on my list of things to do.

Shoes are an investment and they should be treated as such. Sure you probably have discount shoes and discount boots in your closet, and you probably own a pair of way-to-expensive shoes as well. But no matter the shoe, it deserves to be protected and cared for, instead of just thrown into a heaping pile on the floor. The extra care that you put into storing your shoes now will pay off in the years and seasons ahead.

California Cool Kicks

Visit any southern California beach city and you're sure to notice the local style. The laid back vibe and dressed down chic make for a carefree attitude that's more reminiscent of weekend get-a-ways than buttoned up business. From "Surf City USA" (aka Huntington Beach) to the Santa Barbara coast, it's all about comfort from head to toe.

Sure, you might be used to seeing skate shoes on your teenage kid, but look no farther than So. Cal, and you'll see them on guys of all ages too. In fact, the middle aged guy driving his convertible down Pacific Coast Highway may very well be rocking a pair of skate shoes. Whether paired with hoodies and distressed jeans or shorts and t-shirts, skate shoes promote an attitude that says you care about being comfortable. Brands such as DC Shoe Co. have seen continuous growth as the once regional California cool style is emulated across the nation. Sold mainly in local skate stores, brands like DC Shoe Company have expanded their product offerings to include more styles, designs and colors than ever before.

Interestingly, many girls have adopted skate shoes into their wardrobes, as the lines between fashion grow more ambiguous. However, you are probably more likely to see Rocket Dog Shoes adorning the feet of California surfer girls wanting to show off their pedicures. Flip flops are a staple of west coast style and the current trending is toward embellished designs that sport studs or rhinestones. Platform flip flops can be seen throughout the summer days, worn with cut-off shorts and maxi dresses, but come fall, don't be surprised if you see them worn with jeans as well. After all, California weather really never gets that brutal, so why not take the opportunity to be comfortable and wear what makes you happy?

When you first think of California, things like palm trees and glittery movie star glam likely come to mind, but that's not all the sunshine state has to offer. In fact, the people and the beach culture really have had a lot of influence on shaping style and cool classics that have carved out their own niche in the fashion world. Cali's street chic sensibility shows that by combining functional pieces like skate shoes or flip flops with lightweight layers and fabrics, you can not only achieve a livable day to day style, but that you can look great doing it.

Rent the Runway Scores $15 Million From Kleiner Perkins

News source from: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/23/rent-the-runway-scores-15-million-from-kleiner-perkins/

Rent the Runway, a New York start-up that lets women rent high-end fashion items like dresses, shoes and jewelry by mail has already hit several milestones in the last 18 months. The company said it passed a million members and was turning a profit.

Next on the company’s checklist? An additional round of venture capital.

On Monday, the company announced it raised $15 million in a Series B round venture financing. The round was backed entirely by the Silicon Valley financier Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Previously, the company raised $16 million from Highland Capital and Bain Capital.

The fresh infusion of cash will go to expanding operations, said Jennifer Hyman, co-founder and chief executive of the company.

"We calls ourselves the Netflix for fashion, but the logistics of our business are very different from a Netflix or even a service like Zipcar," said Ms. Hyman. "When a dress is returned, we have to dry clean it and do repairs. How quickly and carefully we turn it around is extremely integral to the customers experience."

Ms. Hyman said the company has encountered some growing pains as the business has rapidly expanded from its start as a retail upstart in Manhattan.

To feed consumers' increasing appetite for high-end rental apparel and accessories, some of the money raised will be used to open additional distribution centers outside of New York. In addition, Ms. Hyman said the company is looking to invest in streamlining the way it fulfills orders.

"We're building an inventory and logistics-management system to track and understand how inventory moves across the country," she said.

The venture funding will also go toward expanding some of the site's features. Rent the Runway will soon include a recommendation engine to help shoppers find dresses based on the occasion they are attending, whether the event is a black-tie event or a summery wedding.

In addition, Ms. Hyman said the company planned to incorporate a new social layer that would let friends who are shopping for the same occasion coordinate their outfits, make recommendations to each other and potentially receive group discounts.

Why should you wear high heels

Wearing the heels seems to have a history, since many women through centuries just lived the heels, for different reasons. When women want to look glamorous, the high heel shoes are the best solution. There are many different reasons women have for wearing the high heels over some flat Coach boots or shoes for example, but here the most common reasons:

• Some women just want to look tall. When it comes to women, it doesn’t matter do they have a reason good enough for doing something, they just need to do it their own way. The high heel shoes are sexy and trendy at the same time and they can erase the height by 6 inches, so that may be the reason enough.
• The body posture is very important for every woman, and the high heels can make it better. But the women who wear the heels for the first time won’t have so much self-esteem, at all. You need a practice for this, and if you are not good, you better choose some flat shoes instead.
• When it comes to some particular type of clothes, the high heels are the “must”. The high heel shoes can give you a sexy and sophisticated look when you need it, and also the cool look when you wear them with some trendy trousers of jeans. It’s not that you won’t look good enough if you wear something different, you just have to watch for a brand. For example the Coach shoes and boots are so perfectly designed that you will look great even if you wear the flat ones.
• There is also a medical side of wearing the high heels, since many women stopped complaining on their back and neck pains thanks to them.

Most importantly, the high heels can really make you feel full of confidence, more than you can expect and know. What is it actually about them no one knows for sure. I might be the design, it might also be the society itself, but the fact is that they are needed every day. If you choose some of the famous brands such as Coach boots of pumps, you will make a great choice, but even if you can’t afford the expensive ones, you can choose any shoes with the high heels you want, and your personality will do the rest of the job.

Essentials for a High Maintenance Shoe Collection

If you are a woman, the love for high heel shoes is something that must be inbuilt in you. Getting different shoe styles for themselves is probably the biggest extravagance women love to spend on. Although budgets have been tight for everyone in these past few years, sometimes it is alright to spoil yourself a little and get a branded pair of shoes. Not only will wearing branded shoes speak for your fine taste in the things you wear, it will also show people that you know the glaring difference between branded and unbranded shoes.

As a matter of fact, once your feet get used to the high-end brand shoes you have, you will probably find it hard to get back to the cheaper brands you once had. For all those women who love to have a high-end and high maintenance show collection, here are a few brands that are must-haves for their closets:

- Nine West boots – Wear one of the Nine West boots anywhere and you will be making a strong statement. These boots are not only unique in design and quality, they are also favorites for women who know fashion inside out. Their graceful finish and fit makes them the best accessory for a variety of outfits, occasions and body types. As goes with any high-end brand, the prices for Nine West boots are higher than the other brands available but once you look at the shoes, you will know why. The shoes can easily be bought from any online retail store or outlets that sell the Nine West products. Once you check them out and fall in love with their finesse, you will end up buy at least one pair.

- Coach boots – For any woman with a posh taste in shoes, the shoe collection would remain incomplete without Coach boots. Not only do these boots reflect premium taste and standard, they are also preferred by a number of fashion forward celebrities. Much like boots made by Nine West, the Coach boots have a higher price tag but they are totally worth the amount you pay for them.

- Skate Shoes – If you thought skate shoes are only for people who love skateboarding – well think again. These shoes are durable, comfortable and so cozy that your feet would feel like they are in heaven. With their perfect grip and stylish look, they are a fun choice for your daily jogging or exercise routine. Make sure you choose skate shoes which belong to a good brand because the cheaper options available can never match up to their quality.

Cheap shoes and boots – is it a good idea?

We are living in the world where the trendy shoes are one "must", so there is no mush of a choice, but to get one for yourself, too. There are thousands of brands today, and there are many designers who try to keep up with the necessities, but not everyone can afford those designer's shoes. Luckily, you can find a lot of cheap shoes today, and also some trendy but cheap boots. The important thing is to know the difference between the cheap and the discount shoes. The discount shoes used to be expensive once, but since the trends and necessities have changed through time, there was a need to sell them much cheaper than what they are normally worth.

Many people ask themselves is it a good idea to buy cheap shoes and how long they can last. Normally, there are no rules about that, since there are also some very expensive shoes that can be ruined in a month only because they don’t fit your feet properly or you damaged them by accident. The cheap boots and shoes have their good and bad sides that everyone should know about before buying anything.
• The cheap shoes might fit you perfectly. It doesn't have to mean that if you pay a lot of money for that they must be one of your favorites.
• Sometimes you just need shoes for special occasions and the cheap one can be a great solution since you won't wear them too much and they will last much longer than you expect.
• Don't be surprised if you find the shoes of your life and don't pay too much for them. Everyone's different so there are some shoes that will be very comfortable for you, no matter what the others say. The main thing is to try on whatever you like.
• On the other side, you should not expect the discount shoes to last too long. There must be a reason that people didn't want to buy them anymore. No matter is it about the shoes of discount boots, think twice before you decide.
• Always think about the purpose of your shoes. If you need them for sports of long walk and stand, the cheap ones won't do. You need to pay the price to get the comfort and quality, all in one.
• Let's be realistic, the expensive shoes are more attractive, and if you want the others to admire your taste, you know what you have to do.

Shoes: Uses and Culture

Different countries have different types of high heel shoes in culture that depends upon the climatic conditions of the country. In the American Continent the shoes that are commonly found are the Chippewa Boots. The people there prefer these kinds of terrible shoes. These types of shoes are a bit different from the other shoes as the leather is near about exactly the same. These kinds of boots have a tall anklet. It is made up of the fine quality leather and it gives a macho look. This shoe is designed in such a manner that the shoe lovers cannot stop them from taking these fine quality shoes into their possession. The eyelets of the shoes are made of the steel to flaunt the standard and brand of the shoes. This is a kind of shoe used for the hunting purpose and the horse riders use them for their durability and strength. Apart from the best looks that it gives it also provides 100% safety for the legs.

The ladies who are mostly into flexible professions like the airhostesses, teachers and nurses use different type of shoe that are not for the casual purpose and these are called Dansko shoes doctors and members from the flight crew use this Dansko shoes and they have a full range of foot wears for men , women, and children. This shoe is originated from Denmark and now it is being used everywhere. These types of shoes are comfortable and also provide with an appreciable look to the whole body and which is why the air hostess uses them. With the help of the internet these shoes can be bought as they ensure safety and comfort for the feet.

One of the types of boots that are used in winter is the EMU boots it is a tall boot and covers the whole leg and prevents it from cold. These kinds of shoes are designed for both the women and men who have to work out frequently in winters. This boot is originated in Australia and now can be found everywhere. The internet shopping is the best option to purchase such a kind of shoe.

The Shoe Shopping: How to target the best deal

The shoes are one of the most famous items of the fashion world. The quality shoes are the need and as well as it gives a confident look on your personality. The companies manufacturing the quality shoes spend too much money for the activities of research and development, advertisement by celebrities and the profit share of the channel partners which result in the higher cost of the product. The bright side of their story is quality wise they are the matchless product in the industry. The branded shoes like Adidas shoes, Nike, Action have the very good reputation among the consumers and they recommend these products with blind eyes.

To strike the best deal in shoe shopping is really an artistic work which can be easily developed by anyone by following certain standards and developing some own intuitions with the passage of time. The first mistake most of the shoe shopper do when they start looking for sale. As a smart buyer you should always think the sale is not for your benefit. The sales are promoted by the retailer to lure the customers and they want to get rid of the old stocks of their inventories with the marginal profits. The other important criteria for buying the quality shoes is look only for branded shoes. But just do not buy the shoes because it is branded one. Always look for the size and the comfort provided by the shoes. Some branded shoes like Coach shoes provide the highest level of comfort to consumer. It is always advised to the users that never compromise on the shape, size and fitness of the shoes as you are the end user who has bear the pain.

The constraints of the budget most of the time spoil the game of getting the good quality shoes. If you are in store best practice is to ask the sales personality about the current stock situation for the product of your choice and what benefit you are going to if buy more than one pair of the shoes. Do the bargain as much as possible and represent yourself as the prospective buyer. If you are the tech savvy guy, then the best option is look on different online store offering the discount shoes.