The Agony of the Feet: Fashion Victims

Fashion comes from many sources, many of them nonsensical to the everyday mind. Originally, fashion was entirely utilitarian: warmth and protection. Eventually, fashion expanded to include aesthetic value and express cultural and social values. In modern times, fashion seems to be an attempt to be as extravagant and ridiculous as possible.

Take shoes as an example. The designs in recent years have become so fantastical that entire websites have been devoted to displaying them for astonishment and ridicule. There are, as it happens, many ways to make a pair of high-heeled shoes, and sometimes the result can be fashionably horrifying.

Taking a step back from haute couture, even shoes designed for everyday wear can be ridiculous. Ask nearly any woman who has ever worn a pair of pumps, and she will tell you about pinching, rubbing, blisters, aches, strains, and outright pains that she has endured for the sake of fashion. This discomfort isn't limited to stilettos, either; even Coach boots can rub the wrong way if they're a poor fit.

Part of the underlying cause of this agony is fashion, but another not insignificant part is that many women choose shoes that do not fit correctly. Small feet have long been vogue in many cultures, and the desire still drives many shoe purchases. But too-small shoes can damage the bone structure of feet and alter the alignment of the entire body. Not to mention how squeezing the toes into narrow peds can lead to blisters, corns, bunions, and other unsightly (and painful!) results.

Many people luxuriate in going barefoot as often as possible, but that is sadly not an option for most of the day. Not only is it dangerous to walk around barefoot outside the house, in many places, it's socially unacceptable. Whether we like it or not, no shoes equals no service in much of the business world.

That leaves us with the difficulty of selecting good shoes to get us through our days. As women, we want to look our best and feel attractive, but that does not mean we must resign ourselves to torturing our toes. There are attractive high heel shoes and Coach boots made wide enough to accommodate all five digits of the foot with support for the plantar fascia and cushioning under the heel. They are far less numerous than the "cute on the shelf, agonizing on the foot" types, but an attentive shopper and choosey customer can find them. There's no reason to suffer for fashion, no matter what the runway lords say.

Shoe Shopping Tips for Women

Almost everyone yearns for the most fashionable items and will go after the best discount shoes whenever they can. When these discounts and stores in particular have sales it is usually the women that throng the stores and do their best to find savings on things such on high heel shoes, blouses, jeans and all other items of clothing. This is mostly the time when stores make their sales because many people love a good buy.

When you are looking for a pair of shoes and want to add some style to your wardrobe there are some things and tips you can use to make the most of the deal.

Go shopping the day after Christmas: While the Christmas buzz may force you to think that you will miss out, a little patience taken can actually save you a lot of money and its quite simple to see why, firstly there are more clothes and shoes on sale the day after, than the day before. This is because stores are now trying to clear out their old stock and trying to make money for the next season. If you are looking for different kinds of shoes such as boots, maybe the Bear Paw boots, you can find them usually at a better price the day after than the day before.

Look for regular discounts rather than the deep discounts: Of course everyone want to make some money and it is obvious that more people want to save than actually make the money so you may feel that this is a hard one for you but you do not have to look for the deep discounts. For example, buying a pair of Adidas trainers on a deep discount may mean that the pair of trainers may be the last version of a new trainer that is coming out. While you may need the shoes, do you really want to feel like you have been forced out of a deal simply because you were unable to look for a better pair. The cheapest shoes and clothes aren’t always the best despite the mindset most of us have

Look for something that says you all over it: Most people go for a label instead of finding clothes and shoes that symbolize their personal style and preference. You will do well to go for something that is you and not a celebrity or a label, that is the secret to really experiencing the best when it comes to your shopping deal. So whether you are going for a pair of Ed Hardy boots or a good pair of heels, remember to always look for the after-sales deals, avoid too many deep discounts and find clothes and shoes that really make you, you.

Paris Fashion Week: Thom Browne's flapper and fringe festival

Source from: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2011/06/paris-fashion-week-thom-browne-ss12.html

Thom Browne showed his spring and summer 2012 menswear collection in the intimate venue of the famed Maxim's restaurant on Rue Royale, and it kicked off with the clink of Champagne glasses and to the strains of "Willkommen" from Kander and Ebb's "Cabaret."

What followed after that was Browne's usual curio cabinet of tailored pieces, garments that often seem designed more to showcase his skills than to be worn out in the real world -- such as the fringed lampshade bucket hat worn by the first model down the runway, and cape shoulders as square and angular as a chair back.

Based in a color palette of black and gray with his traditional red-white-and-blue accents, the collection of suits, jackets, capes, shirt dresses and shorts was heavy on the stripes and nearly as heavy on the fringe, which seemed to dangle from every garment edge imaginable -- jacket shoulder pads, trousers, the hems of jackets and shirts, the aforementioned lampshade hats, and at least two full-on dresses -- one knee-length number in alternating blue and white striped tiers of flapper fringe, and a tiered flapper fringe dress in black, (worn over a white dinner jacket) and fringe-edged scarves so long they dragged on the ground.

The multitude of stripes, the fringe and the bare arms (many looks -- even the suits -- had dispensed with arms altogether, and either hung like capes or more closely resembled vests), helped elongate the silhouette, as did the strands of pearls that hung loosely from neck to knees, and the black socks held up by garters of red-white-and-blue grosgrain.

What the full-on flapper regalia stole focus from, however, was the fact that Thom Browne's man-boy silhouette is continuing its evolution. The models that sauntered and glowered their way through the dining room looked more "Matrix" than Maxim's, and even without the padded jackets and vests, clearly had stronger shoulders and more muscular arms than many of the models that have walked his shows in the past.

It's a welcome change.

The Best Boots for Every Budget

Boots have long been a wardrobe staple. Whether you’re a guy or a girl, a city dweller or a cowboy, boots are both functional and fun to wear. There are many manufacturers of boots, and for different reasons (ranging from protection against the elements to high-end fashion) and at different price points. Here we take a look at some of the top styles that won’t break your bank.

If you live in the cold weather, you know that having a good pair of boots is as much of a necessity as a heater. Typically, you would shop for boots designed to protect you against your environment, be it wind, rain or snow. There are specific boot manufacturers that cater to your needs. EMU boots makes a fantastic selection of sheepskin boots that are extremely comfortable and durable. Their water-resistant boots are lined with the softest sheepskin and have a tough rubber sole. The company claims that wearing their boots will make you feel “like you’re walking on a cloud” and we don’t disagree.

For those with an active lifestyle, boots that are functional for the activity that you are performing is a must. Daily activities like motor cycle riding, hiking and hunting call for a certain kind of boot that will allow you to comfortable and protected. Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes makes some nice choices if you’re looking for a good riding boot (for either a cruiser or a race motorcycle), as well some boots that are versatile enough for indoor as well as outdoor activities. They also have some dressier choices for work boots.

Dress boots have their place in every closet. For guys, dress boots can be a nice change from the typical lace-up, adding an unexpected edge to jeans. For ladies, dress boots can be worn with dresses, skirts, suits and dress slacks. Dress boots are great for the office, keep you warmer than heels in the winter, and can easily transition from day to night. (If you plan to wear nice boots in the winter, just make sure that the boots have good traction and are slip-resistant.) For a more casual look, flat riding boots look great over a pair of skinny jeans. For an evening out, high heeled boots over tights can look great. Coach shoes have a wide variety of women’s boots, ranging from flat to wedge to square heel to spiked heel.

If you’re in the market for a great pair of boots, shop online for a wide selection of choices.

Shoes that Make your Feet Look Sexy

Shoes have a funny way of playing with our emotions. They can be our best friend – helping us look better in our jeans or dance the night away with our friends. Or, they can be our worst enemy – causing us agony from too much walking or styles that don’t quite fit right. That’s way it’s important to not only choose shoes that look great, but ones that are a treat for our feet. It’s then that we’ll feel our best and most confidant, allowing us to radiate sexiness from the inside out. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the styles that will help to elevate our mood.

The wedge heel was made popular during the seventies, and today it’s making a comeback. Reminiscent of the free-spirited fun-loving retro days, wedges are a great way to show off your style and sexiness. Wedge heels are very versatile and look great with many different outfits, from shorts and capris to jeans and sundresses. Wedge heels are available in various heights and styles, ranging from casual cool to dressy designs. Wedge heels add height and can be easier to walk in than spiked heels. Our favorites picks for winning wedges come from Coach shoes, which have some great classic styles, as well as fun patterned designs, and Boutique 9 shoes, whose Lelaina platform wedges are just the right amount of naughty and nice.

Peep toe pumps are great at adding a little interest to an outfit, and also nice to show off your perfectly pedicured toes. Peep toe pumps come in a variety of heights, from the kitten heel to stacked heel, giving you as much or as little height as you desire. Leather peep toes are great for the office, while fabrics like satin are ideal for special events. Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes have a wide selection of peep toe pumps that are actually comfortable to wear and don’t feel like you’re squeezing your tootsies into a space that’s too small.

High heeled boots are very sexy and a great way to take a summer dress into winter. Simply throw on a pair of patterned tights and some black stiletto high heeled boots, and you’re good to go. You can also wear high heeled boots to the office, if you’re looking for some variation from the classic high heel. They are uber feminine and represent one powerful woman on the go. The trick to wearing any shoe is to carry yourself with confidence – that’s the sexiest accessory.

Prom Shoes Galore

As spring winds down and summer heats up, it can only mean one thing for teens in high school: prom time! Prom is one of the biggest events of the year, so of course you’ll want to look your best. It’s a time to get noticed and show your grown-up side. It’s a time to impress all your fellow classmates with great style and taste. From head to toe, whether you’re a guy or a girl, your prom gear has got to deliver.

For girls, prom is a time to get all gussied up and spend a day prepping and pampering yourself in anticipation of the big event. From hair to nails to makeup and more, it’s almost like a mini-wedding. Once you’ve got “the dress”, the next thing on the shopping list is shoes. Finding the perfect pair of prom shoes can be a daunting task. You have to find something that goes with your dress, doesn’t make you taller than your date, and that you can actually walk and dance in. A lot of girls like metallic strappy heels for prom, and those work well with any color dress. Rocket dog shoes make a wide variety of heels that won’t break the bank. The silver “Lafayette” heel is a good choice and isn’t too high, while the “Ethel heel” in gold is stylish and subtly sexy.

If you’re looking for something in black, Boutique 9 shoes makes some great options that are fun and age appropriate. A couple of our favorites include the “Glamy” heels, which are black stacked peep-toe heels with a black and white striped bow on top, or the “Derry” heels, which have lace applique and bow detailing.

For guys, you can go a couple different directions: classic tux with shiny polished shoes, suit with dress shoes, or suit with skate shoes. I’m not sure when this trend caught on, but I’ve seen many a picture with a well styled prom couple, including the guy sporting a brand new pair of white skate shoes. I’ve even seen it at weddings. This is definitely a style statement, but as long as you own it, I really don’t see an issue. If you want to go the traditional route, Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes offers some cool styles that aren’t too stuffy. Their silver loafers and square toed Oxfords can add a nice touch. If you want to go more California-kid, then DC Shoe Co. can outfit you with some kicks that are stylish and relaxed.

How to Wear the Latest Shoe Trends

This season, there are a lot of fun to wear trends in the world of fashion and accessories. Fashion week, runway shows and magazine photo shoots have featured some noticeable hits and misses for the summer season. The question is how to incorporate these trends into your wardrobe, without making it look like you’re playing dress up. While some trends are easier to adopt than others, we’ll focus primarily on the world of shoes and how you can plug into these of-the-moment styles.

Neon – Electric blue, lime green and day glo orange are colors that you’d typically expect to see coming from a highlighter marker, but this season, they’re taking over the world of fashion in a big way. An ode to the retro mod styles of the 60s and 70s, bright color blocking is stealing the style scene and popping up everywhere, from pop stars like Rihanna and Fergie to A-list actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow and Blake Lively. Bright pops of color are everywhere, and it’s a refreshing change from the muted hues we’ve seen in seasons past. The important thing to remember about this trend is that a little bit of neon goes a very long way. Head to toe neon should probably be saved for stars whose job it is to play dress up. For the rest of us, a great pair of high heel shoes in a fun burst of color can be just enough to liven up a LBD or jeans. Coach shoes make some great brightly hued choices, available in sneakers and sandals that are completely fun to wear.

Punk rock – From studs and leather to zippers and spikes, fashion has certainly embraced the look of rock n’ roll. Reminiscent of the big hair and bandanas that were popular during the 80s, punk rock style is being used to add some edge to otherwise mundane outfits. Part costume, part accessory, these hard core pieces can transform any nice girl into a fashion vixen. But before you start piling on the chains, keep in mind that one statement piece is all you need to make an impact. When wearing punk rock style, trying mixing it with more feminine pieces and fabrics to balance it out. For example, a flowing dress might go great with a fitted leather jacket, while a lace camisole and jeans can be elevated with some funky studded pumps. Boutique 9 shoes have a good selection of shoes with hard metal detailing. From flat gladiator sandals to ankle booties to their adorable Deanna pumps with rows of silver studs, they’ve got something for every taste.

Hot Shoes: Get the Looks for Less

Oftentimes fashion and budget don’t go hand in hand. Between impulse purchases, have-to-have-them trends and fluctuating sizes due to weight gain and weight loss, it can be hard to regulate your bank account while still adding to your wardrobe. However, discount shoes and discount boots are available, and they can actually help you to get more mileage out of the favorite staples in your closet. Here, we take a look at some of the stylish yet affordable brands that are bringing the latest must have looks to the mainstream market.

Boutique 9 Shoes – The edgy designs and fun styles of Boutique 9 shoes and boots are favored by celebrities like Sandra Bullock, Jessica Alba and Rachel Zoe. Yet, luckily for you, their shoes are affordable enough that you can add them to your shopping bag, instead of just your wish-list. Popular styles include chunky wedges, stacked heels and playful pumps with noticeable design details.

Style & Co. shoes – This brand, made popular through major department stores, offers a wide variety of affordable dress, work and casual shoes. Spanning all-occasion footwear, from classic heels to strappy sandals, Style & Co. appeals to a wide age range and is now available online.

Anne Klein shoes – Classic American designer Anne Klein has several lines of affordable luxury shoes, from Anne Klein AK to Anne Klein NY to Anne Klein Sport, the brand segments itself to appeal to different audiences, and it does it well. Anne Klein AK focuses on modern silhouettes like slingbacks and kitten heels, while NY is a little bit more metropolitan with leopard pattern pumps and metallic heels, and Sport is more casual chic for the woman on the go, represented by comfortable ballet flats and slip-on clogs.

Coach shoes – Although Coach is considered a premium brand, it does offer some affordable luxury lines like Poppy, which is characterized by brighter vibrant colors and patterns. Now you can own a part of this classic Hampton-eque designer for less. If you’re interested in classic Coach shoes, those can be found online for a fraction of what you would pay direct through the retailer.

These are just some of the designers that offer fashion forward shoes that won’t empty your piggy bank. If you are patient and seek out the deals, discount shoes and discount boots can be purchased any time of the year. You just have to know where to look.

Flip Flop Dos and Don’ts

The flip flop is a fabulous piece of footwear. Hands down it is one of the most comfortable, affordable and fun types of shoes around. Flip flops are great for summer, vacation attire and lounging by the pool. Flip flops can also work for other occasions as well, but the key is to know how they should be worn and how not to abuse this symbol of surf culture.

Some people will tell you that flip flops are never appropriate. These are also the same people that will tell you chewing gum is unacceptable. To those naysayers, we say, live a little! Enjoy life and enjoy the freedom that flip flops provide! Sure, flip flops have their place (and no, it’s not at the workplace), but that doesn’t mean that you can’t sport them during other occasions. In fact, flip flops have become so popular that they are now a staple of destination weddings. What could be more formal than a wedding? Well, if you’re lucky enough to go away to celebrate this momentous day, the last thing you want to be is uncomfortable. Flip flops offer the liberty that your tired toes crave. They look great with sundresses, maxi dresses and even fancy dresses. You just have to find the appropriate flip flop to go with your attire. Coach shoes offers some really nice fancy flip flops, suitable for special occasions, or just when you want to give your toes a little treat. They also have some really spunky options for casual jelly flip flops in bright hues that are fun for summer.

Believe it or not, flip flops can also be worn with pants – whether it’s with jeans, capris or lightweight linen pants. Since jeans are typically longer, we’d recommend an elevated platform flip flop. Rocket Dog shoes has some chunky ones that are absolutely adorable. For capris or linen pants, go with something that has a little decoration, beading or sparkle. These will let your feet shine and be the center of attention. Boutique 9 shoes’ “Pammy” sandals have small studs on them, for an added edge, while Kenneth Cole shoes has a Glam Session pair of flip flops with beading that is sure to make any outfit pop.

Flip flops may not be right for work or church, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t wear them for just about any other occasion. With so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that will make your toes happy!

Best After Hours Shoes

A lot of us start the week already in anticipation of the next weekend, or at least the next time we’ll meet up with friends for lunch, dinner, drinks or happy hour. The 9 to 5 crowd is a common site at restaurants, bars and lounges across the nation, relaxing and enjoying the fact that another day is behind them. It’s important to keep that fine line between coworkers and so it’s important to still dress the part. As most workers come straight from the office, attire should still be somewhat professional.

Most of us have a section in our closet dedicated to work clothes and one dedicated to weekend wear. But about with shoes? Is there anything in between just-for-work work high heel shoes and just-for-whatever flip flops? The answer is yes. Shoes are becoming more versatile and more wearable for multiple occasions. Not every workplace enforces a full-fledged business dress code. Some are business casual. Some are just casual. But that doesn’t mean that you should throw all caution to the wind and just roll out of bed and throw on anything that’s clean. How you present yourself says a lot about your work ethic and leaves a lasting impression in the mind of all those you meet.

For those corporate buttoned-up type jobs, you might wear a polished shoe during the day, but what about for after hours? It’s a pretty safe bet that you can carry your work shoes over to your dinner meeting. But in fact, you might actually want to choose something a little more loosened up. For women, a tasteful peep toe and fresh camisole can make you look like you’re ready to conquer the meeting in style. Anne Klein shoes have some nice selections available.) For guys, a pair of suede loafers adds a nice touch to a sport coat and slacks and will have you looking like you’re a man to be reckoned with. Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes have a great selection of classic modern loafers).

If you work in more of a dressed down environment, happy hour can be a time to relax and unwind. While we don’t ever recommend sneakers, you can still be comfortable and chic in flats. For ladies, ballet flats are the perfect balance between work and play. For guys, a pair of great leather boots can do wonders for a pair of distressed jeans. Pay attention to the details. It’s okay to be casual, but just make sure that you’re not crossing the line to weekend or beach wear. As I always so, it’s always better to be the best dressed person in the room than to be underdressed and uncomfortable.

The Teen Shoe Revolution

Growing up in Orange County it’s hard not to notice how competitive it is for kids. But nowadays, it seems like there’s more and more pressure to keep up with the latest and greatest fashion trends at an earlier and earlier age. But it’s not just a Southern California trend, in fact, it’s happening across the nation. So what is this next crop of consumers wearing? And what brands are flying off the shelves faster than they can meet the demand? Here we take a look at some of the most popular shoes for pre-teens and teenagers.

When skateboarding hit the street scene in the late seventies, no one could have predicted that it would have such an impact on shaping pop culture and fashion. But today, the skateboarding style of clothing has carved its own niche in the teen, pre-teen and even infant market. Brands like DC Shoe Co, a popular brand of skate shoes, have seen much success, not only through its distribution of shoes, but also through its entire line of skateboards, hoodies and apparel. With bright colors and eye-catching graphics, skate brands are on trend with everything from retro styles to punk rock chic. Skate brands are taking note of what’s happening in the fashion world, and they’re incorporating those trends into designs that have teens begging their parents for more.

Skate shoes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hot teen trends. Though the once masculine style shoes have been a constant hit with guys, girls have shown increased interest in certain styles. But visit any skate shop and you’ll see a growing portion of the floor plan dedicated to young women. Taking cues from California-chic style, brands like Rocket Dog shoes have soared in popularity with the ladies. In fact, it’s not just teen girls that you see sporting the styles – it’s their moms too. More and more, we are seeing the lines blurred between where mom and dad shop and where they shop for their teenager.

Paying close attention to celebs is now a common teen pastime. And with Cameron Diaz and Britney Spears seen rocking sheepskin boots with everything from tracksuits to cutoff shorts, you can be sure that teen girls want in on the trend. EMU boots have been a big seller among Generation Y, being worn year-round for that I’m-not-trying-too-hard look that often consists of distressed denim and flannel shirts.

Fabulous Shoes for Less

What girl doesn’t fantasize about a fabulous pair of high heel shoes or a stellar pair of riding boots? I always tell my husband that if I won money in Vegas, the first stop would be a shoe store in the Shops at the Forum. Sure, most women have shoe envy of Carrie Bradshaw’s closet (after all, what writer could really afford to indulge her shoe fetish so lavishly?), but for the average American woman, discount shoes and the warehouses and websites that sell them are much more realistic than boutique shoe stores with whopping price tags equal to one month’s rent.

You might be surprised at the quality and designer brand selection available online. With consumers watching every penny, more fashionistas are turning into frugalistas and seeking out everything from discount designer apparel to discount shoes and discount boots that satisfy their style requirements. Shopping online is becoming more and more popular, as shoppers can easily compare multiple products, read reviews, and post feedback on purchases. Plus with the convenience of shoe shopping at any hour of the day or night, impulse shoe buyers don’t have to wait until stores open to make a purchase.

While traditional brick and mortar stores may have limited inventory, the World Wide Web is a shoe lover’s paradise, with endless options to choose from. Strolling the virtual isles can be exciting and addictive, but it can also evoke a real feeling of satisfaction when you find that killer pair of designer high heel shoes for a much discounted price. Forget strolling around the mall, only to leave exhausted and without the item you were seeking. Online shoe stores make it easy to search by size, style, price and brand. With just a few clicks, you can quickly refine your search requirements until you find the pair of shoes that happens to be just what you were looking for. And no check-out lines means less stress and hassle.

Sure, malls and department stores will always have a soft spot in many shopper’s hearts, but no matter what kind of income you’re bringing in, it always feels good to save money and spend smartly, and if you can do it online, why not? Once you start buying discount shoes and discount boots, it’s likely that you won’t go back to spending absorbinant amounts of money on just one pair. After all, isn’t it always better to have more shoes?

The Best Shoes for your Jeans

Blue jeans are a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. There’s that perfect pair of jeans that are your go-to for when you want to look your best. Then there are your weekend jeans. And your skinny jeans that you will wear again. But what every pair of jeans needs is a great pair of shoes that elevates the look and makes you look like a million bucks. Here we take a look at some of the common jean styles and the best shoes to go with them.

Boot cut – A tried and true favorite, boot cut jeans are slimming and flattering for a variety of body types, including hourglass and pear shaped women. Boot cuts can also add curves for boy-type figures. A lot of women choose to wear boots with boot cut jeans. The two pretty much go hand in hand. And you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get a great boot. There are a lot of just-as-fabulous discount boots that won’t break your bank. In fact, spring is a great time to shop for boots, as you can scoop up some great deals from last season. If you want to try something a little sexier for summer, go with an open toed pump, to balance out a fitted blouse on top. Just be sure that hem is long enough to cover most of the heel, thus elongating your legs.

Skinny – The skinny jean has really soared in popularity over the past season. Sure skinny jeans look great on skinny girls, but for the rest of us, they can also work wonders. Celeb fans like Kim Kardashian have embraced skinny jeans and rocked the style with pizazz. Chucky high heels shoes or a stacked pump looks great with skinny jeans and really puts the emphasis on your bottom half – in a good way. In cooler temps, you can transition your skinny jeans to part of your winter wardrobe by pairing them with riding boots and a cable knit sweater.

Boyfriend – The boyfriend jean can be a bit tricky. It’s a bit of a challenge to pull this one off, but just remember, this look is about not overthinking it. It’s the Hamptons-weekend-wear meets casual chic. It’s brunch with the girls or strolling an art gallery. Boyfriend jeans are typically worn rolled, so it’s best to pair with a structured top. Accessories are key. A great straw hat and pair of ballet flats can complete the look. Coach shoes have some nice choices, in their signature pattern, or try a pair from their new Poppy line, which prides itself on contemporary affordable style.