The Newest Trend in Fashion – Vintage

It sounds funny, but one of the newest fashion trends isn’t really new at all. Vintage clothing has become one of the hottest style trends in the fashion industry. From clothing choices to accessories and hairstyles, anything vintage is vogue.

Creating a vintage look doesn’t mean dressing up in a costume from a bygone era. Instead, it means incorporating a vintage touch with your modern wardrobe. A sleek pencil skirt paired with a modern heel or a trouser cut with a high waist coupled with a simple shell are excellent ways to create a look that is at once modern and vintage in its overall design.

Unless you have a private buyer who can put these looks together, the question becomes how to create looks that have integrated vintage clothing pieces. One option is shopping local resale shops, but many women find vintage clothing on eBay. The online shop can help you find vintage pieces that are affordable and ideal for your needs. Even better, many of the pieces you can purchase via eBay are “real” vintage pieces, not simply modern renditions of a past look.

Any modern day fashionista looking to add a vintage touch to a wardrobe should consider a few critical points:

· What era appeals to you the most? Today, the 20s, 50s and 70s are making a comeback in little ways.

· How available are vintage fashions from your given era? Remember to try to find vintage clothing on eBay or at resale shops to see what is available.

· What accessories do you want to add? Adding a handbag, scarf, hairpiece or shoes from a past era can be a soft way to incorporate that vintage feel. For example, as more and more people turn to the Victorian Age for inspiration, consider adding a Victorian-style necklace to a business suit for a whimsical piece of the past.

Many of today’s designers use vintage designs as inspiration for their current lines. Consider, again, the pencil skirt. With the growing popularity of television shows, such as Mad Men, the style has once again gained popularity, and designers are taking note and giving their lines a vintage flair. Other examples include changing waistlines in denim and trousers, as well as a return to longer dress lengths.

You don’t have to buy new clothes to be in style. Instead, add a touch of the “old” to your modern wardrobe and create a style that is all your own. What is your favorite vintage item?

Sandals for Ugly Feet

Women's sandals.

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Convinced you’d win an ugly feet contest? Do you refuse to wear sandals or anything with an open toe for fear that someone might actually see your extremely long toes, rough heels, etc. Well not to worry, there are several sandal styles that do the job of hiding crusty toes while looking attractive.

There are attractive closed toe sandals that don’t look like they were hand-me-downs from Grandma. Sandals that cover the heel are available too. Try something with interest whether it be a bright color or shiny material, also avoid anything that appears chunky or heavy. instead look for sandals that fit your criteria while looking as a sandal should, light and comfortable.

Do your part

Feet need love and care. If your feet look unsightly give them your own personal spa treatment the night before their big début. If they still are not fit to be seen cough up the money for a pedicure. It may seem frivolous but it will  make a world of difference.

Relax

Yes, someone is bound to look at your feet at some point in time but will they necessarily notice your sixth toe, maybe not. Sadly but fortunately for you and me, people are largely self-absorbed and are more concerned with their own faults (praying you don’t notice them) to really check you too closely. Very few people belong to the “pretty feet club” so rock your sandals and newly polished toe nails as if you didn’t have a care in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anthropologie Shoe Review

Red shoes, Prada

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Retail merchant Anthropologie is earth, wind and fire! Not the music group but it’s all in the style. The neatest thing about this chain is that not only do they have clothing, perfume, books, housewares and furniture but they also have a tasty shoe collection online.

Heels
Eye-catching, personality-popping conversation starters that make you want to hold and caress them! Are they sexy? Surprisingly enough not the word one would think of, maybe a little on the sexy secretary side but there is not a pencil thin stiletto in the bunch. most of the heels are fairly chunky some a little overly so but they still manage to feel “girly” while looking terrific.

Flats

Polka dots and loafers to boot (get it boot?) They are rather simple not daring or different except that the “rain or shine” flats come in a clear brown and are water-resistant. Other than that it’s just another place to buy flats.

Boots

There is craftmanship and style but once again, sad to say, if you are looking for a sexy boot, the journey must continue. Unfortunately most of the boots look like something worn by wealthy farm hands instead of fashionable women on the go.

If a fashionista craves the unique, then most likely she’ll love Anthropologie. Greatness comes at a price and the shoe loving Anthropologie shopper will definitely pay a pretty penny for great shoes. However sales abound and a frugal shopper may just get lucky and find shoes to love and a nice price.

Attractive Comfortable Shoes

A high-heeled ladies shoe.

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There really is such a thing as attractive comfortable shoes. Usually comfortable shoes look like they’ve come from Grandma’s closet but there are many more comfortable shoe options today than in the past. Before if you were seeking comfortable and “good for you” shoes the only remedy was tennis shoes but today loafers, pumps and boots with built-in comfort are widely available.

Where to find them?

  • Online

Not surprisingly the answer is online. If you really want to find quality shoes that are going to keep your feet healthy and still look somewhat attractive, searching online is a good option. Shopping online for shoes has a lot of advantages. Being able to compare prices and search multiple “stores” for exactly what you are looking for from the comfort of your home is always nice.

  • Your Doctor

Perhaps you’ve never admired your podiatrist’s fashion sense but when it comes to specialty shoes they are the ones to ask. Many times they receive magazines from different providers that have comfortable yet fashionable shoe choices. Get a subscription so that when you need a new pair of shoes the information is right at hand.

This is important to remember because impulse buying almost always has the shopper buying something based off looks and not necessarily comfort. It simply isn’t healthy for feet or pocket books to buy shoes that one can only wear for a few minutes before they have to be taken off. Attractive, comfortable shoes can be found with a little knowledge and persistence.

 

 

 

Are Sketchers Shape-Ups Worth The Cost?

London: Sketchers Shape Ups 

Image by gorgeoux via Flickr

“Sketchers Shape-Ups”  were first introduced a few years ago, but now, with the endorsements of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, they are gaining momentum in the athletic shoe world.  The premise of the shoe is that they are supposed to help people who wear them lose weight, tone their muscles, and improve their posture, without having to step one foot into the gym.  Although the company claims that avid Shape-Up wearers can see amazing results, are they really worth the $100 price tag?

For starters, many will say that Shape-Ups are not the most fashionable shoe on the market, which is in large part due to their bulky sole.  The sole is elevated, and that’s where the “soul” of these magic shoes lie.  Many wearers say that due to the way that the sole is made, walking can some getting used to.  Most Shape-Up wearers also reported that they would feel a burning sensation in their legs when they walked in them, similar to a good workout.

However, even though some people have said to see results,  The American Council on Exercise has put out a statement saying that based off of an independent research that they conducted on the shoes, they ”… found no evidence to suggest that the shoes help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone.”

Choosing to purchase a pair of Sketchers Shape-ups is entirely up to the person who has to shell the money out, but, it must be noted that results are not typical, so the shoes should be bought more for fashion rather than function.

How to Get the Best Deals on Footwear

Shoes 

Image by hartlandmartin via Flickr

With the economy the way it is, it has been trying time for people who love to shop, especially shoe lovers, and although they may not be able to blow a few hundred dollars on a pair of shoes, it does not mean that they can’t treat their feet to some new gear.  Here are a few ideas how to get the best deals on footwear.

Online

There are many places to find shoes for low prices online.  A favorite among many shoppers are auction sites because shoes can be purchased for significantly lower than their regular retail price.  These discounts are possible because most people who sell on auction sites purchase their items wholesale, therefore allowing them to be able to sell the items cheap while still making a profit.

Coupons

In the case of individuals that want to physically see and try on their shoes before handing over their hard earned money, yet still want to save money, they should take advantage of coupons.  Most Department Stores will advertise in local papers giving away coupons for a certain percentage or dollar amount off of a purchase, which are great ways to save money.

End of Season Sales

For those people who don’t necessarily care about having the new “it” shoe, they should shop at stores while they are having their End of Season Sales.  During these sales, stores try to purge and get rid of last season’s fashions, which can save consumers a lot of money while they can get several pairs of shoes for the same price that just one many have cost.

Finding The Right Shoe For A Beach Wedding

Flip Flops, Blue 

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When many couples decide that they want to get married, they often will make the decision to do something a little different and outside the box other than having their wedding in a church or banquet hall, which can ultimately lead to the decision to have a beach wedding.  However, although the setting may be a picturesque one, and all other details may have been properly thought about in advance, one minor detail that is often forgotten is the fact that because the wedding is taking place on the beach, footwear for both the wedding party and the guests should be considered.

For starters, women who attend a beach wedding should completely eliminate the thought of wearing a stylish high heel.  Although they may go perfect with their dress because they can literally be ankle breakers due to the fact that high heels are quite difficult to walk in the sand.  Also, although regular flat shoes for men and women may be easy to walk in, they will more than likely get a lot of sand in them, which can be uncomfortable.

So, in keeping these things in mind, the best shoes for a beach wedding is a flip flop or other type of flat sandal.  These types of shoes are not only easy to walk in, but they also do not hold sand in them, therefore making it easy to dance the night away.

Couples who plan on having a beach wedding can even add a little something extra by providing flip flops for each of their guests, which can be an extra nice gesture for gests, especially those who forgot their own proper footwear.

Finding the Right Summer Sandals

Assorted colorful flip-flops. 

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Choosing the right summer sandals takes a bit of thought but will be worth your time. If you’re an active person who attends picnics, outdoor parties, walks on the beach and more, you’ll want to invest in many different pairs of sandals to suit each occasion.

The Dressy Sandal

For dressy outdoor events, choose an adorned sandal with a sparkly stone of your choice. A low-heel sandal can be just as dressy as a higher heel option, so choose a sandal that feels comfortable. For summertime, you want to keep your look fun and painless.

The Casual Sandal

If you’ll be attending picnics and having casual lunches with friends, choose a colorful sandal with a wedge heel. For more support, try a strapped sandal or one that covers your heel. Espadrilles are a fun and fashionable choice, and you might choose one with a cloth strap that wraps around your ankle.

The Recreational Sandal

If you’ll be walking along the beach or hanging out with your kids, a flip flop sandal is a fun choice. Opt for one with a comfortable strap and a soft support. Invest in a variety of colors, including bright orange. If a thong sandal is not your idea of comfort, choose a sandal containing foot protection with an outsole that covers the toes.

When shopping for sandals for all occasions, be sure to try them on and walk around enough to get a feel for the fit. Some sandals look more comfortable than they really are. Your ideal option is a sandal that complements your feet and feels comfortable.

Shoe Storage Options for the Shoe Lover

A pair of circular-head court shoes / pumps in... 

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You’ve done your fashion homework and satisfied your love of shoes by purchasing several pairs of high heels for dressy occasions, flats for afternoon lunches, athletic footwear for your daily workouts and boots for inclement weather. If you’re truly passionate about footwear, your shoe count may be in the hundreds. Knowing how to properly store your shoes will preserve the life of your footwear and bring proper organization to your closet.

Deciding on a Shoe Storage Strategy

Many people who love their shoes are also concerned about storing them. When you run out of space and stack your shoes on top of one another, you increase the risk of shoe damage. The sharp heels of one shoe may dig into the leather covering of another, leaving marks and dents.

To prevent this problem, examine your shoe storage space and organize your closet. If your closet is small, you may need to take advantage of other spaces in your home. For example, identify doors in the home that can accommodate a hanging shoe rack. Bathroom doors or unused rooms may be good options. You might also take advantage of space in your garage to store out-of-season shoes inside shoe boxes. Such boxes may also fit under your bed.

Finding the Right Shoe Storage Devices

Depending on how much space you have for your shoes, you’ll want to purchase shoe shelves, racks and boxes. For best options, visit stores that primarily sell organizational products. You’ll find more varieties from which to choose. Be sure to measure the space in your closet, under your bed and in other locations before making a purchase.

The Best in Feminine & Sexy Shoes

Anyone at all familiar with Beyonce as a singing sensation, knows how fashionable and appealing her fashion style is.

And by now you may have become acquainted with the urban and sexy fashion line created by Beyonce along with her mother, Tina, and sister, Solange. The House of Dereon, as this top fashion line is called, was dedicated to grandmother Angz Dereon, who was reputed to be an incredible clothes designer and seamstress in her day.

Dereon clothes are recognized as being quite exquisite, while also being very cool. What is not always known is that the House of Dereon also carries a very hip and most creative line of beautiful shoes.

These designer shoes range from the most exotic sandals to gorgeous boots, to the sexiest of spiked high heels and the coolest of sneakers. One look at the House of Dereon footwear and you are sure that the cost for a simple pair of high heels will be far beyond your pocket book – but look again. The good news is that Dereon shoes equal incredibly high fashion for incredibly low prices.

One of the goals of the founders of Dereon clothes is to keep their shoes top quality, while at the same time giving the public the most affordable prices imaginable.

So, if you are looking for shoes that are sexy, hip, and comfortable, while at the same time completely within your budget, then the fantastic shoe selection from the House of Dereon is just what you what you have been dreaming of!