Check out these fabulous contests going on all month long at ShoeBlitz!
At ShoeBlitz.com you will find the latest in shoe fashion, plus some great opportunities to win terrific fashion and beauty products.
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One of the shows on cable that I find fascinating is Discovery Channel’s How It’s Made. This show features the manufacturing process for four or five products per show. A typical half hour might be filled with the making of plastic bags, twinkies, hockey pucks and toilets. It’s a simple concept, but nearly impossible to turn away from. I figured there has to be a few videos out there of shoes being made and in fact, there are! This is the making of a ballet flat and a leather boot in a (most likely US) Prada factory.
Another cool video to check out is how ballet shoes are made, and subsequently broken down by the ballerina for use.
Reference: How It’s Made
This entry was contributed by Heather Moore.
With so many running shoes on the market, how can you tell which one is best for you? There are walking shoes, running shoes, cross training shoes and racing shoes. Shoes for men and shoes for women. High arches, low arches, off-road and on-road. The options are enough to make your head spin!
Next time you’re searching, instead of getting crossed eyes from the choices, try out the Brooks Running Shoe Advisor. This online questionnaire asks all the necessary questions like ‘what surface do you run on?’ and ‘what is your arch height?’ With a few clicks, you’ll have a sampling of shoe options that are sure to fit your foot.
Reference: Brooks Running Shoe Advisor
This entry was contributed by Heather Moore.
Not too long ago, I wrote about the Nike+iPod gear, a collaboration between Apple and Nike. In that article I mentioned you didn’t have to own a special pair of Nike+ shoes to use the cool device (they have a cavity in the sole for the transmitting device). However, let’s just say you’re one of those people who needs new shoes anyway. There’s a subdivision of Nike called NikeID. NikeID shoes are different because they can be customized with your own color combinations. The last time I looked at the site, it wasn’t too impressive because there was only one kind of shoe you could customize. Not so anymore, folks. The ID site now includes many shoe styles for men and women, and among those styles are Nike+ shoes. Basically, this means you can now use your iPod to track your running stats in custom-made shoes that house the transmitter! The ones I made match my green iPod Nano, and you can even personalize the tongue with an eight character word on each shoe. I put my name on the right shoe, and “ROCKS” on the left shoe. So maybe I’m more lame than cool…
Another bonus feature is that all NikeID shoes can be purchased with different left and right shoe sizes. So if you’re one of the many people in the world with slightly different size feet, this is one place where you won’t have to buy two pairs of shoes.
Reference: NikeID site
This entry was contributed by Heather Moore.
Lattice, checkerboard and hidden knot: did you know there are alternative ways to tie your shoes? Forget the standard cross cross that your shoes come with and try alternative designs that resemble herringbone, a ladder or a zipper. The techniques are shown on mostly skater shoes, but they work on anything with laces. One style uses laces in two different colors for a contrasted look.
Once you’ve tried a few techniques, check out Ian’s Shoelace site. His is the grandfather of unique shoe lacing and is the originator of the techniques shown. At his site you’ll find more techniques and photos of shoes brilliantly laced.
Article: Sneaker Freaker Guide to Lacing
Reference: Ian’s Shoe Lacing Photos
This entry was contributed by Heather Moore.
Used shoes? That’s right! Marty & Liz, a discount shoe store in Tennessee, sells new and slightly used shoes of all kinds for knockout prices. Brand names and funky styles are as available as your standard black pumps and flats. Be sure to head over on Thursdays, when the store receives its new batch of shoes for the week. There are several Marty & Liz locations in Middle Tennessee including Murfreesboro, Cool Springs (Franklin), and Lebanon.
While Marty & Liz is geared predominantly toward women, Flight Club New York is a guy’s athletic shoe haven. With hundreds of vintage, limited edition and rare sneakers, this shop mainly caters to Nike enthusiasts. It’s the kind of store that Turtle from Entourage would always be visiting. Their entire collection is available online, and consignments are encouraged. If you choose to sell your shoes at FCNY, you’ll receive 80% of the retail price after sale. While you’re there, check out the glass case at the rear of the store (the one with drool on it) that houses the most collectible of collectible pairs. As of last year, FCLA, a Los Angeles location opened.
Reference: Location of Marty & Liz, Cool Springs
Reference: Flight Club New York
This entry was contributed by Heather Moore.
If you own an iPod Nano and fancy yourself a runner (or want to be), consider getting the Nike+iPod kit from Apple. This kit is designed to help track your running distance and pace while motivating you with your favorite tunes and real-time feedback (a female or male voice that encourages you during your run). Then you can sync your running data with iTunes or nikeplus.com and keep track as you near your goals for speed, calories or distance.
How does it work? The Nike+iPod kit includes a receiver that plugs into your Nano and a small sensor that is designed to fit in the specially made cavity of a Nike+ shoe. The sensor tracks your movement and communicates it to the receiver, showing your stats on the iPod window. The cool thing is — you don’t have to own a pair of Nike shoes for the device to work. Several third-party companies make small pouches that hold the sensor to your shoe laces and allow it to collect the data just as easily. There are also other DIY options, including using a piece of Velcro. Anyway you use it, the Nike+iPod technology is a fun and interesting way to spice up your work outs — or begin a new exercise regimen.
Reference: Shoe Pouch for Non-Nike Shoes
This entry was contributed by Heather Moore.
Reference: DIY Shoe Mod from Engadet
Reference: Apple’s Nike+iPod Site
Ok, maybe they’re not the Top 5 of all time, but these stores are just a few of the many you should hit when considering an online footwear purchase. Have fun, and remember that since shoes require an individual fit and often vary in size from manufacturer to manufacturer, understanding the store’s return policy is essential!
5. Zappos.com
The site may seem a little cluttered, but Zappos has anything and everything shoes for men, women and children. Search by brand, latest styles, or occasion. And if you’re in the US, the perks include free shipping, free 365-day return policy AND 24/7 customer service!
4. Nordstrom.com
Pricey but high stylin’ here. What’s hot? Metallics! Plus, take a peek into the Kate Spade Trunk Show.
3. Payless.com
For those of us who don’t have $300 to drop on one pair of slinky sandals… Here you’ll always find trendy footwear for cheap, and if they only last one season — you won’t have to sweat it. Oh, and those BOGO sales are still goin’ strong.
2. Amazon.com
It started with books, and now they sell everything. By bringing together lots of online sellers, Amazon provides you with access to tons of product all at once. Add a few of your favorite pairs to your wish list, then send it to family and friends. Maybe next birthday or Christmas, you’ll see something familiar!
1. Overstock.com
When I think Overstock, it’s usually for bedding or home decor, but this online retailer has loads of great stuff in the shoe department. From Nine West, BCBG and Kenneth Cole to Converse, New Balance and Fila — this store is your best kept secret. Stock changes often, so check back regularly!
What other online footwear stores do you frequent? Share them in comments below!
Reference: Ebay’s vintage shoes
This entry was contributed by Heather Moore.
If it’s June, it must be wedding season, and your invitations are probably already stacking up in the mail. No one wants to miss a wedding, but with summer airfares, gas prices, and hotel fees (not to mention the gifts!), it can get a bit expensive. To make sure you look fabulous at each event without breaking the bank, follow these easy tips and watch your summer wedding style sizzle.
Chances are, you’ve already got one or two fierce frocks in your closet from seasons past. If it’s a day wedding, you’re allowed more freedom with your wardrobe picks; however, it’s traditionally bad manners to wear white to a wedding that isn’t yours. Stealing the bride’s thunder is just tacky.
Nighttime weddings are usually a bit dressier, but unless the invite says black tie, long gowns are probably over the top. Find a dress with a bit of sparkle to give your look a little more luxe without having to spend a fortune.
If you’ve got several weddings lined up this summer, you’ll want to have a fresh look for each. Instead of buying a new outfit everytime you toast the new couple, experiment with something you already have.
Pick a basic dress (patterns or bold prints will be too obvious) and let your imagination run wild. Accessories are key: switch up makeup, hairstyles, bags, shoes, jewelry…the possibilities are endless! A belt worn around the waist or just under your bustline will add unique pizzaz to a tired-out look. The next time, top off your frock with a snazzy blazer or cardigan and different jewelry to spice things up.
If only picking out the wedding gift was this easy…
Reference: Party dresses for every shape
Reference: Switch up your jewelry with styles from Forever 21
Reference: Shorter hemlines deserve cuter coverups
Attention all parents! Your days of buying new shoes every few weeks for your little tykes is over. Forget worrying that you’re crunching their tiny toes. With INCHworm shoes, the shoe grows with your child’s foot! The technology in this footwear allows it to morph into three consecutive sizes. For example, an 11-12 INCHworm covers the sizes 11, 11.5 and 12. Just push the iFit button on the sole and pull or push the toe and heel. The transition is stiff, so children won’t accidentally change sizes while wearing them.The designs include an array of colors and styles that will appeal to boys and girls alike. INCHworms retail around $50 and 5% of sales go towards finding a cure for juvenile diabetes.
Reference: INCHworm’s Online Store
This entry was contributed by Heather Moore.