Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!

Feb 26

Olympic Style: Limited Edition Rain Boots!

Posted on: February 26, 2010 @ 9:00 am No Comments »

Aren’t these boots super cute? They’re the Limited Edition Rockport “Canada” Rainboots, which retail for $119.95. I love the heel, as it makes them even more chic and sleek.

The boots were designed by Rockport and gold-medalist Cassie Campbell-Pascall, and are available exclusively at Zappos in the US. They’re waterproof patent-leather and adidas insole technology, which means they’re comfortable for all day wear.

What do you think; do the Lorraine’s take the gold? Will you be picking up a pair of these Olympic style boots?

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Written by Laney
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Threadless Loves TOMS One Day Without Shoes Challenge

Posted on: February 16, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 1 Comment »

“Threadless recently teamed up with TOMS Shoes to launch their Threadless Loves TOMS One Day Without Shoes challenge.

TOMS Shoes is the cause-based shoe company that was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. To date, TOMS has given over 400,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need.

On April 8th TOMS Shoes is having their annual One Day Without Shoes. The event is a tangible way to make a statement for the millions of children who go shoeless everyday. To spread the word about this important cause, Threadless is challenging users to design a tee based on the theme: It’s hard without shoes.

The winning prize includes your tee promoted in conjunction with the One Day Without Shoes event, the opportunity to design an official TOMS tee, a year’s supply of TOMS Shoes (one pair per month), $500 Threadless Gift Certificate, and $2,000 in cash.

To view the complete contest details visit this link.”

Entries are being accepted through 11:59 PM, February 21, 2010. Good luck!

One Day Without - Threadless T-shirts, Nude No More

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Written by Laney
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Stylish Wide Calf Boots from Torrid

Posted on: February 16, 2010 @ 9:00 am 2 Comments »

For plus size ladies, there are a lot of fashion challenges. Figuring out how to interpret runway trends, which are presented on stick thin models, into a style which actually flatters a curvy figure? That can be a nightmare, or at least an intense challenge.

One of the biggest fashion challenges every year I face is actually not a clothing issue – it’s footwear. Finding boots that fit wide calves is an epic challenge, and one that has two parts: not only do they need to fit, but they need to be cute and stylish too! Often, the I can only find boots that fit into one of these categories, which is a major disappointment.

After much searching, I found the solution at a store that was already a favorite for reasonably priced fashion fixes: Torrid. I have two pairs of boots from Torrid – one I bought, and one I received for review. The result? Pure, unadulterated love. They’re perfect.

Torrid’s wide-calf boots fit both of my musts: they’re incredibly stylish, and they fit like a dream. And did I mention they’re also super comfortable? Now Torrid’s just showing off!

Below are some of my favorite pairs from Torrid’s current stock. Unfortunately, neither pair that I own is currently available… However, now I’m drooling over several new pairs!

(Right – Left, Top – Bottom)

Rust Britney Distressed Boot

Ivory Bazaar Western Boot

Taupe Faux Suede Connie Boot

Black Faux Suede Monica Wedge Boot

Black Pebble Tina Slouch Boot

Black Patent Janet Short Boot

Just look at the creamy ivory, the caramel, the rich taupe… The pointy toes, the high heels, the comfortable calves! There are many more styles, as the six above are just my current faves – I’m thrilled with the variety, and of course, the price! The entire selection ranges from $49 – $62, which is significantly less than most of the season’s hot boots. It just keeps getting better, right?

So, ladies, stop worrying about the size of your calves, and start trying to decide which pair to buy first. I find the boots fit very true to size, and since the calf circumference is listed on the site, you don’t have to worry about shopping online.

Footminders Catwalk: Orthotic Insoles for High Heel Shoes

Posted on: February 10, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 3 Comments »

(Endora Pumps – $59)

Every girl should have an amazing pair of pumps. Killer heels, amazing color, fabulous embellishments – whatever suits her best. I have quite a few pairs of skyscrapers; everything from orange to stilettos to wickedly textured faux leather booties. As a gal of only 5′4″ (and one with less than svelte legs), high heels are one of my very best friends. And while the ones in my closet might have very few visual similarities, they all have one thing in common – they hurt my feet!

Almost as if they were reading my mind (or monitoring my credit card), Footminders emailed me with a review opportunity seemingly RIGHT after my latest fabulous footwear acquisition. Of course, I was thrilled to accept.

So, ladies, let’s chat about Footminders.

“Walking in high heel shoes forces your body weight to be focused on the front of your feet, causing the forefoot structure to collapse. This excess force and friction leads to common conditions like ball of foot pain, burning sensation under the foot (Metatarsalgia), callous and corns – even aching legs.

Catwalk high-heel insoles support the arch and forefoot and redistribute your body weight. This greatly reduces the excess force on the forefoot, thereby providing lasting relief from pain and discomfort. With a pair of Catwalks in your shoes you’ll enjoy walking in comfort for hours on end!”

The pair of high heel insoles I received were immediately tucked into a favorite pair of black pumps. The pumps that make my legs and butt look great, but would make me feet weep rivers if only they had tear ducts. What a difference Footminders make! Cushioning my heel alleviates a lot of the pain that I associate with wearing high heels, and keeps me from forming blisters.

I did have a few small problems with the Footminders. For one, they weren’t quite long enough to cushion the front of my foot. Second, theydidn’t stay stuck in my shoes… Although that wasn’t really an issue, because they didn’t slip around when I was actually wearing the shoes. Re-sticking them before putting my shoes back on was the most minor of inconveniences – and it actually made them easier to transfer from pair to pair.

I highly recommend picking up a pair – or three – of Footminders to keep your pretty pumps company. You’ll be grateful you did with every cushioned step!

Catwalk High-Heel Insoles retail for $21.95 and can be purchased here.

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Body Toning & Trimming Products

Posted on: January 20, 2010 @ 8:00 am 3 Comments »

I’m sure that many of you gals have resolved to become fitter and healthier in 2010. Exercising and eating right is obviously the way to go, but incorporating products that target body problems into your routine will provide a great boost.

There are four products I’ve received for review that I’ll be testing out in the coming days, weeks, and months (depending on the products recommendations). Of course, I’ll share my results with you – or lack thereof, though I only accepted specific products that I have positive knowledge about.

I previously shared that I was reviewing Reebok EasyTone Sneakers . When I originally posted about them, I had just begun to wear them and hadn’t seen any results. After wearing them as my main shoes, even without walking a significant amount, I have definitely noticed a difference.

To be honest, my thighs are too large to see if there’s any toning going on. However, my butt has definitely benefited from the EasyTones. While it’s not smaller (they’re not weight loss shoes, so that’s not a surprise!), the shape has completely changed. Rather than being sort of a shapeless mass hanging off the back of me, my ass is now rounded and lifted. So I’m completely and totally in love with the EasyTones and intend to keep wearing them, forever.

Another product I’ve received and am excited to review is Mama Mio Bootcamp for Tummies ($99). I was thrilled with this product right off the bat when I saw that it came with a detail explanation of how and why the products work, AND a simple exercise routine to use in conjunction with them. The product claims are practical, rather than advertising it as a miracle serum that will immediately make your fat disappear (although I wish it would).

“A radical new way to tackle tummy bulge. If you commit for 30 days, you will see results; your tummy will be tighter, flatter, smoother and more defined. Your posture will be improved, your back stronger, your skin softer – more toned, firmer and touchable. Bootcamp is a 4 minute a day skincare and exercise system in handy take-home kit. Lift, tighten and reshape your skin and lift, tighten and reshape the muscles beneath for double whammy results in only 4 minutes a day.”

My only issue with this product – and I could be wrong – is that it’s more for ladies who have only a bit of a belly, perhaps after pregnancy or after already having lost a lot of weight. I’m not sure what sort of results it will yield for me, as I have lots of losing to do. I’ve been doing the exercises without using the product to begin with, as I’d like to use the “Tummy Toner” and “Get Waisted” components when I have a smaller area to work with!

Talika’s Bust Serum ($49) is another product on my body improvement roster. While I’m young thus have yet to enter into a major battle with gravity, I wear a 40D. Because of the sheer weight of my breasts, I want to make sure that I keep them firm and prevent any unattractive stretch lines. Also, every time I see the bottle I think of Grease – “I must, I must, I must improve my bust…”

Talika boasts that the serum will add up to 1 cup size in 6 weeks (although I secretly hope it doesn’t), as well as an 18% lift and a 70% increase in firmness. You can read all about the manner in which the serum goes about doing that here.

I used the Bust Serum once to check the texture, smell, and feel in order to ensure that it would be a product I would actually enjoy reviewing. It passed my test on all of those levels, so I’ll be adding it to my routine when I begin to use the rest of the Mama Mio products – I figure I should do all my “lotioning” at the same time… As long as I keep them straight and don’t shrink my bust while increasing my waist. Wouldn’t that be a nightmare!

Finally, this week I received a product not quite on the market: Shapewear from ShaToBu. ShaToBu is an innovative new type of shapewear, created by a chiropractor, that features resistance bands to help tone muscles and burn calories.

As I mentioned, the product isn’t yet available, but you can sign up on their web page to stay updated on it’s release AND to receive a free gift when you order.

I’m not going to get into the details, as that will be a separate post once I’ve had the chance to really experience the product. Three other lovely ladies are trying it out with me, including the lovely Jen from My Beauty Bunny. I’m really excited to see how the ShaToBu will work with the Reebok Easytones – my hope is for maximum shaping and toning!

Of course, none of these products are going to make massive improvements without other lifestyle changes and work on my part. I’m moving back to Vermont in early February, and going to be doing yoga and water aerobics, with the intention of building up towards more strenuous activities like kickboxing and spinning. I’m too lazy and unmotivated to just “go to the gym” as all of that big equipment just looks tedious and unpleasant!

What are you ladies doing to shape up in 2010? Trying any products to kick start or aid your routine? I’d love to know!

Review: Reebok EasyTone Sneakers

Posted on: December 07, 2009 @ 6:00 am 1 Comment »

We all know it’s coming… The splurging, the overindulging, the regret, and finally – The Resolution. You know, the one that seemingly everyone makes every year, that finally, FINALLY they’re going to drop the extra weight? The dramatic oaths that those fifteen, twenty, fifty pounds are going to be gone by some arbitrary date? The expensive membership to the gym that gets visited a handful of times in January, then never again? Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.

This year, skip the hassle. Skip the craziness, the promises, the fancy treadmill. And maybe skip a few of those Christmas cookies. Instead, treat yourself to a pair of EasyTone Sneakers from Reebok.

reebok

They’re not magic. You won’t lace up and instantly become a svelte supermodel. But… they’ll start you on the right track.

If you walk a lot (shopping totally counts), the EasyTone will quickly become the most fashionable shoes in your closet. Why? Um, how about a better butt! The EasyTones increase toning in your glute (aka ass) muscles 28%. That’s pretty freakin’ fantastic. They’ll also help work other key muscles in your legs, for sexier stems all around.

So how do they work? Bill McInnis, a former NASA Engineer, helped create the EasyTone. Basically, the soles of the shoe feature “balance pods.” These pods throw off your body’s stability, thus making your leg and glute muscles work harder to keep you balanced. This simple adjustment to how your muscles work gives you a mini workout, and thus helps tone those key muscles.

ree1

Elle Magazine featured an article on this new technology in their November issue, which discussed the benefits of wearing shoes and sandals like Reebok’s EasyTones (which were directly mentioned). If you can find the November issue, or have it but skipped the article I’m referring to, I highly recommend checking it out. Elle does a great job of explaining why EasyTone’s and similar shoes are efficient, and what exactly they do for you. There were several pieces of information that jumped out at me in particular. For one, wearing high heels every day is obviously bad for your feet (hammer toes, callouses, blisters, etc.) but did you know that doing will actually cause your hamstring to shorten over time? Yikes!

The other piece of information that really stood out in the Elle article was that the “pod” technology utilized by EasyTone’s is good for your joints, in addition to your muscles. The thicker, cushioned sole helps absorb a significant amount of the impact each step creates. This prevents it from being transferred to your ankles, knees, and hips – which can prevent weakness, wearing, and outright injury to those areas.

pod

I was sent a pair of black EasyTone Sneakers for review, and I love them. I used to be addicted to heels, but have started wearing flats often for convenience. Normally, I don’t wear sneakers out, as I don’t like how they look. However, I find the EasyTones to be quite stylish, so I’ve been wearing them out frequently. I take a walk for exercise almost every night, and I wear the EasyTones then, too. If I wear them for an extended period of time, I do feel some soreness in my legs; rather than being uncomfortable, I’m excited to know that they’re working!

So it’s not a magic pill, but could this solution be much simpler? All you have to do is walk. Pick up a pair now, and wear them while you’re holiday shopping, cooking, or taking care of other errands or preparations that keep you on your feet. Tone while you go, and look better in that little holiday dress! Your only resolution this year should be to take a few extra steps each day – in your brand new EasyTones, of course!

EasyTone Sneakers are available in a wide selection of styles and colors. Price ranges from $99.98 to $109.98.

Howdy Cowgirl! Leather Boots With Western Flair

Posted on: November 30, 2009 @ 12:48 pm 10 Comments »

These boots aren’t just meant for the herders on the dude ranch; cowgirl boots are galloping into urban fashion and adding a mid-western twist to fashion.

Leather cowgirl boots are basic and an easy match for those who are just looking for a pair to match with jeans and a t-shirt. Though rugged at first glance, most cowgirl boots come with very feminine detailed stitching that incorporate swirls, curves, and flowers. Pull these over dark wash jeans, match with a plain shirt, and grab your favorite leather bag for a casual style that also speaks of strength.

Want something a little more edgy? Snakeskin cowgirl boots add more texture and patterns than their all-leather sibling, but try to stay away from boots that are entirely reptile. Instead, snakeskin on the toe is a much more tasteful way for you to strut your stuff like the sheriff of this town. Long, thin chain necklaces would look great as another accessory to add to the outfit.

With fancier boots like the ones pictures right, you can even wear them dresses or tunics with leggings. You don’t have to have an entire western-themed outfit to wear cowgirl boots. Pair them with almost anything you would normally wear and stand amazed at how the boots really spice up your entire outfit!

colored boots These solid color boots were made for walkin’, and that’s just what you’ll do when you find your favorite pair. Red is sassy and vibrant, but you can also find subdued pinks, rich blues, pure whites, and almost any other shade you want! Be wary of wearing other colors in your outfit that match your boots, because you risk looking a little too “matchy matchy”.

A fresh approach to the cowgirl boots incorporates cutouts and scoring of the leather. My favorites are these hand-tooled Rose boots, which take the previously mentioned flower pattern to a whole new level. They’re strong yet romantic, and would be perfectly paired with faded jeans and jewelry that also uses rose symbols.

So pretty!

Cowgirl boots can be the perfect way to sneak in another one or two inches of height while still maintaining casual attire. So saddle up, and work it like you’re in an old Western film!

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Macy’s Online Black Friday Deals – Accessories

Posted on: November 27, 2009 @ 7:00 am 1 Comment »

Style&co. Wallet, Flat Frame $15.99 (Regularly $28)

Style&co. Umbrella, Mini $15.99 (Regularly $28)

Jessica McClintock Handbag, Satin Rose Clutch $19.99 (Regularly $30)

Jessica McClintock Handbag, Pleather Python Clutch $25.99 (Regularly $45)

Calvin Klein Gloves, Leather $33.75 (Regularly $60)

Style&co. Shoes, Shorty Cold Weather Boots Women’s Shoes $29.99 (Regularly $49)

Leather Weather – Perfect Boots For Fall

Posted on: November 25, 2009 @ 1:41 pm 1 Comment »

sofft booties When the weather gets cooler, you know it’s time for leather boots. There is the standard black leather pointed toe boot that many women find too strong a style – or too tall a heel – to feel comfortable in. Worry not, because there are several alternatives that will have heads turning and you feeling your absolute best in the winter months to come.

Ankle boots have made a fierce appearance this season, and it’s smart to have a pair stashed away for the night out on the town. These Victorian-inspired ankle boots would look edgy when tucked into your skinny jeans, but also look darling and sweet when matched with textured leggings and a feminine dress.

blk boots Slouchy boots like these are a casual twist that go well with jeans, long flowing bohemian skirts, and even cuffed shorts if it’s warm enough! Because they will come somewhere between mid- to lower-calf depending on how tall you are, these boots will help to lengthen your legs and bring less weight to your feet.

platform boots If you think black isn’t your color, why not opt for the many shades of brown? Taupe or tan knee-high boots are a softer, more natural style that go well with jeans and a warm cozy sweater, perhaps for a romantic date at that local coffee shop. If you find one with an adjustable cuff, the cuff can be flipped up for an over-the-knee look as well!

A popular favorite is the flat knee-high boot, much like riding boots but without the buckles and heaviness. These shoes provide all the drama of tall boots, without the aching feet. Look for the V-cut in the back, which makes it much more comfortable for the back of your knee, so you don’t get that tight constricting leather cutting off the circulation to your legs when you sit down.

These are a fashion item that everyone gal should have, unless she lives in a tropical region, but she must also know how to respect her leather boots. Be sure that once you’ve invested in a sturdy pair that you like (and can pull out of your closet time and time again) that you continue to care for them. Make sure to polish them regularly, and they’ll look as new as the first day you bought them!

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Sweet Suede Boots – Fur, Fringe, Buckles and More!

Posted on: November 24, 2009 @ 1:59 pm No Comments »

uggliv01 They aren’t the most practical footwear if you live in a place with a lot of rain and snow, but suede boots are a sweet breath of fresh air from serious leather. When the weather is dry but the air is chilly, suede boots are the perfect item.

One of the best feelings in the world is slipping into a pair of faux fur lined suede boots. They’re casual, cozy, and look great with your denim tucked in or out. Just be sure to avoid pairing them with a shorts or skirts that are a little far on the small side; boots meant for winter matched with bottoms meant for summer is the greatest fashion contradiction, and it’s not very flattering.

“Boots with the fur” don’t have to exist only in song. Suede boots with fur trim are irresistibly touchable, and often come with small details like pom-poms or color stitching. If the fur is faux or cruelty-free, then it’s even better!

Looking for something with a little more sass? Fringe can add movement and dance to every step when the rest of you is tightly bundled in jackets or sweaters.

From a fringed cuff to layers all the way to the ankle, you can crank up the bohemian look as high as you want. Don’t like too much fluttering around your feet? Opt for boots that have fringes just along the side seams like these from Michael Kors, so you can still have a little skip in your gait.

Buckled suede boots are a stylish balance of softness and tough attitude. There is something about these shoes that evokes the image of fairy tales, like the swift forest hunter or the bold pirate fashionista. With this combination you can be brave in suede! Just be mindful when you walk; if you have a tendency of rubbing your calves or ankles while you strut, you risk catching the suede on the buckle and possibly damaging your boots, so stride with pride and caution!

Suede is a delicate material that needs to be cared for, but with the proper attention, you can have your outfit take on a softer tone with boots like these!

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