17 things I learned from ACC 255

1. How to create a blog page
2. How to create a website
3. How to advertise on my website
4. How to create products on CafePress
5. How to manage paypal
6. How to write proper blog posts
7. How to write timeless articles
8. How to search the internet more efficiently
9. How to create google Adsense
10. How to create a webpage counter
11. How to create and post HTMLs
12. How to post links to different pages
13. How to create different pages and links to those pages on my website
14. How to submit articles to ezine and have them accepted
15. How to create and promote products using Amazon
16. Through research, I learned a lot more about my topic
17. I learned how to promote my blog and website

Farewell

Well, I know you all love listening to me ramble on about my favorite shoes and styles, and interesting facts on what is good for your feet, but this is my last blog post. I have had fun participating in this little hobby, and who knows, maybe I will be back at a later date to inform you all of new styles and trends that have arisen throughout society!

Shoes are something that will ALWAYS be around, they are something that everyone wears and uses, and can’t really be without in today’s society. Most businesses have a “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service” sign hanging in their front window, and we all know what this means. This just builds on the idea which I have tried to implant in the minds of all my viewers: this is the idea that shoes are so important. Shoes are important to protect your feet, to make you feel good, and to make you look better. Shoes are definitely multi-dimensional, and more than we actually believe them to be; however, this is not usually something everyone sits around and thinks about.

If you have been viewing my blogs throughout these past four months, it is easy to tell what kind of style I am more attached to and the styles that I could care less for. I have also wanted to give you all some ideas on promoting the good health of your feet, and how important it is to keep your feet in good shape! After all, they are stuck with you for life! J

So I guess this is a farewell until another time when I may return, I have enjoyed venting about something I feel very strongly about, SHOES!

Birkenstocks

So I have written a couple blogs on shoes that are good for your feet and can improve your arches and what not; however, I came across these shoes called Birkenstocks, and I have read a lot about them, they are very interesting and seem to be very good for your feet.

Birkenstocks footbeds are made of cork and natural latex; they are also contoured in the shape of a “healthy foot.” The contours allow for weight to be distributed properly while raising arches in order to provide support for the natural shape and structure of the foot. There is also a “toe bar”, which allows the toes to grip and flex, which ultimately stimulates circulation, exercises the legs, and helps promote balance. There is a deep heel cup which allows the natural padding under the heel of the foot in order to offer stability.

I find these shoes to be really important to the promotion of good health of the feet. Usually when people buy their shoes, mostly young people, aren’t out looking for shoes that are good for their feet, rather just shoes that look good with the outfit they have picked out. However, if younger individuals started wearing “healthy shoes” at a younger age, they wouldn’t have these damaging effects later in life.

In one of my earlier blogs, titled “Shoes Made For Fashion Rather Than Comfort", addresses the issues that may be caused from wearing the wrong shoes, or too high of heels.

In another blog post of mine, titled “Damaging Your Feet: The Risk of Beauty", I address many damaging effects of high heels and also a few interesting statistics that are relevant.

Chucks

Converse tennis shoes, also known as “chucks”, have been popular for as long as I’ve been alive. It is amazing for a style to stay popular for such a long period of time.

The Converse Rubber Company was founded by Marquis M. Converse in 1908. Around 1915, the company decided to make athletic shoes so that they were able to have production all year round, rather than making seasonal shoes which is what the company started off with. The growth of Chucks is associated with the growth of basketball throughout the 1920’s and 30’s. The basketball star, Chuck Taylor, became the spokesperson during this period, hence why these shoes are referred to as “Chucks.” His signature was also added to these shoes; therefore this was another reason for the increase of sales.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s, Converse began facing competition from other shoe creators; therefore, Converse decided that they needed to make their shoes more distinct. The main style, and famous style, of Converse is the Chuck Taylor All Star Design. I’m pretty sure that about fifty percent of the population owns a pair of chucks or has at one point in time throughout their lives.

Chuck Taylors have become the “all American” shoe, all different types of individuals are seen wearing these shoes, from punk rockers, to preppy school girls, everyone has a pair. From 2001 to 2002, Converse’s profits tripled, these shoes became quite a staple in sales. I don’t really know what planet you’re from if have never heard of chucks, if you simply just go outside you are sure to see a pair or two!

Like Walking on Marshmallows

I recently went shopping with my Grandfather and we went to Finishline in the mall, and of course the sales associate came up to greet us both and ask if they could help us find anything. My Grandfather responded by saying, “I need a shoe that makes me feel like I’m walking on a marshmallow.” I was kind of embarrassed and just laughed it off, and, of course, the sales associate laughed too. I thought that he was kind of crazy because never have I had a pair of shoes that were that light weight and airy as to feel like I was actually walking on a marshmallow. However, after a while I purchased a pair of Nikes from the same store, and honestly, every time I wear them, I feel like I’m walking on air… or a giant marshmallow.

These shoes are called Nike Lunarfly, Lightweight. You can purchase these shoes at Finishline.com. These shoes are meant to be running shoes, but I wear them as everyday shoes. They are the most comfortable shoes ever and I can go for hours standing without any pains in my legs or feet. Below, I have provided a picture of these tennis shoes, the price, and a link to the store in which you can purchase them. These shoes are a must purchase, they will change your idea of working out, running, walking, or even simply just standing around! They are amazing!

These shoes can be purchased at www.finishline.com, for only $49.58

Foot Binding

I find it very interesting how women define smaller as being better, or more desired. For example, almost every woman would prefer having a smaller shoe size. This is true in other countries also, such as China; however, in China, it seems that they will go to extreme measures in order to maintain a smaller foot size. The Chinese women are known for binding their feet.

Although the words, Foot binding, are pretty self-explanatory, for those who don’t know or have never heard of this, foot binding is the practice of tightly binding the foot with tough bandages in order to slowly, over time, stop the growth of the foot and ultimately make one’s foot smaller in size. This sounds extremely painful, I know, and this is because it is. Women who have bound their feet for so long have broken their own bones and caused deformities to their feet. This is all because of the fact that China views smaller feet on women as sacred for many different reasons.  

Of course, I have never heard of any others, besides the Chinese, binding their feet in order to make them smaller. Although, I’m sure that it is not bizarre to say that women have done crazy things in order to achieve this same goal. Women in America simply have procedures done if they want a smaller foot size that badly. However, this just goes to say that women all over the world view smaller feet as better. It is very interesting to see the measures that some will take in order to have a smaller shoe foot.

Platform Heels

            Do you remember when the Spice Girls movie came out, and all they wore were those enormous platform shoes? Well, I definitely do. The Spice Girls were so popular that everyone wanted a pair. However, ever since that time period, I haven’t seen or heard of platform shoes, well, at least not until now. A large percentage of the high-heels being sold this season and in the past season have had a platform heel on them.

            There are many positives that come with platform heels. Not only were they made popular by none other than the Spice Girls, but they also make a taller heel easier to walk on. The platform heel makes it seem as though you are not really wearing that tall of a heel. If you purchase a five and one half inch shoe with a two inch platform heel, then it is actually as though you are only wearing a three and a half inch heel. This causes less stress and damage to your feet (damages from heels are described in one of my earlier blogs).

            You will most likely see the platform heel on a pump or a wedge shoe. (I have posted some of the styles which I found on Google Images that I believe are extremely cute). Some people think platform and immediately think Spice Girls, but the two are not exactly the same. Everyone can pull these platform shoes off; they are highly fashionable and very “in” for this season and many seasons to come.

Head Over Heels For Shoes? You're Not Alone!

So I was thinking to myself the other day, why are women so crazy about their shoes? What is the special attachment, and why are they such a tempting accessory? Well, I don’t have the exact answer these above-listed questions; however, I am prepared to write an article based on a reading that I have found The Early Show. This article was titled “Head over Heels for Shoes? You’re not alone!” The author of this writing is unknown.

This article does not specifically answer these questions, but it does present some interesting facts that allow us to understand what is going on in the mind of a woman while purchasing shoes. I found this article to be very interesting, and it is extremely relevant to my topic, considering my blog is titled “Shoecrazyy.”

According to Style Contributor, Katrina Szish, the average woman owns seventeen pairs of shoes. Also, even in this terrible economy, it is reported that shoe sales are still increasing. Women are purchasing, on average, three pairs of shoes a year, and spending an average of forty-nine dollars per pair.

The idea is that women feel the need to have a different, distinct, pair of shoes for every occasion, whether it be for a sporting event, a business event, a wedding, or just for fun; all of these events require a different pair of shoes. Of course, this is all in the mind of a woman. I’m sure that men would beg to differ.

In order to read a further review of this reading, visit my website and check out my article!

http://www.shoecrazyy.webs.com/

Ezine Article: Men In High Heels

            I was reading this article from www.ezinearticles.com, titles “Men in High Heels” simply because the title itself caught my eye. I started reading this article because I thought that it sounded a bit ridiculous, but it was actually quite amusing, and very interesting at that.

            This article states that men’s shoes are currently being designed with higher heels than they ever have been before. According to the article, within today’s society, more and more men are caring about and are interested in what they look like, they are more worried about their physical appearances; therefore, this also means that men are caring more about what their shoes are looking like.

            Men are wearing these higher-heeled shoes to clubs, work, out to casual events, and pretty much anywhere. These shoes are usually created with the purpose to be worn as a dress shoe. Over the past few years, this trend has been growing rapidly, however, we have now seen it hit its peak and men all over, mostly in larger cities, are seen wearing shoes with a higher heel.

            I found this to be very interesting because most people view the heels as being more feminine, so does this mean that men are also becoming more feminine? This could be true because of the fact of how much our society is evolving and how women and men are much more of equality than they were in the past. Although, I did not believe that equality would ever lead to men wearing high-heeled shoes.

New Accessory: Large Flowers

            Spring brings flowers, and that’s exactly what I’ve been seeing a lot of. Flowers everywhere! It appears that the “in” thing this Spring is to wear overly large flowers on every accessory. I have seen large flower headbands, rings, necklaces, broaches, purses, clothes, and even shoes. If you can pull it off, and make the flower look cute and as it should, then I believe this to be quite the trend! However, there are some people that just can’t make this work. I have seen some people walking around with flowers that were way too large; or even people with too many flowers. This is called over-doing it.

            There are a lot of people who tend to over-accessorize; therefore, I hope to be able to provide a few helpful hints that will assist in your fashion troubles. If you are really looking for this large flower look, try wearing a simple outfit which includes regular skinny jeans, and even a plain t-shirt, and adding a pair of cute pumps, wedges, or even flats with a cute flower on them. (Below I have provided a picture of a pair of shoes that would look absolutely awesome with the outfit that I have described above).

            Another option is to wear a similar outfit to what I’ve mentioned above with a pretty flower headband or hair accessory. The point is to not over-do it. Too many flowers is not good, along with too many patterns. Just keep it simple, with one flower at a time!

These shoes can be purchased from Old Navy.

Gladiator Sandals

            Gladiator sandals are a type of footwear that we believe to be very stylish and fashionable in this day and age. However, do we really know how they originated? The truth is, gladiator sandals have been around for a very long time, hence the name “gladiator.”

            Gladiator sandals were worn in the arena, where the gladiators would battle. The gladiators were not required to wear sandals at all because the arenas were covered with sand in order to soak up any blood from the battle wounds. Therefore, shoes were not required because the ground was not that rough. However, the gladiators that did wear the sandals wore them in order to make their status known. The gladiator sandals were originally made out of leather. It was known back then that the higher quality the shoe was, the higher status the shoe owner or wearer held.

            Today, gladiator sandals have not change a great deal. They are still made out of what appears to be leather, or fake leather in order to mock the original gladiator sandals. They are also made with a flat sole, which is what they were originally made to look like. Today, gladiator sandals are a fashion statement, and a very popular shoe among females of all age ranges. When Spring comes around, the shoe stores are flooded with the summer selections, and in almost every female shoe store you will be able to find some type of gladiator sandal. Below I have posted a picture of a popular sandal from Victoria’s Secret. These shoes are a bit pricey; however, they very much resemble the original gladiator sandal.

Promoting a Blog Post

            I have read this blog post on the “Shoe Blog”, and I thought that it was absolutely genius. This blog was titled “Opening Ceremony Violet Strap Cut-Out Clog”, posted on February 28^th, 2011. I found this blog to be very interesting because I had recently done a blog post on a similar type of shoes. This shoe definitely reminds me of the “invisible heels”, that I mentioned in my post of sometime this past week.

            These shoes are so interesting looking, sexy, and they add a little edge to your average wedge! If you saw someone walking down the street in these versus a regular pair of wedge heels, you would definitely have to turn your head to do a double take, I know I would!

            With spring in session, these shoes are almost to die for. I was very excited when I came across this blog post. This is because I analyzed this Shoe Blog as being very successful, with a lot of traffic, and a few days previous to this I had posted something very similar. This kind of gives me a little hope of the fact that I know a little something about fashion!

            As mentioned in the blog post from Shoe Blog, these shoes are as titled above: Opening Ceremony Violet Strap Cut-Out Clog, they are available in coral, brown, or cream. You are able to purchase these shoes at openingceremony.com. However, they are slightly pricier than the shoes I recommend at a whopping $450.00! But, keep in mind that they are very cute!

Shoecrazyy Website

                Although I am simply just a beginner, I have created my own website in order to review products and provide more information on a topic of interest. The topic of my website is shoes. I like to believe that I am quite fashionable myself, and am able to provide a few pointers. Therefore, I have created this website in order to keep women up to date on the hottest fashion trends when it comes to shoes. I also want to keep women informed about the health of their feet also.  

            I have put together about eight articles which provide different information about shoes. These articles include promoting products, providing information on how to keep your feet in good condition, and I have also provided some information on some home remedies in case you buy a pair of shoes that are just a tad bit too small.

            Along with these articles, I have a page on the website titled “Hot Links”, and this page includes a quite lengthy list of websites, which I have recommended, mostly shoe stores, that I believe have the hottest selection of footwear (I have also kept price in mind while selecting these websites).

            On another page, I have also designed and created a few fan page items in which you are able to purchase if you enjoy the website that much, which I am sure that you will! J

The URL for my website is listed below, go and check it out, and let me know what you think!

http://shoecrazyy.webs.com/

Shoe Blog

                For this blog post, I will be analyzing a top blog in my niche. I found this blog using Google Blog Search, and I found it to be doing very well. Therefore, I chose to analyze it, seeing as it is similar to my very own blog. The blog is called “Shoe Blog”, and the URL is as follows: http://www.shoeblog.com.

            This blog was very interesting to me because of the fact that it has a similar theme to my blog, and I believe that our blogs have covered some of the very same topics. The Shoe Blog introduces and discusses the newest fashion trends in footwear. Within the blog posts, the blogger mentions the product that they are addressing or blogging about, and then the blogger also mentions some background information about the product. Within this information, the blogger mentions why this product is fashionable and why it is such a hit right now. The blogger also mentions where an individual would be able to purchase this product or view it for purchasing/further information.

            I believe that this blog is very similar to mine because of the fact that I have been listing products which are popular and fashionable at this moment throughout society, and I also provide information about these different products. However, this blog is very successful and has been viewed quite a bit more than mine because it has a very nice set up and different options that are far beyond my site that has just begun.

Hidden Heels

Have you ever wanted to appear taller than you actually are? In one of my earlier blog posts, I have mentioned ways in which an individual is able to make themselves appear taller with shoes, but I have not mentioned these exact type of shoes. These are a new fashion trend that has made its way into the home of many fashionistas. These shoes don’t have a specific name, so we’ll just call them “Hidden Heels.”

These shoes have about a two to even three inch heel hidden within the sole of the shoe. The sole of the shoe extends down to cover the appearance of the heel. These shoes are able to convince people that you are actually taller than you are, and that your legs are much longer than in reality. Not only are these shoes able to do these things, they are also very cute and fashionable. These shoes are made in many different styles also; they can be casual or dressy. These shoes have been designed in tennis shoe form and just regular high heels.

Below, there is a picture of two different styles of these hidden heels. There is the Diva Hidden Wedge and the Molly Hidden Wedge. Both of these shoes will be very fashionable this spring season, and I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot more of them in many different styles. There are many different colors, very vibrant and bright colors because that is what is in for this spring season.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin is a footwear fashion designer, who helped bring stilettos back into fashion in the 1990s and 2000s, designing dozens of styles, including heel heights of four and a half inches and higher. The designer's professed goal is to “make a woman look sexy, beautiful, to make her legs look as long as he can” state Christian Louboutin, himself. While he does offer some lower-heeled styles, Louboutin focuses most of his efforts on designing styles which are generally dressier, and more for eveningwear, these include designs such as shoes with the following: bejeweled straps, bows, feathers, patent leather and other, similar decorative touche.

Louboutin’s signature on the shoes is the red soles. He has described the story behind the red soles as, "In 1992, I incorporated the red sole into the design of my shoes. This happened by accident as I felt that the shoes lacked energy so I applied red nail polish to the sole of a shoe. This was such a success that it became a permanent fixture."

Oprah, one of the richest and famous women alive, is known for wearing these heels. She stated one of her recent episodes of her “favorite things” that these shoes were one of them. After Oprah mentioned this, the Louboutin shoes pretty much took off. These shoes cost around twelve hundred dollars, very pricey. However, some individuals feel that these shoes are worth the price. Below is a featured picture of a pair of Louboutin heels, notice the signature red heel.

 

Invisible Heels

            Another great new fashion trend is shoes with no heels. This seems impossible right? I’m sure you’re wondering how would someone be able to walk if there were no heel on their shoe? These shoes are known as the Invisible Heels. Well, it is very interesting to see, and somehow it just ends up working, and also has been made into a fashion trend. It always seems as though something you could never imagine is what really sets the trends.

            The “invisible heel” shoes are shoes that simply have a flat sole that extends under the heel part of the shoe. These shoes can be very appealing and viewed as “very sexy.” There are a pair of nude invisible heel shoes which are able to make a woman look as though she is wearing no shoes at all and is walking around on her tip toes. This is a very interesting look; however, it is quite a fashion statement. Don’t you wonder who ever comes up with these ideas? Crazy, right.

            Victoria Beckham, former Spice Girl and wife of David Beckham, has been most famous for her crazy fashion ideas. Victoria was seen wearing these “invisible heels”; however, she has taken these heels to the ultimate limit. In the picture below, Victoria is sporting a pair of these invisible heels, as a long over-the-knee black boots, as though she was cat woman. These shoes look extremely hot and sexy on her. I know that some people are thinking that they have no wear to wear these shoes and they could never pull them off in everyday life. But, these invisible heels are created in some very conservative styles also.

Skinny Heels vs. Chunky Wedges

           The verdict is in: this 2011 spring season is full of bright, vibrant colors! Another fashion that has become a really big hit this season are these new chunky wedges. There is no more of those 2010 Chanel clog heels, this season is all about the chunkier the better.

            If you really want to make a fashion statement, this is a great way to do it. These new chunky wedges and heels will definitely turn heads and become an eye-opener all up and down the street. These shoes may appear very tall; however, most of them have a very tall platform, so in all actuality, it feels as though you are only walking on a four inch heel or maybe even less.

            These heels may look a little on the clumsy side because they are so bulky, but it is known that they are much more comfortable and unfussy than skinny heels. They also provide much greater support than that of a skinny heel. Although skinny heels are much more leg enhancing and appear to be “sexier”, the chunkier heels and wedges allow for more support and greater comfort.

            It seems that it is more of an either/or debate. There is not many women who purchase an equal amount of skinny heels as they do wedges, it is pretty much one or the other. So tell me, which type of gal are you!? Would you die for your stilettos, or have a complete fit if you had to wear anything besides your chunky

wedges?

Below is a picture of Chunky heels, taken from Google Images.

Crocs

Crocs were originally intended for boating, this is because of the nonslip tread and waterproof propensities. The first croc was originally created in clog form, but has branched out into many different types and styles of shoes.

Crocs haven’t always been viewed as the most fashionable pair of shoes; however, people swear by their comfort. I’ve also heard that not only are they comfortable shoes, they have some special health factors which are great for our feet!

            The company has created what it calls an Rx line of shoes with healthy feet in mind. These are the Croc Relief, Croc Cloud, and Croc Silver Cloud. According to WebMD doctors, these shoes do help feet with bunions and individuals with diabetes. Also, these shoes were designed for feet with plantar and achy feet.

            Harold Glickman, DPM, former president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), states that he wears them while operating for three or four hours at a time, and gets the sense that he is standing on water. This implied that he felt no back pain, no leg pain, and no arch pain. He definitely recommends them. Others have reported that Crocs allow more room in the toe area, providing space for individuals who have bone deformities.

            Crocs have received the official seal of approval from APMA, which have stated that crocs do, indeed, have factors or features that promote good foot health. Although crocs, when originally created, were not the most fashionable pair of shoes; however, crocs have branched out into many different styles making them more appealing and fashionable.

Ballet Flats

Now that spring is finally underway, we are starting to see a lot more of ballet flats. Although ballet flats have become a huge hit for the fall and winter seasons, they are extremely popular in the spring season. This is due to the fact that once the Spring season has finally come around the corner, everyone is SO overly READY for warm weather! Of course you are going to throw on some shoes that are cute, spring colored, and bare a little skin in light of the warmer weather. There are so many different designs of flats these days that you can wear a pair for almost any event.

            Flats can be very comfortable and are also known to be very convenient. If you are in a hurry, all you need to do is slip on a pair of flats and run out the door.

            It is very strange that flats were invented in the 1500’s and they were originally worn as men’s shoes. Now-a-days, we see a lot of pointy-toed flats; however, back in the day, around the period of time when they were invented, social status was based upon the length and shape of the flat. The longer and pointier that the flat was, the higher the social status you held. It is very interesting to see how these trends have evolved.

            Now, in this century, the ballet flat is an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe. These shoes can be worn casual, to work, or you can even dress them up and wear them to events such as weddings or other various parties.

TOMS Shoes: One For One

If you haven’t heard of these shoes, you should definitely look into them. If you enjoy giving back to the world, these shoes are the perfect way to give a little and get a little. Make shopping for you good for the rest of the world. In order to participate in such a movement, you should definitely look into purchasing TOMS Shoes.

·         This movement is titled One for One. The idea behind this movement is that for every pair of shoes you purchase of TOMS shoes, one pair is given to a child in need.

            This movement came about in 2006 when the an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, took a trip to Argentina and found that these children contained no shoes in order to protect their feet. After having completed research, he found that one of the leading causes of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and can also help prevent cuts and sores on the feet of children. Many children in developing countries are unable to attend the public schools because there is a required wardrobe in which they lack, providing shoes may help them obtain their education.

            TOMS Shoes also participates in the event called One Day Without Shoes, this is a day when all participating individuals take off their shoes in order to raise awareness. This movement is so inspiring, and the shoes are very cute. If you’re interested in buying a pair of TOMS Shoes, in order to help provide shoes for a child in need, you can do so at the link provided below.

http://www.toms.com/our-movement

Here is a picture of one of the new styles that can be purchased online at TOMS Shoes.

Winter Trends Becoming Spring Trends & Vice Versa

      We’re slowly making our way into some spring weather, and as mentioned in one of my earlier posts, we should be seeing an EARLY spring this year. So you may be asking yourself, “What am I going to do with all my winter footwear?” Well, it seems that some of the new fashion trends are allowing for some of our winter wear to be carried over into the spring season and vice versa. Below, I have listed a few of the styles and trends that have made a “cross-over” throughout the seasons; fall/winter trends have become new spring/summer trends and spring/summer trends have become new fall/winter trends!

 

Ÿ  Suede is OKAY to be worn in the spring season

Ÿ  Peep-toed shoes are now being worn in the fall and winter seasons (see my February 05, 2011 blog for further details on peep-toed shoes during fall/winter)

Ÿ  UGG boots in the summer (not one of my favorite trends; mentioned in my February 08, 2011 blog)

Ÿ  There are now sandals with a high leg, similar to a peep-toe boot, but are made for the summer season

It is a crazy thing how fast fashion and trends changes, and how extreme those changes may get. And there are many more trends that have not been mentioned above that can be carried over for the next season. Therefore, don’t go around the house packing up “last season’s” styles because you might just be able to get away with wearing them for a while longer!

UGG Boots: Winter or Summer?

            I’m sure that you all know what the famous UGG boots are. I’m pretty positive that just as almost every college student owns a North Face jacket of some sort, almost every college female (possibly some males too… let’s not leave them out) owns a pair of UGG boots. UGGS fill the college campuses every fall and winter season. But wait, they don’t stop there… we keep seeing them throughout the warm season too. Does this even make sense? Aren’t these boots built with sheepskin lining in order to keep your feet warm? Are these boots for winter or summer wear?

            I know that UGG makes different types of footwear for the all of the different seasons now, so therefore, people do not need to be wearing their sheepskin UGG boots with skirts or shorts in the eighty, and sometimes ninety, degree weather, just so they can sport their $160 boot just a little longer. There are other options, with the same brand name.

            UGG’s spring 2011 collection now offers gladiator sandals, tennis shoes, flip flops, and wedges. If it is all about the brand name, then this is the way to go for both the spring and summer seasons. You can be trendy and sensible all in one wardrobe. Therefore, the verdict is out: UGG boots are NOT for summer wear. You should not be needing to throw on your sheepskin UGG boots to walk around in the blazing heat. Instead, try shopping around in UGG’s 2011 Spring Collection!

Rain Boots

            Time has been flying by, and as it turns out that Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow! You know what that means… an EARLY SPRING is underway!

I am sure that you have all heard the saying, “Spring showers brings May flowers.” Well, we all need to be prepared for these showers. As a college student, I spend a lot of time walking to class in all types of weather, because it is very unpredictable; therefore I have had the need to invest in some protective footwear.

            It turns out that RAIN BOOTS are exactly what is in style! Not only has this type of footwear been created for protecting your feet, socks, and the bottom of your pants from the rain, but they are also, in the now, a serious fashion DO.

Usually the rain boots are seen while wearing a great pair of jeans; or even with a pair of sweats, and the best part is: it doesn’t even have to be raining out while you wear the rain boots. They have also been noted to be worn with dresses to give a “Little House on the Prairie” look, and since leggings are very in, you can bet that these rain boots will look absolutely FAB with those too!

You can find rain boots in almost any design and/or color. You can create a very edgy look while wearing darker colored rain boots. The boots are very casual, so you can basically wear them with whatever you define as that.

Peep-Toe Shoes Year Round

            Have you ever wondered why they make open-toed shoes during the fall and winter seasons? Wouldn’t you suspect that your little toes would get too cold while walking out and about on the hard and frozen ground, in below thirty degree temperatures? Well, if you are asking yourself these questions, maybe you’re not as up on the fashion trends as you believe yourself to be, because open toed shoes are very “in” for not only the upcoming spring season, but they have also been very “in” for the past fall and current winter season.  

            There are many different options when it comes to open-toed shoes for women. There are open-toed flats, there are open-toed pumps and heels, and just in the past couple years, they have came out with a new creation which is open-toed boots and open-toed high-heeled boots. Some people would never be caught dead in an open-toed shoe during the winter season; however, in the name of fashion, more people than you think are doing it. For the winter, this problem of your toes being cold, due to the open area of the shoe, can be solved simply by wearing a pair of tights with the open-toed footwear.

            The reason for expanding open-toed footwear beyond the spring and summer seasons is not just in the name of fashion, but it is also because people believe that it is viewed as “sexy” to have their toes showing. I happen to own a pair of peep-toed boots, and I believe they are absolutely fabulous, very stylish and trendy!

The pair that I have purchased is pictured below. If you want to get up on the trend, you can purchase them too at www.charlotterusse.com, for only $35.50. (Remember, Charlotte Russe almost ALWAYS has BOGO for $15 or under).

Oxfords: The New Flats

            I have seen a lot of people wearing these new oxford flats, which I really have found intriguing every time I see a woman with them on. These shoes always struck me as something you only see on individuals who tap dance. Or I have even thought of these shoes to be more manly in appearance, this is most likely because in the 1900’s they were men’s dress shoes. Well, apparently these oxfords have become the new “flat” for women, in which you are able to wear anywhere and for any occasion. According to Sienna Miller, a style icon, there are six ways in which you wear these new oxford flats:

1) Casual Chic: all you need is skinny jeans and a loose t-shirt.

2) Sexy Casual: a great pair of slightly loose jeans (rolled up, just above the ankle), and match this with a tight v-neck sweater.

3) Preppy Casual: pleated cuffed trousers and a loose blouse.

4) Evening Casual: sleek skinny pants and an oversized sweater.

5) Party Chic: This involves heeled oxfords, but you can pair them with black tights, a short dress, and a cropped blazer. Don’t forget some fierce jewelry.

6) Cruise Casual: wear your light colored oxfords with a short full skirt and a tank top.

These are a few tips provided by Sienna Miller, on how to sport your new oxford flats (or heels) without appearing “manly.” Information, and Sienna's tips were received from www.retrovintageshoes.com. Below, I have also provided a link for a site in which you can purchase these bright and stylish oxford flats, for $38.

You can purchase these at www.urbanoutfitters.com

Vibram FiveFingers

            While I was walking to class the other day, I passed a male on the side walk and happened to glance down at his feet. Whatever it was that he was wearing had definitely caught my eye because I caught myself completely turning around again after I had passed him to take another look. I thought to myself, “What are those things!”

            At first, I had thought that they were water shoes, but here it is the beginning of February, and I just thought what would somebody be doing, walking around in 30 degree weather, wearing water shoes? It simply didn’t add up; therefore, I did some research. It turns out that these so called “water shoes” that I had thought I was seeing, are actually TOE SHOES, actually called Vibram FiveFingers.

            These toe shoes are actually extremely dynamic; they are comparable to walking around barefoot because they are so light and airy, but offer many great benefits (which is a good thing, because I believe walking around barefoot is quite painful). The Vibram FiveFingers website explains that there are five reasons for wearing these shoes. The reasons (received from the website) are listed below:

1. Strengthens Muscles in the Feet and Lower Legs—Wearing Vibram FiveFingers will stimulate and strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving general foot health and reducing the risk of injury.

2. Improves Range of Motion in Ankles, Feet and Toes—No longer 'cast' in a shoe, the foot and toes move more naturally.

3. Stimulates Neural Function Important to Balance and Agility—When wearing Vibram FiveFingers, thousands of neurological receptors in the feet send valuable information to the brain, improving balance and agility.

4. Eliminate Heel Lift to Align the Spine and Improve Posture—By lowering the heel, your bodyweight becomes evenly distributed across the footbed, promoting proper posture and spinal alignment.

5. Allow the Foot and Body to Move Naturally—Which just FEELS GOOD.

Below is a picture of the Classic Vibram FiveFingers taken from Google Images (you can see where I was confused into thinking they were water shoes).

Animal Prints

                A trend that has been very popular in the past, and is back again is the ANIMAL PRINTS. They are so exotic, yet fun and exciting patterns. Animal prints made their way back into wardrobes in the fall of 2010, and they are still holding strong during this winter. The great thing about these wild animal prints is that these patterns are expected to hang around through the spring and even into the summer of 2011!

            The most popularly seen animal prints are the famous leopard, the zebra print, the giraffe print, and even the snake skins. The original animal prints are made of very neutral colors, browns, tans, and black. However, the new trends are to change the colors of the prints with keeping the same designs of the print. For example, I’ve seen zebra print with neon colored stripes, instead of just plain black and white.

            The good news is that the animal prints look fabulous on shoes! A great way to wear these prints is to use the prints as an accent to a bold solid color that you’re wearing. (Shoes are a great way to accent an outfit!) In the winter, the bold colors were more natural, from browns, tans, greens, and black, and then throw in an animal print scarf, bag, shoes, or other accessory. However, moving into the spring, the great solid colors to pair with these prints will be much brighter such as: purple, navy, yellow, green, and in some cases even bright red.

            These prints are so full of life and so much fun, just be sure to not over do it! The images below were both received from Google Images. To the left, you can see that these shoes are more dressy, and are to be worn out, much more fierce. To the right, you can go more casual with the animal print converse. Of course, you can also find footwear with other selections of different animal patterns.