Writer, Editor, Speaker, and Coach
I’m an admitted shoe fanatic, but I also love writing about wellness. So the recent health story I wrote on 9 Footwear Do’s and Don’ts for USNews.com was really fun.
The truth is, our feet withstand lots of abuse (think long jogs and super high stilettos), and we need to take care of them to avoid pain, injury, and other ailments. Check out the story to learn the best time to go out in high heels—and if you should be wearing those flip flips.
Can you believe 2012 is here? (Happy new year!) This date change has me thinking about trends. I’ve always believed that if you like something, and it flatters you, you should wear it. Doesn’t matter if it was popular two months ago or two years ago. So, on that note, here are three trendy items from 2011 that I’ll be wearing into 2012.
Colored skinny jeans
I loved my cherry red and popsicle blue jeans in high school, so I was happy when they were easy to find again. In 2011, I scored emerald-colored skinnies (so fun), and I’ll definitely go green this year, too.
Animal print
I’ve been wild about cheetah print, leopard print, and snake print for years (years), and I was thrilled to see it appear on everything from shoes to sweaters. I already had scarves, flats, cardigans, and…well, let’s just say I had a few things (ahem). This year I added cheetah print pumps and leopard print skinny jeans and have no plans to stop wearing them. (Don’t know the difference between cheetah and leopard? It’s easy.)
Majorly important note: Of course, I’d never wear this stuff together. Best to leave head-to-toe prints to the actual animals.
Sparkly shoes
Calling all 12-year-olds: We have something in common. My obsession with shine is well documented, so of course I love sparkly shoes. I already had some in silver but added another pair in 2011. My opinion hasn’t changed: glitter is good.
So what will you keep wearing in 2012? And do you always wear what you like no matter what’s popular?
You say you’re crazy for cheetah print, but do you really like leopard? The prints are easy to mix up—and often are—but you’ll know the difference after reading this post.
Your cheat-sheet for cheetah spots: They’re just one color.
Leopard print, on the other hand, has some shading and the spots are two-toned.
So there you go. Now you’ll be on point the next time you’re hunting for cheetah-print shoes. Rawr.
So do you know your animal prints? And are you a feline fan? (By the way, these cute rugs are currently available for purchase; just click the images above.)
Images: Rugs USA
So, if I’ve never mentioned this, I have a serious obsession with all things sparkly.* And what’s the perfect sparkly accessory? Shoes!
If you’re afraid to really go for the gold (or silver) with a sparkly dress or top, metallic shoes offer a touch of polish that brings major style points. And if you love sparkles already, well you know how great it feels to prance around in shoes this cute and shiny.
Another great thing about metallics? They go with everything. So reconsider that basic black shoe for your next dinner date—instead, throw on something golden.
*You can find the Badgley Mischka heels in the photo at Piperlime.com, Zappos.com, or Endless.com. But move quickly—many sizes are going fast! [Update (9/14/11): These shoes appear to be sold out on some sites, including Zappos.com.]
Image Credit: Zappos
There’s one car accessory every fashionista should have (in addition to a valid license, of course). Driving shoes!
I was cruising around a while ago and noticed some of my favorite shoes were getting scuffed on the back side, where my heel rested against the floor. And the leather was getting slightly discolored. Not cool. So I whipped out my (then barely-worn) pair of Nine West moccasins—a rubber tread extends from the sole to the heel for protection, like many driving shoes—and never looked back.
I wore those mocs all winter and am wearing them into spring. It’s so easy to slip them on as I leave the house, and I just carry my “real” shoes with me to the car. Bonus: I’m probably a safer driver (I don’t have to worry about my shoes sliding off like I would if I used a backless type) and my regular shoes look newer longer.
Here’s a look at the traditional loafer style.
But some driving shoes can look more like skimmers or ballet flats (like the ones pictured first and below).
And, hey, since these shoes can be cute, you may want to try them outside of the car. But they’re not made for hiking, so wear them for short jaunts only!
So would you wear a driving shoe? You can find them at every price point, and they can really help you protect the shoes you love.