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Top 4 Shoe Trends of the Winter Season

John — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:13:21 +0000

Face it, you can never have too many shoes. And as the weather gets cooler, there’s more reason to keep your feet warm and comfy. Here are four different types of shoes with different functions that you should keep in your wardrobe this season.

1. Over-the-knee Boots

You’re going to see this everywhere because it’s the shoe of the season. We first saw them on the celebs, then it evolved into a trend that was “only for tall people”, but now it’s generally accepted for this fall and winter. Wear it with a mini, a tunic, a dress, or over jeans—just make sure that you’re not too bulky on the top or it will look too heavy. Keep it simple so that the focus would be on your boots. Also, the flat, suede, over-the-knee style is especially in this season, so consider giving it a try!

2. Fur-lined Flats

You’ll definitely want to keep your feet warm in the cooler weather. What other fur-lined alternatives are there other than Ugg boots and those not-so-fancy moccasins? Try American Eagle’s Plaid Wool Flats—they’re simple, chic, and keep your feet warm. They basically go with anything!

3. Designer-inspired Shoes

In this economy, the trend is the “looks for less” for those of us who can’t afford to splurge on a pair of shoes that only last for a season. Many shoemakers are producing “designer-inspired” shoes this season. Recessionistas will get a chance to try on these celeb styles without having to go over their budget. Isn’t it wonderful? Try the Vicky Black Zippered and Collared Bootie by Pink Duchess, which is inspired by Alexander McQueen’s famous Motorcycle Bootie.

4. The Party Heel of the Moment

Despite the cold weather, you’ll still need a pair of fun heels to wear for a night out! Add to the fun by showcasing the latest trends on your feet. Some of the trends that are appearing on shoes are: chains, studs, zippers, and ruffles. Add one of these elements to your shoe and you’ll immediately turn heads! For a fun pair of shoes, try Jeffrey Campbell’s Suede Pumps with Chain Detailing.

It’s hard to keep up with shoe trends, so to save a buck, try looking around for inexpensive alternatives and make sure to buy shoes that fit! Remember, the trick is to get a shoe that is affordable but appears high-quality. These aren’t so easy to find, but if you look hard enough you should be able to find a trendy shoe that fits your budget.

Guest Blogger: Adeline (Pretty Lil’ Things)

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Timeless Converse Low Top Shoes

John — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:06:13 +0000

Low top shoes with little to no ankle support are ideal for casual outings that don’t require much lateral movement. It’s the perfect style for going to the beach, taking a nice walk in the park, or enjoying yourself in the nightlife of your city. Unlike high top shoes, low tops will not bunch your pants at the ankle and may even feel more comfortable since it won’t feel as if your feet and ankles are being suffocated by all the extra padding that comes with high tops. Obviously, if you plan on working out, high top shoes would be a wiser choice, but with any other activity, low top shoes are fair game.

For a low top shoe that is comfortable, reliable, and stylish, check out the wide selection of Converse low top shoes. One of their popular low top styles, the Chuck Taylor All-Star, is a timeless shoe with roots that stem all the way back to the original high top Chuck Taylor. Whether you’re going for a retro or trendy look, these shoes are sure to complement any outfit.

Not only has Converse maintained the original colors that first came out, but they’ve also done a great job adapting to the latest fashion trends and evolving some of their designs.

They essentially have something suitable for everyone– male or female, young or old. If you’re in the market for new shoes, it’s really hard to go wrong with Converse low top shoes.

-John

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Puma Complete Magnetist Benefits

Takeshi — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:00:01 +0000

The Puma Complete Magnetist is one of the best running shoes out there, and I’ve written about them before in a previous blog post. From veteran shoe maker Puma, these sneakers combine a lightweight design, ample support, and a sense of style to create a shoe that is truly a runner’s dream, and it’s no surprise that the shoes have been rated highly consistently in many reviews.

I’ve already talked about some of the features of the Puma Complete Magnetist before, but today I want to dive in a little deeper and explore the details of the features and benefits of the Puma Complete Magnetist that make it such a good running shoe:

Stylish – Puma has definitely caught onto the trend of fashionable sneakers, and has designed a shoe that’s as attractive as it is effective. The Puma Complete Magnetist has an offset lace design, that gives it a very contemporary, asymmetrical look. The shoe also comes in a whole range of colors, from stunning red to brilliant orange.
Stability – The offset design of the laces isn’t just for show. In addition to adding a touch of style to the shoe, the continuous outsole design means that a large portion of the shoe keeps contact with the ground at all times, resulting in increased stability.
Support – The Puma Complete Magnetist also offers plenty of support, with its carbon rubber construction, that will absorb the impact from your steps to keep from hurting your knees, ankles, and other joints.
Lightweight – Even with all the support and stability that the Puma Complete Magnetist provides, it is also very lightweight, so that it won’t slow you down when running. These shoes feel like they’re a part of your feet, and will help you from getting fatigued too quickly.

These are just some of the features and benefits that the Puma Complete Magnetist offers. If you’re serious about running, you will definitely want to give these Puma sneakers a try.

-Takeshi, shopping blogger and puma magnetician

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Exercise in New Balance Shoes

John — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:50:58 +0000

Your strength and stamina are big factors that play a role in the success your physical activities. If you’re well-conditioned and train smart, chances are you will perform better than an individual who is not in top-notch shape. However, if both athletes are in top shape but one has a pair of old, broken-down sneakers, who will come out as the victor of the two? I think it’s safe to say that the athlete with the old sneakers will come out as the loser, possibly even injured. No matter the sport or level of intensity, the quality of your sneakers does play a significant role in your performance. I remember in high school, one of the standout athletes on our cross country team had 2 pairs of New Balance running shoes for different occasions–practice and meets. This isn’t to say you necessarily need 2 pairs of sneakers, but it is important to maintain their upkeep to ensure they are providing the comfort, balance, and support your feet need during impact.

If you play tennis, consider the New Balance CT1003w to help you perform at your peak. As you’re running up and down the tennis court, you need a durable shoe that will help you maintain your balance and lateral movement. These sneakers provide that very comfort, and although they may not turn you into the next Roger Federer, they’re a good start to help you achieve your tennis goals.

Another awesome shoe is the New Balance 410. It is a running shoe with a retro look and a durable outsole for long-term use in any condition. It is lightweight and perfect for all those mornings jogs around the neighborhood.

So no matter the intensity level, New Balance shoes will provide you with the comfort and support you need to hang with the rest of the competition.

-John

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Stylish Mudd Flats

John — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:32:04 +0000

It can be difficult to be fashionable without spending an arm and a leg on clothes and accessories. During your teen years and even into adulthood, you always want to look your best to build your confidence and impress others with your taste. These days, ballet flats have been all the rage amongst the female crowd. No matter the age or occupation, flats have been taking over the closests of women all around the country the same way UGG boots were in high demand several years back. Like with any other product, flats come in a variety of prices, but if you want to get the most for your money without having to break the bank, consider Mudd flats. They’re affordable, stylish, and go well with many outfits.

The Mudd Darnell Mesh Flat has a nice mesh design with a floral pattern on the upper-sole. It features a ribbon trim around the top and 1/2″ heel. It’s a great color to bring in the upcoming fall season and will complement a variety of outfits for the office or campus.

The Mudd Iola Eyelet Flat has nice nice eyelet embellishments on the upper-sole and features a lightly padded insole. This specific flat is great for spring and summer to complement a nice skirt and warm-colored top.

Whether you are changing your style and going for a new look or just want a stylish and affordable flat, Mudd flats are a great way to be trendy and frugal.

-John

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Stylish Ballet Flats

John — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:27:55 +0000

Ballet flats have transcended their way to becoming a highly fashionable item. I’m not too sure when the trend first appeared, or which celebrity started the movement, but they’re virtually part of every fashion-forward female’s daily outfit. Everywhere from campus to the mall to work, it would be impossible to go a day without seeing at least 5 females wearing ballet flats. I think one of the reasons for its mass appeal is its versatility. They can be essentially be worn anywhere with any outfit. They’re a great complement to women’s skinny jeans for casual outings to a restaurant or movie theater, and even add a sophisticated look to an outfit for the office. Another reason for such appeal, which is a huge determining factor for all consumers, is its price. Most ballet flats are usually in the $30-$50 range, which is essentially a steal compared to the price of pumps.

These Sam & Libby Zalis leather ballet flats feature a leather upper, rubber sole, and a nice bow on the top. They come in several colors and are a good look for any outfit.

No matter your style or age, ballet flats have the ability to make an outfit stand out and look wonderful. Coordinate it with your favorite blouse or match it with any accessory. They’re the latest trend in fashion and best of all, affordable!

-John

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Running With Puma Complete Trail 100s

Takeshi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:01:05 +0000

A couple of my friends are really into trail running, and they occasionally manage to drag me along on their crazy hikes and trail runs. When you’re running along the slopes of some mountain in the middle of the wilderness, having good trail running shoes is important for your feet and your safety.

Enter the Puma Complete Trail 100. These snug-fitting trail running shoes are great for blazing a trail through dense foliage or hiking along barren mountaintops. The Complete Trail 100 shoes are made from a super lightweight material, so you’ll barely feel they’re there, yet they offer plenty of grip and traction to keep you steady.

Another benefit of Puma Complete Trail 100s is that they offer plenty of padding, so you don’t strain your knees or ankles while trudging through the uneven wilderness. The soles are also made from durable rubber, so that your shoes hold together even in the most hostile terrain, while still remaining flexible and agile.

For those who care about looking nice while trekking through barren wastelands, Puma Complete Trail 100s are great because they come in a wide assortment of colors so that you can pick one that matches your running shorts and temperament. If you’re feeling bold, you can also get the shoes in a daring orange and black, which is sure to scare away all the wild animals.

Whatever color you choose to get, Puma Complete Trail 100s are a great companion to have while traveling through uncivilized parts. The next time your friends manage to cajole you into running the trails with them, at least you’ll know that your feet are in good hands.

-Takeshi, shopping blogger and reluctant trail runner

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New Balance For Balanced Feet

Takeshi — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:01:40 +0000

One of my favorite brands when it comes to casual shoes is New Balance, and I’m in good company– they’re also the favorite shoes of Apple iCEO Steve Jobs. With their casual urban style and wide toe box, I love the fact that these shoes look great and feel comfortable.

Beyond just regular sneakers, New Balance also makes shoes targeted towards specific sports. If you’re a tennis fan, for example, the company makes an elite tennis shoe called the New Balance CT1003W. The CT1003W is designed to be stable with lots of support, so that you can execute quick moves on the court without injuring yourself. The patented N-Durance rubber sole is durable and provides plenty of traction.

Another great thing about the New Balance CT1003W is that it is ultralight. As a runner and an athlete, one of the things that I hate the most are heavy shoes that get in the way of what I’m doing, which is why I usually prefer lightweight Asics shoes when it comes to running. New Balance CT1003Ws are right up there when it comes to light shoes, so you can speed across the court without your shoes slowing you down.

New Balance CT1003Ws are really popular shoes, but unfortunately they’ve been discontinued in favor of the newer CT1004W. A lot of people still prefer the comfort and performance of the CT1003W, though, and if you look around, you can still find New Balance CT1003Ws on sale online.

New Balance is a great company when it comes to making comfortable, high performance shoes, and if you’re a fan of tennis, it’s hard to find a better shoe out there than the New Balance CT1003W.

-Takeshi, shopping blogger and new balancer

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Running With Puma Complete Magnetists

Takeshi — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:00:16 +0000

I used to run cross country and track in high school, and when it comes to running shoes, I tend to prefer Asics shoes, but Puma Complete Magnetists come close.

Like most Asics, Puma’s line of Complete Magnetist shoes are very lightweight shoes that are made for running. When you’re running long distance, or even just sprinting on the track, you don’t want to be weighed down by heavy shoes, and that’s definitely not a concern with Puma Complete Magnetists. The shoes are also extremely flexible, so that you won’t have to worry about being held back by stiff rubber.

The innovative feature of the Puma Complete Magnetist, though, is the offset lacing pattern. Most shoes have the shoe laces that go straight down the middle of the shoe, but with Complete Magnetists the laces are slightly offset to follow more of the natural curve of the foot. This is done to reduce pressure on the arch, and create a shoe that is a better fit for your feet.

Another great feature of the shoe is that the outer edge of the heel is slightly rounded, which helps runners to run on the outside part of the foot more, and help reduce overpronation (when a person’s foot rolls inward too much while running). This helps to keep the arch stable, provide more power, and helps prevent ankle and knee injuries.

The one drawback of the Puma Complete Magnetist, though, is that it’s designed for people with normal arches. That means if you tend to be a little flat footed, then this shoe probably isn’t for you. If you have normal arches, however, the Complete Magnetist is a great lightweight shoe that offers great support and comfort.

The only thing I don’t like about the shoe is the ridiculous name, which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. There’s nothing magnetic about these shoes, but they’ll definitely keep you going on the track or on the road.

-Takeshi, shopping blogger and magnetizer

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Top 10 Workout Accessories

John — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:00:50 +0000

As everyone frantically tries to get into shape to show off their physique during the summer season, it is vital to use certain workout accessories to ensure you are getting the most efficiency out of your workouts. Here is a top 10 list of accessories that will make your time exercising more worthwhile.

Wind pants: These are a great item for any form of exercise because they are comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. Adidas wind pants are especially favorable because of their use of ClimaProof technology that will help protect your legs from mother nature and give you the most out of your workout.
Stopwatch: A stopwatch is a good item to carry around to keep time of your workout and take note of your progress. Also, if you’re lucky, your stopwatch, like the Polar RS100, already includes a heart rate monitor built into it so you can check how your body is holding up against your workout.
Shoes: The right shoes for any activity is vital to your performance and well-being. These may be the most important accessory when exercising because it plays a significant role in your psyche. Consider Asics shoes if you want a sneaker that is lightweight and includes the appropriate technology to ensure your success.
Compression clothing: Whether you are a male or female, wearing compression clothing, such as shorts, long-sleeves, or tanks, is a good way to keep your muscles warm.
Water bottle: Keeping yourself hydrated is an exercise concept that is tried-and-true. Depending on where you exercise, water may not be near or sanitary, so having your own water bottle will save a lot of trouble.
Mp3 player: Music is extremely important when it comes to motivation because workouts can become pretty dull without music. Apple boasts the wold’s smallest music player with the Ipod Shuffle, which would be efficient to any activity.
Gym bag: No matter what sport you plan on participating in, a gym bag is a useful item to keep all your belongings together.
Wristband: Nobody wants to lug around a heavy towel when they’re running 3 miles, so keep a wristband in hand to keep yourself comfortable and dry.
Lanyard: A lanyard is a good item to have so you do not misplace your keys or identification cards.
Sunglasses: These are always a great accessory to carry around even if you are not exercising. Sunglasses help protect your eyes during those morning workouts and mountain runs.

So whether your workouts are casual or extremely competitive, you can’t go wrong with any of these 10 items to help you in your journey for a healthier lifestyle.

-John

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