Shoe Rule

A Step Above: The Benefits of Wearing Heels

Some people may complain that wearing high heels can warp your feet, strain your legs, and ruin your ability to walk for life. While some of these points can be true, there are several good reasons to wear high heels occasionally. Before the high heel naysayers get too ahead of themselves, and begin to raid closets everywhere, here are a few benefits of wearing high heels.

The Physical Benefits

High heels bring with them numerous physical benefits in addition to the couple of detractions. They increase your height, make your legs look longer, and sway your hips in an almost enthralling way. And, of course, there is the best physical benefit of wearing high heels: the clicking noise they make when you are walking on any flat surface, one of a woman’s designated power noises. While high heels can place your feet in an unnatural and at times uncomfortable position, they can help you physically as well.

The Psychological Benefits

Let’s just face it: a large part of why women wear high heels is for the psychological benefits they can bring. If you put all of the physical benefits together, these can add up to an impressive increase in your confidence. When you feel taller, sexier, and more powerful, you feel capable of handling any challenge that comes strutting down the runway of your life. Some days, a little foot discomfort could definitely be worth a boost in confidence.

With these benefits in mind, you need not feel bad about wearing high heels any longer! Just remember not to wear them all the time. The naysayers may not be completely justified in banning your fashionable high heels, but they do have a point or two.

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: Footwear, High-heeled footwear, Wear

Can you be Stylish and Altruistic?

A lot of people think that there is just no possible way you can be fashionable without also being a stuck up, egocentric snob who thinks of nothing more than their own looks. And while it is definitely possible to completely embody that stereotype (plenty of people are out there to do just that), it is also not necessary to be like that at all. You can look great, both on the inside and on the outside, simply by changing some of the things you do. After all, nowhere is it written in stone that you can not have both an eye for fashion and a heart.

For instance, you can make it a point to only buy items which are fair trade. That means you buy items which are produced in another country, where that other country agrees to buy a financially equal amount of American made goods. While it can occasionally be inconvenient to only buy items which are fair trade, the ultimate economic benefit is to balance out the production capacities (and the level of jobs) in not one but two countries. While this might not seem all that altruistic, allowing people to continue working in an era when a lot of people have lost the only work they know how to do is a very kindly act that can still leave you looking great.

Another thing you can do is to buy clothes and shoes which make charitable contributions every time someone buys them. One great example of this kind of product is Toms shoes, which are both inordinately stylish and highly altruistic. After all, every time you buy a pair of them, a charitable donation is made to a very poor area in Latin America. The entire idea originated in Argentina, so it makes sense they should receive some kind of benefit. So, look and be great.

Filed Under: Latest Styles Tagged With: Altruism, Argentina, Latin America

Smart Shopping: When to Spend the Big Bucks and When to Say No

When you are shopping for a new article of clothing, new bag, new shoes, or any new fashion purchase, a large expense for the item can be difficult to swallow. Here are some questions for evaluating whether that new purchase is worth the price tag.

Is it something you need? – Chances are the majority of your money should be spent on items that you need, and not frivolous, fun items. This is rule one of buying. Buy items that you need, like a new pair of shoes or outfit for work.

Is it something you want? – While this may seem like a silly question, it can be very important to answer truthfully. Do you actually want this item, or is it simply a purchase you think you should make? Keep in mind, no matter how “smart” a purchase may sound, it is never a good idea if you are unlikely to use it.

Is it something that will last? – Quality craftsmanship counts. Buying a cheap version that will wear out in a few months isn’t worth it. Paying a little more for a piece that will last longer definitely is.

Can you use it for more than one purpose? – Make your purchase twice as effective. Buy items that you can use for more than one purpose. That hot new jacket that works for both work and out on the town is a smart steal.

Is it something that will make you feel good? – Sometimes, you need to make a purchase that will raise your spirits and revitalize your attitude. Be sure to include these in your budget as well.

Make smart shopping decisions with these questions, and enjoy your purchases!

Filed Under: Latest Styles Tagged With: Clothing, Footwear, Shopping

Mini-Makeovers: How to Have the Magic of a Makeover Without Spending Too Much

If you have ever needed a little pick me up, consider the magic that a makeover can have on your appearance and your attitude. You don’t need hundreds of dollars to make a change. Here are a few suggestions of simple, relatively inexpensive ways to give a lift your looks and spirits.

Cut your hair. – This is a makeover given, but sometimes you can need a little just how effective a new cut can be. Be sure not to cut it impulsively, however. Spend a little time thinking over which cut you want and how you’ll handle the change in your daily routine.

Dye your hair. – You don’t need to make a dramatic change to feel a little different. Try a slightly different shade, a little lighter or darker. Get highlights. Or, you know, go crazy and switch it up completely. Even blue can be fun – if only for a night.

Get your eyebrows waxed. – A little facial clean up can really refresh your image. Having your eyebrows waxed is an easy, inexpensive way to do this. You can have a professional do it, or even try it at home yourself. If you haven’t done it before, be sure to get tips from a reliable source first.

Buy some new accessories. – You may not have money to buy an entirely new outfit, but you can add some new details to an outfit you already have. Buy a new bag, belt, or necklace.

Buy a new pair of boots. – When all else fails, buy yourself a new pair of boots and play some girl power music. Nothing can make you feel more feminine and empowered than a little knee-high, zip-up action.

A makeover doesn’t have to be all over to be magic. Even a few new little details can brighten your day and makeover your attitude. Enjoy the new you!

Filed Under: Latest Styles Tagged With: Hair, Makeover, Santa Monica California

Money Options That are as Straightforward as a Checking Account

With all the advantages of a credit card and none of the interest rate issues, a prepaid reach card is one way to get your spending life in order. Shopping will never be the same once you’ve placed this convenient piece of plastic into your wallet. Without the need for a checking account, you can still enjoy the advantages that ‘plastic’ gives to everyone. Easy access to your funds without fear of misplacing cash or coins, acceptance at most credit card readers, and simplicity and security all combine to make the reach card a winner.

You can set your spending limit up or down as your money situation warrants. The cool thing is that if you don’t have money, you need not worry about racking up bills that will accrue interest that you can’t afford. By using the Reach Card prepaid card, you’ll only spend money that you’ve got. But you can spend it anywhere, so you can be styling in that catchy new outfit just as soon as you’ve made sure it fits! Prepaid cards keep up with your life without making you feel pinned down with the fear of unlimited spending sprees which lead to serious money problems later.

It doesn’t matter if you want to put the exact same amount on the card each month to keep your spending and wardrobe up to date or if you want to modify the amount at different times. It’s up to you, and the card is as flexible as a checking account. Access your money how you want. And best of all, you’ll never lose sleep because you’re wondering how you’re going to pay for everything that you bought on your instant gratification based spree. It’s already paid for! The reach card is clever like that, and will keep you feeling pretty clever about your financial management, too.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Credit card, Stored-value card, Transactional account

How To Become A Fashion Designer

Fashion designers create the designs for clothing and accessories. To become a fashion designer, you have to be able to sketch and have a good eye for design and be able to do it in detail. The competition is very high in this field and you need to have strong self-confidence and have confidence in your work. You will have a better chance at success if you get a degree in fashion design. You will want either a 2-year or 4 year degree. Look at the most well known fashion design schools and include some of your sketches as part of your application. You will also want to take as many courses in marketing and business that you can. It is very important in this career to understand how the business end works.

There are a lot of software programs that are design related and it is a good thing to look into. You want to have some knowledge of these. You will need a portfolio of your designs. Be as creative as you can when creating your portfolio. Employers want to see creativity and individuality. Sign up for an internship as soon as possible. You will not find this kind of experience anywhere else and it will help you get a job afterwards.

While you are in school, make as many connections as you can with industries and anywhere else that will help you get your foot in the door. Read as much fashion magazines as you can so you are keeping up with all the trends. You don’t want all your designs to be last years trend. Most fashion designers work in New York. Some work in Las Angeles, but New York is the place you want to go if you are serious about it. You will probably want to learn how to sew as well. Any extra skills will help.

Filed Under: General, Latest Styles Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion design

Fashion Faux Pas No More!: Easy Fashion Rules for the Naturally Unfashionable

Let’s face it: not everyone was gifted with the fashion gene. Some people mix colors that clash, clothes that are rumpled, or pieces that only accentuate imperfections. If this describes you, don’t be ashamed. You can do something to become better in this somewhat lacking area of your life. Admitting that you lack some skill in fashion is the first step toward combating your fashion faux pas. Here are a few ideas to help you.

Think about the lines. – Fashion is an art. In a great painting, you study where the major lines in the composition are, where your eyes are drawn. The same thing also happens on your body. Find the lines and cuts of your clothing hit you on your body. Good lines draw the eye away from your less admirable parts. Bad lines accentuate these spots instead.

Pick a color palette. – Color is another important factor in fashion. Some colors don’t go together. Colors come in families of shades. Pastels go together. Rich, dark jewel-tones. Some colors will go with your skin-tone, hair color, and eyes more easily than others. Remember those times when someone compliments a color on you – this color will be your new friend.

Look to the details. – You don’t have to go crazy with accessories, wearing bracelets up your arms, layers of necklaces, and eight bags per arm. Accessories are an easy, inexpensive way to change up an outfit, and to bring a little personal detail to your ensemble. Find a necklace that you love, earrings that you covet, or a bag that thrills you.

And one last suggestion: take pride in you! Yes, it may take more time to get ready in the morning, but spending even five more minutes can demonstrate to other people around you that you care about your appearance and about yourself. Look better and you’ll feel better, too.

Filed Under: Latest Styles, Shoes Tagged With: Clothing, Color, Fashion

Bridal Fashions – Dress to Shoes!

Bridal fashion week is a big deal for those who follow fashions. The best and brightest of the bridal fashion industry are there, and we discover what is going to be hot this season. So, what are some of the bridal fashion trends?

Colorful Dresses

We are starting to veer away from white wedding dresses. Currently, the trend is to add a splash of color, if not a bright, colorful wedding dress. Along with this, many brides are choosing to make their dress a complement to their engagement rings, whether in style, color or any other individual way.

Fun and Funky Footwear

Shoes are a big thing to brides. Making sure that you have the right shoes is important to pulling the look together. Some brides choose to add color with their shoes. When choosing a white dress, it can be frustrating to try to add some color. This is easily done with your shoes! Another popular trend is to wear shoes that you wouldn’t normally associate with a wedding, such as flip-flops or tennis shoes. Heels and dress flats are still in style of course, and will always be. It’s important to find the right shoe to match your dress, your wedding and your style.

When putting together a wedding, you have to look at all aspects. The dress has to look great, the shoes have to match, and both of these have to complement the overall theme and feel of the wedding itself. Though this can be hard, it’s important to pull off the perfect wedding.

Filed Under: Latest Styles, Popular Trends Tagged With: Dress, Fashion, Wedding

Shorter But Smarter: When to Hide Your Heels and Flaunt Your Flats Instead

Most women know the feeling that comes from a fine pair of heels. As you slide each foot in, you feel suddenly taller, sexier, and more powerful. That feeling only increases as you begin to strut down the fashion aisle of your mind, out your front door, and into your day. Regardless of how amazing your heels can make you feel, they do need to be set aside occasionally. Here are a few good reasons to take a break from your favorite heels and give some flats a go!

1. Give your feet a rest. – This is, of course, one of the best reasons to put aside the heels for a few days. Let’s face it. Heels put your foot in an unnatural position and can stress your feet and legs. It won’t kill your fashion to take a break. In fact, a little change can revitalize it.

2. Switch up your fashion. – Switching up your footwear can give a little lift to your foot fashion. Flats make a different statement than heels; a pair of Mary Janes can feel a little less power-chic and a little more cute.

3. Make your boyfriend feel a little taller. – Don’t underestimate this benefit of opting for flats, especially if you are a taller woman to begin with. Put the heels in your closet, and let him think he’s the tall, strong one in the relationship for a little while.

4. Save the heels for special occasions. – Putting on heels is often the final step in getting dolled up for a night on the town. If you wear these shoes every day, however, you can diminish the pleasure you get from wearing them. Use flats for the work-week, and save your heels for Friday night.

5. Keep up your health. – Ultimately, you may have to closet your heels for good if your health demands it of you, but do not despair. Fashionable, fun flats can satisfy both your health needs and your fashion desires.

Remember, you look fabulous whichever shoe option you choose. Confidence is the sexiest accessory!

Filed Under: Latest Styles Tagged With: Fashion, Footwear, heels

A Look at the Ever Eternal Pump

The pump shoe has been around in some form since the 1500′s, although the form that is so familiar today didn’t evolve until the 1950′s. Both men and women have worn this shoe, sometimes at the same period in history. They went out of fashion for men in the 1800′s when the wearing of knee-length breeches gave way to the trouser. No longer did men desire to show off their shapely calves by enhancing them with a heel. Throughout the history of the shoe, the heel has always been on the thick side. A new material created after WWII was introduced, allowing the shoe maker to create a thin column that could support the weight of the wearer.

Christian Dior collaborated with shoe designer Roger Viver to create the design that we have come to know so well. The heel became known as the stiletto and the sides were pared down, leaving the toe box and heel intact. This design revealed more of the foot, a counterbalance to Dior’s New Look. The New Look was defined by dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts that came to just below the knee. What happened was a revolution in shoe wear, one that has lasted almost sixty years.

Since Dior, artists such as Salvatore’ Ferragamo turned the pump into scintillating creations, season after season. Subsequent designers have put their own stamp on the style, creating amazing works of fantasy. But one thing remains – the pump is the pump is the pump. Women will always have a sensible pair in their closet for every occasion.