Price Vs. Value

The bargain shopper out there has a long-held philosophy that bargains are the most important, who doesn’t like the feeling of getting something you want cheap! but far too often people compromise their shoe choices, going for the bargain instead of the more expensive shoe. Shoppers cheat themselves out of a wonderful shoe experience.

Sure it’s expensive but it lasts longer

Nothing is more annoying than wearing a pair of shoes a few times and finding that they fade,scuff, have fragile details (such as bows) or a heel that simply breaks off. Many expensive shoes are pricey for a reason. Hand crafted with quality materials these shoes cost a pretty penny but they last and last and last. Customers who buy the best quality shoe they can afford often save money because that one pair of shoes lasts a lot longer and often still maintains it’s shape and attractiveness.

Of course the downside is that paying more for shoes means less shoes in the closet. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Instead of a barrel full of disheveled cheap looking footwear a shoe wardrobe will grace your closet. A pair of luxurious heels, all-purpose ballet flats, favorite boots will all look great and serve you well for months and even years to come. Quality not quantity is often the best rule to follow. We all like having choices but sometimes fewer good choices are better than many bad ones. The next time you go shoe shopping decide to spend a little more for classic, loveable, long-lasting shoes.

 

 

A Shoe Staple List For All

We all know shoes are important but many people do not know that certain types of footwear are a must-have for every woman. The list below is the bare bones requirement of shoes. Read below to notice if you are missing some required shoes.

 

A high-heeled ladies shoe. 

Image via Wikipedia

The Pump

 

The heeled pump is the most owned shoe of all women due to its versatility. This functional but stylish heeled shoe looks good but is comfortable while working. The standard pump should be in a color that would go with almost anything – a black or nude color.

 

Everyday Flats

 

The flat shoe is a non-heeled shoe ware that can be worn everywhere. This shoe should fit comfortably and have a pop of color. The everyday flat should bring interest to a dull outfit but not exceedingly loud in color or texture.

 

Athletic Shoe

 

The athletic shoe is for walking, running or going to the gym. This foot accessory is to be used for doing activities and should fit well. Many people prefer to have a cross-trainer or running shoe for this category. Remember to try different kinds of workout shoes to find the best one for you.

 

A larger plimsoll shoe as seen in a department... 

Image via Wikipedia

Fashion Athletic

 

The fashion athletic shoe is for the sporty, but relaxed look. This shoe is usually made from canvas, but can be other materials. Fashion athletic shoes have better designs than a standard athletic shoe, but do not have good sole support.

 

The Wedge

 

The open-toe wedge is a shoe that is always in style. This shoe looks great with dresses, jeans and everything else. Look for wedges made from a nice neutral color and natural fabrics.

Add Shoes to Complete Your American Girl Doll’s Outfit

Everyone knows that it’s the accessories that make the outfit, and, therefore, the doll. You can find some very stunning and cute outfits for your American Girl doll. Choosing which particular outfit for her to wear at which time can be a fun experience. That is only half of the fun, though.

You can also find some really great doll shoesthat can coordinate with your doll’s entire outfit. Whether your doll is dressed in a spring frock and needs some dressy flats or if you are looking for some rain boots to go with her new rain coat, you can find exactly what will look best with her outfit.

Shopping at online stores for footware can be a fun and rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to browse through the wide selection of shoes for your doll as well as a wide variety of other accessories such as purses, hair brushes, hair accessories, and more. By doing your shopping at an online store, you can compare prices easily before making your purchase.

When choosing shoes for your doll, you will want to make a note of the care instructions for each pair that you buy. While some styles of shoes, such as rain boots, can be cleaned with a bit of water, others, such as leather flats, can be harmed if you use water to clean them. Instead, you can pick the dirt off gently and use a bit of leather cleaner as well.

All the accessories you can add to your American Girl Doll, and all the creative things you can do with her appearance, makes having her that much more fun!

The joy of High Heels

Photographer: Frank C. Müller 

Image via Wikipedia

High heels are a fashion accessory that is here to stay. Regarded by some women as impractical and uncomfortable, and by some men as the ultimate symbol of powerful women’s sexuality, high heels are a staple you can see all over every day. But why are they such a popular accessory, given their bizarre nature and potential for discomfort and even danger of injury? Let’s examine them in some detail, and lay it out.

High heels are a symbol of dominance. When she wears a pair of high heels, a woman is taller, and is forced to walk with her heels contacting the ground first. While many people do not realize it, this is how men are designed to walk. This puts women and men on, pardon the pun, equal footing. But no woman who wears high heels is going to be accused of trying to look like a man, given the universally recognized sex symbol status that a woman garners when she wears this impractical but undeniable accessory.

Waiting for the Perfect Pair of Summer Shoes

Finding the perfect pair of summer shoes can sometimes seem like a daunting task. Whether you’re looking for sandals, flats, or wedges, it’s important to consider the color, materials used, and price v. value of your new shoes.

  • Color
    Color is one of the most important considerations when finding a great pair of summer shoes.  Not only should your shoes match well with the rest of your wardrobe, but they should also flatter your body.  Nude-colored heels and wedges can extend the eye down the length of the leg, making legs look long and lean.  Pair these with a cute pair of summer shorts, a dress, or a skirt. Your legs will look longer and the neutral tone will match with almost anything!
  • Price v. Value
    You should always consider price v. value when purchasing any new clothes or accessories.  Sometimes known as “price per wear,” this concept takes the cost of the item and divides it by the number of times you intend to wear it.  Reducing price v. value is easy!  Simply look at ways to wear your shoes more frequently, or better yet, look at ways to reduce the cost.  Coupon sites like Offers.com provide simple savings on many name brands.
  • Materials
    When considering the materials used, you should also take into account where you intend to wear them.  Will you be wearing your shoes to the beach, to your workplace, or out to dinner?  Look into the durability of the materials, whether or not they are waterproof, and how well they resist stains.

These considerations can help you choose summer shoes that meet your budget and your lifestyle needs.

 

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.

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!

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!

Getting the Best Shoe for the Money Spent at the Discount Store

Shoes are a girl’s best friend. Forget the diamonds; they’re just way too expensive. Just look at Imelda Marcos – she really knew her shoes! She certainly spent money on them like it was no-body’s business. The rest of the world can only dream and settle for wearing lesser quality footwear. And here is where paying attention to the shoe will pay off.

There are so many discount shoe stores these days, making it all too easy to find a deal. But sometimes the deals are too good to be true. A sexy pair of shoes for $15 gives $15 worth of wear. Maybe a few nights out on the town and that is it. Follow the tips below and get the most shoe for the dollar.

  • Look at the construction of the shoe. A majority of shoes these days are glued together with industrial strength adhesives, which is not a bad thing. But when the glue is applied poorly or the components are not firmly stuck together, pass on the shoe.
  • Consider the materials. Fabric shoes will always wear out sooner than a leather shoe. But both have the same criteria for quality – thickness. If a shoe feels thin and flimsy and it is not a sandal, pass on it. Synthetic leathers wear very easily as well, so caveat emptor.
  • Familiarize oneself with shoe brands. A well-known brand will occasionally put out a poorly made shoe, which is why they end up in a discount store. If the item seems cheap even for the name brand, don’t buy it unless they are a must have.

How To Take Care Of Your Shoes

Shoe polish with a shoe brush.

Image via Wikipedia

Shoes will wear out faster than any other piece of clothing or accessory that you own. If you want your shoes to last, you will need to take care of them on a regular basis. You will want to clean your shoes regularly if you use them every day. After you wear your shoes, have some sort of brush by your door so when you walk in your house you can brush all the dust off your shoes.

You will want to get some shoe polish and polish your leather shoes as often as needed. If it snows in the winter where you live, polish your shoes before winter and often during the winter to protect the leather. Also, you can buy rain repellent for your shoes if you live in a place where it rains a lot. If your shoes get wet, you will want to air dry them, especially if they are leather. Do not set them by a heater or a fire because this will hurt the leather. For any kind of tennis shoe, stuff them with newspaper so it absorbs the water.

If you live in an area where more severe weather is common, you may get salt lines on your shoes. To get rid of these, simply wipe off your shoes with a wet cloth. You may also want to try water and vinegar.

There are many things you can do to get rid of foot odor, such as shoetrees or powders. You can also put dryer sheets in your shoes while you are not using them. There are some kinds of shoes that require special needs. If you have expensive shoes made out of a special kind of material, you may want to research how to keep these shoes protected and the proper way to clean them. By simply keeping your shoes clean, they will last a lot longer than expected.