Elevator Shoes

Every man has a desire to look taller, which is surely a positive characteristic to highlight one's personality. A man of short height has to meet so much of hardships, either they go to a gym or undergo medical treatments in order to increase few inches in their height. But the shoe industry has brought an end to such worries. They have produced height increasing footwear which will make any man look taller instantly. Also, this will add upto your confidence.

The internal making of these elevator shoes is such that after wearing them, the height of a man can increase from 2 to 4 inches. The built of the height increasing footwear is very inimitable. In the internal built of the shoe, a light cork is used that is responsible for an increase in the height. The height increaser hidden inside the shoe does not give any unusual look. It has been so shaped and placed inside the shoe that the outside look is similar to any normal platform shoes.

These shoes are made keeping in mind the quality, style and the most important comfort. Light weight is also one of the best key features of the elevator shoes. With this feature, you don't have to compromise on the comfort issue. Another unique aspect is that it helps in maintaining a good posture. Also, these shoes are made out of finest leathers and meet the high standards, so you don’t have to worry about the quality issue.

These exclusive shoes come in an assortment of forms and sizes. So, there is a vast collection of the elevator shoes for you to choose. The range includes shoes for sport events and work place to casual wear and formal occasions. The elevator sport shoes are so comfortable that you will not only enjoy looking taller in height but also you will enjoy the sport more actively. And if you are going to a special party wearing the elevator shoes, you will indubitably be surrounded by the company of gals. These shoes not only make you taller but also enhance your appearance and make you more attractive.

Now, the guys with shorter height don't have to envy the taller men till the time they are wearing these elevator shoes. So, go and try out these distinctive height increasing shoes. The increased height will not only build confidence in you but also will surely give an affirmative feeling of a well being.

by: Peter Frann

Dance Shoes And Apparel

Dancing! - For many dancing expressions is one of life’s natural ways of expressing emotions. For others dance must be learned. And, alas, others seemingly have no rhythm at all; no amount of dance lessons can help! We all have various gifts and giftings.

For those who do dance it is also a given understanding that the dance clothes that we wear all show what we feel. There are many different styles of dancing in the world: tap, irish step, western, barn dancing, country music, swing, clogging, foxtrot, ballroom and waltz just to name a few.

And with these many different styles of dance are their individual styles of clothing for each dance. The clothes that are worn for a ballroom dancing event is of a more formal wear. Dance clothes for swing and the tango are informal and vibrant in looks. The infamous "10 Gallon Hat" is often worn in western, country or barn dances.

Since dancing is an activity that uses our bodies to express ourselves, we need to choose the different styles of dance with care. This also means that you need to think about the type of dance apparel that will reflect the story that your dance is telling. So when the time comes for you to choose clothes for a dancing event you should see what styles are acceptable in the dancing field.

The type of dance apparel can sometimes be dictated by the event that you are participating in. An example of this is the dance apparel that is worn for ceremonies and traditional dances. In these events the type of dance apparel is ones that have been traditionally used for hundreds of years. As an example, in Eastern countries a special stylized form of dance apparel is used in the performance of demon exorcizing dances. Here the costume or dance apparel that the dancer chooses to wear will either highlight his/her character or just proclaim individual status in the group.

As you see there are many reasons why dance apparel needs to be selected with care as regards to your dance. By choosing an outfit that will highlight your moves you have the chance to grasp and hold the attention of the audience which will last only as long as you’re dancing, so you need to make the most of that moment. Wearing the right dance apparel will help you do this.

When the time comes for you to choose dance apparel that is ideally portraying who you are, there are various places that you can look for buying or renting various dance apparel.

by: Ms. CiCi

Showing your Horse on a Shoestring

Convinced show season is going to break the bank? It doesn't have to! Try the below budget busters and get through the season with wallet intact.

* Become a working student. Most barns with lesson and training programs also offer working student programs. These programs vary to some extent, but in a nutshell the student trades work such as mucking stalls, grooming horses, etc. for lessons, training, and, depending upon the agreement, often show entry fees and transportation.

* Choose a trainer who trains you to train your horse. If you are an active participant in your horse's training you are less likely to have to call upon your trainer to "refix" your horse. Be present at all of your horse's training sessions, ask your trainer to teach you to teach your horse, and you'll be amazed at how much money . . . not to mention time and frustration . . . you'll save.

* Swap clothing and tack. Show clothing and tack can really add up, especially when you are talking about a growing child. Parents—form a network of friends that you can trade clothing with as your children outgrow them. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to buy them new if they are just going to be worn once or twice and then outgrown. Both children and adults can also check out the consignment area at tack shops and e-commerce sites on the web for equipment.

* Find a trailering buddy. No need to buy a trailer if you can find someone to tag along with. Set your rides up for the season well in advance, and try bartering your rides for chores or other services.

•ª Learn to groom your own horse. The hours spent grooming and braiding before a show can really add up . . . and so can the money these services cost. But does it really make a lot of sense to pay your trainer or his or her grooms to do these things when you can easily learn to do them yourself? A great resource is a book called Grooming to Win: How to Groom, Trim, Braid, and prepare Your Horse for Show by Susan E. Harris. Bonus: if you get really good at these things you can easily make a few bucks doing it for others!

* Develop a skill. Become an expert at something—braiding, grooming, exercising, etc.—and bring your show on the road. Offering to do these things for other people at shows for money will help you offset your showing fees. Just make sure that you budget your time correctly so that you too have plenty of time to get ready and concentrate on your own performance.

* Enlist the help of a friend. Checking in, getting your number, readying both you and your horse, and attending to all the nitty-gritty details you won't be able to focus on. Cajole a parent, friend, or someone who loves you to do this for free.

* Bring the news home. If you are a good writer or photographer there are plenty of local and national newspapers and magazines who need good horse show reporters. You are at the show anyway, why not get paid to watch it? Newspaper and magazines are willing to pay stringers for everything from organizing results to writing about classes to photographing winners.

With a little planning you can enjoy your horse show season without cleaning out your savings account and taking out a second mortgage on your home. Good luck, and happy showing!

by: Ron Petracek

Strut Your Stuff In Style With This Season's Fabulous Shoes

It may be politically incorrect to say this, but let's face it: women are genetically predisposed to lust after shoes. While the closet may already be overflowing with shoes that are rarely worn, they're nonetheless always on the lookout for more. And when there's a sale, today's woman will be there, no matter what, because...well, they're on sale. And if she comes across a pair of shoes she truly falls in love with, consider them sold-even if it means peanut butter and jelly lunches and spaghetti or tuna casserole dinners for a month.

Women are well aware that what they put on their feet can either make an outfit or destroy it. So can anything be done about this mad obsession with footwear? Fortunately, current styles are paving the way toward shoes that fit the most discerning woman's criteria for fashion while at the same time remaining surprisingly affordable. And at the same time they're keeping costs down, designers are finally making shoes designed for comfort as well as looks. Sandal heels have been shortened considerably, with some sporting a paper-thin platform heel. The hottest shoes this season will feature more attention to price and comfort then ever before.

Flip-flops are the first harbinger of warm weather. They're nice and flat, and since they're now being worn by many men as well as women, they're quite affordable. Of course, there are also more expensive varieties featuring jewelry, and many designs show their South American influence that has already been integrated into handbags, clothing, and other accessories. The current trend for flip-flops is a small heel with an ankle strap, possibly including a rhinestone buckle. Keep in mind that your feet will be the center of attention when wearing an open-toed shoe, so be sure to keep your pedicure up to date.

A good buy can also be had this summer on ballet flats, in anything from plain and sweet to leopard print. You can go from the boardwalk to the boardroom in these shoes and still look great, and the best part is you really will be able to wear them everywhere because a shoe of such simple construction is exceptionally comfortable. These shoes provide the versatility to be worn literally anywhere, as either casual or business attire. They can make you imagine yourself a demure princess or a graceful ballerina as you slip your feet into them.

A low-key style that bridges the gap between complete practicality and sexy femininity is sling-back flats. A prerequisite of any great summer shoe is that it can be worn with anything from a business suit to shorts and a tank top or peasant blouse. The popularity of last summer's big hit, espadrille sandals, continues this season as well. For a look with staying power, try pairing this shoe's sexy style with a cork or bamboo wedge heel. This type of shoe, with a solid heel construction, provides great support and will enable you to wear them all day long in comfort. This style of shoe is available in canvas, cotton, linen, and a variety of other materials, so you're sure to find a color and style that pleases.

Well, there's a good start for the summer season-you're sure to find some great shoes that won't require a home equity loan but will still be great looking and comfortable. Let your feet to the walking AND the talking during this carefree time of the year.

by: Vince Nitti

How and Where to Buy the Best Bowling Shoes Online

Most bowling centers require players to wear bowling shoes. If the player doesn't have one, he can rent one on the center. But this is a typical scenario for a casual player. The regular bowlers often have a pair of bowling shoes. Aside from being able to save from rentals, having you own fit is undeniably comfortable, not to mention pretty sexy too, since you won't have to wear those size 14 shoes that you have mistaken for a boat.

The most important factor for bowling shoes is the slide effect. As you approach the lane for a delivery, you need to slide with the opposite foot, and rubber soled shoes like sneakers will not slide.

If you haven't bought a pair of bowling shoes before, you might be a little lost. For starters, you should consider how often you play. Casual players may be better off using rented shoes. But if you are more of a regular bowler, then you should consider what type of shoe you need.

Buying Your Shoe

There are two types of bowling shoes, Athletic and Performance. Athletic shoes are recommended for novice players because they have a sliding sole on both shoes. Performance shoe on the other hand, has the sliding effect on one shoe and the braking effect on the other, which shoe has which would depend on right/left handedness. So if you are a competitive bowler who likes to change patterns with every game, you will probably want a shoe that has interchangeable sole pads to match a style and the surface condition you are bowling in.

by: Ray Gaunt

Exercise Tips for Walking Off your Weight

There is so much information about how to lose weight

that most people are confused. When folks decide to count calories and have structured exercise programs, they realize these plans aren't easily carried out and they fall back into old habits.

Nature has provided humans with foods for proper nutrients, and the least complex way to watch food intake is to simply eat less of a balanced diet. It's also the safest, since specific plans aren't advantageous for everyone's metabolism, energy requirements, or lifestyle. And while weights, exercise machines and personal trainers help re-size bodies, they are inconvenient and expensive. Once again, the key for weight loss is simplicity. Easy exercise that people enjoy will be done more often, resulting in a greater number of pounds lost. The most simple and easy exercise is walking.

Walking can be done at any time, in any weather, by all ages, without specialized instruction, and it's free. Major muscle groups and joints receive as much of a boost as the heart, and walking is a great social and emotional outlet. Since weight loss occurs when a person takes in fewer calories than he uses, or uses more energy than the calories he takes in, walking helps by burning calories.

One pound is equal to 3500 calories; it can be lost by burning that amount of calories or by consuming 3500 fewer calories than what the body needs. A person who weighs around 165-170 pounds uses about 100 calories to walk one mile. Using these numbers, if an individual reduced their diet by 200 daily calories and walked one mile, they would lose a pound in ten days. They'd lose that pound in 7 days if they decreased daily calories by 300 and walked 2 miles a day. (At slow speeds, more calories are burned because the walker actually is continuously starting and stopping, and at very rapid speeds, more muscle groups are put to work, which assist in burning calories. So, a person may lose more weight, or lose it more quickly.)

However, weight will come off only if walking is done regularly, which means that a person with a goal or timeframe must adhere to their schedule. This is successfully accomplished when a person feels completely comfortable while walking. If their feet bother them, chances are walking will end, along with weight loss. Whenever anyone is serious about walking as an exercise regime, it is imperative to invest in quality walking shoes!

Each foot strikes the ground about 1000 times during the course of walking one mile. That means that there are 2000 opportunities per mile for feet to slide around start developing blisters. There are that many chances to slip or trip on objects underfoot or slick surfaces. The body must adequately shift weight, then balance and absorb the shock with every one of those steps. When one considers the dynamics of one single step, it's amazing how much relies on foot support; there is a reason there are more bones in the foot than in any other part of the body!

One company is geared to those who take walking seriously, providing the best quality in construction and design: Mephisto Shoes. A person is almost assured of finding the most comfortable shoe they've ever worn in Mephisto's line. With well made Mephisto Shoes, a walker will find that feet do not burn or sweat as they may in other brands. That is because Mephisto's experience has resulted in the optimum engineering for walker needs. With an emphasis on support and cushioning, Mephisto materials are used exactly where the foot and arch are the most sensitive and vulnerable. All aspects of long distance walking are taken into consideration, from air circulation for "breathability", to the linings for sweat and moisture absorption, to the proper shape of the shoe for perfect fit. Nothing is overlooked by Mephisto Shoes when it comes to comfort!

Mephisto Shoe representatives are experts in providing buyers with information regarding unique needs. They can offer suggestions for walking shoes for every terrain and preference. With shoes that cradle, caress and energize walkers' feet, a simple stroll can become a pleasant adventure. When a person realizes that long-term walking does not equate to requiring a hot foot-bath or other pain relief, he may walk more often or farther, and lose even more weight.

It's wise to lose weight at a comfortable pace because it then becomes a way of life that can be maintained into the future. Walking off the pounds is recommended by doctors and experts alike. As long as someone's feet are in comfortable shoes, they may find that they literally can go for miles and walk the weight off. With Mephisto Shoes, it's practically guaranteed!

Author: Megan Hazel

Mephisto Rush A Walking Lifestyle Shoe

Many would agree that a good walking shoe

might just be your most important item of gear. A reputable walking shoe is one that provides you with adequate support, flexibility and cushioning. By its very nature, a walking shoe is a hardwearing item and the levels of durability and comfort required from it are far above the average. Thus, a good walking shoe would have to be excellently designed and engineered from the sole up, bearing in mind the unique needs of a complicated anatomical marvel such as the human foot. The Mephisto Rush is the classic walking shoe in the comprehensive Mephisto range.

The Mephisto Rush was created on a full fitting last to ensure exceptional heel, arch and foot support. By designing around the entire foot in this manner, the result is a shoe that restores natural balance and provides greatly increased stability. Balance and stability are important for more than just healthy feet. They profoundly impact on various other joints of the human anatomy such as the ankles, knees, hips and spine. Sixty tons of accumulative pressure bear down on each foot for every mile that you walk every day and disperses through the other joints. A good walking shoe such as the Mephisto Rush can be a highly effective vanguard against an array of joint, tendon and muscle complaints.

The shock absorbing ability of the Mephisto Rush has two objectives. Ensuring comfort and ease when walking is a part of the Mephisto design philosophy. In its engineering, the Rush also strives to ensure that it is anatomically correct. The virgin latex foam mid-soles is a hidden component of the Mephisto Rush. It is sandwiched between the sole and the upper and in many ways it is the engine room of the shoe and undoubtedly one of its most important components. In this great shoe, it offers excellent lateral support, whilst pampering both the heel and the forefoot. To add to this, the Mephisto designers have also added a removable felt insole to reduce friction on the foot. It is easy to remove and clean.

Each foot can shed up to a cup of moisture during an average day. The discomfort associated with moist and perspiring feet has been effectively minimised in the design of the Mephisto Rush by incorporating the Air Jet system. Fresh air is channelled through the entire shoe, from heel to toe, with every step. Condensation reduces to a minimum and comfort increases accordingly. And, of course, foot health is infinitely better.

The best in full-grain leather uppers are not only used for their aesthetic appeal. Leather is used in the Mephisto Rush to enhance comfort and provide a degree of air-conditioning. Leather, being a natural material, is breathable and assists the ability of the Air Jet system to keep the foot fresh and cool, no matter what the walking conditions. As far as its beauty is concerned, full-grain leather arguably remains one of the most appealing materials to fashion footwear from. With all the original markings and pores on the hide retained in the final product, each pair of shoes is an individual statement, wrapped in the superlative design that has become synonymous with Mephisto. The Mephisto Rush is presented in a Black Grain, Tan Grain, Black Nubuck, Birch Nubuck and White Calf.

Author: Marvin Harrison

The Ultimate In Shoe Shopping

When shopping for shoes, there are many great places to look for bargains. There are outlet stores in the United States for all the well known brands from Nike to Birkenstocks. But where to go when a woman wants just great selection of truly unique shoe shops and the joy of shopping for shoes. Of course Milan springs to mind and in the United States, Fifth Avenue in NEW York and Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles spring to mind. But Paris may still offer the ultimate shoe shopping experience.

Shopping is an art in Paris and shoe shops are everywhere, on every Rue, and every Boulevard. Parisians are fashion conscious people who don't shy away from walking blocks to a favorite bistro or café. Shoes and fashion are equally important to them.

There is one entire street in Paris, the Rue Meslay that is devoted to shoe shops, nearly forty shops specializing in shoes for men, women and children and all styles. Of course there are a few bistros and some shops that specialize in costume jewellery, an over flow from the real heartland of costume jewellery, the Rue de Archives. Some of these shoe purveyors are not for retail and sell only wholesale, but the majority are open to the public. The Rue Meslay runs for over a kilometre through the third arrondisement, from the edge of the Marais and ends at the sketchy Blvd. St. Denis metro station. His area is one of the red light districts of Paris and you may be approached by one of the many ladies on the street that have more than shoe shopping on their minds, just at the moment at least. And, yes indeed, women do proposition other women in this city and these modern times.

Of all the great shoe shopping areas in Paris, including the area around the Madeline monument, probably the foremost is the roughly triangular shaped area of Saint Gemain de Pres that stretches from the Rue du Cherche Midi across the Boulevard Rennes down the Rue du Dragon and ending at the Boulevard Raspail. This is a virtual Bermuda Triangle of shoe shopping that, upon entry, the shoe shopper may not be glimpsed again until the expiration date on her credit card. Bridging the corner of the Rue Cherche Midi and the Blvd Rennes is the flagship store of Camper. These colorful, iconoclastic designs are the embodiment of offbeat city chic, natural fabrics, and comfort.

Across the street on the corner of the RUE Dragon are several more shoe stores, on of which, Mephisto offers high style and comfort, as does Arche, a prototypic example of Parisian shoe design. Next door is a moderately priced shoe store, Anouk that has high styled shoes at affordable prices and great sale. Mosquito, another shoe shop that specializes in unique and often offbeat styles is nearby.

The consumer has access a shoe shopping experience par excellence. What a great way to take a break from all those wonderful museums than to re-enter them in a new pair of comfy shoes?

Author: Megan Hazel

Tips for Choosing the Best Walking Shoe

When shopping for shoes, there are many great places to look for bargains. There are outlet stores in the United States for all the well known brands from Nike to Birkenstocks. But where to go when a woman wants just great selection of truly unique shoe shops and the joy of shopping for shoes. Of course Milan springs to mind and in the United States, Fifth Avenue in NEW York and Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles spring to mind. But Paris may still offer the ultimate shoe shopping experience.

Shopping is an art in Paris and shoe shops are everywhere, on every Rue, and every Boulevard. Parisians are fashion conscious people who don't shy away from walking blocks to a favorite bistro or café. Shoes and fashion are equally important to them.

There is one entire street in Paris, the Rue Meslay that is devoted to shoe shops, nearly forty shops specializing in shoes for men, women and children and all styles. Of course there are a few bistros and some shops that specialize in costume jewellery, an over flow from the real heartland of costume jewellery, the Rue de Archives. Some of these shoe purveyors are not for retail and sell only wholesale, but the majority are open to the public. The Rue Meslay runs for over a kilometre through the third arrondisement, from the edge of the Marais and ends at the sketchy Blvd. St. Denis metro station. His area is one of the red light districts of Paris and you may be approached by one of the many ladies on the street that have more than shoe shopping on their minds, just at the moment at least. And, yes indeed, women do proposition other women in this city and these modern times.

Of all the great shoe shopping areas in Paris, including the area around the Madeline monument, probably the foremost is the roughly triangular shaped area of Saint Gemain de Pres that stretches from the Rue du Cherche Midi across the Boulevard Rennes down the Rue du Dragon and ending at the Boulevard Raspail. This is a virtual Bermuda Triangle of shoe shopping that, upon entry, the shoe shopper may not be glimpsed again until the expiration date on her credit card. Bridging the corner of the Rue Cherche Midi and the Blvd Rennes is the flagship store of Camper. These colorful, iconoclastic designs are the embodiment of offbeat city chic, natural fabrics, and comfort.

Across the street on the corner of the RUE Dragon are several more shoe stores, on of which, Mephisto offers high style and comfort, as does Arche, a prototypic example of Parisian shoe design. Next door is a moderately priced shoe store, Anouk that has high styled shoes at affordable prices and great sale. Mosquito, another shoe shop that specializes in unique and often offbeat styles is nearby.

The consumer has access a shoe shopping experience par excellence. What a great way to take a break from all those wonderful museums than to re-enter them in a new pair of comfy shoes?

Author: Stacey Day

Casual Walking Shoes-a Comfortable Fashion Statement

Quite often, most women and some men believe that comfortable shoes are not synonymous with fashion. Mephisto Shoes can prove them wrong. With almost 200 styles in their line, a shopper will actually find it difficult to choose the one they like the most! That is because Mephisto spends as much time on the look of the shoe as on the ergonomic design of it.

There are models that boast open toes, open heels, flirty straps and bright colors. Mephisto does not sacrifice appearance for comfort's sake, or comfort for appearance's sake. They know that today's savvy consumer demands both. It's clear the idea that a comfortable walking shoe must be black, box shaped and boasts no ornamentation is passé. No longer do casual shoes need to be the athletic and tennis shoes of the 80's or the bulky "earth shoes" of the 1970's. No longer must people face disappointment when discovering that their foreign-made huaraches have stretched out of shape within months

Within Mephisto's "Allrounder" line of women's shoes, a consumer has her choice of shoes with traditional laces ("fast speed" for the easiest use), Velcro strapped Mary Janes, or flip-flop versions of their comfort sandal. All are anatomically designed, made of water-repellent leathers, and provide support and shock absorption-often from mini-air bags in the soles. These styles are sporty looking and practical wearing, due to high-tech materials used for absorbing lining, padding and support systems. The foot is cushioned with every step while presenting a fashionable image.

When it comes to women's sandals and clogs, Mephisto offers the most beautiful leathers available and adheres to the concept of "less is more" with simple elegance. The lines are clean and the workmanship is evident, especially in the use of buckles, or, in a more fancy choice, rhinestones clips. Textured leather, faux animal skin and glittery textures are just a few choices in these casual walking shoes.

The men's line of casual shoes, sandals and "Allrounders" is equally impressive. Again, distracting and inexpensive-looking accoutrements are not utilized. The look is that of clean and stylish simplicity. The focus is on the finest, softest calf-skin leather for the slip-on "loafer" type of shoes. Tie-up shoes and Velcro sandals are also made in water-repellent leather and are equally handsome. Options also include flip-flop styles, open toed clogs, and European styled sandals.

Mephisto Shoes has perfected shoe engineering and has found what works best for each particular style in terms of providing maximum comfort. Their designers also know what people find attractive. Multi-hued leathers with classic inserts, bright trims on suede, contrasting stitching, faux fur trim on boots-everything a buyer could look for in a fashion shoe can be found in a Mephisto walking shoe. (There's even a special edition "Hope" shoe to benefit Breast Cancer charity, in pink, of course!) Heels and soles on sandals, casual shoes or Allarounders are an appropriate height to accommodate a multi-grip function, but not too high to detract from the shoe.

When a shopper is in the market for a pair of casual shoes, it's may be because they are interested in finding a more comfortable pair than what is currently in their closet. Or, it could be because they are considering doing a bit more walking in conjunction with a weight reduction program or perhaps a trip. That is the perfect time for finding out more about Mephisto Shoes!

After a customer can determine the type of walking surface to which the shoe will primarily be exposed, the preferences of getting it on and off, the amount of foot to be covered and the overall desired look, many models will be found to accommodate those choices. Mephisto Shoes can help a consumer determine which shoe would be best for them. Customers can be certain that each and every style has been constructed to provide the absolute best in terms of durability and comfort.

Shoes that can fit in with many types of clothing and locations are usually worn more than shoes with a distinct function, such as high heels. Lower-heeled, comfortable "walking shoes" can take their owner to sporting events as well as accommodate a little exercise themselves. They are equally impressive when worn to a company picnic as they are to a family gathering. They can be worn to picnics as well as religious services. In fact, if asked, most folks would admit they wear casual shoes much more than "dressy" shoes. With this current trend to dress down a bit even for work, people will find that it's beneficial to have better quality casual shoes than it's been in the past. The shoes will last longer and, if they are made by Mephisto, will be sure to provide years of comfort and compliments!

Author: Megan Hazel

The Week In Review - Grey

Grey is so easy. Any way you match it -- with black, brown and any color in between -- you can’t help but look put-together. On the color wheel, grey is what happens when opposite colors are mixed with white: blue and orange, red and green, purple and yellow, black and white. The practical application of this is a neutral shoe that transcends color matching issues while retaining the ability to slide between gradations of warmth and coolness.

This versatility makes it not only the must-have color of season, but a workhorse that will serve you well in upcoming seasons. It's present moment, future outfits. From shoes and boots to scarves and sweaters, grey works. To wit, some of our most popular boots below. Is it just a coincidence they come in variations of this versatile hue?

First up, the coolly grey Dakota by Jeffrey Campbell. This everyday boot blends worker details like a buckled rand and reinforced heel with urban-chic suede styling. The delight is in the details: ultra-soft suede upper, brass-buckled harness. The shaft is short and wide -- not quite mid-calf -- with a light natural slouch. We love them pulled over all-purpose skinny jeans and paired with a tailored riff on a workshirt or subtle close check plaid.

Warm up your look with the grey-taupe Legion by Steve Madden. The slouched shaft is cuffed at top for a casually textured look. A decorative cinch with buckle is a popular detail and a perfect way to play off cuffs and bangles. The rounded toe and heel are trimmed with double-stitching, making the foot appear smaller. The three-inch heel gives you enough of a boost to dress up a pair of jeans while keeping you stable enough for a day roaming the city. For a casual evening, pair the Legion with a sweater dress and tights.

The Mazzie by Calvin Klein in grey suede is a happy medium between warm and cool tones. The blueish undertones of its soft suede are reminiscent of Jeffrey Campbell's Dakota. A flat sole and fitted full-length shaft keep you balanced and comfortable (and provide a much-needed respite from this season's sky-high heels); the narrow toe keeps it feminine.

A decorative suede tie cinches the cuffed top, lending a uptown riposte to the Legion's downtown buckle. Wear it cuffed with your skinny jeans or pair with a mid-length skirt or dress and your favorite pair of tights. Want edgier? Uncuff the top for the over-the-knee look of which we can't get enough. Fashion-forward and cozy-warm, the Mazzie's versatility grows with your wardrobe.

Prepare for Dizzying Heights for "Swaggerers"

Christian Louboutin has announceed that he is to design a spike-stiletto with a staggering eight-inch heel. Louboutin-loving celebrities, such as Victoria Beckham (below) have been wobbling around in the designer's seven-inch version for seasons now and I think 8 inches will be no match for them. The new name for such vertiginous shoes is the 'swaggerer.' These are definately not designed for running after a bus or moving about on public transport. These are red carpet shoes, where you get out of the car, walk a short distance and you get back into a car.

All Tied Up: The Essential Scarf

For women and men alike there is no single accessory more important in the colder months than a scarf -- no, don't even argue with us, it's true. The scarf, like the ever-handy towel in Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy ( ... the most "massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have comes in handy in most every situation"), tops off your look, keeps you warm and can be styled so many ways from Sunday they should add another month to the calendar.

A scarf alone can take you from day to night, from city to country chic. Wear it like a necktie, a shawl, a belt or a bandolier. Tie up your hair or tie down the strap of your handbag. They come in silks and wools and cottons, patterns and plain colors, and all varieties of texture.

We recently received a shipment of pashminas that set our little stylist hearts a-flutter. Their tapestried fabrics provide rich color and texture while a 28" width gives plenty of accessorizing latitude. Thus inspired, we present some styling options to make the most of this all-important piece!

The lush textures in this burgundy pashmina activate a simple outfit.
Wear it in generous, thick folds as a neck scarf (right) or tie a simple
overhand knot for an over-the-shoulder casual bolero (left).

The drape of this paisley pashmina makes it a superb layering tool.
Thinner than the tapestry pieces, it has excellent flow and a shimmery finish.
Wear it like a Roman Patrician (left) or bundle-knotted like a kiffeyeh.


Leah Benjamin wool scarves mix complex patterns and colors with lovely sheen.
The wool threads fall straight and flat, letting you style these scarves with the foppish
fling of a Barbary corsair (left) or as a sloppy-chic, once-around choker (right).

New site update

Hi fashion lovers,

The problems people were experiencing with visiting the new site are now (hopefully!) resolved. Thanks for your patience! Please visit again and give it another chance, and let me know if you are still having issues (particularly people using Internet Explorer). If you're a regular subscriber, you will need to update your subscription using the link on the top right of the new homepage.

Cheers :)
Frugal Fashionista

Frugal Fashionista has moved!

Frugal Fashionista has moved (and improved)! Please update your bookmarks and visit us at our new site, www.frugal-fashionistas.com, where you'll find the same great celebrity looks along with a few new features. We hope you'll like what you see!

liv tyler

links to each item:
shoes, jeans, bag, tank, cardigan, sunglasses

The Week in Review

With the fall season having set in, we’re seeing Steve Madden once again inspiring us with fashion-forward styles in boots and shoes. The popular Tianna boot (in purple, left) is a day-long companion. Its soft suede upper is lightly scrunched above the ankle and flat sole, playing against the structure of a rounded toe.

This mid-calf boot will take you through the day in jeans and carry you into the night. Pair them with a flirtatious dress and bright tights. Currently available in black, brown, the ever-fashionable grey, and this season’s hottest color -- purple -- the versatile Tianna is a sure favorite. And at $84 ... really, people? C'mon.

Chanel Spring 2009 Shoe Collection

The Chanel Spring 2009 Shoe Collection is rather unsual but very wearable. I love the simplicity of the shoes which have been spiced up with the furry balls on the heels. Some may say they are a little boring but I think the wearble colours give them an edge.





In this collection is also the most talked about shoes, the Chanel "Miami Vice" Spring 2009 Shoe, with a heel in the shape of a gun, that Madonna wore to the premier of her film in New York.

"Lagerfeld had been inspired by an image of a gun he saw somewhere, and he gave the tear to shoe designer Laurence Dacade, who employed plexi to make them functional. Voila! The “Miami Vice” shoe, as it’s called in Chanel’s ranks, is born. And yes, you’ll see them in stores." - FashionWeekDaily.

Christian Lacroix Spring 2009 Shoe Collection

The Christian Lacroix Spring 2009 Shoe Collection is feminine, sexy and fun. I love the bows on the straps and the chain anklets with the crosses. These are typically Lacroix and would be a dream for Lacroix fashionistas.

lauren conrad

links to each item:
shoes, jeans, bag, jacket, hat, sunglasses

kate bosworth

links to each item:
boots, jeans, bag, blazer, tee

New York Boot Report

As the responsible and worldly (and frankly awesome) marketing team that we are, we took it upon ourselves to visit New York and make sure the fashionables there were on the up-and-up. Turns out they were and then some. In fact we found the women (and, yes, the men) dressed to their stylish nines. (And that was before we spotted Zac Posen outside Chelsea Markets; we still cover that jacket … but we digress.)

We would never call them fashion victims, but it definitely seemed like most of the populace had taken some shrapnel from the boot bomb that exploded somewhere south of Hell’s Kitchen. Boots, boots, boots were everywhere and every height and everybody couldn’t get enough of looking at each other and hating them for their footwear while saying with a smile, “Great boots!”

Pulled over skinny jeans, worn over tights, worn under sweater dresses and trench coats that would make Burberry jealous, the boot reigns supreme here. Slouchy, hard and polished, destructed, motorcycle, cowboy, roper, riding … the look is definitely here and we love it. A tall, clean boot adds instant grace to a look; distressed, harnessed leathers build up attitude; cowboy boots and your other Western varietals lend a laidback chic.

Which makes it all the more exciting that shearling is cropping up in greater numbers as the temperatures drop up in the northern hemisphere. Sam Edelman, Ugg, Manas and La Canadienne are just some examples of labels that are adding woolly details to high boots. We find the effect charming, a kind of Northern Chic that adds a rustic verve to the sophistication of the long boot.

Take up the call and do more of the same, we say. Buy some tall boots (knee or higher, please) and wear over jeans or cashmere leggings and be sure to mind the Gap: they have a pretty nice trench that plays into the menswear trend and works beautifully against a boot. We’re looking for sophistication here. Tailoring. Polish. Decorum. Dressing like we care how the world sees us, and, more importantly, how we see ourselves. This is the focus of fall in 2008. We saw it coming and stocked up; we’re glad New York has followed our lead.

lindsay price

links to each item:
shoes, bracelet, skirt, top, necklace

style steal: ankle boots

links to each item:
amazon, target, piperlime, payless, endless, delias, urbanoutfitters, zappos, ninewest

Versace Spring 2009 Shoe Collection

The Versace 2009 Spring shoe collection is filled with neutral, beige and white colours, and the designs are very detail orientated. Donatello's Versace collection is wearable with most outfits and for any occassion. Christian Louboutin started the coloured sole trend with his signature red sole and many designers have followed in suit. Donatello has opted for a yellow sole which brings vibrance to the collection. She also uses crystal heart adornments, and zips. We will definately be seeing a lot more of these shoes, on celebrities in spring.

Gucci Spring 2009 Shoe Collection

This collection, designed by Gucci designer, Frida Giannini, is very classic. There is a lot of wooden platforms with the mary jane uppers and triple buckle ankle straps incorporated with leathers and crocodile skin . There is also a lot of exciting colours from reds, blues to metallics for that evening look. This collection is very exciting and wearble.

charlize theron

links to each item:
shoes, jeans, bag, tee, vest, necklace