You never know when the shoe vocabulary you pick up will come in handy!  Today, the word I would like to teach you is “foxing”.  In the footwear industry, the term foxing describes the strip of plain or decorative rubber that joins the upper and sole of the shoe. This rubber strip holds together the upper and the sole of the shoe. Usually found on athletic or casual canvas or leather sneakers and shoes, foxing may add to the design of the shoe (as is the case for Vans and Converse All Stars). A foxing’s design can be striped, colored or any other style to match or contrast with the shoe.

To learn more shoe vocabulary, visit Shoe Smitten’s Shoe Glossary

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Seven Unique Ways to Organize Shoes – Answers.com

Ladies, if your closet looks like this picture, I am very proud of you!  But if you’re anything like me, organizing your shoe wardrobe has never been easy.  Clothes strewn across the floor, empty shoe boxes and shoes missing their matches are enough to drive any woman mad.  Add small square footage to the equation, and you’ve got the perfect storm.

If you need help organizing shoes in your home, you might enjoy my latest article on Answers.com, “Seven Unique Ways to Organize Shoes“.  Take a look and let me know which methods you try!

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I’m excited to announce that I’ve recently accepted a position as the Answers.com Category Expert in (what else) Shoes!  I’ll be featuring my articles here on Shoe Smitten, so you can see what I’m up to.  I’m excited to be working on this new project with Answers.com and helping all you shoe lovers learn even more about shoes!

My first article is about shopping for hiking shoes – check it out by visiting the following link, and let me know what you think!  Read: How to Determine the Best Hiking Shoes for You

The post I’m The New Answers.com Category Expert in Shoes! appeared first on Shoe Smitten.

The sun is coming out to play, my nose is itchy and my eyes are red. Yep, it must be spring! The last thing you are probably thinking about right now, as you break out your flat sandals and wedges, is buying a pair boots. But it’s not too late in the season to snag more boots!  Invest in your favorite style, whether you prefer shooties, ankle boots, knee-high boots or cowboy boots.  There are plenty of cute choices that you can rock nearly all year long, and many are available on the cheap right now.

What To Look For In Seasonless Boots

The key is to find a pair that is made of either super-soft suede or lightweight leather.  Stay away from pleather (fake leather), unless you want your feet to sweat like they’re in a sauna!  Light colored boots (I love beige booties) are the perfect match for sundresses and denim cutoffs.  The golden rule is to look for boots that might look equally stylish with a floral dress now, and skinny cords come fall.

Which Boots To Wear In The Spring

I have a few pairs of boots that I wear in the spring, and they include a mahogany pair of suede western-style boots, light beige booties, and black wedge ankle boots.  The key is to think about what colors you wear most, and find casual boots in complimentary hues.  For example, if you wear a lot of dark skinny jeans and play want to rock the black-and-white trend this season, look for a pair of simple leather boots.  If you are more of a bohemian at heart, try pairing light grey short boots with your favorite summery outfits.  I like the Fiorentini Baker boots in grey suede pictured above; the stacked heel and wide buckle straps will ground even the most ethereal of skirts. 

Do you have a favorite pair of boots to wear in the spring? How do you style them?

The post Buying Boots For Spring appeared first on Shoe Smitten.

This bold blue Nicholas Kirkwood pump really ruffles my feathers in all the right ways.  Perhaps I am biased because electric blue is my favorite color of the moment.  But isn’t there some otherworldly elegance happening here?  Dare to wear these beauties with an equally feminine summer dress or a graphic print blouse and skinny pants.

When it comes to Alexander McQueen Shoes, you can be fairly certain that any pair will make a statement.  These flat sandals are simple enough for just about any summer occasion, yet McQueen’s signature skull embellishment adds a touch of edge to the elegant design.  Rock these with a white maxi dress or shorts and your favorite rock ‘n’ roll tee.

What’s on your shoe wish list right now?

The post Harrods Wish List: Nicholas Kirkwood and Alexander McQueen appeared first on Shoe Smitten.

What is CrossFit?

If you haven’t heard of this exercise program, CrossFit combines a wide variety of functional movements into a timed or scored workout. Exercises include pull-ups, squats, push-ups, weightlifting, gymnastics, running, rowing, and a host of other movements. Always varied, always changing, always producing results. Kids, cops, firefighters, soccer moms, Navy SEALS, and grandmas all do CrossFit, and so can you!

What Kind of shoes do you wear for CrossFit?

Good shoes for CrossFit are an essential addition to your collection of CrossFit-optimized gear. You don’t wear hiking boots to play soccer, so don’t try wearing your old-school running shoes to CrossFit!

When it comes to choosing CrossFit shoes, you have many choices.  Reebok is the official outfitting company for CrossFit, and the Women’s CrossFit Nano 2.0 is a high quality choice.  For more options, check out these CrossFit shoes for women.  Before you invest in any shoes for CrossFit, make sure they are well-suited for the various movements you will be performing.

3 Characteristics of Good CrossFit Shoes

Regardless of which CrossFit shoes you buy, look for the three following characteristics:

1. Lightweight with maximum breathability
2. Durablility
3. A nearly-neutral or zero drop from heel to toe (as flat as possible)

Shop at TheShoeMart.com: Now through April 30th, take 15% off your order of $80 or more!  Exclusions apply – see site for details.

The post 3 Things To Consider When Buying CrossFit Shoes appeared first on Shoe Smitten.

Wedge heels come in all heights and styles, from sky-high to barely-there. Choose a multi-colored statement wedge, such as the Jessica Simpson Cosset, or a versatile black wedge, such as the Call It Spring Gorgeia (both pictured above).  Wedges are a must-have for every woman’s spring wardrobe, and while they are an extremely fashionable and versatile choice, they aren’t always easy to pull off when it comes to styling. Before we explore how to wear wedges, let’s look at what defines a wedge, and the pros and cons of wearing this fashion-forward shoe style.

The Difference Between Wedges and Other Heels

Instead of pushing up the heel with a stem-like protrusion, a wedge heel, which is higher in the back of the shoe and lower in the front, runs under the length of the foot. Wedge heels range from low to high, and the shape and length of the heel classify the shoe as a wedge.

Pros and cons to consider:

Pros: The wedge adds height, but it is more stable and easier to walk in than regular stiletto or stacked high heels. Wedges work well with nearly any length of dress, from mini-dresses to floor-skimming gowns. They help bigger ankles appear smaller and prettier, thanks to their defined geometric shape. For spring and summer months, wedge sandals made of cork are extremely light and breathable. And, unlike stilettos, you can wear wedges to outdoor barbecues or the beach without worrying about your heels getting stuck in the sand!

Cons: Wedges are still heels, so they will not be as comfortable as flats. You will need to practice walking in any new pair of wedges you buy, as the height and shape of each wedge vary. This style of shoe also tends to convey a more casual attitude – it is hard to find a truly elegant wedge for occasions that call for formal attire. Also, they tend to look unwieldy when worn with tight-fitting pants or skirts.

How To Wear Wedges

Wedges look most flattering when worn with loose, flowing fabrics such as long pleated skirts, wrap dresses, and wide or flared pants and gauchos. However, wedges are versatile, and can be paired with anything from jeans to dresses, depending on their style and color.

In general, stay away from wearing capris with wedges as the shoes may make your bare lower legs appear heavier. Instead, channel your inner bohemian with a pair of cork wedges and a maxi sun dress, or go for a preppy look with red elastic strap wedges, crisp white dress pants, a wide belt, and a striped boatneck shirt.

Now that you have some ideas about how to wear the wedge, you can step out in confidence in this must-have shoe style. Remember to have fun with styling your wedges, and don’t be afraid to try a new look.

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Skiing gives you the opportunity to visit some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, immersed in a world of fresh mountain air and soft white snow. Wherever your skiing holidays take you, whether it is a traditional ski village in Europe or a chic resort in Canada, you need different footwear from what you would normally wear in the city. You need warm and waterproof boots for on and off the slopes, but that is not to say that practical footwear cannot be pretty at the same time. Making sure you have stylish ski boots to match the natural beauty of the mountains seems only fair, so check out this selection of ski boots to keep your feet warm and dry while off the slopes.

The North Face Abby IV Luxe Boot

This seriously high-performance boot comes from the outdoor wear specialists, The North Face. For a high cut boot that offers the highest level of protection from the elements, these are the ones to go for. A brown leather boot featuring a faux fur collar and tongue, their appearance from the outside tells nothing of the technologies used to make these boots so good for the mountains. The waterproof fill grain leather upper looks stunning, and the Primaloft Eco insulation keeps your feet and lower legs wrapped up snug and warm, with not a drop of water getting in. Even the sole of the boot uses TNF Winter Grip, which will go a long way in helping you navigate even the most challenging terrain on the mountain. For a versatile, high performance boot that looks just as good as it feels, the The North Face Abby IV Luxe Boot ticks all the boxes.

Sorel Women’s Medina Rain Heel Boot

For something stylish and elegant to wear after you have finished on the slopes, the Sorel Women’s Medina Rain Heel Boot is the perfect choice. They look incredible, completely worthy of being worn down a cat walk, and the rubber upper could easily be fooled for leather. The felt lining will keep your feet warm and dry while the fully vulcanised waterproof rubber upper material will repel all the snow and water you walk through. The 4 inch heel and 1 inch platform will raise you up a notch, and the deep tread on the rubber sole should keep you from slipping over, just remember to avoid those patches of ice!

Black Diamond Shiva 110 Ski Boot

Choosing a pair of ski boots can be tough, and the right fit is more important than the way it looks. While ski boots are hardly the most elegant footwear anyway, that does mean to say you cannot add some style to your ski gear. For any of you out there who would like a touch of pink on their ski boot, the Black Diamond Shiva 110 is a ski boot that looks as good as it performs. This boot has been designed specifically with women skiers in mind, and boasts and chic white design with buckles and decal in pink. They received the Skier’s Choice 2013 Award from Powder Magazine, because not only do they look great, but they are in their own right excellent boots for skiing in. This lightweight boot comes with a Power Fit Light boot liner, making it more comfortable, warmer, and a better fit than any of Black Diamonds previous ski boots.

Rossignol Electra Pro 110 Ski Boot

Another award-winning women’s ski boot which has been beautifully designed is the Rossignol Electra Pro 110 ski boot. Starting with the look before moving onto the performance, the Electra Pro 110 is a silver, red, and white boot which uses a transparent polyether shell giving it an authentic ice and snow look. No dark colours or brash decals here, and the addition of a white faux fur collar on the boot gives it a great feminine touch. The liner of the boot is a specific women foam fit, using Total Thinsulate technology, to ensure your feet are kept as warm and as comfortable as possible while inside the boot. The boot is nice and light, helping your to walk as normally as possible while wearing a ski boot, and the soles have great traction to stop you from slipping. All in all a fantastic ski boot for women who want a stunning combination of style and performance.

The post Stylish Skiing: Fashionable Footwear for the Slopes appeared first on Shoe Smitten.

Tomorrow, kick off your shoes for a cause!  For many, wearing shoes is a personal fashion statement. This Tuesday, April 16 is the one day when you can make a personal statement by NOT wearing shoes. Participate in the TOMS One Day Without Shoes event and encourage others to do the same to call attention to the health and educational needs of many children all over the world.

What Is One Day Without Shoes

TOMS One Day Without Shoes is a day to bring global awareness to children’s health and education by going without shoes.  HEALTH: Did you know that hookworm, a soil-transmitted parasite, affects 740 million people worldwide?  Hookworm can cause stunted growth, decreased cognitive development, anemia and chronic fatigue. TOMS is helping by giving de-worming medication along with shoes to children to prevent and treat this problem.  EDUCATION: In many developing countries, shoes and uniforms are a requirement for school.  TOMS gives partners like goods for good shoes, uniforms and educational support to help children stay in school.

How You Can Help

You might ask, how will going barefoot for a day help the cause?  Here’s what you can do:

1. Organize a group at school or your workplace. To create and join events in your area, download an event toolkit, and upload photos of your event, visit www.onedaywithoutshoes.com.
2. Go barefoot for an hour or the day, solicit donation sponsors for your ‘going barefoot’ and contribute your collected donations to a local charity of choice.
3. Buy a pair of TOMS shoes at www.toms.com.  For every pair of shoes purchased, a new pair of shoes is given to a child in need.  The new sustainable sustainable spring shoes are as colorful and stylish as they are philanthropic.

Learn more about how shoes can do more, and leave a comment below about how you are putting your bare foot forward!

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Win Free Louboutins

How would you like to own a pair of coveted red bottoms for free?!  In celebration of the launch of Shop It To Me Threads, the website, which acts as a personal shopping assistant for fashion lovers, is giving away a pair of Christian Louboutin heels.  The contest runs through tomorrow – Friday, April 12th – so be sure to enter now for your free Louboutins!

How To Enter The Louboutin Giveaway

Enter to win your own pair of Christian Louboutins in two simple steps:

1. Sign up for Shop It To Me Threads
2. Follow @ShopItToMe on Twitter, and tweet the following phrase: Enter to win #Louboutins c/o your free personal shopping assistant @ShopItToMe Threads! Just visit http://bit.ly/14RBh4T & RT 

Winner will be randomly selected on April 15th.  Good luck!!

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