Gladiator Sandals - Latest California Shoe Trend

Whenever I'm in California (I split my time between CA and UT), I always pay attention to the latest shoe trends. Not only is it fun to see what type of shoes people are wearing, but it's fun to scout out the current trends and fashion statements! When I was out and about on 2nd Street in Long Beach the other night (and many nights after), I saw gladiator sandals left and right. Many girls were wearing them with shorts, dresses, and even leggings. Apparently they are the latest fashion statement for beach wear! I can understand why though. They're super comfy and adorable looking.

I admit I myself don't own a pair of gladiator sandals, but now I want to! Sandals in general are super comfy and gladiator sandals seem to be perfect because they add the perfect amount of edge to any style. They also are very boho chic and remind me of films like The Gladiator (ha ha), and films about Cleopatra. It's fun to see how history comes around again (via the Romans), and it's fun to see the trends reflected through fashion. Here are some gladiator sandals that are calling my name:

Anything that's tie dyed and blue is exactly what I love. These gladiator sandals look perfect for the beach. I can imagine wearing them with a beach maxi dress stat. What do you think? They also look very comfy and the top design is creative. I love the way the fabric twists and besides, these shoes are just very cute!

 

These Mud gladiator sandals are also very cute; I especially like the jewels on top! Since they are neutral they're great to wear during a number of occasions and they will go great with a variety of outfits. I would definitely wear this pair of sandals with a favorite pair of shorts or with a empire waist dress.

I love florals so naturally these gladiator sandals are lovely. Plus, with the sequins they look rather sweet! I might be annoyed tying them up occasionally, but with their sweet styling I think I can cope. ;) These gladiator shoes have the perfect combination of sassy and sweet!

Chinese Laundry sandals that are clear?! Yes please! I can only imagine that these sandals are extremely comfy and not to mention, jelly sandals are always so easy to clean! These are a great pair of sandals that I would love to add to my summer shoe collection.

So what do you think of gladiator sandals? I used to not like them, but now I have a new appreciation for them! Plus, since they seem to be trendy in CA, just maybe I'll cave and buy myself a pair. They'll look fabulous and will go with many of my outfits too!

Meet Poetic Licence Shoes

About a month ago I was shopping with my mom and I came across some gorgeous shoes. These shoes weren't just any shoes, they were beautiful in every single way. They were sparkly, artsy, and extremely poetic. Their style certainly matched their name, Poetic Licence. And yes, the "c" in Licence is correct (they are based in London).

I love these shoes because their details are exquisite and the shoes are just so artsy. Art breathed into shoes creates something truly incredible and lovely. I think these shoes are no exception. Take a look at the pumps I snapped a picture of below and tell me you don't see the same thing I do - that these shoes are simply breathtaking.

Now, the image above is mine, but I'd like to introduce you to some other shoes by Poetic Licence that I came across on the internet and I also think are stunning. You'll have to let me know what you think about all of these gorgeous shoes.

I think these shoes are very retro looking with their bow and beautiful design. Plus - you don't see the color green every day either. I would love to wear these pumps. They are so sweet and would look beautiful with a black dress or even a sweet coral dress.

These pumps are also very unique looking. Even though this isn't my favorite pair, I like how different they are. Their shoes are definitely different looking, which I think sets them a part from other shoe brands. The flower and the pop of orange is just too much fun - this would be a great pair of pumps to wear. They would brighten up a fun outfit during the summer time!

 

I think this pump looks like candy. Matter of fact, it reminds me of the board game "Candy Land." Ever played it? It's fun. But anyway, with the fun orange and pink color - these shoes would be fun to wear with a spring time staple! These shoes make me excited for summer to truly be here.

Poetic Licence also offers sandals and flats, which are equally beautiful. I love this shoe above because it has the perfect amount of detail, and it definitely marries vintage with modern. Just look at the beautiful colors and the cute embellishment - I'm about ready to take these shoes home with me right now!

I look forward to seeing what else Poetic Lincence has to offer. They certainly have gotten my attention with their stunning shoe designs. Expect for me to own a pair of these shoes soon and when I do I will definitely be blogging about it! :)

New Logo!

Hey all -- We've got a new logo!  We've launched it on our website and we'll be including it on the blog header and in our banners soon.  Tell us what you think!

Current Shoe Lust

I've been lusting after shoes. Not just any shoes. These shoes:

These beauties are ASICS. They're designed for ultimate speed and comfort. Recently I've been running (as long as my tendonitis doesn't act up), and when I realized I needed a new pair of running shoes, I hopped online and saw these. I love them. They're bright, bold, and colorful. They would be amazing running shoes. I think I would wear them when I'm out walking about too.

So what do you think? Are you lusting after these shoes too or are they too bright and colorful for you?

Find these amazing running shoes on the ASICS website: GEL-Noosa Tri 7

Perfectly Printed Pumps

Lately I've been seeing a lot of printed pumps arise for spring fashion trends, and I'm not just talking about floral pumps that we saw last season. This season I'm seeing a ton of printed pumps like polka dots, zig zags, lines, different colors with unique designs, and more. Since I'm seeing a lot of printed pumps I thought I'd get your take on this trend.

It might seem rather bold, but the reality is that this is a great trend if you love to wear the basics - such as black and white. Putting on a pair of printed pumps that have bold graphic patterns will become a focal point to your outfit. You may not want your shirt and jeans to stand out, but why not your feet?

I love how patterned shoes have so much personality. They are bold, playful, and like I mentioned before, they also become an instant focal point. Printed shoes will go nicely with an outfit that needs extra color as well. Can't you just picture wearing a red frock with red printed shoes? The pumps will look fabulous with polka dots or a leaf design and will instantly make the outfit come alive!

Besides printed pumps, there are also flats and more to consider. If heels aren't your shoe of choice there's fun and fabulous oxfords and flats that will also look amazing with a fashionable ensemble too. Plus flats might be a bit more comfortable to wear if you plan on being on your feet for a long period of time.

So what do you think of all of these prints? I think I'd like a few printed pumps or flats, but I'd only incorporate them into my outfits sparingly. They are beautiful and bold though and I can't wait to see more printed shoes revealed as they continue to come out in the near future!

The Health Benefits of Wearing Five Finger Shoes

Ever since my brother invested in his Five Finger Shoes I've found myself entranced with looking at his feet, wondering how they feel and wondering if I should get myself a pair. He wears them to the gym all of the time and tells me that he finds them so comfortable! I've never been a fan of the socks that have the separate "fingers" that separate my toes because it feels so odd, but maybe the Five Finger Shoes have a special way of making my feet feel at home.

If The Shoe Doesn't Fit actually has quite a few available that are up for auction and I am loving all of the different colors! Go ahead and click on the picture - it will send you straight to the live auction!

Now that you've seen a glimpse of all of the Vibram Five Fingers available, let's talk about health benefits of wearing these shoes. According to the site their are five reasons to invest in these shoes:

1. It strengthens your muscles in your feet and lower legs. By strengthening your muscles in your feet and legs, it improves your foot health and prevents injury!
2. Wearing these shoes also improves your range of motion in your ankles, feet, and toes. You don't have to worry about your feet being restricted because you are free to move around your toes.
3. They also stimulate neural function that is important for your balance and agility. A good fact to know is that your neurological receptors send your feet messages from the brain. In turn this improves your agility and balance.
4. Because your heel is not lifted, your body weight becomes evenly distributed. This results in proper foot alignment and a happy spine because your spine now has better alignment due to these finger shoes.
5. Overall you can move your feet, which allows your body to feel more natural, which is fantastic!

The health benefits for the Five Finger Shoes are pretty remarkable, and did you know that you can even run in these shoes? However, they have recommended shoes that are made specifically for running, so be sure to check them out on their website.

At this point in time I'm pretty much sold on these shoes. I love their style and the vibrant colors such as green and hot pink are awesome! If my brother thinks they are comfortable I think they would be too. Plus - you don't have to wear socks. I think that would be nice for a change. Excuse me while I head to a store to try on these shoes. After that I might just have to buy a pair on ITSDF's website!

Shoe Predicament - What Shoes to Wear in Las Vegas

Please help me shoe lovers, I have a bit of a predicament. I have the hardest time figuring out just the right pair of shoes to wear in Las Vegas. In about a week I am headed to Las Vegas with my boyfriend and I purchased a pair of flats that I like, but the problem is I never know if they are going to cause blisters or not because I never walk in them for the same long length of time that I walk while in Las Vegas, which is at least a few hours or more! When I'm in Las Vegas we walk a lot because it is the most practical way to get around the strip while gazing at the hotels and catching a few shows!

So I need your advice. What kind of shoes do you like to wear when you know you will be walking for a long distance but you want to remain fashionable at the same time? Do you wear flip flops, lace up shoes, heels, or flats? Right now I'm going to give my flats a shot but I'm also just considering my flip flops as well. Heels would be amazing but if I'm being honest there is no way I could get away with wearing heels when I'm walking on the strip. My feet would hurt way too much! I give the girls that can pull heels off on the strip major points because after a while I would either cry or walk bare foot, ha ha, which would be just gross.

Last year I wore a pair of Coach lace up shoes that were very comfortable, but my feet got hot and I actually got a few blisters too! For some reason my feet are very sensitive and I get blisters easily, which is why I am very particular in regards to what shoes I end up wearing when I know I will be walking for long lengths of time.

The pair of flats that I purchased are similar to the Vince Camuto flats you see below, with a jewel that embellishes the toe of the shoe. I'm thinking of wearing these flats because they will go with a lot of my outfits and still look cute with a dress. That's another consideration - most of my outfits are casual dresses, so a pair of lace up shoes don't go with my dresses. If I go with flats or flip flops they would go with my skirts and dresses, which makes sense for me fashion speaking.

However, when does comfort and foot care out rule fashion? If I really wanted to have comfortable and supportive shoes I would wear my Asics, but Asics don't go with my dresses now do they?! So this is my constant source of frustration. I want to wear something cute, comfortable, and something that will go with all of my outfits so that I don't have to bring multiple shoes. Just having one or two pairs to switch up would be perfect.

So I can't wait to hear about what you wear while traveling if you like to wear dresses like me. I just bought a pair of shorts (it was a stretch for me) because I needed to broaden my horizons this summer. The good news is that my legs will be cooler; the bad news is that I'm not so much a fan of shorts. But with my new flowy LOVE top I hopefully can pull it off. ;)

Keep in mind that Las Vegas is extremely hot this season (well usually every season for that matter,) so that is another reason to go with open toed shoes and my new jeweled flats are not open toed. Flip flops are. But - flip flops are not as supportive on your feet. I usually wear my flip flops with an outfit like you see above. See what I mean?! I have a predicament! Please give me the best shoe advice because I certainly need it! Thanks in advance.

Jessica Simpson's Fashion Empire, Starring Her Shoes

 

Happy Friday! So I have a question. What do you think about these shoes? Do you know who the designer is? It is none other than Jessica Simpson! I absolutely love Jessica Simpson shoes. Fresh out of college, I worked as a coordinator in a Residential Management Company, and I wore a pointy gold pair of heels by Jessica Simpson. I wore them the entire year I worked there until they were worn out! Since they were my first "official" pair of work pumps, I saved them. Yes, I get sentimental about my shoes. However, I also am still sentimental about them because I happen to love Jessica Simpson. 

Yes, laugh if you want, but ever since I was a young teenager, I listened to Jessica Simpson's first album and first hit: "I Wanna Love You Forever." She is the only singer/actress/designer that I have truly kept up to date on all of her news. I admit, through the years Jessica Simpson has gone through her good times and bad (ie The Newlyweds and the demise of her marriage to Nick Lachey,) but she's always come out strong. New York Fashion cites that Jessica Simpson's fashion empire is worth one billion dollars. WOW! That's proof right there that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Her music and movies may have not won the crowd over, but her fashion line certainly did. My favorite part of her fashion line? You guessed. it...the shoes. Let's take a look at a few other pairs I am currently lusting over.

So all of the shoe pictures you see above are just some of her shoes. Out of all of the designer shoes I own, Jessica Simpson's shoe line are close to being my favorite, because they are affordable, comfortable, and her style is just amazing. The girl has major fashion sense!

I have a goal for the If The Shoe Doesn't Fit sellers though. They need to post some Jessica Simpson shoes for auction, and pronto! Do you know of anyone who is looking to get rid of some Jessica Simpson shoes? Because I'd be happy to take the many many shoes off of their shoe plate! ;) Shoes can always help rescue a woman in need and in this case, they certainly have rescued Jessica Simpson.

Initial Thoughts

Shoes. While they’re undoubtedly a necessity, they’re also the subject of many a splurge, the talk of countless conversations among girlfriends, sometimes the reason given for an outstanding athletic performance. They’re made to protect feet but also to decorate them.

People of all walks love them and for lots of reasons. They’ve been embedded into popular culture. There are entire movies based around them: The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, The Devil Wears Prada, The Christmas Shoes, and In Her Shoes. Musicians have been writing and singing songs about them for years: Elvis had his Blue Suede Shoes and The Beatles had an Old Brown Shoe, KC and the Sunshine Band had Boogie Shoes, Nelly had an outright obsession with his Air Force Ones, and Nancy Sinatra had a one wicked pair of boots.

Walk a mile in my shoes, wouldn’t want to be in his shoes, goody two shoes, who’s going to fill their shoes… there are lots of sayings we use about shoes; in fact, shoes have infiltrated the way we talk. If someone said, “I would kill for some Jimmy Choo’s” or “Check out my new Nike’s” most people would know exactly what they’re talking about.

Bowling, ballet, baseball, skiing, skating running, climbing, hiking, the beach, the bath, the bedroom; for the work room, for the weekend… each sport we do, each place we go, a person needs a different pair of shoes for every little thing they do. It’s no wonder there is such an obsession with shoes!

And while everyone needs them, some of us want them just a little bit more. Some people want 100 pair; 300 pair, 1000 pair! We want shoes in leopard print and purple patterns and every imaginable height heel. We want shoes for $1.00 but we'd pay $1000 and eat less (it makes the shoes look better anyway). We want vintage as well as new and special releases. We want to bronze them (it started when we were very young...), and we want to display them like art. We want the funky, the freaky, the fabulous. We wear odd sizes, or average sizes, it doesn't matter. Our boyfriends and husbands think we're crazy, our girlfriends think we're goddesses. What can I say, some us were born to be shoe addicts, and we've learned to live with it.

Take a breath… all you Carrie Bradshaws of the world, there is now a place to connect shoe lovers everywhere.  If The Shoe Doesn't Fit, is an auction site for shoe lovers.  A place to sell, swap or shop for shoes and shoe accessories, and this is the site's blog, dedicated to connecting all those people, whose lives are touched by shoes, in some way, for whatever reason. 

I hope you'll join me, and our contributing bloggers in a conversation as we chat about shoes, life, and everything in between. 

(Note -- portions of this post were originally posted on Speaker In Heels)