Confessions of a Shoe-a-Holic

 Welcome back to Kat, the guest blogger who shared with 

in a previous post why she is team boot.
If you enjoyed her perspective and writing style in that post, 
 you'll absolutely love this one!

My name is Kat and I'm a shoe-a-holic. There really is no other way to put it, my obsession with shoes has reached the point where my wardrobe strains when I close it and my other half is scared to open the door in-case he’s attacked by a ballet pump avalanche. I have shoes in every color, style and shape; from sandals to sky high heels the list is endless. Today I had a look through my ever expanding collection and separated them into the shoes I wear and the ones I don’t. Only five pairs made it into my ‘everyday’ wear category whilst the ‘never worn but aren’t they pretty?’ pile needed its own room.  I know I’m not alone when it comes to hoarding pairs of shoes so I’ve decided to look at why I do it, is it just because I’m a sucker for well made heel or am I mentally preparing myself for any possible event that I may need footwear for? 

One of the main trends I discovered when raiding my shoe closet is novelty shoes. Point me towards a pair of shoes with a strawberry pattern or a cat face on the front and I will be handing over my bank card quicker than you can say ‘gimmick’. I do have my fair share of comfy shoes like my trusty Lotus Boots, but another common theme is the ankle crunching, blister inducing heel. I have skyscraper heels and towering wedges in almost every color yet when I do wear them I have to pack a spare pair of flats in my bag to inevitably change into after half an hour. 

I’ve decided that from now on my shoe purchasing will be a much more controlled affair, perhaps with stringent comfort and quality checks and multiple trips to the shoe shop. Ah who am I kidding, there’s a pair of 6 inch leopard print wedges with my name on them!

Kat is a full time writer, blogger who loves nothing more than being asked to write about her second passion in life, fashion (her first being shopping!). She is known for her love of Vivienne Westwood  and Lotus Shoes

Let's Get Intimate with Shoes: Lace and Lingerie

Have you ever noticed how shoes look, well, a bit like lingerie? With their lacy details and romantic elements, I can't help think that shoes are designed with romance in mind. Today bras and underwear are so beautiful looking, and that's why I love seeing all of their feminine designs. In fact, because I am such a hopeless romantic it's impossible not to "fall in love" with some of the pretty designs on both the shoes and lingerie that I come across.

If you were going to turn a shoe into lingerie, what would it look like? I think some designers have done a pretty great job at turning shoes into lovely pieces of lingerie, per-say. Here are a few lovely pictures that I think complement one another. You'll have to tell me if you feel the same way.

So let's get intimate with shoes, shall we?

via Austin Wedding Blog

I can understand why a bride would choose lacy pumps that lace up, because not only do they look gorgeous with a wedding gown, but they certainly compliment the lingerie underneath as well. If you think about it, lace-up shoes coincide with a corset, which also laces up. A corset is a beautiful piece of lingerie that is delicate yet beautiful and it just so happens to be worn by brides quite often for their wedding day. In fact, it's quite perfect for a bride to wear a corset underneath her bridal gown and lace-up heels. She's ready to get married to her prince charming and have a wonderful honeymoon.

via Pinterest

If you look close enough shoes often look like sweet underwear too. With their floral designs and comfy fit, shoes easily look like your favorite pair of underwear. I love how floral shoes remind me of spring time and also of all of the lovely lingerie that's available. If you're feeling really matchy matchy it's fun to match your shoes to your underwear and bra of the day! Maybe it's time to find a pair of sloggi maxi briefs like Carrie Bradshaw and add them to your floral underwear collection? I'm thinking this is exactly what I want to do. ;)

via Forever21

 via lov3

Besides a floral bra, lacy elements, pretty underwear, and matching floral shoes, there's also a little black dress, black lacy lingerie and matching lacy black shoes. Isn't it fun matching your under clothing to your shoes? With a little bit of creativity finding the perfect pair of romantic pumps and incorporating it with your lingerie can be fun. Whether you're a bride, mother, or a girl on-the-go, it's never too late to bring in some lace and lingerie into your wardrobe. I personally love matching my shoes to my under clothing, and I'm not ashamed to say it! Of course an outfit is not complete without the perfect pair of lacy shoes that match!

About the Author:

Paige One loves writing about fashion and beauty and offers services for many companies who love fashion and more.

Get The Kate Middleton Look: Nude Heels!

Every girl wants to be a princess,

but Kate snagged William!. 

So the best we can do is dress like one...

Today's guest blogger has share insights about her famous nude  heels! 

The one type of shoe that nearly every girl loves are high heels. Not only do they lengthen the leg and compliment most outfits, they provide a perfect opportunity for you to get seen. Heels are incredibly versatile and regardless of whether you team a LBD with a simple black high heel or go for something more flamboyant, they represent the ideal way to be noticed at the bar on a Saturday night.

One type of high heel which is incredibly in vogue at the moment, however, are nude high heels. A large part of the reason for this is their endorsement by Kate Middleton. It is easy to see why the shoe was so embraced by Prince William’s wife – even more so than other colors, nude heels they provide the illusion of a lengthened leg and their color makes them a perfect companion to an array of different outfits and styles.

Kate Middleton’s fondness for these high heel shoes have led to her wearing them for a large percentage of the time she is in public, leading some to speculate they are the only pair she owns (this is, of course, factually inaccurate). Whereas most royals operate on the principle that outfits should rarely been seen in public more than one time Kate has been, to use a term favored by the tabloids, “recycling her clothing”. This phrase, to you or I, simply translates to “Kate isn’t afraid to wear the same item of clothing more than once”.  Recent public events where Kate has worn her £185 ($285) LK Bennett heels have include two times during the diamond jubilee weekend, to Zara Phillips wedding, and a staggering, by royal standards, six times during her tour of Canada. The princess clearly loves her shoes and, why shouldn’t she? She manages to keep them stylish and classy and uses them as a perfect match for an array of formal styles.

 Fashionistas worldwide have attempted to replicate the English royal’s look and, to capitalize on this, LK Bennett have used the boost a princess’s endorsement has given their brands by launching a new issue of the famous show, the Sledge 2 Patent version. It is very rare in the fashion world that clothes worn by a member of royalty could be considered “cool” and even rarer still that the person to kick off the trend should be the royal herself so, in this instance, LK Bennett have received somewhat of a marketing and global branding coup.

Despite the price of the shoe being relatively low for someone who’s husband will one day take the throne of England, £200 ($310) is at the top end of the spending scale for those looking at high street prices. Thankfully, the subtle look of Kate’s shoes means it is possible to get very similar looking heels from chain stores at a much lower rate. Whilst they may not be designer branded, a pair of sophisticated nude heels can be bought and worn with outfits that are suitable for weddings and night clubs alike. It has rarely been easier to feel and look like a princess!

Kieron Casey is a UK based writer who blogs regularly on fashion and the latest trends in shoes and high heels.

Benefits of a Garra Rufa Fish foot spa

It's one thing to get a pedicure in the summer, 

But today's guest author Lisa is telling us about a different

spa foot treatment.  Sounds interesting... Let us know what you think!

Gaining Popularity

Garra Rufa fish therapy is considered to be one of the latest in exotic foot spa treatments. Spa owners are quickly realizing the benefits of this novel spa treatment and are taking advantage of the present demand by offering it to their clients. This somewhat unusual treatment utilizes the Garra Rufa fish, a bottom-feeding freshwater carp native to Turkey and the Middle East where it has been used for centuries in the treatment of skin conditions. Reports from those who have undertaken the procedure consider it amongst the best pedicure they have ever had. Spa clients immerse their feet in a warm water tank where a hundred or more tiny fish nibble away. It is a painless, albeit somewhat ticklish experience, as the little carp don’t bite; they have no teeth. They gently suck and lick your feet, eradicating dead skin cells softly and naturally. What you feel is a tingling sensation that imitates a stimulating, yet relaxing, foot massage, as the inch long fish run their little suction cup mouths over your tootsies. This method of foot spa therapy offers clients the additional advantage of an organic method of exfoliation.


Save A Doctor Visit

Customers can enjoy supple skin after this service, which results in skin that is primed for easier moisture absorption. In addition, the Garra Rufa fish benefits individuals that require help to promote blood circulation. Garra Rufa fish are not only utilized for their benefits in the foot area, but they are also recognised for their benefits on the whole body. Spas are now offering Garra Rufa fish therapy which treats the body as a whole. These incredible tiny carp also mico-massage the skin, as they work diligently to exfoliate all the areas that they can reach. Individuals who have minor scars can look forward to the fading of these imperfections as well as the lightening of older scars with every treatment session. Dermatologists often recommend Garra Rufu treatment to patients that suffer from psoriasis and eczema all over their body. These tiny fish aid in the almost immediate relief of these medical conditions and can greatly improve these skin conditions over a certain period of time. This treatment has gained extreme popularity in individuals that suffer from calluses, corns, and bunions on their feet. These conditions can results from ill-fitting shoes and working long hours. If you have small feet, prevent damage by looking at quality small shoes available online. In addition for those women who wear heels regularly, a Garra Rufa fish procedure can deliver soothing relief.

Soothing Relief

One of the biggest advantages of this unique therapy is the fact that it is a non-invasive skin detoxifier. It allows spa patrons the opportunity to experience a range of benefits without having to go “under the knife,” of having to hire a medical professional in order to find relief from certain skin conditions. Those that take advantage of Garra Rufa fish therapy enjoy smooth, clear, gorgeous skin, while having the opportunity to relax in their own personal soothing environment. Customers also enjoy the simple act of watching the fish hard at work. The Garra Rufa fish provide more than medical, topical, and dermatological benefits. They have the ability to bring a sense of rejuvenation and relaxation that brings any spa experience to the next level.

Lisa is a freelance health, beauty and fashion writer with over five years experience. She is currently writing on behalf of http://www.pretty-small-shoes.com hand made stylish small shoes for women

Affordable and Fabulous Wedding Shoes

The Glamorous High Heel

For the bride that wants to make a glamorous statement with their shoes, the high heel is a perfect choice. Grace by Bellissima Bridal Shoes offers a wonderful selection of high heel shoes at affordable prices. Many of their styles are under $60. Their collections are usually found in small bridal boutiques and online. White by Vera Wang will provide the bride with a more couture look in high heel fashion at a reasonable price. This collection is offered online and carried in David's Bridal stores, and styles will range in price from $50-$90.

The Ballet Flat

For the bride that wants comfort from her shoes on her wedding day, she may want to opt for the ballet flat. These shoes are a very soft bodied shoe with no heel. A bridal line of these shoes can be found in most bridal boutiques. One popular brand is the Footsy Roll, they're so soft they can be rolled into a ball and retail for only $24.95. Many brides also opt for this style as a reception shoe, providing some relief to their feet after wearing heels to the ceremony.

Flip-Flops

Perfect for the beach wedding, flip-flops provide the bride with both comfort and affordability. Most boutique bridal shops and chain bridal shops will carry a selection of flip-flops suitable for the wedding day. Again, many brides will also use the flip-flop as a reception shoe for both themselves and their bridesmaids.

Dyeables

Dyeables are a perfect choice for the bride that wants to add a splash of color to their attire or make their shoes reflect their "something blue". One of the most popular brands of dyeable shoes is Coloriffics, they offer a variety of styles suitable for both brides and bridesmaids. This collection is found primarily in boutique bridal shops, however they can also be found online. Coloriffics can range in price from $49 to $99. Many bridal boutiques will also do the actual dying of the shoe as well or they will recommend a shoe repair store that specializes in color matching.

Painted Wedding Shoes

One of the latest trends in wedding shoes is handpainted shoes. These shoes are custom made for each bride and can include various artwork that coordinated with the wedding theme. They may also contain the wedding date, location, or names of the bride and groom. While many would expect these shoes to be quite expensive, there are several sites on the internet that will offer these at more affordable prices. Painted wedding shoes can start at $69.

Comfort, style, and affordability are considerations for any bride. Many use their wedding shoes to reflect something about their personality, others use them as their "something blue", and others use them for a splash of color in their otherwise white ensemble. No matter what your taste or style is, there are many varieties of wedding shoe to choose from.

Alison Greene is a freelance writer and blogs for debtmanagement.org.uk where you can get help getting out from under debt through a debt management plan.

Clear the Path for Color Blocked Shoes

Color blocked is not only trendy, it's fun and fabulous!

If you feel like wearing a pair of jeans and a white tee,

I think color blocked shoes spice up the look! 

I happen to love this trend right now. It mixes colors

together beautifully and the patterns are delicious.

I never used to like different patterns and colors paired 

together, but now I'm crazy over it! 

So what do you think? 

Are you in love with the color blocked shoes 

to wear during this season and beyond?

I think color blocked shoes are fantastic if you need rescuing

from an outfit you're not sure what to do with.

Sometimes all I want to do is throw on a pair of jeans or a black skirt,

paired with a simple top, and be on my way.

Color blocked shoes bring the perfect pop of color and

style to any ensemble! 

I can't wait to get a pair of color blocked shoes soon.

5 Hot Shoe Trends for Spring 2012

Not only are we thankful it's Friday, we're thankful for our 

fantastic guest blogger Christina Lyttle!  She helps us kick off
the weekend looking at some hot shoe trends for Spring 2012! Enjoy!

Have you been saving carefully to invest in the lovely pair of shoes you saw on television? Before taking the plunge, acquaint yourself with the top trends in the category of footwear this 2012. This would be a wonderful guide to help you shop the trendiest shoes for the season. 

1.       Metallic-toed shoes - These are a reigning favorite that is expected to rule the racks the coming season.  Not only are such shoes highly durable, but also the wide array of designs they come in make them more fetching. Glamour and practicality are well combined in this trend out to beat everything else in 2012. 

2.       High and pointed - Bid goodbye to the rounded toes that had been doing the rounds in the past season. The pointed toes and high heels are here! Get shoes with pointed toes and flaunt your attitude as you strut in them. However, in this context you must remember that the shoes shall only go the pointed way, while the sandals and the booties will keep reigning, in the rounded toed avatars. 

3.       Odd but trendy - This is a reference to the super mega platform shoes that celebs have been donning of late. Are you bit bothered about how comfortable they would be? Well, for starters you must not be that skeptical. Since the fashion pundits have been considering the mega platforms as highly popular, there must be some reason for the same. 

4.       Texture trends - As far as the texture of the shoes are concerned, transparent and shiny is in this summer. Were you thinking of teaming up a transparent pair of shoes for the Cinderella effect? Then go on ahead and don it. 2012 welcomes designer variants of the vinyl shoes. Of course, a bit of bling works to advantage and the designers have added shiny tones to their shoe materials. Gold and silver have moved on from dresses to the footwear.

5.       Color trends - After you are decided on the style of the shoes you want to wear, you are sure to spare a thought for the colors that are in fashion, right? In the contemporary fashion market, shoes too have become daring over the years and you can find a plethora of options—from bright orange to electric blue. However, nude is giving such bright colors stiff competition as are the pastel shades in pale lime, aqua and rose.

Decide on your comfort and requirements. Once this is done, go over the trend list and fill up your shopping bags with the latest shoes this year. 

Christina Lyttle is a fashion expert with five years of experience under her belt. In her free time, she loves making different kinds of Halloween and themed party costumes. You can click here to buy baby halloween costumes made by her. She is also the owner of the wrinkle cream site, http://www.wrinklecreamreview.org/.