Decorating with Shoes: Shoe Art and Motifs

Two of the best parts of loving shoes are shopping for them and wearing them, but sometime shoes are more of a general concept than a specific item, as in the case of shoe quotes. Thus, to reflect my personality, I have used shoes in the decorations of my room and wanted to share my choices with you.

 

I was shopping in Christmas Tree Shop when I found these shoe art canvases and thought they would be perfect for my room at school. They were inexpensive but have a fun vibe and I like how bright colors brighten up plain white walls.  

Giant Blow-up Shoes 2: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons 2011

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! One of my favorite traditions is getting up and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, especially the large balloons. Last year, I visited the balloon blow-up near Central Park and saw how large some of the shoes are. This, year I got the chance to visit again and see some new balloons.

I made sure to get good pictures of the shoes. Can you guess whose shoe it is?

Comfort or Style? I Found Both with Dr. Scholl's Metallic Flats

I have cute black flats, but unfortunately by the end of a long day, my feet hurt. Thus, I set out to find cute and comfy flats. Not just comfy, supportive. Previously, I talked about the dilemma of finding comfortable and stylish shoes.

After some time shopping, I was successful. I bought metallic Dr. Scholl’s flats from Famous Footwear for $31.99. The shoes are a pewter color in between silver and gold, so they go with everything and are on trend for the season. I also like with the metallic color that they can be both dressy and work friendly. They have a round metal buckle design in the front and are cut low, so you get a hint of toe cleavage.

Great Boot Shopping Deals at Marshalls

Recently, I decided to prepare for the upcoming wintery weather by searching for new boots. Luckily Marshalls provided tons of options at prices that could only considered deals. They had a wide selection from top designers. I walked out with short casual brown Michael Kors boots and grey slightly slouchy Unlisted boots. Ok, now I’ll let you in on a secret, they were from the kids department, but fit me perfectly.

Awesome and Stylish Aussie Dogs Boots

I recently received two pairs of Aussie Dogs brand boots and they may actually make me excited for the upcoming chilly weather. In general, the boots are comfortable, stylish, and seem to be warm. (Ithaca weather has been surprisingly mild so far and I can’t say I’m wishing for a cold front.)

I have two pairs, including a classic sheepskin-style black tall boot, which is from the Aussie Girl line and is completely man-made! As a vegetarian and an animal rights activist the availability of well-made, comfy, and stylish shoes without animal products is very exciting. The other pair is the La Croix style in cream. This boot is mid-height and made of sheepskin with a rubber sole. The boot has fur detail and fringe on the side.

Through the Sole in Words: A Wordle

What word is used the most in Through the Sole? Shoes!

In a class I am currently taking, the professor uses Wordle commonly, so I decided to make one of Through the Sole to show what words and topics come up frequently.

Shoes for a Cause: NFL Players to Wear Cleats to Commemorate September 11

Last year in honor of September 11, a day I will never forget, I wrote about wearing patriotic shoes in remembrance. Well, it seems some NFL players had a similar idea. They are going to wear patriotic cleats and gloves in remembrance.  

Blast from the Past: 18th Century Shoemaking at Colonial Williamsburg

The outside of the shoemaker's shop in Colonial Williamsburg.

I recently visited Colonial Williamsburg and found an exciting shop, the shoemaker. Although the styles and process was a bit different from today, shoes had a role in that society. In fact, The College of William and Mary was partially founded on revenue collected from a tariff on shoes (Colonial Williamsburg, n.d.)!

Shoemaking has taken place in America since at least 1610 when the first shoemakers came to Jamestown, VA, according to Colonial Williamsburg.  In 1661, the Virginia Legislature mandated that each county have a shoe manufacturer.

The shoemaker shop in Williamsburg is set up to be that of George Wilson from the 1760s-1770s. Wilson was known for making fine boots and shoes for gentlemen.  As a side note, shoemakers either made shoes for men or for women, according to Colonial Williamsburg.

Cute, Comfy, and Classic Ballet Flats from Lands’ End

Even though its summer and time for flip-flops and sandals, sometime you want ballet flats, even if it’s just to hide an old pedicure.

Unfortunately, while a lot of flat shoes seem sensible and good for your feet, they often lack support, leading to fallen arches and foot pain (Vansickle, n.d.).

Thus, I ordered Lands’ End’s Emma Classic Ballet Shoes because promise arch support and cushioning. They are now selling for only $15.19 and come in summery colors like silver, light red, and yellow.

Cheap Summer Fun! Miss Trish of Capri for Target Summer 2011 Collection

If you want fun and cute summer shoes, check out Miss Trish of Capri Summer 2011 collection for Target. After popular previous collaborations, this collection of wedges, sandals, and dressy flip-flops is playful, well-designed and comfortable.

The materials are cheaper than the regular designs but come a sharp discount. The designer’s shoes can be upwards of $300 while the Target collection tops out at $30. This is much cheaper than even when you find Miss Trish shoes in discounters, such as Daffy’s.

 I happened to check out my local Target and found them on clearance for 50 percent off. I purchased a pair of green wedges with flowers for $15 and my mom purchased blue flowered flip-flops for $10. The selection of styles was limited but there were many sizes available. Online more styles are available but they have not yet been marked down.

Cheesy! Shoes Made of Melted Cheese

"Jimmy Cheese" shoes made of melted cheddar cheese.

You’ve heard of Lady Gaga’s meat shoes and dress. Inspired by the singer, a group of fashion and textile students at Bath Spa University in England, have made dresses and shoes out of one ton of melted cheddar cheese.   

The whole collection includes two dresses, “Jimmy Cheese” shoes, and a handbag.

Giant Boot Alert: L.L. Bean Flagship Store

Outside the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine you will find a 16 foot replica of their famous hunting boot.

The store is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The store is part of a complex with other L.L. Bean stores, such as Home, Bike, Boat & Ski, and Hunting and Fishing. About a block away you’ll find an outlet. The flagship store includes a trout pond and a coffee shop. You can also take L.L. Bean excursions, such as kayaking.

On the main floor you will find a wide selection of men’s shoes, mainly hiking boots and sports sandals. The woman’s selection is upstairs and includes mostly L.L. Bean shoes with a few other brands, like Born and Keen, mixed in. A great idea was that they had steep rock stairs and a slope for you to test the shoes on.

Royal Wedding: Pippa Middleton’s Shoe Choices

After the Royal Wedding, Pippa Middleton has caught the world’s attention, especially after stepping out in a stunning cowl neck Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress at Kate’s wedding. The unmarried Pippa is becoming a style icon like her sister and her shoe choices complement her sense of fashion.

At the Royal Wedding ceremony, Pippa wore white pumps under her dress, although the exact designer and style is unknown. You can catch a glimpse in the below picture. The Official Royal Wedding site does not specify who made her shoes. It says that the bridesmaid’s shoes were made by Rainbow Club, a shoe company based in Devon. It describes them as “classic Mary Jane style shoes are made from satin and finished with a Swarovski crystal buckle.” The pictures suggest Pippa did not wear these same shoes, just like her dress was different than those of the young attendants.

Shoes for Spring: What to Wear When it Rains

My inclement weather collection.

In Ithaca, it seems like it’s been raining for weeks without end. To survive I have a collection of cute, waterproof, and comfy shoes to stay stylish and dry.  Although rain boots, or wellies, are traditional and I have owned many pairs, sometimes I want something different. Also, when it starts getting warmer I find rain boots sweaty and hot.

In general, from rainy days you should wear a study and waterproof material like rubber, pleather, treated leather shoes. Save suede and light colored fabrics from sunny days.

My Collection:

Rain Boots:

For early spring and major storms, nothing beats rain boots. They keep your feet and the bottom of your pants dry, so you can splash in puddles and run through mud. Especially if you’re not wearing them to work, go crazy with color to make a dreary day more fun. My current pair is the above black and white check from the Talbots Clearance Outlet, but I have had bright pink plaid and sunflowers.

The Other Royal Wedding Shoes: Princess Diana, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.

All eyes have been on the historic wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. (This blog has received more hits than ever before. A big thank you!) Although the wedding broke some traditions and Kate was a commoner, there have been other royal weddings and other wedding shoes with pictures readily available! 

Princess Diana

Princess Diana wore embellished white slippers on her wedding day. They were made by Clive Shilton of embroidered ivory silk and detailed with mother of pearl sequins. There were heart shapes at the front and the soles were made of hand-tooled leather (mspmint, 2010). The heels were low so Diana at 5’ 10” wouldn’t be taller than Prince Charles (I Do Weddings, 2011). The heels were trimmed in 24 carat gold (Diana, Princess of Wales, 2010). A spare pare was made in case of an emergency (mspmint).

Royal Wedding: The Sky-high Heels of Victoria Beckham

All eyes were first on Kate Middleton as she wed her prince, but with a crowd of the famous and fashionable in attendance one couldn’t help but glance at their outfits.

Victoria Beckham, the former Spice Girl, Posh,  showed up in navy from hat to shoes. Her outfit has been no stranger to controversy.

Liz Jones of the Daily Mail said, “The effect was more suitable for a funeral than a wedding.”

Royal Fashion: Kate Middleton’s Shoe Choices

All eyes are on Kate Middleton, or as I should probably Princess Catherine’s, fashion choices now. Even before she was so famous, she has shown a great sense of classic fashion. Not surprisingly, she has also had some great shoe choices.

The day after her wedding, Kate stepped out in on trend rope-bottom wedges. Wedges are everywhere for spring, especially with rope bottoms. For Kate, the shoes add a pop of spring and lend a slightly more casual air to her outfit. According to whatkatewore.com, the wedges are LK Bennett Greta Wedges. They are not from this season, so finding your own pair will be difficult.  

The Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton’s Wedding Shoes

Today, all eyes were on Kate Middleton as she fulfilled every little girl’s fantasy of marrying a prince. Today was also the big wedding dress reveal. Kate made a stunning choice of classic white dress with lace by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. The dress is classic and timeless.

You may not have seem them under her long train, but I couldn’t help but wonder what shoes she wore.  The shoes were handmade at Alexander McQueen of ivory satin and hand-embroidered at Royal School of Needlework, according to the Royal Wedding website. I have had trouble finding pictures, but a very helpful reader sent in the below picture from an Australian magazine. A big thank you!

Shoe Shopping: T.J. Maxx and Talbots

My recent shoe buys from T.J. Maxx and Talbots

I recently got the chance to do some shoe shopping for spring and I want to share my purchases.

At the Talbots clearance outlet, I picked up peep-toed black pumps. They have small round silver studs all around the opening. They are made of leather and have a crocodile-like texture. The heel is thicker, which I find makes them sturdier and more comfortable. They were on sale, so I paid around $25, which seemed like a great deal. I find the Talbot’s clearance outlet a great place to get classic comfortable high-heels. Have you ever shopped for shoes there?

Shoe Statistics: How normal are your shoe habits?

Statistics may not have been your favorite class in school, but I found some fun statistics to test how normal your shoe habits are.

For example, in my college dorm room I have around 30 pairs of shoes at last count. How common is that?

Most Americans own on average 11 pairs of shoes, according to Eneslow, The Foot Comfort Center.  Forty-four percent of the 1,000 Americans over 18 own only one to five pairs. Twenty-eight percent own six to 10 pairs, 17 percent own 11 to 20 pairs, and 11 percent own over 21 pairs. The study was conducted by Kelton Research. 

Update: Lady Gaga Shoes Sell Out: Celebrities and Shoes: The Wacky and Inspiring Shoe Choices of Lady Gaga

Despite being wacky and difficult to walk in, replicas of Lady Gaga’s heel-less shoes have sold out.

 Noritaka Tatehana, a Japanese designer, created the original shoes. He became famous as fans clamored to get their hands on a pair. However, the $2,500 to $4,800 price tag was too expensive for most (CocoPerez, April 2011 and Lomrantz, April 2011).

Update: “If the shoe fits, they’ll copy it:” Copyright and Fashion

(Quote from Christopher Muther)

Finding budget-friendly versions of the runway clothing may soon become more difficult, if a new bill to copyright fashion is passed.

The Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act will give designers exclusive rights to unique clothing, shoes, and accessories. The bar to qualify for protection is high to prevent frivolous lawsuits, but still provides added defense against knock-offs.

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced legislation in August that would provide copyright protection to fashion designers. The bill will likely pass by mid-2011.

Happy 1st Birthday Through the Sole!

Through the Sole was started in February 2010, so at its 1 year anniversary, I wanted to look back at how this blog has changed over the past year.

When Through the Sole was founded it was for a class I was taking as an undergraduate at Cornell University. When my class ended, I decide to restart the blog and make it more personal. Since then I have added pictures and videos to make the content more engaging. I have also covered events, such as the Washington, DC High-Heel Race and the Rally to Restore Sanity. I have also tried to make the posts useful and interesting, including tips on how to buy comfortable shoes.

Budget Fashionistas Celebrate! Dolce Vita Spring 2011 Collection for Target

Dolce Vita for Target Fall 2010 Boots that I bought for $9.

Target is again bringing designer fashion to the masses. After successful collaborations with designers, such as Rodarte and Zac Posen, Target now offers a collection of Dolce Vita wedges and sandals based on the brand’s spring 2011 collection. The partnership follows a widely talked about Dolce Vita for Target fall 2010 boot and flat collection. (See my short buckle boots above. For the whole collection, check out Nitrolicious)

Dolce Vita, which means “good life,” is known for stylish and flirty shoes and clothing. The Target collection recreates this vibe with styles similar to the brand’s spring 2011 offerings. The selection is limited and less fashion-forward. No platform sandals will be found in Target.

Skating Through Winter: A Guide to Ice Skates: Part 3: How to Tie Ice Skates

Tying my skates

Now that you learned how to buy ice skates its time to lace them properly to avoid injuries.

How to Tie Ice Skates:

Proper lacing of ice skates takes time at the beginning, usually 15 to 20 minutes, but with a little practice you will get much quicker.

Please note: These instructions are based on figure-type skates with laces and hooks.

To tie you ice skates sit on a bench or chair where you feet easily touch the ground. Make sure the ground has rubber mats or that you are using guards to protect you blades.

Skating Through Winter: A Guide to Ice Skates: Part 2: How to Buy Ice Skates

Hope you enjoyed my discussion of the history of ice skates and are ready for part 2

How to Buy Ice Skates:

Although not everyone is a competitive figure skater or hockey player, you need proper ice skates to prevent injuries.

Ideally to buy an ice skate you should go to a store that specializes in ice skates and has a sales representative who can fit your feet and abilities. Even beginner skates typically cost at least $150. Although many department and discount stores offer cheaper options, without an experienced sales person you are less likely to find skates that will properly fit. A cheaper option is to buy used boots and blades (USFSA, n.d.).

Skating Through Winter: A Guide to Ice Skates: Part 1: The History of Ice Skates

My Klingbeil ice skates.

Happy Belated Groundhog Day! Although, spring will be early this year, there is still winter weather to contend with. One of my favorite winter activities is ice skating, so I decide to share some information about the special shoes known as ice skates. This will be a series of posts.

Some personal background, I am a figure skater and have been skating for over ten years.

History:

Ice skates have been around for the past 5000 years (Bellis, n.d.). They were invented in Finland as a means of traveling in the cold winter months (Lovgren, 2008). The oldest pair of ice skates was found in the bottom of a Swedish lake and date back to 3000 BCE. These skates were made from the legs of animals. Holes were cut into the bones so leather straps could be used to tie them to one’s feet, see image below (Bellis). The bones were shaved flat on the bottom and skaters used ski-pole like sticks with sharp points to grab the ice (SkateNY, 2007).

Shoes for Winter Weather: My Boot Collection

My winter boot collection at college.

This winter Mother Nature is giving the Eastern United States the worst of winter to deal with—blizzards and subfreezing temperatures. Choosing the right footwear in winter is an important task. Having cold wet feet or slipping because your shoes lack traction are some of the consequences of poor footwear choices. I am pulling on my own experiences as a college student in the winter wonderland known as upstate New York’s Finger Lakes, and research to help you have the appropriate footwear.