Shoes for the other gender, Picking men's shoes

On Through the Sole, I rarely mention men's shoes, not having much experience. Also, men, like Michael Bloomberg who only owned 2 pairs of dress shoes, tend to stick to basics.

Men's online store Bonobos, did a fall challenge to style their Fall 2014 suits. Sticking to Through the Sole's theme, I decided to pair them with their shoes. 

Image courtesy of  Bonobos

The first suit the grabbed my attention because of the plaid pattern. With a suit like that I feel you can go two directions, simple to let the suit shine, or a bit more style to seem fashion forward.

These shoes would give you the simplicity, with a little bit of style from the trim on the shoes.

These would give you style, especially if your shirt and tie are in the same color family.

Driving in high heels: fashion over safety?

The other day I decided to get back to wearing heels, jumped into my car and drove to work. In my quest for fashion, was I bypassing safety?

According to AOL Autos, I wasn't alone. Up to 40 percent of women wear heels behind the wheel, according to a study of UK women. Experts say heels prevent a good feel of the pedals, making it harder to react quickly. While woman have been wearing heels for years, the recent sky-height heights and platforms are exasperating the problem.

And law makers are starting to take notice. According to the local, France's Supreme Court ruled that driving in heels violates the country's highway code. The case they ruled on was whether a woman who was driving in heels when she was injured in a car crash deserved insurance money. The court found that insurance was not liable due to her wearing heels.

Shoe clothing: when wearing one shoe isn't enough

Today, I decided that wearing my trusty Crocs flats for the rain wasn't enough shoes. Instead, I wore dozens of shoes on a print t-shirt from Uniqlo.

Uniqlo is one of my favorite stores for basics, technology sophisticated clothes, and fun designer collaborations. This time one of those collaborations, SPRZ, includes shoe prints.

Here is what I wore today:

Shirt: Uniqlo, Belt: Betsey Johnson, Skirt: Costco, Shoes: Crocs

I took the MoMa Special Edition WOMEN SPRZ NY SHORT SLEEVE T-SHIRT (MATTHEW BRANNON) shirt from Uniqlo, which I got on sale for half price, $10, belted it to give it more shape and put it over a black pencil skirt. The shirt is over-sized, so the belting and the slim skirt define my body. I also like that it looks peplum -like.

 For shoes, I matched the skirt and belt with black Crocs flats that are comfy and water-proof for today's rain. 

The black skirt and accessories keep the focus on the fun print.

The future is almost here! Self-lacing sneakers to be released.

This USA Today video shows the self-lacing sneakers from Back to the Future  II.

Nike is set to unveil self-lacing sneakers like those from the movie, Back to the Future II, according to sneaker blog, Sole Collector. 

Through the Sole shared back in 2010, that inventor Blake Bevin created shoes that laced with the push of a button. These were also inspired by the Michael J. Fox movie, but designed to help those who have trouble lacing shoes.

Athletic company, Nike, is set to release the sneakers in 2015, when they appeared in the future of the movie. Last year, Nike released the the fictional high-top sneakers last year and auctioned them off on eBay to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The sneakers brought in $6 million, according to Sole Collector. No word yet on if the new self-lacing sneakers will look like those from the movie.

Happy (Belated) 4th Birthday Through the Sole!

Through the Sole was founded on February 8, 2010. I wanted to take this opportunity to look back on the highlights of this year: 

• 100 Posts: This post is now the 115. 
• Through the Sole joined Instagram, a new way to interact with followers 
• Looking back at Superstorm Sandy 1 year later
• The Giant Ballet Slippers of Saratoga Springs, NY
• Continuing to provide great shoe advice, like what inserts to wear, and to share the shoes I buy, like these high heels

Here are the top 5 most viewed posts this year. No surprise, Lady Gaga and Kate Middleton made the list, along with how to decorate with shoes.

1. Prabal Gurung for Target: Nice Design; Sometimes Poor Execution Part 1
2. Even More Ways to Decorate with Shoe Art
3. Prabal Gurung for Target: Nice Design; Sometimes Poor Execution Part 2
4. Shoes for the Royal Baby: Part 2
5. Lady Gaga Returns in Platform Booties