Happy 2nd Birthday Through the Sole!

Through the Sole was started on February 8, 2010, after its second year, I wanted to look back at the highlights. I have written about a wide array of topic, from the economy to shoes made of cheese.

This year, the number of readers of Through the Sole has greatly increased, spiking during the late April and early May posts about the shoes of the Royal Wedding. Through the Sole was one of the first sites to show pictures of Kate Middleton’s wedding shoes. Seeing my readers’ interest in the Princess of Wales, I continue to produce related content, such as Kate’s other shoe choices, the shoe choices of guests, such as Victoria Beckham, the shoe choices of other royal brides, and even her sister, Pippa’s shoe choices.

The shoes of celebrities have been a big draw to Through the Sole, with Lady Gaga’s shoes also being a popular read.

In the past year, I have expanded my review of shoes, focusing on being budget-friendly while still providing comfort and style. Thus, I have reviewed lines for Target and shoes from Lands End. I have also shared my finds from discounters, like T.J. Maxx and outlet stores.

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.

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?

Update: Blister free, comfy feet: Part 2: How to make high-heels more comfortable

Psst! My secret, I own two pairs of the same shoes.

In my post on how to make high-heel more comfortable, I forgot one of my best tips, buy heels about a half a size larger than you normally wear. This makes them a lot more comfortable to be in once your foot starts to swell as the day wears on. A good example is these Talbots low heeled sandals I own, see picture above. The black shoe on the right is a size 6. I wore them today, but couldn’t wait to take them off at lunch and the end of the day because the straps push into my feet. The silver shoe on the left is a 6.5. I will wear them to commute about a mile to and from work. The straps don’t dig in at all.

Blister free, comfy feet: Part 2: How to make the high-heels you already own more comfortable

Classic black pumps that I got for under $20 at the Talbot's Clearance outlet. Unfortunately after a couple hours in them, my feet hurt.

The other day I went out and wore what seemed like comfortable classic black pumps. Unfortunately, at the end of the night my feet were aching and I could not wait to kick my shoes off. Although I recently decided to shop for comfortable shoes, I can’t throw out the shoes I already own, so I decide to try to find out how to make the heel I already own more comfortable.

One way to make high-heels you own more comfortable is to rotate what shoes you wear. Try to wear a different styles different days and to alternate between high-heels and more comfortable flatter shoes (Kovalovich, n.d.).