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.

Controversial Shoes: The Susan G. Komen Off and On Funding of Planned Parenthood

Sneaker by New Balance that helps to fund raise for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation

Shoes can be used to support a cause or charity, but you want to make sure that the money is going to a worthy organization.

Recently Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, which is the nation's premier breast-cancer advocacy group, came under fire when it decided to stop sending funds to Planned Parenthood because it was under Congressional investigation, a violation of rules Komen recently enacted. The decision was overturned yesterday, but the legacy of outrage and controversy remains.

Planned Parenthood provides a broad range of health services, including abortion, to women who often would not be able to pay for the services. The funding was to be used for cancer screenings, according to the NY Times and The Washington Post.

Many shoe companies and stores have partnered with Komen to raise money for breast cancer. Sneaker brand, New Balance, has partnered with Komen since 1989. They have guaranteed a minimum donation of $500,000 a year through this year. Other previous partners include Payless Shoes, which in September and October of 2011 rose over $4 million through special earrings. Hunter Boots , The Brown Shoe Company, and shoes.com have also partnered with Komen to raise funds.

Can Shoe Color be Trademarked? The Signature Christian Louboutin Red Sole

Christian Louboutin shoes are known around the world for their signature scarlet red soles. They've been seen on celebrities, such as Victoria Beckham at the Royal Wedding, and on popular TV shows, like Sex and the City. However, can one company monopolize this popular color?

I’ve discussed a proposed law to copyright fashion designs, but can color be seen as distinct? 

 Christian Louboutin and Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) have been locked in a legal battle since April 2011 over the use of the color red, specifically on the soles on shoes. Louboutin has been using red soles since 1992 when the designer saw an assistant painting her nails red, according to the Telegraph. In its 2011 resort collection, YSL included four shoes that were completely red, including the sole. However, the exact shade of red is different from that which Louboutin uses, according to the Telegraph. When Louboutin saw the shoes, he sued alleging that the shoes were virtually identical. Louboutin sought an injunction on the sale of the shoes and damages of at least $1 million.

The High Heel Index: Does Heel Height Predict the Economy?

We’ve talked about how Michelle Obama fashion choices can influence stock prices, but are high heel heights correlated to the well-being of the economy?

Researchers at I.B.M. used social media to determine that high heel heights are dropping. In fact, the median high of heels mentioned in 2009 was seven inches and fell to two inches in 2011. I.B.M. believes this information suggests that the economy may begin to come back, according to Eric Wilson at the NY Times.

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.