New, free shoes with rewards points

You've heard of using miles to get free plane tickets or using credit card points to get money back, but how about earning free shoes?

I recently headed to Famous Footwear to return shoes that unfortunately did not fit right. While there I couldn't resist peeking at the shoes they had in stock, especially since clearance was buy on get one 50 percent off.

In my size, I saw black flats with buckles by Dr. Scholls. I had owned the same shoes in metallic silver and after some time wore them out. They were the perfect fit and comfortable.

Now I needed another pair. I found red pointy-toed heels by Life Stride that were a lower heel and padded, making them comfortable. The style was classic, if also a bit safe. They were marked $10, so I figured for $5, how could I go wrong?

Just click your heels...Ruby Red Slipper Memorabilia

Hope everyone in the Northeast is doing well digging out from the snow!

We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!

It's all about the shoes according to my new magnet. #wizardofoz #rubyredslippers #shoes #magnet

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Dec 4, 2014 at 9:28am PST

I recently got to go to Kansas City and drove into Kansas to add a new state. Pardon the stereotyping, but I couldn't help but think of Dorothy and those ruby red slippers.

In December I visited the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in DC and got some ruby red slipper memorabilia. The museum normally displays the shoes from the movie, but unfortunately it was under construction and I was unable to see them. Still, for fans or shoe fans, the shop had some great souvenirs.

The first up was the above magnet which says "it's all about the shoes." How perfect!

Just click your heels! Ruby Red Slipper necklace #rubyredslippers #wizzardofoz #necklace #shoes #jewlery

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Dec 1, 2014 at 8:23am PST

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.