Back-To-School Shoe Shopping – Tips To Keep You Sane

Back-to-school shopping for children’s school shoes can be quite a challenge. Here’s some tips for making the entire shopping process a bit easier and a bit more effective!

Before you actually begin shopping there are two things you must do: the first is to make a list of the shoes that you need to buy and the second is to make an inventory of the shoes that you already have so that you don’t spend your money on unnecessary items. Generally, for back-to-school purchases you will only need to buy some good trainers, casual shoes and perhaps a pair of smart school shoes.

Look for strong, sturdy shoes which can be worn on a number of occasions that are made to last, not made just for fashion. Making a list of the shoes that you already have will prevent you from overspending. By assessing the shoes you already have you can also discard the shoes that your child has outgrown or does not use any more and keep aside the ones that are in good condition and use them further.

Parents often end up spending a lot of money while doing back to school shoe shopping for the children. While good quality shoes are extremely important, it is possible to buy them at reasonable rates as well. Children tend to grow up fast and as the shoe sizes keep fluctuating, always get your children’s feet fitted properly before buying a new pair of shoes.

Here’s a video with more info on fitting new shoe from Start-rite Shoes,  who do a range of school shoes as well as an older kid’s range called Rhino Shoes:

When purchasing shoes it makes sense to buy at sales and discounts stores and save some valuable money. Clearance sales are the best places to pick up good shoes from. Some of the best times to buy your children’s shoes would be the months of December, February and August where with the change of season, you might be able to find the perfect pair of shoes on sale. These end-of-season sales often have smart, strong shoes available at hefty discounts.

Buying shoes online can also take the stress out of back to school shopping, and of course has the benefits of being able to shop anytime of the day or night while getting the best standards of style, quality, comfort and durability.  Just make sure you’ve measured your child’s feet first.

After you have bought the school shoes for your child’s needs, it is important to take good care of them. It may sound obvious, but cleaning and polishing shoes regularly will help them last longer. Shoes that are kept out of sight tend to be ignored and it is better to keep them where they are visible so that the child uses them regularly.

History and Facts About The Gladiator Sandals Trend

Fashion draws inspiration from different times and ages. Whether this is a cultural tribal influence, for instance the Aztec ‘look’ has come about every now and then. Or we go back to modern looks such as the 60’s bohemian/hippy style attire. Of course this is always modernised and updated to fit in the current lifestyle and trends. One style (for footwear at least) that doesn’t show signs of ceasing is the Gladiator Sandals trend.

What is the history of the Gladiator Sandal?

They were favoured by Ancient Greeks and Romans, the style which consists of plenty of straps, were made to let air circulate between the gaps and prevent the feet from excessive sweating and dehydration. Sounds good to us on a hot summer’s day. The actual ‘Gladiators’ would usually fight bare foot and were used to fight to the death for wealthy folks amusement. No well off Roman citizen would be seen with bare feet, this would indicate poverty. Gladiator sandals were made in leather and the style worn by subordinate citizens, were plain and of a less quality material. Romans of a high status would have their sandals dyed red.

The Romans creation of the gladiator sandal is thought to be the very first rigid style shoe crafted. A stiff sole was attached to the foot by leather cords, straps, or braided thongs.

So why has this look been taken over by the modern day women. Well just like there practicalities for the ancient Roman, they have the same benefits for us. We wear sandals in this day and age to keep our feet cool and sweat free. We went through many years sticking to the thong strapped flip flop, with no proper support to our feet. Gladiator sandals tightly grip our feet, with support around our ankles and of course they look absolutely gorgeous.

We Love: Spring Tights!

Spring is finally here – officially at least – but it’ll be a while before it’s warm enough to reveal your legs. So how can you keep warm while still looking stylish? With a fabulous pair of tights, of course! The days are long gone when all you had was sheer tan tights; these days there’s such a vast range available, in every thickness, style and colour you can imagine, that you can dress those legs and stand out from the crowd.

Colour is a simple way to add pizzazz to a plain outfit. If you´re a little nervous of colour, don´t be. The shops are full of strong coloured hosiery this year. Purple, mustard yellow, red, emerald green, stripes, diamond patterns, prints – wear one of these with a black dress and you’ll need no other accessories, the tights will do all the talking. Alternative shops are great for finding bold tights in extraordinary colour combinations.

If you like to keep your look more subtle, and yet plain tights are too boring, then go for one of the many patterned pairs available in a more discreet shade. A pattern in a single colour can still look great. Try diamonds, flowers or coloured fishnets. I particularly loved lilac fishnets this year – classy but fun.

If you´re really daring, mix your colours and patterns. A striped dress worn with diamond patterned tights might not be elegant, but it certainly would be eye-catching. If you’re young enough or individual enough to pull off this look, and love being stared at, then go for it! Or try a striped top with matching (or contrasting) coloured tights, separated by a plain skirt.

So you see, keeping your legs warm doesn’t have to mean a choice between trousers or dull tights! Try some of these suggestions and stay warm while looking cool.

Even Agyness Deyn ain’t perfect!

It’s refreshing to see when models fall down on a catwalk – it’s kinda like natures way of telling normal women that no one is perfect! Also highlights that if even a paid model can’t walk down the runway in sky high platforms, I shouldn’t feel guilty about wearing ballet flats out on a night dancing so I don’t break my ankles or go home with sore feet!

Here’s lovely Aggy Deyn taking a fall on the runway, and taking it all gracefully, with humour, and in her stride. Great recovery Aggy – if only I was this graceful when tripping over in my heels! Love her!

Agyness Deyn’s fail – She falls twice during a fashion show

Contrarian Spring 2010

The mother-daughter designer duo Contrarian has officially launched their first women’s wear collection for Spring 2010. The label continues to embody the raw sex appeal and classic refinement that made their Autmn 2009 capsule collection an instant favourite among stylists and celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Taylor Swift and fashions newest it-girl, Rihanna.  Now poised to market to a wider audience, the designers continue to focus on materials and styling that speak to individuality, ingenuity and glamour.

Here’s a sneak peak of a few hand-picked favourites from their latest Look Book. Let us know what you think!