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.

Make your Children feel comfortable with summer shoes

We’re enjoying warm weather at the moment and with the school holidays around the corner the sun looks set to continue.  Something really important to think about is what your children wear on their feet.  The main consideration for children’s footwear are of course comfort; kids love to run around and they’re not going to enjoy themselves if their shoes are restrictive or uncomfortable.  Style is another important factor, and for older children it could even be the most important due to peer pressure, fitting in with what they perceive as fashionable, etc.  Other considerations include value and of course durability (even though children’s feet are still growing you need a pair that will last at least through the summer).  Finding the right balance is key but what’s the best way to go about it?

Firstly remember some of the above factors can be sacrificed, for example if the shoes are not durable but they are so cheap you can replace them for next to nothing, durability doesn’t really matter.  For this reason jelly shoes continue to be popular.  They are great for kids to wear paddling as it stops them stepping on sharp stones in the sea.  If the shoes are only to be worn for a short amount of time, ie plastic flip flops which are taken and only worn pool, or beach, side, it doesn’t matter if they are not that durable or fashionable as they are only worn briefly. Great summer shoes brands for children are Crocs or Start-rite .

When looking for a day to day pair of summer shoes for your child,  boys sandals are great and you can buy a comfortable and good quality pair easily enough in the high street. It’s definitely best to take the child with you and have them walk around the shop in the shoes. They can then help choose a pair they consider trendy enough and you know they fit properly so should be comfortable.

Must have summer accessories: straw beach bag , hats and espadrilles

The summer is here and although you are not in holidays, there are some small details that can make you look fresh and trendy. Straw bags, hats and espadrilles will make you feel the good sensations of summer.

The straw has managed to become a trendy material for summer. It came into vogue towards the end of the 1800s, with a new social informality and a less rigid class structure.  Now raffia hats are worn by men and women and represent comfort, and good weather… so don’t hesitate on go shopping one of this must of the season! You have the classic straw one with a black strip but you can find these hats in many colours and sizes, there is no excuse for not having one.

A straw Weave Beach Bag is also the perfect summer accessory, it works well with casual wear, and it’s neutral so goes with absolutely everything.  Buy one and start feeling on holidays.

Moreover espadrilles are the hot trend of the summer. Of Spanish and South French origin, they are a classic warm weather shoe. They are sleek, comfortable and stylish and normally have an affordable price. You can find them either flat or wedge sandal and both are perfect to combine on a casual day.

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.

Jimmy Choo AIDS Awareness campaign ‘You, Your Shoe and 72’

Just had word from the lovely team over at Project PEP who are running a fantastic new Jimmy Choo campaign to raise awareness for AIDs that I just had to share and help spread the word for.

Jimmy Choo has designed a limited edition collection in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and will be donating 25% of net sales to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa. The money goes towards providing a HIV-preventative treatment called PEP, and counselling to victims of rape. In conjunction with this, they have also launched a photo competition, in which anyone can enter a photo inspired by the theme ‘You, your shoe, and 72′ for the chance to win the first prize of 7 pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes and 2 handbags, plus over 100 exclusive Jimmy Choo prizes.

If you’re interested, go over and have a look at some of the images thus far. Theres some really creative and talented entries, no doubt due to the news that if you enter before the 26^th October you’ll be shortlisted for an exhibition at the celebrity launch event at Selfridges London on 29^th October. Tamara Mellon will launch the ‘PEP-Up Shop’ that night, which will display the Project PEP collection and the selected photo entries for 72 hours thereafter. If you don’t manage to think of an idea before then, don’t fret, as you still have until the 7th of December to enter your photo.