Take a Shine to These Back-to-School Shoe Saving Ideas

Celebrity Ballroom Dancer Cheryl Burke Reveals How to Send Your Children Back to School in Style

As children are preparing to return to school this fall, this season’s television celebrity dancing stars are also heading back to the studio dance floors.  I know I perform better when I look my best, so it’s no secret that children perform better in school when they look and feel their very best too. One way parents can help children put their best foot forward this fall – and to make the most of year’s clothing budget – is to make sure their shoes stay clean and new, and protected from the harsh elements – rain, snow, sleet, etc. Caring for your child’s shoes takes only a few minutes for long-lasting protection and savings that can last through the school year.

As a professional dancer, I always make sure my shoes are in tip-top shape – both on the dance floor and in my everyday life. Just because my shoes may look tired from last season – doesn’t mean I break the bank to replace them. There are simple, wallet-friendly steps I take to extend the life of my shoes – while ensuring they still look good. The best part is, they are easy and can be applied to almost any shoe so moms can follow my tips to keep their kids’ shoes in star condition this fall.

• Save the Suede. If your child’s winter shoe of choice is the popular suede boot, it’s important to protect that investment and make sure they are ready for the upcoming cold weather. KIWI Shoe Care has a line of protectors that work to create an invisible shield over shoes allowing them to weather the storm and stay protected against water and stains throughout the winter months. These are great products and I use them on all of my suede boots to keep them in good shape. It even works for backpacks and other types of bags.

• Keep Sneakers White. Keeping sneakers clean is always tough – even if you just wear them to run or go to the gym, like me. We all know how dirty children’s sneakers can get from playing outdoors and how frustrating it can be when they look ruined – especially if they are brand new. KIWI Fast Acting Cleaner will keep your child’s sneakers in tip-top shape. It will quickly and effectively remove grass stains from sneakers to keep them clean and presentable – and can be used on multi-materials in all colors.

• Change the Laces. Old, dirty laces can make a shoe appear to be in worse condition than it actually is. Changing sneaker laces every once in a while helps to keep your child’s shoes looking fresh and new. Tie shoes with strong, abrasion resistant laces so that your child’s shoes survive more than just one season. Or, to bring new life to your child’s shoes swap out the white laces for a brighter color. I know I always loved fun, colorful laces when I was in school!
  
• Shine it Up. Just like parents, kids need to keep their shoes looking shiny and new, especially when there is a special function at school like a concert or dance. With KIWI Express Shine™ Sponges and wipes, kids can easily and completely shine their shoes no matter how much – or how little – time they have. Plus, moms can keep wipes in their purse and car for last minute messes.

For additional tips on protecting and caring for your best shoes or for information on the KIWI products I use to keep my shoes in star condition, visit www.KIWIcare.com.

September shuzscopes – Are YOU Born To Be WILD?

shuzsociety is pleased to feature Maria DeSimone, CEO of InsightfulAstrology.com, as the astrologer for your monthly  shuzscopes.  Ms. DeSimone was also recently named the exclusive video astrologer for Tarot.com.

Discover how your stars guide your every step—since the soles of your feet and your charts are the foundation of your balance. Together with professional astrologer Maria DeSimone, we will explore how astrology can empower your life by guiding you along the right path in your personal shoe horoscope.

So …. are YOU “born to be wild”??  The cosmic influence is giving you permission this month to get in touch with your inner strength.  Wear your power with style in a pair of motorcycle boots.  Don’t worry, no motorcycle required with these fashion statements!  What’s in your footwear forecast for September?  Go for it sole sista … just click on link to purchase!

September 2010 shuzscopes
Are YOU Born to be WILD???

VIRGO
August 23 – September 22

You might decide to make a fabulous new change to your physical appearance this month. If so, you’ll be especially pleased with whatever choice you make.  In addition, there’s a great deal of assertive and positive communication energy in store. It’ll be a great month to sign contracts and make deals – just wait until after the 12^th.

Footwear forecast for Virgo:  Steven “Abee” Suede Lace-up Boots, $250.  shopbop.com.

Steven - Abee Suede Lace-up Boots

LIBRA
September 23 – October 22

Money is all that will matter. Not only will money come in, but it will seem to go out as quickly as it arrives thanks to some aggravating expenses mid-month. Thankfully, you’ll have the ability to keep making enough to cover yourself and if you play your cards right, you might even have some extra by the end of the month.

Footwear forecast for Libra: Frye “Veronica” Slouch Boots, $328.  Available at shopbop.com.

Frye - Veronica Slouch Boots

SCORPIO
October 23 – November 21

This month you’ll be more magnetic than ever! You’ll have two planets in your sign at once – Venus and Mars – which will give you powers of attraction as well as an astounding ability to create success from any personal project you initiate. This is the time to venture out of your comfort zone and reach for new potential. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Footwear forecast for Scorpio:  Ash “Ralf” Studded Combat Booties, $295.  Available at shopbop.com.

Ash - Ralf Studded Combat Boots

SAGITTARIUS
November 21 – December 21

Expect a major new career opportunity! In fact, it’ll likely come from someone you used to work with or even an old boss. One way or another, something you did or achieved in the past will be tied into the recognition and rewards you experience this month. It’s about time you’re noticed for your incredible contribution. Well deserved!

Footwear forecast for Sagittarius:  Hollywood Trading Company – Stud over-the-knee boots. $1,080. Available at shopbop.com.

Hollywood Trading Company - Stud Over Knee Boots

CAPRICORN
December 22 – January 19

Your social life will be filled with exciting prospects this month. It’ll be an ideal time to take the lead in a group project. In fact, don’t be surprised if friends rally around you to ask you to take on such a role. You’ll be ultra-charming in groups so if you have any presentation to make, expect it to be well received.

Footwear forecast for Capricorn: Pour La Victoire “Myles” Studded Boots, $488.  Available at shopbop.com.

Pour La Victoire - Myles Studded Boots

AQUARIUS
January 20 – February 18

This is an incredible time to launch a new business so be sure to act if you’ve been on the fence. In fact, you’ll not only have the energy to make a success out of any new professional endeavor, but you’ll attract income potential to you sooner than anticipated. It’ll be a small window of opportunity you have to act though – after the 12^th and before next month. Don’t waste it!

Footwear forecast for Aquarius:  KORS Michael Kors “Joplin” Suede Combat Boots, $395.  Available at shopbop.com.

KORS Michael Kors - Joplin Suede Combat Boots

PISCES
February 19 – March 20

There could be an exciting new development between you and someone close – you might even decide to make a commitment of some type. You might also place a great deal of energy on making travel arrangements together as well. Indeed, it’ll be a glorious month to schedule a vacation with your partner if possible. Enjoy!

Footwear forecast for Pisces:  7 For All Mankind “Odeon” Flat Boots with Spat, $430.  Available at shopbop.com.

7 For All Mankind - Odeon Flat Boots With Spat

ARIES
March 21 – April 19

Your energy will be primarily focused on a joint financial matter and its impending resolution. The ambition you’ll have to make the most of resources will be tremendous so if you’re negotiating a settlement or a price on a piece of real estate you seem to be in the driver’s seat. Good for you!

Footwear forecast for Aries: Vera Wang Lavender Label “Ula” Suede Boots, $425.  Available at shopbop.com.

Vera Wang Lavender Label - Ula Suede Boots

TAURUS
April 20 – May 20

Expect a significant focus on partnership matters – either business or personal. You might have the opportunity for a new alliance however you’ll need to push hard in order to make it happen. Luckily, you’ll find that once you initiate this, the other person will be more than willing to meet you halfway. If single, love could be closer than you think.

Footwear forecast for Taurus: Rag & Bone Suede “Moto” Boots, $550.  Available at shopbop.com.

Rag & Bone - Suede Moto Boots

GEMINI
May 21 – June 21

There could be exciting developments in your family or in a real estate matter. It’ll be an ideal time to focus more on health since the energy will favor you reaching harmony in your physical well-being. If you need to get more active consider a home gym. The blend of home and health energy in that way would be quite positive.

Footwear forecast for Gemini: H by Hudson “Alba” Combat Boots, $425. Available at shopbop.com.

H by Hudson - Alba Combat Boots

CANCER
June 22 – July 22

Romance will sizzle for you all month long! Expect hot dates and plenty of mysterious suitors to come your way if single. It’s possible that you’ll need to choose between more than one romantic opportunity – lucky you! If attached, expect the spice to come back into your partnership full force. Va va voom!

Footwear forecast for Cancer: Juicy Couture “Giordana” Suede Motorcycle Boots, $325.  Available at shopbop.com.

Juicy Couture - Giordana Suede Motorcycle Boots

LEO
July 23 – August 22

There could be plenty of action on the home front this month. It looks like you’re about to get involved in your own extreme home makeover. If so, you’ve got incredible energy on your side. You might even discover extra wiggle room in your wallet to afford an upgrade to what you’re already considering. Amazing!

Footwear forecast for Leo: Tory Burch “Elle” Riding Boots with logo strap, $495.  Available at shopbop.com.

Tory Burch - Elle Riding Boots

Now that we have your motor run’n … shop for Motorcycle Boots on shuzsociety’s shopping platform, shuzsociety.tv.  Shop by designer/brand, trend or through one of our many online footwear retail partners.

Tamara Mellon Selling Jimmy Choo?

NYmag.com published this today … Tamara Mellon Might Sell Jimmy Choo? Well grab your checkbook … you could own your own footwear and handbag,  shoe lover!

Tamara Mellon is considering selling Jimmy Choo, which is worth around £500 million, or roughly $800 million. The former fashion editor, who is president and CEO of the company, is “sounding out investment banks about ’strategic options’ for the business,” according to the Telegraph. Since she owns one-fifth of it, she could stand to bank up to $160 million from the sale. According to the Telegraph, “The company’s shareholders may appoint an adviser to help work on a ’strategic review’ for the sale,” set to possibly happen by the end of the summer.

August shuzscopes Call For Booties!

shuzsociety is pleased to feature Maria DeSimone, CEO of InsightfulAstrology.com, as the astrologer for your monthly shuzscopes. Ms. DeSimone was also recently named the exclusive video astrologer for Tarot.com.

Discover how your stars guide your every step—since the soles of your feet and your charts are the foundation of your balance. Together with professional astrologer Maria DeSimone, we will explore how astrology can empower your life by guiding you along the right path in your personal shoe horoscope.

August 2010 shuzscopes Call For Booties!

This is one “bootie call” shoe lovers will accept this month.   And your bonus?  A number of these stylish booties are ON SALE!!  Make the call on your favorite pair by clicking on the image or the text link to get a jump on fashionable fall footwear.

Leo
July 23 – August 22

You’ll be infused with incredible energy this month that promises a fabulous new beginning in either a relationship or a personal project. It’ll be a great time to update your physical appearance in some way or treat yourself to a new wardrobe. Do this before the 20^th since after that time you’ll be focused on revising your budget and spending habits.

Footwear forecast for Leo: Spike-up your wardrobe with Camilla Skovgaard’s London A9011 Bootie.

List price $535.  On sale $294.25.  Available at endless.com.

Virgo
August 23 – September 22

Be sure to tackle major projects early in the month – after the 20^th it’ll be difficult for you to make significant progress. In fact, you might encounter substantial frustrations and setbacks as you’re forced to re-evaluate your plans in almost everything you take on. A key relationship will also be illuminated and a new level of awareness will be reached.

Footwear forecast for Virgo: Block and tackle those major projects in Moschino Cheap and Chic’s Jellyfish Platform Bootie.

List price $725.  On sale $398.75. Available at endless.com

Libra
September 23 – October 22

New and exciting social contacts will ensure that this is your month to put your dancing shoes on and party! Not only will you meet a slew of unusual and stimulating people, but everyone will be particularly charmed by your enhanced powers of magnetism and energy. Use it to your advantage and network like crazy. You’ll be glad you did!

Footwear forecast for Libra: The perfect dance’n shoes this month … Guess Dottess Booties!

List price $138.95.  On sale $78.43.  Available at endless.com.

Scorpio
October 23 – November 21

An exciting new career opportunity will likely open up. It’ll be an ideal time to launch any project that will enhance your reputation. Know that it will take off with tremendous success! In addition, you might reconnect with some old friends later in the month. Perhaps you’ll attend a reunion or run into a BFF from your past. Either way, you’ll be glad to reunite!

Footwear forecast for Scorpio: Botkier’s Jada Bootie will carry you confidently through the month.

List price $425.  On sale $233.75.  Available at endless.com.

Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21

If you’ve been on the fence about returning to school, this month you might decide to “just do it.” Knowledge is power – especially to someone like you. Your mind is filled with endless curiosity and a search for the truth in life prompts you to ask the bigger questions – more focused on spirituality, philosophy and morals. Go ahead – quench your thirst. It’s time.

Footwear forecast for Sagittarius: Let creativity blossom from your “sole” with Reed Evins’ 309 Paisley Hidden Platform Bootie.

List price $449.95.  On sale $337.46. Available at endless.com.

Capricorn
December 22 – January 19

There could be an opportunity for you to obtain venture capital or secure a loan if you’re looking. Be sure to act before the 20^th for your best results. Later in the month you could experience significant and frustrating travel delays. Plan ahead and allow for extra time. A trip might be canceled.

Footwear forecast for Capricorn: A good investment for you this month is Tibi’s unique Sarafina Bootie.

List price $550.  Available at endless.com.

Aquarius
January 20 – February 18

A thrilling new partnership opportunity might seem to fall in your lap. If you’ve been hoping to snatch up a VIP client or forge a new business alliance this is your month to act – just do it before the 20^th. Later in the month all communications related endeavors will slow down – and you’ll see delays in joint financial matters. It’ll clear up by next month.

Footwear forecast for Aquarius: Who could resist partnering with you when you’re wearing these fantastic Marc by Marc Jacobs 605829 peep-toe booties?

List price $495.  On sale $346.50. Available at endless.com.

Pisces
February 19 – March 20

If you’re looking for new work, be sure to circulate your resume early in the month. There’s an excellent chance you’ll get a new job or snatch up some extra freelance work. It’s possible that some confusing miscommunication between you and a spouse or partner will have to be worked out after the 20^th. Don’t jump to conclusions about information and keep an open mind.

Footwear forecast for Pisces: Make a lingering statement in Katia Lombardo’s patchwork platform booties.

List price $504.95. Available at endless.com.

Aries
March 21 – April 19

Love and passion are everywhere for you this month! If you’re single there’s a spectacular chance for you to find new love and this won’t be a fling – it’ll be a catch with serious relationship potential. If you’re in a partnership already expect bliss. You’ll feel as if you’re once again in the “dating phase” of your relationship. How exciting!

Footwear forecast for Aries: Experience bliss this month in the Cindy Says Expect Peep Toe Bootie.

List price $126.95.  On sale $95.21. Available at endless.com.

Taurus
April 20 – May 20

An exciting new opportunity will open up for you in home and family matters. If you’re involved in a real estate deal, transactions will go well – act before August 20^th for the best results. Later in the month you and a friend might have a falling out. It’s possible that you’ve outgrown the relationship and if so, you’ll part ways with compassion.

Footwear forecast for Taurus: Show’em who’s in charge this month in Rebecca Taylor’s Leopardo Ankle Bootie.

List price $435.  On sale $239.35. Available at endless.com

Gemini
May 21 – June 21

Any contracts or negotiations should be handled before the 20^th and if so, you should anticipate things to go your way. A new opportunity in the communications field will likely open up, much to your delight. In addition, you might receive major attention in the career department by the end of the month. Expect a reward or honor to come your way.

Footwear forecast for Gemini: The attention shining on you will be on your feet with Loeffler Randall’s versatile ankle-studded booties.

List price $650. Available at endless.com.

Cancer
June 22 – July 22

Expect plenty of opportunity to enhance your financial picture this month. You might decide to market one of your talents in a new way and if so, you’ll be pleased at how this pays off for you faster than expected. In addition, this month could be filled with communication delays and frustrations – particularly after the 20^th. Exercise patience.

Footwear forecast for Cancer: Strut you talents in Giuseppe Zanotti’s exotic 197057 Open Toe Bootie.

List price $675.  On sale $371.25.  Available at endless.com.

For MORE bootie options available through a number of top online shoe retailers,
shop shuzsociety’s shopping platform!

Coclico Sample Sale July 13-15

New York City shoe lovers … take advantage of incredible savings at the Coclico Sample Sale on July13-15, 2010.  Enjoy up to 70% off retail on Coclico shoes, boots and sandals, plus shoes, handbags and clothing from their multi-brand boutique.  For a sample of what you might see at the sample sale, visit ShopCoclico.com!

Shoe Trends: Are Balance Shoes the Next Uggs?

“Fit Feet for shuz” columnist Dr. Emily Splichal examines  an interesting trend in athletic shoes.  Are Balance Shoes the next Uggs?

First came Uggs.  Then came Crocs.  What’s next?

Sure Gladiator sandals are hot but they do not compare the most recent shoe trend many sneaker companies are trying to make a profit off of.  Introducing balance shoes – or the shoes “with the gym built in”.   From Sketchers and Adidas to the Original MBTs, everyone is promising to help you tone up and lose weight without ever stepping into a gym!

Retail $245 – available at zappos.com

If you have been considering purchasing a $200 pair of MBTs, keep reading.  Will simply walking in these unstable shoes tone your glutes and get you bikini-ready?

Being the science-nerd I am, I didn’t want to simply take the manufacturer’s word for it but looked up all the research behind these products.  From improved balance to reduced ground reaction forces, researchers were testing these unstable shoes for any possible benefit they could think of.  So what does the research show?

Don’t cancel your gym membership just yet!    Although the research did show slight improvements in balance after wearing the unstable shoes, muscle activation was not as profound as increased toning effects promised by the ads for FitFlops.

From a fitness perspective, remember to actually tone and build muscle (i.e. lose weight) the trick is overloading our muscles through techniques such as resistance training.  So even if these unstable shoes activate my muscles they are not overloading them to the point of actually building muscles.   Remember activation and overloading a muscle are two different things.  I’m sorry to say that these unstable shoes will not replace the benefits of working out.

So would I ever recommend unstable shoes to my clients or patients?

One thing that I really do like about the unstable shoes is their benefit for low back pain.  People who suffer from low back pain typically have associated weak glute muscles.  The research does show that unstable shoes do activate the glute muscles enough the protect the lower back, therefore reducing symptoms of low back pain.

Still not convinced?  Most sneaker companies now offer their own version of the balance shoes – making them more affordable when compared to the original MBTs!

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Meet the Doctor
Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM, MPH, CPT,  is the creator and lead instructor of Catwalk Confidence, a unique and exciting fitness DVD collection designed to help women gain strength, flexibility, comfort and confidence when they walk in high heel shoes, along with lean and defined legs. She is a graduate of New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City and has served as a certified exercise specialist at Crunch Fitness and NY Sports club.

She has had an ongoing commitment to postural alignment and core strength in fitness and podiatric medicine, and has presented research in this area to several national fitness and medical conferences. Catwalk Confidence is her extension to the public of her passion and expertise in fitness and podiatric medicine.  Visit her website at www.catwalkconfidence.com.

Award-winning Filmmaker Launches Sole Sisters Project

You’re Invited! Sole Sisters Film Project Launch

Sole Sisters Calling all Sole Sisters! The right pair of shoes can lift both your spirits and your soles. Join forces with award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell of Media Projects as she collects women’s stories and mounts the financial campaign for her SOLE SISTERS film project.  Share those intimate, never before told stories about your relationship with your shoes at www.solesistersfilm.com. Get involved: Share Your Stories: www.solesistersfilm.com Join Us: www.facebook.com/solesistersfilm Follow Us: www.twitter.com/solesistersfilm

Join Our Mailing List! Please share this email with your friends. Media Projects Inc 5215 Homer Street Dallas, Texas 75206 214-826-3863

Gulf Coast Disaster Inspires Artist To Create Piece – Proceeds to Benefit Friends of the Fishermen

Inspired by a day trip to Grand Isle, LA to see for myself what was happening with the oil disaster, these Mardi Gras beads are floating in oil. The booms surrounding the island (and where is Christo when you really need him?) reminded me, in a very eerie way, of Mardi Gras beads. The glittered evening gown, fur stole and “diamond” necklace are symbolic of the thoughtless excesses and greed that led us to this disaster. The fish, recycled from actual Mardi Gras beads and sanded down to expose some of their natural black color, are swimming away from Greed as fast as they can. Only a few of them are still breathing.

The result of this disheartening situation in the Gulf Coast inspired “Drill Baby Drill” and the desire to assist Friends of the Fishermen.

Drill Baby Drill
by Claudia Lynch

Mixed Media: Acrylic paint on canvas, vintage paper dolls, Mardi Gras beads, glitter, fake diamond.

Size: 14×11
Museum-wrapped canvas, painted on all sides.
Price: $300 plus a donation of at least $300 to Friends of the Fishermen (see below) ***

*** Tax-Deductible Art
I’d like to use this piece to raise some sorely-needed money for Louisiana fishermen and shrimpers who are either being put out of business or are forced to travel many extra hours each day just to get their boats to waters with clean seafood. Friends of the Fishermen is the officially sanctioned fundraising arm of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, and was created as a way to help Louisiana’s fishermen in their greatest time of need.

HERE’S MY PLAN: When you purchase this painting AND make a donation to Friends of the Fishermen that at least matches the purchase price (feel free to exceed my wildest expectations with that donation, which you can make online), YOU get the tax deduction for the donation. In thanks and respect for your generosity and good taste in art, I will make my own donation of $100 to Friends of the Fishermen. You can EMAIL ME to reserve this painting.

P.S. — I chose Friends of the Fishermen because it provides direct assistance to fishermen and shrimpers. I have no other affiliation with them. If you have another favorite organization that is directly involved in helping Louisiana fishermen and shrimpers through this disaster, your donation can be made to them instead.

WTF? What the footwear??

There are definitely some creative minds in the world when it comes to footwear!  But, WTF??  (what the footwear?)  Sometimes, words are not needed to enjoy creativity.

AND ….

To view more, visit Smile Panic!

Christian Louboutin THIGH HIGH Boots

OK, if my prince is reading this … size 39.5 baby!   Just allow a little more time than the glass slipper to slip into these life-changing Christian Louboutin thigh high boots!!   What will the Queen think?  Oh, who cares … the palace will be rock’n!!

“Only” $2,195 at Net-A-Porter.com!

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