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.

Play in the Rain in Wildly Stylish Wellies

The lazy days of summer will soon enough be coming to an end.  Before we know it, fall will swoop in with its brisk breezes and unpredictable rain storms, encouraging the leaves to change and flutter to our feet.  Being prepared for the weather, however, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.  ”Welly” rainboots are the perfect way to face the rain head on.  Not only are they practical, keeping your feet dry, but they remain fashionable, loudly proclaiming your intentions to defeat the puddles scattered across the ground.

While basic wellies are simplistically chic enough, Jimmy Choo has upped the ante and created a bold welly fit for the most daring of divas.  Collaborating with Scottish footwear company, Hunter, the Jimmy Choo brand has turned out a true original and standout rainwear boot.  Embossed with the signature Jimmy Choo crocodile print, leopard print lining, and gold buckle hardware, this version of Hunter’s signature wellington boot is a must for any fashionista.

Also available in short styles and in Red, Anthracite, Silver, and Navy.

Retail: $425   Available at: jimmychoo.com

If you’re feeling a little more daring, stray from the basic black and try a bright, cheery yellow.  It’s on sale for half the price!

Retail: $425 $212.50 Available at: jimmychoo.com

Looking for something a little more budget friendly, but still want that designer touch?  Look no further than Tory Burch!

Also available in Forest Green/Coconut and Tory Red/ Tory Navy.

Retail: $150   Available at:  shopbop.com

Tend to be drawn towards the classics?  Hunter has plenty of new fashion forward options.

Also available in Bitter Chocolate and Dark Olive.

Retail:  $175    Available at:  zappos.com

Shop for other stylish rainwear options at shuzsociety.tv!

Angeleigh Anastasio’s Liberty Handbag

With the World Cup soccer buzz, seems as though everyone is looking for ways to show their colors.  Nothing says “U-S-A” like Angeleigh Anastasio’s red, white and blue woven leather “Liberty” handbag.   This gorgeous over-sized bag features good luck charms, a logo plate and shoulder strap … perfect for ANY event!

Liberty – Style No: A1006

MSRP: $1,295 – Available at AngeleighAnastasio.com

View the entire  Angeleigh Anastasio collection of designer women’s shoes, boots and handbags at AngeleighAnastasio.com.

Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day with Cole Haan

With Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to start picking out gifts that celebrate Dad.  Shopping for anyone of the male gender can seem like a daunting task.  Fortunately for us, Cole Haan has made it more than simple by offering top-notch products, many of which feature the Nike Air technology and quality materials.  The footwear and accessories below reflect the 82-year old brand’s commitment to classic style and innovation, while being just chic enough for the fashion shy man.  Whatever Dad’s style may be, Cole Haan has something to fit any personality.

The boat shoe is a timeless classic, and Cole Haan has updated it with fresh nubuck hues and artisan craftsmanship that features iconic stitch detailing and rawhide lacing.

Retail: $148.  Available at: Zappos.com

Also available in Oak Leather and Navy/Salt/Bluebell nubuck.

Though oxfords are a major footwear trend for women this season, they have always been an essential part of the male wardrobe. Cole Haan offers this staple in three different styles.  For the more traditional man, there are the plain toe oxford and the saddle oxford, both updated with soft nubuck leather and detailed with double stitched seams.  For the sportier dad, there is the modern take on the oxford that offers comfortable style paired with breathable canvas and burnished suede.

Retail: $188.  Available at: Zappos.com

Retail: $198.  Available at: Endless.com

Retail: $148.  Available at: Endless.com

Also available in Red/Navy, Chestnut, Black/Black Mesh, and Grey Mesh/Red/Navy.

The loafer style moccasin is an elegant choice for dad come Father’s Day.  This “moc” is expertly crafted in textural salt canvas with rich oak leather trim for a sleek, modern look.

Retail: $178.  Available at: ColeHaan.com

Sandals are the perfect choice for the Dad who is cool and relaxed, not mention they are summer’s essential choice for staying comfortable and cool in style.  Cole Haan’s Felipe thong sandal finds just the right balance.

Retail: $98.  Available at: Zappos.com

Also available in T Moro Croc, Multi Plaid, Navy, Black, Red Nubuck, Navy Nubuck, and T Moro Burnished Woven.

If shoes aren’t you father’s thing, or perhaps, like you, he has too many of them, then Cole Haan also offers a wide variety of accessories.  The Portage line is the perfect gift for the Dad on the go.  The Portage weekender, messenger, and travel shave kit are crafted in distinctive tan, waxy canvas with soft luggage leather trim for durable and subtly stylish travel.  To complete the look, the money clip/card case provides simple and sophisticated options in rich oak leathers.

Retail: was $398, now $239.95.  Available at: ColeHaan.com

Retail: was $328, now $199.95.  Available at: ColeHaan.com

Retail: was $78, now $49.95.  Available at: ColeHaan.com

Retail: was $55, now $29.95.  Available at: ColeHaan.com

Sex and the City 2 Introduces Arabian Chic

With only mere hours left before the premiere of Sex and the City 2, women across the nation wait with bated breath to see what the fashionable foursome will be wearing, and thus what we all will be wearing soon enough.  The SATC series has triggered some of the greatest fashion phenomenons over the last decade: the “name plate” necklace, the “It” bag, and who could forget, Manolo Blahnik, which became a house hold name thanks to Carrie’s super-sized shoe obsession.

Though the SATC producers have tried to keep the details of the sequel as under-wraps as possible, plot lines have leaked, and it is now known that a portion of the film takes place in Abu Dhabi (actually Morocco standing in for the UAE capital due to the nation’s refusal to filming).  This is sure to set off an ethnic inspired fashion craze, but what would SATC be without a Carrie-led fashion moment?

With Memorial Day officially marking the beginning of summer, the “Arabian chic” movement couldn’t come at a better time.  If you can’t afford a trip to Marrakech, then indulge yourself in gemstone colors, purple, turquoise, gold, and fuchsia, exotic silhouettes, treasure-chest gold jewelry, and plenty of embroidery.  In order to embrace your inner Arabian princess, think harem pants or harem-panted jumpsuits, billowing silk caftans, and turbans or headscarves.  Of course shoes are always the best way to accentuate and embellish on any fashion trend, which should come easy this season since jewel encrusted sandals are in abundance, but loads of jewelry will also be key to styling this trend correctly.  If you’re still unsure how to make this trend work for you, see the styling suggestions below, but I think Carrie sums it up best, it’s like “Princess Jasmine from Aladdin, but with cocktails.”

Leather upper and sole with 1/2-inch heel; available in yellow (shown above), cream, or cognac.

Retail: $210.  Available at: Endless.com

Try wearing with:

SINGLE beaded silk-blend tunic – Retail $190.  Available at Net-A-Porter.com

Printed fabric upper with bead detail and leather sole; available in brown multi (shown).

Retail: $89.95.  Available at Zappos.com

Try wearing with:

Rebecca Taylor summer silk-satin playsuit – Retail: $295. Available at Net-A-Porter.com

Leather upper and man-made sole with 3/4-inch heel; available in light clay/gold (shown), black/pewter, ebony/gold, or white/silver.

Retail: $79.95.  Available at: Endless.com

Try wearing with:

T-Bags embroidered jersey maxi-dress. Retail: $240. Available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Reptile embossed man-made upper and man-made sole with 3/4-inch heel; available in off white (shown), black, or pewter.

Retail: $99.00.  Available at: Zappos.com

Try wearing with:

Diane von Furstenberg black jersey harem pants – Retail: $185.   Available at Net-A-Porter.com

Satin upper and leather sole with 1/4-inch heel; available in caffe or dark taupe (shown).

Retail: now $172.76 (originally $235). Available at: Endless.com

Try wearing with:

Diane von Furstenberg Tabalah silk-chiffon printed dress - Retail: $345.  Available at Net-A-Porter.com

All of the above sandals, and many more, are available through shuzsociety.tv!

Great gifts for a shoe-obsessed Mom…

With Mother’s Day a week away, you’re still stuck on how best to show your affections? While it’s hard to buy her a pair of shoes, it’s almost a no-brainer to give her something shoe-themed… and no worries Ladies, shuzsociety has compiled a list of must-haves for any shoe-obsessed Mom on your list.

Rita Pearl Lerman, who has been painting for more than fifteen years, has found her niche in painting sophisticated and funky shoe art – the object of her desire. While her designs have been featured on Icon shoes, we have a soft spot for her funky printed pillows.

Spice up an otherwise pedestrian space with a little shoe art. Andy Warhol’s iconic Blue and Pink Shoe, c. 1955 is a premium Giclee print and is “suitable for museum or gallery display.” If it’s that good, it’s good enough for Mom!

Sure, she loves flowers but we sense your Mom has a sweet tooth. Our friends at The Flour Pot know how to satisfy her cravings with a sumptuous bouquet of shoe-shaped, sugar-coated cookies. (They. Are. Good!)

Le Rituel by Christian Louboutin

Sadly, at time of post, Le Rituel by Christian Louboutin is still out-of-stock, but well-worth a mention. Fashioned after the 19th century tradition of celebrating Russian ballerina’s performances by raising her champagne-filled slipper in a toast, this crystal stiletto accompanies a lovely bubbly bottle of Piper-Heidsieck.

Other Mom must-haves: While not entirely shoe-related, these items may just be the perfect accouterment for any well-dressed (and accessorized) Lady on your list.

A well-appointed scarf lends as much fashion sass as it does sheer practicality. Case in point: the sunburst and vines pattern on Echo’s scarf which adds interest to your collar.

O’Neill’s Main Stage shoulder bag is great for Moms-in-the-Know (super savvy satchel!) and Moms-to-Be (hello, easy-access pockets!). And it will appeal to your budget-conscious side…

Your Mom is hip. She knows what’s what. And in the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, she’ll step out in the season’s latest greatest: the Fedora. But since she’s no ordinary gal, she’ll want a hat with spirit: Eugenia Kim’s Craig Panama Fedora.

Back, Knee or Foot Pain? Try V-Core Training

V-Core® (Vertical Core Training) is the newest and most functional approach to training the core. Through specific exercises V-Core® will enable you at home to not only tone your core – but also eliminate back, knee and foot pain associated with poor posture and improper walking.

For most people the way that we sit, stand and walk is subconscious, however through the unique approach of V-Core®, Dr. Emily Splichal is teaching postural awareness, core engagement and proper body alignment – eliminating chronic pain and balancing our body’s biomechanics.

The V-Core® Workout combines the benefits of Pilates, Yoga and barefoot balance training to bring the focus on preventive medicine and the power of proper body alignment. The unique series of exercises will progressively challenge your postural endurance, balance strength and foot/ankle stability – leaving you standing taller and walking stronger!

Meet the doctor

To order your V-Core® Workout DVD, only $24.94 plus shipping, please visit vcoreworkout.com.

Shoe Care Tips to Protect Your Sole Investments

We launder our clothing, make repairs around the house and have regular appointments with our hair stylists.  So why do so many people overlook taking care of their shoes?  It only takes a small amount time to protect the life … and investment … of your shoes.

Before you tuck those winter shoes and boots into the back of your closet, you’ll need to pick up a few products to help you get the job done right.  KIWI, who has been caring for shoes since 1906, has a line of must-have products for your shoe protector product kit.

KIWI Suede & Nubuck Cleaner was designed to effectively remove the dirt and dust winter weather leaves behind on your specialty leather shoes.  It’s also formulated to condition and soften leather to restore your shoes to a naturally smooth texture.

KIWI Suede & Nubuck Protector creates an invisible shield of special polymer designed to help you weather the storm witout damaging your shoes.  The shield protects your shoes against water and stains so that they look newer and will last you through more than one season.

KIWI Express Cream Polish allows you to save time and look good!  It only takes a minute to give your shoes a great shine, cover scuffs and restore colors — with no buffing required.

KIWI Express Shine Sponge is a convenient tool to apply a clear shine liquid with a a hint of color for an easy and complete shine.  No mess.  No buffing.  No problem.

KIWI Fast Acting Cleaner can swiftly and effectively remove stains from your shoes and make them look new again.  This powerful aerosol cleans your sport footwear on contact.

KIWI Edge Dressing renews the finish to heels and edges of your leather soles.  A great final touch for a professionally shined look.

The experts at KIWI also offer some additional tips to protect your shoes.

• To keep your shoes lasting longer, rotate your shoes with another pair.
• When you buy a new pair of shoes, protect them before you wear them for the first time.
• If your shoes get wet, allow them to dry completely before wearing them again. Once your shoes have dried, waterproof them again with a multi-purpose protector.
• Use a shoe horn to assist with putting on your shoes, to keep the heel from losing its shape.
• When you travel, always place your shoes inside a shoe bag or wrap your shoes in a soft material.

For more information on KIWI products and where to buy them, please visit kiwicare.com.

On your next laundry day, be sure to line up your shoes for a thorough cleaning.  They will thank you by looking great and staying with you longer.  Now THAT’S a smart investment of your time for the “loves” of your life!

It’s Pouring Cute Rain Boots

The weather outside might be frightful, but that’s no deterrent for a fashionista.   Cute rain boots to the rescue!   Spring time means rain, so let’s have some fashionable fun with it.

shuzsociety has made it easy to shop for specific types of footwear allowing you to see the wide range of styles … and prices .. available from the best online retailers.

Gone are the days of ugly rubber boots that your mother made you wear to school.  Here’s some of our favorite RAIN BOOTS at our new fashion TV and shopping portal, shuzsociety.tv.

Click … compare … shop … enjoy!

Cheryl Burke: Tips To Spring Into Fab Shoes

If you’ve perused through the mall recently, you’ve seen many a shoe shelf stocked with bright, shiny new spring and summer styles. In the past, many of us would rush out to purchase new shoes for the upcoming season, but this year, we’re moving to the beat of a new drum. As the economy struggles to regain its footing, most women are wondering how to extend the life of many items already in their closets – especially their shoes. But whether you are a career-minded fashionista or a busy mom on-the-go, nothing can ruin a great outfit more than a scuffed or dirty pair of shoes.

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 your spring and summer shoes are looking tired from last season, doesn’t mean you have to break the bank o replace them. There are simple, wallet-friendly steps every woman can take to extend the life of her shoes and still look fabulous. Here are some steps I take to keep my shoes in star condition, ensuring that I’m always looking and feeling my best.

• Clean before you polish. Dirt and other debris can easily get stuck in leather shoes. Be sure to clean your shoes to remove excess dirt and debris prior to polishing.
• Protect while storing. Don’t just throw your shoes on the floor of your closet after wearing. Store leather shoes using a shoetree to help retain the shape of the leather. If a shoetree won’t work (such as for strappy shoes), stuff the toe-cap with newspaper or tissue. Never store or dry leather shoes near direct heat.
• Protect your suede. You should always protect your suede shoes before you wear them for the first time – especially suede boots and other shoes and boots that you plan to wear in inclement weather. KIWI’s Suede & Nubuck Protector provides maximum protection against water and stains without darkening or discoloring the shoe. In addition, if your suede shoes get completely soaked, stuff them with newspaper while they dry to help keep their shape.  Always allow them to dry naturally, away from direct heat.
• Pack smart. If traveling, place your shoes inside a shoe bag or wrap them in a soft material for additional protection.
• Be comfortable. So many women stuff their feet into narrow, inflexible shoes day in and day out. If you aren’t ready to trade in your stilettos for flats, check out KIWI® SMILING FEET® clear gel inserts. KIWI SMILING FEET products can slide into any shoe – open-toe, closed-toe or stiletto – so you can go all day and not worry about foot pain.

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.

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