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.

One week until Alice in Wonderland…

Don’t know about you, but this shuzgirl is utterly excited about Tim Burton’s upcoming Alice in Wonderland film, and you bet I’ll be seeing it in “amazing” 3D! With the film’s release exactly one week away, shuzsociety thought it a good time to give a lil shout out to Burton’s promising visual spectacle. The MoMA is running a blockbuster retrospective exhibition until April 26, 2010, if you’re lucky enough to be in, or visit, NYC.

Style Experts offers a great fashion round-up with an homage to the late, great Alexander McQueen’s Printemps Haussmann Parisian window. Check out their other window creations at FocusOnStyle…

And the beautifully flowery shoes by designer-extraordinaire Nicholas Kirkwood, complete with checkered heel and tea party.

Unique-Vintage’s nod to the film plays itself out in a few of their latest styles…

Then there are these… though not finding WHO makes them… (but I’ll keep searching ’til I do!) Did find a slew of Alice in Wonderland sneaks at Zazzle…

And, in case you missed Vogue’s Annie Leibovitz’ spread…

Socks + Tights = Bootights!

With all the talk about spring shoes, the reality for most of us is that we’re still dealing with cold weather.    That means it’s still boot season for this girl!

In a recent shopping mission to find durable tights that didn’t look like Nurse Rachets’s panty hose, I ran across BOOTIGHTS and decided to try them out.  Well, I LOVE them!

No more tossing the tights because you have holes in the toes!   Forget about wearing socks with your tights for added warmth.  Bootights combine fashion and function into one must-have accessory!  BOOTIGHTS is an innovative and fashionable new hosiery product that combines a tight and sock all in one.

The “Ah Ha” moment for founder, Shelby Mason came on a cold Chicago day during a normally uneventful business trip. While walking through an airport security line, Shelby removed her fashionable boots to reveal not only her gray tights, but an old pair of white tube socks “borrowed” from her father months before for extra comfort and warmth. (Ugh!).   Worse yet, one sock had slid down her ankle allowing the zipper to snag what was a brand new pair of tights. Disgraced but determined, Shelby spent the entire flight wondering why she couldn’t have a cute, quality tight combined with a cozy foot bed to wear with herboots?  By the time she landed, Bootights was taking off.

Shelby’s dream of fashion and function is now a reality.  Production has begun, with Bootights making its in-store debut in November, 2009 at a suggested retail price of $30.

Whether you wear ankle boots or knee-high boots, Bootights have what you need in a range of colors.

Order your Bootights online today at Bootights.com!

Beirn, Baby Beirn

The Beirn (prounounced “burn”) bag … get to know the name because it is a fantastic line that is taking off worldwide! And the fire behind this elegant collection is Rita Overzat and her two daughters, Ali Trier and Jenna Overzat.

In Fall 2007, Beirn officially launched with their signature “Jenna” hobo.  Each Beirn bag is lined with a lightweight canvas material that can endure that lifestyle of a jet-setting woman, while the snakeskin exterior is sure to make any cosmopolitan trendsetter feel so enigmatic with her smart bag in tow.  It’s luxury, durability and versatility in one series of bags.

Beirn now offers a wide variety of colorful handbags, belts and clutches, to stylish, yet practical ballet flats and sandals.  Each piece in the Beirn collection artfully incorporates the signature watersnake material in an array of vibrant and classic shades.

The collection is available in specialty boutiques and upscale department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.  Visit beirnbag.com for a retailer near you!    With a retail price range of $150-$750 .. this is a must-have for spring!

“For Fall 2010, Beirn wanted to give its customer what they’ve been craving … newness and freshness.  The ever classic Jenna hobo is being shown in bold spicy colors with new hints of extoics, such as stingray and karung.  Most importantly, when we were designing this collection, we kept in mind what makes Beirn stand out in this market … the idea of affordable luxury.”          Rita Overzat, President, Beirn

BeirnBag.com

Sexy Heels iPhone App Hits the Market

For years, deelite photography has been photographing breath-taking photos of some of the most beautiful shoes in the women’s high heels market.  It seems only appropriately that someone should produce an iPhone app to enjoy the artwork on your cell phone.  “I think people will love this because it makes the art work portable and people like to look at beautiful shoes.” Said D. Flores, deelite photography owner and photographer.  Art work that was exclusive to shoe stores, designers and whole sellers can now be a wallpaper on your cell phone.  From only $0.99, you can get your shoe fix and enjoy the app on your phone while getting up dates during the year.

D. Flores is a photographer that focuses on fashion, portraits and musicians.  One of the unique qualities of his photography is the high heels photography he creates for stores.  “Women’s high heeled shoes are sexy, so why not take a good photo?” D. Flores said as he continued shooting photos of some of the hottest shoes by some of the world renowned designers.  When asked which were his favorites, “Obviously Christian Louboutin” as he smiled.  “There’s a lot of great designers that I love and make my job so easy to do”.

Now you can have the art work on your cell phone as a little  tease of the art work you could have on your walls.  Now the sexy work is available in print and framed to hang on your favorite wall, in your favorite room.

To get the iPhone app, go to your app store and do a search for: “Sexy Heels”.  Also available on Palm OS and Droid phones.

Official website: http://www.deelitephotography.com (Check out the high heels gallery)

Art work for sale: http://www.redbubble.com/people/deelite

iPhone app link and sample photos: http://www.iappphone.com/apps/343693587/sexy-heels/

Happy Shoe Year! Best 2010 Shoe Calendars

Get your sole addiction fix with shuzsociety’s favorite 2010 shoe calendars.   From  daily desktop calendars to  monthly wall calendars to pocket planners … the choice is yours!   Wishing all footwear fashionistas a “happy SHOE year!”

Shoes Gallery Calendar 2010

Based on the fabulous book, “Shoes : A Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers & More” by Linda O’Keefe, this artistic, page-a-day calendar stands upright on a desk or table.  Makes a great gift for any shoe lover, but be sure to gift one to yourself!

Retail:  $15.99

Available at Amazon.com.

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365 Days of Shoes Calendar 2010

Also inspired by Linda O’Keefe’s book, this 2010 calendar features a different shoe every day. It hangs on your wall and features a monthly format. Each month features a theme, with one large picture per month, and smaller pictures featured on the grid.

Retail:  $6.49

Available at Amazon.com.

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Shoes 2010 Mini Wall Calendar

Shoes from the The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection will lift your spirits. At only 7″ by 7″ closed, this little calendar makes a big impact!

Retail:  $7.99

Available at Amazon.com.

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Lorraine Vail’s Just The Right Shoe 2010 Wall Calendar, features new images that portray her uniquely designed shoes. The calendar, which is printed on recycled paper, also contains a page to write down frequently used contacts and numbers, and plenty of space to jot down special days and important events.

Retail:  $13.99

Available at LorraineVail.com

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Andy Warhol Taming of the Shoe 2010 Wall Calendar

If you’re a fan of Andy Warhol’s work, you will love his shoe illustrations. This multilingual wall calendar features vivid images of pumps, sandals and boots created by the famed pop artist. It’s sure to please shoe fans, art fans, and of course, Warhol fans.

Retail:  $13.99

Available at Amazon.com.

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High Style 2010 Wall Calendar

The Bata Shoe Museum in Ontario, Canada is home to some of the most famous and unique shoes in the world, including a John Lennon “Beatle Boot,” and a pair of silver and red platform boots worn by Elton John in the early 1970s. Can’t make it to Toronto any time soon? No worries, you can now see some of the museum’s impressive collection in this 2010 wall calendar. This year’s version features 5 fantastic shoe images per month, and if you are near Toronto, you can take advantage of the “one free admission” coupon printed right inside this calendar.

Retail:  $11.99

Available at Amazon.com

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Shoe Fleur 2010 Pocket Planner

Retail:  $4.89

Available at Amazon.com.

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S

hoe Bags 2010 Weekly Planner Calendar

Plan your weekly activities in this handy calendar in a vinyl snap-shut case.

Retail:  $19.99

Available at Amazon.com.

Ananas Spa Gift Baskets That Say “Ahhhhh”

Looking for the perfect gift for the shoe lover in your life?  Ananas Spa has created three luscious gift baskets that everyone would appreciate.

Refresh your body. Rejuvenate your mind. Restore your senses. Experience it all at Ananas Spa, where your relaxation is our work of art.

Cedar Complexion Brush

Large Sponge

Sugar Butter Body Scrub

Sugar Smoothie Body Crème

Gold Frame

$75.00

Lavender Neck Pillow

Lavender Shower Gel

Lavender Pot Pourri

Bath Salts w/ Lavender Flowers

$ 106.00

Lavender Candle

Lavender Lotion

Lavender Liquid Soap

Trio Lavender Sachet

Gold Edge Silk Sack Of Potpurri

$112.00

To order gift baskets or purchase a certificate for spa treatments for those special people in your life, call our friends at Ananas Spa at 631.287.9099 and mention “shuz”.

Refresh your body. Rejuvenate your mind. Restore your senses. Experience it all at Ananas Spa, where your relaxation is our work of art.

Located in Southampton Village, this new full-service day spa is unlike any other. Featuring the finest in up-scale services in an environment that’s refreshingly uplifting, Ananas can be your special retreat from life’s everyday pressures… your special sanctuary.

Explore the many ways to indulge yourself at Ananas Spa by visiting ananasspa.com.  December specials await you!

Exclusive Barbie By Christian Louboutin Only At Net-A-Porter.com!

Christian Louboutin and Barbie – A year-long sojourn is revealed on December 4th, 2009, exclusively through NET-A-PORTER.COM.

“Barbie is such an icon; how could I resist such a collaboration?” Christian Louboutin
When Barbie needed a hot pair of heels to celebrate her 50th year, it was always going to be Christian Louboutin to whom she would turn.  Little did she know the impact she was about to make on the leading shoemaker to the stars, when she became his muse and inspiration.

www.net-a-porter.com/barbie

And so the seeds to a year long sojourn were sown, kick-starting with a reworking of his peep-toe classic in Barbie-licious hot fuchsia, with signature glossy red sole, which debuted at the Barbie runway show at New York fashion week earlier this year.  To some it would seem like a love affair, but to those close to the duo, Louboutin played the role of doting godfather seamlessly.

A fully documented photographic journey which sees them enjoying time together at Louboutin’s favourite spots, including: the gardens at The Louvre, his studio and country house, and his boat on The Nile, forms a diary-style calendar entitled ‘A Year in Paris’.

www.net-a-porter.com/barbie

Christian Louboutin has customised 3 dolls, inspired by Nefertiti and Marilyn Monroe, which feature a new terracotta tan skin tone, and having never before experienced the delights of such gravity-defying heels, a new in-step to enable her to take giant Louboutin steps for doll-kind.  However, a limited edition Christian Louboutin Barbie doesn’t end there; 4 Barbie-sized pairs of shoes accompany each doll, each in their very own Louboutin shoe boxes, in which delicate tissue paper reveals such miniature delights as lovingly crafted long leopard skin Christian Louboutin boots.

And in this modern age, which luxe retailer could best provide the right fashion sensibility to engage with such a project?  The slick gleaming machinery that is the global online luxury fashion portal NET-A-PORTER.COM, whose customers are already avid Christian Louboutin fans.

“We are so excited to be working with Mattel and to be part of the Christian Louboutin and Barbie journey.  Barbie is the ultimate dress up girl, Christian is the ultimate girl’s best friend and via NET-A-PORTER.COM their collaboration can now go global.” Natalie Massenet, Founder and Chairman, NET-A-PORTER.COM

NET-A-PORTER.COM features collections from over 300 of the world’s most coveted designers including Chloé, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Miu Miu, and Stella McCartney.  With its acclaimed editorial format, express worldwide shipping to 170 countries (including same day delivery to London and Manhattan), luxurious packaging and free returns.  All the best dolls shop at NET-A-PORTER.COM

A dedicated Barbie collector’s set, selling for £100, comprising the Christian Louboutin Barbie doll with a jewellery thief theme (as seen above), together with the calendar, launches December 4th 2009.

Barbie art directed by Christian Louboutin is the first in a series of Barbie as Muse projects where iconic designers will interpret Barbie.  The wait-list starts here.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/barbie

Tis the Season to Give Your Feet Some Love’n

They take you everywhere.  They wear your favorite pointy-toed heels and don’t complain …. well, OK, sometimes.  They deserve some love’n!  Tis the season to give your feet some TLC with the fantastic line of Gilden Tree foot care products available at TrueBeautyRX.com.

Be sure to place the Gilden Tree Kiran Forest Revitalizing Foot Soaks on your wish list …

Sparkling effervescent treatments that luxuriously soften, condition and revitalize feet. The benefits of soaking feet for relaxation and stress reduction are well-known. Using these soaks helps draw out impurities and soften feet at the same time. 25 Soaks come in each 4 oz. container. Just two tablets are enough for soaking both feet, and they dissolve within minutes. Or try 4 tablets for a sizzling, scented bath.  Retail $14.00 (4 oz container) at TrueBeautyRX.com.

Click here to rate shoe and enter the December 4, 2009, “fab friday” designer shoe giveaway!

Paul Mayer Attitudes Trunk Show November 6th

Attention San Francisco shoe lovers!  Meet French footwear designer Paul Mayer at the Paul Mayer Attitudes Trunk Show hosted by HeidiSays in San Francisco, CA, on Friday, November 6, 2009.

The Paul Mayer Attitudes line is perhaps best known for ped-pleasing ballet flats constructed with the softest leathers and the most on-trend color combinations.  He’s been a favorite of shoe lover’s for over 25 years.

Paul Mayer Attitudes Trunk Show

Friday, November 6, 2009

HeidiSays
San Francisco, CA

HeidiSays.com

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