Stomp Your Way Through Summer in Trendy Clogs

Some of you may be cringing at the mere thought of the clogs mighty comeback, while others may be elated. The former, I’m sure, are of a slightly older generation.  You’ve already been through the clogs craze- during the 1970s when clogs were in its hey day, and you’d prefer it if they stayed there.  The latter are of a more youthful generation, and they’re embracing this season’s most trendy footwear with open arms. Whether you find clogs retro, passé, or, perhaps, intended for the Dutch only, it might be in your best interest to reconsider, because clogs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.  They’re even being translated into boots for the fall.  If 80s style neon and leggings can have a moment in the 21st century, then why can’t a major player from the 70s have one too?

It’s not a little known fact that the major fashion houses in Paris and Italy almost always dictate what we’ll all be wearing in the upcoming seasons, so when clogs were spotted stomping down the runways of some of the most influential designers- Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu- it should come as no surprise when clogs were soon trickling down to the mainstream stores like Aldo and Zara. Besides, clogs provide a youthful alternative to the standard heels and gladiator sandals to wear with sporty and frilly minidresses or even a blazer and shorts combo. The options are really endless, and clogs can make any old outfit seem fresh and brand new. So whether you love them or hate them, you’d best get on board, because you’ll be hearing the clip-clopping of wooden heels all over town throughout the season- and into the next.

Take an untraditional route with a sandal version of this season’s clogs- ones that can be worn through the midst of the summer heat!

Open toe leather clogs with antiqued studs, rubber sole, and wraparound patent ankle strap with buckle closure.  4.5-inch wooden heel and 1.25-inch platform.  Available in Black.

Retail:  $135.  Available at: ShopBop.com

Open toe suede clog with cutouts at side, light brown leather trim, gold tone studs, and slingback heel with gold tone buckle.  5.5-inch wooden heel and 1.5-inch platform.  Available in Tobacco.

Retail:  $495. Available at:  Net-a-porter.com

Sandal style clog with thick leather straps, studded metal accents, chunky platform, and rubber sole.  5-inch wooden heel and 1.5-inch platform.  Available in Bonbut (cream), Blavec (black), and Walnut.

Retail:  $375 $270.75.  Available at:  Endless.com

More traditional clogs, with updated accents and details, make for a great transitional shoe from summer into fall.

Slingback design with adjustable buckle closure, suede upper, studded midsole, and a lightly cushioned footbed.  4.75-inch wooden heel and 1.75-inch platform.  Available in Black Suede, Brown Suede, and Taupe Suede.

Retail:  $129.95.  Available at:  zappos.com

Slip-on clog with leather upper, rubber sole, stud trim along midsole and chain detail.  4.74-inch wooden heel and 1.25-inch platform.  Available in Brown, Black, and Natural.

Retail:  $150 $105.  Available at:  Endless.com

Slip-on design with suede upper, multi-strap detail with buckle accents, leather lining and insole, and wood-tone platform and heel.  4-inch heel and 1-inch platform.  Available in Biscuit Waxy Suede, Black Waxy Suede, and Mouse Grey Waxy Suede.

Retail:  $225.  Available at:  Zappos.com

You can find all of the above clog styles and many more on shuzsociety.tv!

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.

July 2010 shuzscopes Forecast Stylish Clogs

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.

July 2010 shuzscopes Forecast Stylish Clogs

Today’s clogs are definitely NOT your mamma’s clogs!  What a come-back for this style .. from mega high heel to low and comfy.  A must-have for every fashion-conscious shoenista this year.   Simply click on the image or the text link to purchase “your” clogs!

Cancer
June 22 – July 22

Your entire life is about to change! The energy this month is completely focused on your sign and a potent new beginning in your physical appearance and personality. It’s possible that a new relationship will enter your life and it’s also likely that your new beginning involves communication and learning. If you’re planning to go back to school or teach, you’re right on track!

Footwear forecast for Cancer:  Forge new beginnings in Calleen Cordero’s exquisite hand-crafted Niev clogs.

Retail $459. Available at CalleenCordero.com

Leo
July 23 – August 22

Your behind the scenes talents are about to take center stage! It’s likely that whatever you’ve been quietly working on in the background is about to lead to an exciting new opportunity. You can expect a financial benefit from this and you’ll also have a chance to extend your compassion to others in the process. What could be better?

Footwear forecast for Leo:  Take center stage in the Claudia suede platform clogs from KORS Michael Kors.

Retail $250. Available at shopbop.com

Virgo
August 23 – September 22

Pay special attention to any social invites you receive this month because one or more could lead to a fabulous new connection. In fact, this is a time when a friend or your affiliation with a group or club might lead to some instrumental progress in the pursuit of a personal goal. You’ll have plenty of energy to make things happen and begin new projects. Use it well.

Footwear forecast for Virgo:   Elevate your status at social gathering in Diane von Furstenburg’s “Octaavia” wedge clogs.

Retail $295. Available at shopbop.com

Libra
September 23 – October 22

A new and exciting career opportunity can be expected this month. If you’re ready to make an entire shift in your professional life you can be sure the universe will make it happen now. This will be a great time to use any of your hidden talents in a way that will benefit you in career success. Stop hiding how amazing you are – it’s time to claim your rewards!

Footwear forecast for Libra:  Step into the limelight in Marc by Marc Jacob’s ruffle platform clogs.

Retail $330. Available at shopbop.com

Scorpio
October 23 – November 21

An exciting opportunity to travel overseas might surprise you this month. If travel isn’t an option then you can expect some type of promising international correspondence to benefit you. A friend or vital social contact might play into the picture and before you know it, an opportunity could be in front of you that involves a foreign matter. Make the most of it!

Footwear forecast for Scorpio:  Sam Edelman’s “Faye” lace-up high-heeled clogs will give you a new perspective this month.

Retail $150.95. Available at zappos.com

Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21

New life might come into a career matter that requires venture capital or monies from a lending institution. In fact, if you’ve been waiting for a good time to initiate activity this is the time to act. It’s also possible that you’ll receive news about a royalty or other financial agreement kicking in that will affect your status in a positive way.

Footwear forecast for Sagittarius:   The “Durann” clogs from Steven by Steve Madded make a bold statement on your way to the bank!

Retail $149.95 … $78.99 on sale.  Available at stevemadden.com

Capricorn
December 22 – January 19

An exciting new partnership opportunity might open up in business and if so, it’s likely to involve a foreign person in some capacity. This will also be your ideal month to hire a new agent, lawyer or publicist if that’s in your reality. Another person in your life will be instrumental in helping you spread your message to others. Sometimes two is really better than one!

Footwear forecast for Capricorn:   Zip-up that partnership deal in Jessica Simpson’s stylish “Junie.”

Retail $90.95. Available at zappos.com

Aquarius
January 20 – February 18

If you’ve been thinking about making a move in your job this is the month to polish your resume and begin the search. A new opportunity will come to you quickly although it will be more of a lateral move rather than a promotion. Still, there’s promising potential here so if you’re not happy in your current position, it’s a great time to make a change.

Footwear forecast for Aquarius:   Forge new paths in a pair of slingback woven leather clogs from Elizabeth and James.

Retail $425 .. $198.09 on sale at SaksFifthAvenue.com

Pisces
February 19 – March 20

Fun will be your middle name this month so embrace every opportunity you have to enjoy pleasure and recreation. Romance could be on the horizon if you’re single and the best part is that you’ll enjoy your new sweetheart in every way. It might seem too good to be true, but it’s not. Life will be lived to the fullest and falling in love has never looked sweeter.

Footwear forecast for Pisces:   Your sweet forecast calls for Via Spiga’s “Allston” in red leather.

Retail $185. Available at piperlime.com

Aries
March 21 – April 19

A spectacular life change is in store for you when it comes to a domestic matter. This month you might initiate a move or other new beginning for you and your family. Whatever happens, it will have a positive effect on your sense of well being and will provide a new sense of stability to your routine and daily life.

Footwear forecast for Aries:   Show the world that you are in charge of your destiny in SEE BY CHLOE’s buckled clog wedge.

Retail $270. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Taurus
April 20 – May 20

A new contract might come to you this month – one that involves a communications or creative project. If so, it’ll be extremely positive and you’ll feel a strong sense of joy about the potential behind this. In addition, if you’re a writer this will be an especially favorable time to begin a new book or other assignment. You’ll have an easy time conveying your thoughts and ideas to others. Wonderful!

Footwear forecast for Taurus:  Well this ought to cover ALL your possibilities this month … Vince Camuto’s “Cover” clog!

Retail $110. Available at piperlime.com

Gemini
May 21 – June 21

Financial prospects look good for you this month – especially if they’re tied to a family member or real estate matter. You might decide to purchase a collection or other valuable item for your home and if so, it’s likely that this will go up in value over the years. It’ll also be a time when you’ll consider new ways to market your talents and abilities. The sky’s the limit!

Footwear forecast for Gemini: Step out in confidence in Guess Footwear’s “Victorian” clog.

Retail $99. Available at piperlime.com

Shop for women’s and men’s shoes, handbags and accessories at shuzsociety.tv.

Step Out in Style With Summer Sneakers

As I’m sure most of you may have noticed, heel heights have been on the rise all season long, reaching heights of unfathomable proportions.  Romania’s “shoe architect” even introduced a new pair of sandals that towers at a staggering 12-inches. However, when trends reach a certain extreme, the pendulum must swing in the opposite direction- a counterpart to the ultra high heel must exist.

Say hello to the high fashion high tops.  Gone are the days of the boring, traditional sneaker.  Designers are introducing sneakers and trainers in fun textiles and prints and with embellishments ranging from sequins to chains.  Even high end designers such as Jimmy Choo are jumping on the trainer trend band wagon. So when your feet tire from strutting in 6-inch stilettos, slip on a pair of snazzy sneakers.  Not only will you be on trend, but your feet will thank you for it.

High top sneakers with a girly flair. Canvas printed upper and tongue with white leather toe caps, heel panels and lining.  Removable leather insole.

Retail: $95.  Available at: Stampd’LA

Stay comfy and dry in these rain ready sneakers.  Rubber upper and sole.  Available in slate.

Retail: $64.95.  Available at: Endless.com

Metallic accents make these sneakers super stylish.  Canvas upper, textile lining and insole, rubber sole.  Available in gold metallic/canvas, silver metallic/canvas and black metallic/canvas.

Retail: $98.  Available at: Zappos.com

Be runway ready with these supple suede and glossy patent high top trainers.  Includes glamorous gold eyelets and star printed soles.  Available in black and taupe.

Retail: $495.  Available at: Jimmy Choo.

Sport the traditional Missoni motif in a different way.  Canvas and leather upper with rubber sole.  Available in blue and purple.

Retail: $225.  Available at: YOOX.com

The traditional Converse high top is embellished with bronze studs on the outer side.  Converse logo on inner side.  Canvas upper with rubber toe cap and sole.

Retail: $225.  Available at: Shopbop.com

Show off your inner rock star with these studded and chained sneakers.  Leather upper with rubber sole.  Available in off white and midnight blue.

Retail: $190.  Available at: Endless.com

Shop for other sneaker styles on shuzsociety.tv and don’t forget to check out your shuzscope for the month of June to find your perfect sneaker match!

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!

Eco-Friendly Women’s Shoes

Think eco-friendly women’s shoes can’t be gorgeous and sexy?  Think again ladies!  Fabulous finds are in abundance.  Attention to detail, non-toxic glue, and the use of sustainable materials– wood, cork, rubber, organic cottons, linen, denim, satin, and even crushed TV sets!– make these animal-friendly fashion footwear lines both stunning and durable.

Mink offers exquisitely hand crafted vegan shoes made by third generation artisans in Italy using no animal products. The designer, Rebecca Brough, based in Beverly Hills, launched her eco-chic shoe line in 2003 and forgoes leather or any animal by-product in their construction. www.minkshoes.com

Retail: $262.49.  Available at: Heels.com

Vegan lines designed in England have successfully crossed the pond, as well. Beyond Skin provides beautiful and luxurious eco-friendly footwear from pretty ballet flats to luscious pumps and bridal shoes. www.beyondskin.co.uk

Retail: $137.47.  Available at: Endless.com
View Beyond Skin styles at shuzsociety.tv

NEUAURA offers contemporary, high-quality eco-friendly shoes in a variety of styles and continue to help share a vision of a harmonious, animal-friendly planet . www.neuaurashoes.com

Retail: $99.  Available at: Neuaurashoes.com

The olsen Haus Pure Vegan footwear line is committed to being 100% animal free and cruelty free with a high standard of ethical and social responsibility.  For them, it’s all about style, truth, and the shift in consciousness to a new luxury. www.olsenhaus.com

Retail $210.95   .  Available at endless.com
Shop the broad range of olsenHaus styles at shuzsocity.tv.

Other great eco-friendly lines to check out are Nina Dolcetti at www.ninadolcetti.com and Madden Girl at www.stevemadden.com.

Many of these styles are available through shuzsociety’s shopping platform!  Just enter the designer’s name in the SEARCH box and begin shopping!

Women’s Sandals: Zippers, Grommets, and Studs, Oh my!

Spring is all about being casual, cool, and chic, and what better way to do that than with a fantastic pair of sandals. While there are many worthy footwear trends this spring worth following, one of the more statement making trends features hardware details.  A feminine spring sandal with just the right amount of edgy zippers, studs, and grommets to add a hint of rock and roll flair.  These sandals will up the ante on any outfit you choose to wear this spring. shuzsociety has picked out some of our favorite pairs, and as if that wasn’t enough, they’re all under $160!

Retail: $60.  Available at:  Zappos.com

Stylish, yet comfortable thong sandal with faux leather upper and brushed hardware detail.  Available in black or white.

Retail: $160.50.  Available at: Zappos.com

Rockstar worthy sandals with leather upper, front zipper detail, and seriously studded straps. Available in black, silver, or taupe.

Retail: $68.95.  Available at:  Endless.com

Glam gladiator sandal with leather upper, ankle cuff closure, and hardware detailing.  Available in luggage and black.

Retail: $28.75.  Available at: Endless.com

Cage style gladiator with polyurethane upper and crystal studded hardware and screw accents.  Available in purple, black, fuchsia, yellow, and white.

Retail: $39.95.  Available at: Endless.com

Strappy sandal with synthetic upper and loads of studs, grommets, and gems.  Available in black and brown.

Adorn your feet this spring with affordable, fashion forward sandals like the ones above.  All of these sandals- and many, many more- are available through shuzsociety’s shopping platform.

Designer Shoes: Simon Says What’s Hot for Spring 2010

We love Simon Doonan, the women’s designer shoes expert at Barneys New York!   And “Simon says” flower power, wonderous wood and edgey wedges are HOT for spring 2010!   Styles from Lanvin, Guiseppe Zanotti, Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, Fendi and Ann Demeulemeester collections are beautiful examples.

Shop Barneys New York

Bridal Shoes Trend In Full Bloom

Brides seek the perfect shoes to make their Cinderella dreams come true.  Crystals and rhinestones continue to be popular trends for bridal shoes, but delicate flowers and rosettes are giving this season’s styles a softer, feminine look.  shuzsociety footwear trend experts are seeing silk, satin and organza flowers from high-end designers like Martinez Valero and Badgley Mischka, as well as more affordable versions under $100 from Special Occasions and Jonathan Kayne.  Tip toe through these bloom’n beautiful selections!

Coloriffics Flower Bridal Shoes $79.99 at Bellissima Bridal Shoes.
Available in white & ivory.

Special Occasions Jolie Bridal Shoes $63.99 at Bellissima Bridal Shoes.
Available in silver and black.

Jonathan Kayne Hawaii Bridal Shoes $81.99 at Bellissima Bridal Shoes.
Available in white.

Brianna Leigh Sophia Bridal Shoes $110.99 at Bellissima Bridal Shoes.
Available in white and ivory.

Badgley Mischka Randal Bridal Shoes $215.00 at Bellissima Bridal Shoes.
Available in white.

Martinez Valero Vida Bridal Shoes $149.00 at Bellissima Bridal Shoes.
Available in white and ivory.

Special Occasions Rosetta Bridal Shoes $48.99 at Bellissima Bridal Shoes.
Available in white, light ivory, black, silver.

For additional bridal shoe styles, shop shuzsociety’s new fashion TV portal for designer videos and shopping for women’s and men’s shoes, handbags and accessories.  Shop shuzsociety.tv and search “bridal.”

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!

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