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.

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.

Manolo answers, it is the Yoko Ono!

Congratulations to the Manolo’s internet friend, the Gemdiva, who was the first to correctly identify this week’s annoyingly annoying personage of note.

Despite the three-inch wedge heels on her black patent leather shoes, after hours of walking, Ms. Saujani, a former hedge-fund general counsel and a successful political fund-raiser, seemed as calmly cheerful as she did at the outset of the day.

Finally, as we returned to her office, I asked: About those shoes?

“They’re the Kate Spade wedges,” she said, sagging slightly, as if she had only just then been reminded that she had feet. “They’re these politician-woman shoes.”

She had gotten the tip from someone who worked for Hillary Rodham Clinton. They are apparently something of an “it” shoe right now for women in politics: Ms. Saujani said that Kathleen M. Rice, who is running for attorney general, also wore them (a photograph on Ms. Rice’s Facebook page bears that out). The chief of staff for a prominent woman in Congress told me that she, too, religiously relied on her Kate Spade wedge heels (though she spoke on the condition of anonymity because she preferred not to be known for her brand of footwear).

“They’re very comfy,” said Annie Mullaly, Ms. Saujani’s finance director. “They’re like Crocs. You’ll see them everywhere once you’ve identified them.”

[...]

But the Kate Spade wedge heels are not just one candidate’s shoes. They seem to be the shoes of a circle of younger women aspiring to power or already in it, women directly and indirectly passing on to one another ways of navigating the particular challenges of being a woman in the public eye. A woman must look put-together, but not as if she is a slave to fashion; she must look groomed, but never be spotted grooming.

That is all well and good if you want to look like the politician, however, if your tastes run to the slightly more aggressive, and you wish perhaps to make the statement on the campaign trail…

Allow the Manolo to suggest these over-the-knee Boots from Belle by Sigerson Morrison as being worthy of consideration.

With these on your feets, you would not ask for the votes, you would command them!

P.S. The Manolo has long been the fan of the Kate Spade shoes, for exactly the reason cited above, they are well-made, reasonably comfortable, and perfectly suitable for the working girl.

Manolo says, after all of the buckles and straps and glittery glam-o-tchotkes, it is pleasant to see more tranquil, classically elegant shoes, such as this Simple Ankle Boot from Christian Louboutin.

Manolo asks, whose shoes?

Manolo says, there is only one proper response to shoes this fabulous…

Hand the Manolo down his walking cane…

“So much rhythm, grace and debonair from one man…”

Susan Sarandon…

This is the lovely, restrained, classic black gown, with the proper amount of glamour, and unlike many of her most recent outfits, does not display her magnficent Sofia-Lorenesque bosom overly much in the vulgar manner.

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Emily Deschanel…

Few are the times the Manolo can recall bangs working for such the august occasion, but here they go marvelously with Emily Deschanel’s tiered purple gown. The look is fun without being silly.

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Kim Kardashian..

It is too bad she and her family are such awful, grasping people, because she is undeniably beautiful, and her Cleopatra-esque dress is perfectly suited to her coloration and features. Gorgeous.

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Lea Michele…

Ayyyy! This is perhaps the Manolo’s favorite of the entire evening. This is all about proportion, femininity, and exactly the correct accessorizing and hair. This is the prime example of how the great outfit can completely transform someone into utterly super fantastic!

Krya Sedgwick reports that Louis Licari was was all booked up.

Well, at least the Beau Bridges dyed his eyebrows.

No pre-awards show purging for the Rita Wilson.

Ann-Margaret in Black!

Sharon Gless in white!

Cindy Lauper…might the Manolo make the suggestion?