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Back to School Sneaks

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on June 24, 2009

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It seems like I just bought my girls fresh new pairs of school sneakers, but with July quickly approaching, I’m already thinking ahead to Fall, and back-to-school shopping season. My oldest daughter, Kyla, is already wearing adult shoe sizes. She’ll be in seventh grade this year. She’s a big fan of Converse (as, must be every other middle-schooler in town, witnessed so far this summer on the feet of pre-teens a plenty, paired with cute jersey dresses).

There’s about a gazillion pairs of Converse sneakers I wish I could buy her, starting with these sweet vintage-inspired Nylon Trainer 2 Ox sneakers (above) in a pretty shade of gray, but how could anyone pick just one look with this long-standing, style-setting sporty casual brand? View all the women’s Converse sneakers on Shoes.com here, and check out all the latest styles, colors and patterns.

It’s a toss-up what type of shoes my three youngest girls—ages 6, 6 and 10—might choose, but I’m banking heavily on Skechers, which has provided a majority of their sneaker collection over the years. I can totally see Sophie, who’s not a fan of shoestrings, in these cheerful Skechers Jinxy sneaks (above) with colorful stripes and easy elasticized lacing, though she had a similar pair in pink for Spring season. Izzy, her twin, is a bit more rock-n-roll. For her, these Bubble Run sneakers (below) are just the right speed.

Last, but certainly never least, Raleigh (most recently known for her Summer Sandal crisis)…her choice is always anybody’s guess, but…as she likes all things turquoise, I’m hedging my bets on these supercool Reebok Pace of Play sneakers, outfitted with extra support and cushioning.

Rain Boots Make Rainy Days Delightful

Published

Amy

on June 24, 2009

in Uncategorized

. 2 Comments

We’ve been dealing with a lot of rain lately. Storms, tornado watches, and the like. It seems like it’s been coming down in buckets all over the Midwest, including my sunshine-y state of Kentucky. The weird thing about rain is it seems to circumvent seasonal predictability. Especially with this newly unfavorable trend of global warming.

We’re an adapative people, though, and if it’s gonna rain, there’s gotta be some sunshine somewhere, despite what that old song says. So why not keep the little ones fashionable and protected with a pair of vibrant rubber rain boots, should the occasion arise? Not only will they look perfectly on trend, but moms and dads will find comfort in letting the little ones splash shamelessly in the puddles as they pool around the parking lot, dancing in the rain as it drizzles (or pours!) onto the pavement.

Chooka Boot makes lots of fun, whimsical rubber rain boots that’ll really put some pep in their step on a rainy afternoon, and, quite possibly, yours. My favorite number from the kids’ collection are these adorable Hello Kitty rain boots (above), in a fun polka dot print with replicating Hello Kitty characters holding colorful umbrellas. I have to admit, collecting Hello Kitty treasures was one of the guilty pleasures of my childhood.

And what little princess wouldn’t love prancing down the street in these Western Chief Meow boots with adorable kitty cat faces on the toes? Double rubber pull straps make these boots a cinch to get on and off.

Tretorn offers little trendsetters a stylishly mod look with these awesome Engla boots, featuring a fresh floral and bird pattern in contrasting shades of pink and yellow with bright red trim.

Finally, the little dudes can have fun, too, playing chief in these incredible Western Chief F.D.U.S.A. fireman boots, complete with an “official” fireman badge and double rubber pull straps.

Stayin’ Cool at the Pool

Published

Amy

on June 15, 2009

in Uncategorized

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Last weekend, we joined our neighborhood swim club. My girls were super-pumped, and even our littlest one, Levi, seems to be digging afternoons at the pool. (Although he must think it’s one big, fun, giant bathtub). My twins eagerly flaunted their new sparkly flip-flops, while my older two wore their athletic sandals in. I didn’t exactly like the idea of them kicking around in these sandals at the pool, though, and since they’re headed to the beach soon, I thought it might be time to check out the water-friendly sandals on Shoes.com:

The adidas Akwah 4 Flip Flop, with an extra squishy footbed, water-friendly design and siped rubber outsole is the ideal shoe for navigating slick pool-side concrete.

These siped Reef Ahi flip-flops are just right for the little one with an elasticized slingback heel strap and lightweight, siped traction outsole.

The Teva Proton sandal is just perfect for taking a dip in the salty surf.

Finally, count on Crocs to take the little ones easily from the pool to afternoon errands and on into dinner.

Budding Fashionistas

Published

Amy

on June 5, 2009

in Uncategorized

. 0 Comments

These days, trends trickle down from the runway faster than I can walk to my corner drug store. Once you see a Hollywood A-lister or supermodel sporting a new look, you’re sure to find it online immediately, with knockoffs all over retail outlets the following week. And, unlike when I was a child growing up in the 70’s, for every look a gal can wear, there’s plenty of knockoff styles for baby and tween fashionistas alike.

Take, for example, the current gladiator sandal craze:

The little gals will be decidedly glam in these fabulous Nina Arosa sandals.

For a lower key look, these Jessica Simpson Arianna sandals, a perfectly flat style in a subtle shade of bronze, are right on the money.

And what girl can resist these bejeweled and beaded Reaction by Kenneth Cole Lion Candy sandals?

Similarly, this season’s ballet flat craze has not been lost on the middle school set. Just ask my daughter and her friends, who recently sported this style with pretty sundresses at their 6th –grade honors ceremony.

These adorable Me Too Nevada III flats feature sweet laser-cut heart details and a delicate bow accent at the toe.

These Reaction by Kenneth Cole Glitz N Bow Mary Jane ballet flats put a fresh spin on a classic style with hot pink trim and a colorful chevron design.

For a chic, posh look (best paired with minimalist pieces), these Venettini flats–Style #49-101641–really make the grade.

Finally, Even Audrey Hepburn would have swooned over these lovely vintage-inspired Laura Ashley ballet flats, style #LA024-2B.

(Stride) Rite of Passage

Published

Amy

on June 5, 2009

in Uncategorized

. 4 Comments

When my sis and I were kids, our mom took us to Stride Rite for our first baby shoes. They were the classic white leather high-top lace-up kind, with little bells or pom-poms hanging from the laces. I don’t remember wearing them (I have seen pictures), but I do remember making regular trips there with mom for years after our first visit for new shoes.

When it came time for my girls to get their first pair of shoes, we turned again to Stride Rite. My oldest four have long grown out of their first pair of Stride Rite walking shoes: Now, it’s time for my youngest child, Levi, to make the cermonious trip to the mall for this important rite of passage.

I’ll probably take him to the mall for his first pair (it’s tradition), but I’ve found a vast selection available on Shoes.com to keep him rumblin’ and tumblin’ well into the summer months (take note, parents!):

These crisp Baby Ian sneakers are just right for baby’s first steps. And, they’re easy to fit with double Velcro(R) straps.

These lightweight, water-friendly Stride Rite Bondi sandals are perfect for warm summer days.

These super-trendy Stride Rite Cygnet sneakers are sure to keep him on the cutting edge of cool.

And, finally, for that first off-road outing, he’ll be thankful we packed along these durable, grippy Scrambler sneaks.

Sandal S.O.S.

Published

Amy

on June 5, 2009

in Uncategorized

. 0 Comments

Of my four daughters, I have one who is exquisitely picky and infinitely difficult to please. She’s actually the most pleasant of the four on a regular basis….until it comes to taste buds and clothing selection. For instance, Raleigh refused to eat the Cinnamon Life cereal yesterday morning, even though I found out today that’s what she eats religiously every school morning at her nana’s house. She has suddenly decided not to wear her regular summer ensemble of tanks and long, flowing skirts because “they don’t have shorts inside” and now prefers to wear her ratty old tennis shoes instead of the three new pairs of sandals I bought her. So, every day, I send her off to school in the same pair of worn-out sneakers and a fresh pair of socks. While her sisters, mind you, flaunt their pretty summer sandals as if they were just plucked off the runway.

Now, everyone knows flip-flops are the most comfortable shoes on the planet. They’re easy to slip on, and easy to slide off whenever you get where you need to be. Don’t bother explaining that to Raleigh, though (believe me it’s pointless)…the “toe stoppers” hurt her feet. I, of course, working as a writer for a shoe company told her that no, it’s the toe thong post that’s hurting your feet, but of course she has already stopped listening. There go the first two pairs. Her problem with the other? While the third pair came without a thong, these pretty turquoise patent gladiators feature an adjustable buckle at the side that’s “too hard to buckle” and, besides that, the “buckle doesn’t even fit in the hole.” Yes, I did try to explain to the poor thing that once you wear them a few times, they will be nicely broken in and she won’t even notice, and, yes, it’s a lost cause.

Of course the one other thing everyone knows is that the key to not dragging an unwilling fourth grader through several shoe stores for the perfect and most comfortable sandal is shopping online. So, of course, I turned to Shoes.com for a quick search of thong-less and buckle-less sandals. Below, a few of my top selections, which will be awaiting Raleigh’s approval when she returns home from school this afternoon:

The ECCO Victoria Opal sandal features easy-to-fasten hook-and-loop heel and instep straps. The shimmering pearlized leather and sweet floral embellishments add instant girly detail.

The North Face Futaleufu sandals convert from slingback to slide with an easy-to-remove heel strap. She can’t even complain about the straps hurting her fee. The instep and slingback heel strap have plenty of soft fabric padding.

The Venettini Arne sandal combines gladiator glam with quick-fitting design. This one makes the grade with polished metal stud accents and a hook-and-loop side closure.

Finally, what little girl named Raleigh can resist a sandal of the same name? The Keen Raleigh sandal is perfect for hours of summer play—the quick-drying, waterproof polyester webbing will make a splash by sand, pool or surf—and the elasticized bungee-laced vamp, durable rubber toe bumper and hook-and-loop closure ankle strap will keep her ready for her many adventures.

Handbags on shoes.com?

Published

Gloria

on June 3, 2009

in Fashion and Motherhood

. 0 Comments

YES! You would not believe all the beautiful handbags available on shoes.com. They have many different designer brands to choose from and at great prices. I recently bought a black Kathy Van Zeeland bag for $54.00… awesome price! I love the purse and get so many compliments on it. I would recommend you definitely check out the purses and treat yourself.

shoeplayhouse.com

Back to School Sneaks

Rain Boots Make Rainy Days Delightful

Stayin’ Cool at the Pool

Budding Fashionistas

(Stride) Rite of Passage

Sandal S.O.S.

Handbags on shoes.com?

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