Skele-Toes: Weird Shoes Or Ingenious Exercise Footwear?

In the first days of January I, like many others, made the decision to start exercising more. Currently I am taking a year off from roller derby to have a few, uh… adjustments made to a couple of joints that have gotten bent in directions nature never intended boo boos over the last derby season. In between visits to the doctor, I can’t just sit on my rump and veg out doing nothing. That’s a sure fire way to get chunky for anyone, derby girls included! So HHH & I are making the decision to walk/run together. I say walk then run because I don’t want to aggravate any joints or tissues more than they already are. This meant I needed NEW SHOES! I run through athletic shoes at the rate of one pair a year, and it had been a year.

I went out shopping with the family one evening and perused the shoes at the local shoe store. (Ha! A rhyme.) I was really looking for something to walk/run more than a cross trainer or other sport related shoe. After looking the brands over, reading their bio’s, and trying them on, I narrowed it down to either the Sketchers GOrun or the FILA Skele-Toes. I chose the Skele-Toes. They were hot pink & black. The material was soft & breathable. They were really light, not heavy at all. They looked weird. They looked really weird. The next morning, I put them on to wear around the house to break them in. The insides felt cushiony, but still supported my arch. I wore them around while doing housework and then did a short 20 minute Zumba workout . They felt wonderful! In fact, the only thing I could find wrong with them was when we had that cold snap a week or so ago, the very breathable material also let in the very cold air. 

 When it comes to walking & running… oh my goodness! These shoes make it feel like I am running barefoot! There is still enough cushion between my foot and the ground where I don’t feel the acorns, stones, or rough terrain, but the free feeling I get with my toes all being separated made it a better experience.  I have a big problem with “Black Toe” when I run. That’s when your socks are too tight, running shoe’s toe box is too small, or doesn’t fit right and you end up with blisters under your toe nails that eventually turn black and the nail then falls off. Gross and icky, I get tired of not having all my nails when I get a pedicure, (especially when I still get charged for all ten). That hasn’t happened with the Skete-Toes. With every toe having it’s own comfy little compartment, they have the room they need. I’ve had the Skele-Toes for about a week so far, and I can say I am happy with my choice. My feet feel great and I can’t wait to put some more miles on these babies!

About The Author:  Wife, Mom, Roller Derby Queen. She's not your typical Domestic Goddess! Living in Valrico Florida with her husband HHH and three kids, Blondefabulous, better known as Nicole, stays busy writing, cooking, baking, and playing Blocker for the Bradentucky Bombers Roller Derby League. She also helps with training for the Bradenton Derby Brats and writes a blog called Blondefabulocity. She brings a radical view to beauty, shopping, & fashion when it's mixed with fishnets, tattoos, & roller skates! Blog: Blondefabulocity http://blondefabulocity.blogspot.com On Twitter: @blondefabulous https://twitter.com/#!/blondefabulous Roller Derby Fan Page: Blondefabulous of the SRG https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blondefabulous-of-the-SRG/112622162097711

Style Week Providence – Night Two

Night Two of Style Week Providence!

I for one am still having a blast!

It is, however, obvious when you look around how Hurricane Irene has sadly affected the shows so far.  Night two had a good gathering but I would guess there were less people attending than at opening night.  I am crossing my fingers and hoping each day from here on out picks up because the shows are amazing, and the best part is that all the designers are local.

The Savory Grape sponsored cocktail hour and the drinks were sooo good!  I was able to take it right up on the stage with me where this time I got directed to a seat – in the front row again – only this time with my name on it.  So exciting!  Upon arriving at my seat I found a copy of Providence Monthly and a swag bag from Redken waiting for me.  Unfortunately my camera was not working properly so I was only able to snap a few photos during the night.

Katie Imswiler had the 1st runway show of the night.  According to her website, her line of swimwear is fully reversible.  Which I am in love with.  Who doesn’t like two looks in one!  During the show I could not tell if  the new looks were also reversible.  She featured a lot of grays with a mix of bright colors – many neon yellow, sometimes pink.  Lots of crisscrossing of straps and different color tops vs bottoms.  I would have to say my favorite were the long pants that folded over a bit at the waist and cover-ups she paired with her swimsuits.  I could see skinny me on the beach on a cooler day rocking the pants with a bikini top.  (Next summer maybe?)  Her show is where my camera did not work at all sadly.

Jennifer Griffith‘s ‘Playdates’ runway show was inspired by ‘women’s new found involvement in sports at the turn of the 20th century’.  She uses mostly vintage and reclaimed fabrics, vintage buttons included.  The buttons brought me right back to playing in my grandmother’s button box as a child.  While the looks were interesting, it was just not my style.

From her whole collection there was only one piece I fell in love with.  The beige eyelet dress with vintage ribbon trim was beautiful.  I did find it hard to imagine who would be wearing such outfits as the over sized bright navy eyelet dress which was not at all flattering to the model.  Seeing the collection again on The Rhode Show this morning made me look at some of the pieces differently.  I hadn’t thought I liked the piece below last night, but seeing it again this morning I ended up falling in love with it.  The blue jersey dress with the stripey inset in the front of the photo.

Jessica Abernethy found her style influenced by her education in Germany and is noted for her custom designs for clients.  Let me tell you ladies, if Jessica’s line is an indication of things to come headbands are back along with high waistlines.  Jumpsuits and overalls… and the part I found most fascinating is how she mixed it all up.  Some pieces had a mix of horizontal and vertical stripes along with a print.  Her style seemed older to me, a throwback to the 20′s in some respects.  I could not help but notice the jewelry, which was from House of Cach.  There was a beautiful long silver necklace knotted in the middle.  Definitely a line I will be checking out in the future.

Avni Trivedi was the last runway show, yet my favorite of the night I would have to say.  Avni is from India and uses handmade Indian fabrics she selects in her pieces.  She had so many beautiful pieces that I wish my camera had been working better so I could show you photos.  The line is from her ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ collection and all of the pieces have names like Tiger Lily – a silk side draped top and silk skirt or Iris – silk strapless dress with silk ruffled shoulder detail.  Beautiful.  My favorite in the collection is Rosebush – an organic cotton butterfly sleeve one shoulder top in light pink and white with organic cotton capri with satin detail.

It went perfect with the pair of Mallory Musante shoes the model wore with it.  I have to say I really got a sense for just how versatile Mallory’s shoes are during the show.  While I have seen them a few times now and thought they are beautiful, I never did know what I would wear them with.  The Avni show made me realize the shoes can be paired with so many things.  (And suddenly had me wanting a pair!)

Check out the straps on the back of this Avni dress.  Loving them!

This wraps up Style Week Providence Night 2!  Stay tuned for Night 3 and remember I will be live tweeting through the shows, which you can follow @buyher or @Liza_Rae.

Style Week Providence – Opening Night

Monday, August 29th was the opening night of Style Week Providence at the Providence Performing Arts Center (which was pushed from starting Sunday August 28th due to Hurricane Irene).  Roughly half the state of Rhode Island is currently without power due to storm damage so it was a welcome distraction to get back in gear with Style Week.  While I unfortunately had to miss Maria del Carmen Mercado‘s runway show, I was able to make it in time to attend the next three shows.

Not only was I lucky enough to just attend, I had front row stage seating.  I could actually place my feet on the edge of the raised white runway.  Such a difference from January’s Style Week where I could only attend the last night, standing room only in the back of the Providence Biltmore.  It was amazing to be so close to the models, the lights, the cameras.  It really made me look at each piece of clothing so differently.  And this time around I could also focus in on the shoes and accessories as well!

We all know how much I love my shoes and accessories!

Denise Hajjar was my first show of the night.  Her line is described on her website as a “classic modern look.”  There were times I really felt like I was staring back into some 1970′s fashion but yet it didn’t seem really dated either.  It had an edge to it making it look like something I would want to wear now.  She had some really nice styles for the fall and I was in love with all of the brown tones, as well as some adorable dresses.

Kara Wickman‘s website describes her line as a “mix of ready-to-wear separates and old Hollywood glamorous gowns for the effortlessly chic,” she aimed to design a line to transform from day to evening with the change of an accessory’.  While varied in colors, it was the teals that I found especially striking.  I couldn’t help but also notice the jewelry paired with her styles was none other than Modern Shades of Gray.  As a girl on always on the go myself I like being able to change up a look without having to do much.  LOVE that this line transforms so easily!

Samuel Vartan‘s runway show was filled with what I would describe as classy beachy looks for men and women.  Like that term?  I made it up on the side of the runway.  Going yachting?  Perfect! Linen was featured in several styles.  The Optix eye wear the models were sporting helped to complete the looks.

And…then there were some that looked like this.  No words.  Hold my hand.  I don’t know what to tell you.

I do know what to tell you.  All I could think in my head was Hey!  Aladdin called and he wants his magic carpet back.  Or something like that.

I digress.

So not all of this line was quite my taste.  Humor aside I could still appreciate all the work and time that went into each piece and I found it super sweet when Samuel walked the runway at the end with his little boy.

Opening night of Style Week Providence?  Huge success!  My sister-in-law Ana and I had a wonderful time and she helped me take some of the photos I used in this post.  Also… holy swag!  We missed out on the first bag since we were late but ended up leaving with two more!  Lots of goodies, including hair extensions from Indique, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, a gift certificate from Optix eye wear and the list goes on.  Have no fear, they will be covered in future Buy-Her posts ladies!

In the meantime this week, make sure you are following Buy-Her and me on Twitter for live tweets during the runway shows each night.

Till tomorrow, when I post again!

Latest Trend in Embellishments: Studs

The fashion world has seen lots of embellishments these past few seasons. From sequins and rhinestones to chains and beads, it’s all about adding that extra bit of flair and incorporating statement pieces. The latest development in embellishments takes a more masculine turn with studs.

(And who doesn’t want to be surrounded by studs? Am I right?)

They’re a little bit military, a little bit punk, and a little bit biker chic, all rolled into one. Studs look great with wardrobe basics, the safari trend, and are especially delightful in contrast to more floaty, feminine pieces. They can be flat circles and grommets or raised pyramids and spikes.

Here are a few of my favorite studded pieces. What do you think? Is it a hit or a miss?

(You’ll notice the distinct lack of pants and jeans. I don’t do embellished pants. And you shouldn’t either.)

• Studded Leather Biker Jacket $320
• Mohan Leather Jacket $210
• Studded Blazer $86
• Studded Boxy Tee $39
• Studded Knit Top $13.80

• Triangle Big Stud Earrings $18
• Enzo Angiolini Studded Booties $39.98 (ShooWoo online is going out of business and these booties are a ridiculous 70% off! I have a pair and they are fabulous. They also have these and these for a steal.)
• Micael Kors Uptown Astor Tote $460 (I received a purse and wallet from the same line for Christmas and get so many compliments. It was from the outlet and half the price so check if you have a Michael Kors outlet near you!)
• Studded Sunglasses $5.80
• Michael Stars Double Wrap Studded Belt $78
• Michael Kors Studded Gloves $29
• J Crew Studded Anklets $13 (Sorry! These are sold out online, but I got mine at the outlet for $5!)
• Grommet and Studded Wrap Bracelet$45

Free Your Feet With Nike Free Run +

That darn Oprah. She beat me to the punch on this post by giving away the Nike Free Run + shoe to her audience during her oh so fancy Favorite Things episode. But, this post has been languishing in my Mac for a few weeks so take that Harpo, I liked these shoes first. Actually, I LOVE these shoes. I have three pair and will definitely be scoping out a new set for spring. They are oh so comfortable and are designed to mimic the effects of barefoot training on your feet, while giving you nice cushioning and protection against nasty road bumps. They are also meant to be worn without socks, which feels great, but also mimics the effect of walking barefoot. And stepping in poo. Along with the smell. Or maybe that’s just me. I hate socks. Socks are like bras for your feet. They should be removed as often as possible. I find that a dash of foot powder and weekly washes keeps any funk to a minimum, and the insoles are removable and interchangeable, so that helps. The fit is kind of a bootie style, so there’s no need for the demon socks, but thin socks will work well and don’t get bunched up like in other brands. They are also made to work with the Nike + sensor to track your mileage, calories, etc.

Another great thing about these shoes is the color selection. They have PINK ! And if you didn’t know, “pink is mah signature color.” The shoe also comes in white,red,purple,orange and a variety of other shades. I buy most of my shoes from Zappos, because not only do they have the size I need for my big hooves, but they offer free return shipping and a one year return policy ! Yes, ONE YEAR ! You can also get them at Nike’s web site, and various other shoe retailers nationwide.

Behold the awesomeness…

I wear mine to work, where I am on my feet 7-8 hours a shift and they are always comfortable and give me the support I need. No foot, leg or back pain, and the light weight makes it feel like I’m not clunking around.

So set your feetses free with the Nike+ Free tennis shoe.

You’re welcome.

10 Fabulous Gifts For A Fashionista

Whether it’s a wife, girlfriend, mother, daughter, niece, or yourself (there’s nothing wrong with a little self-gifting!) most of us will be gifts for a fashionista this holiday season. Below are ten gifts (chosen by moi) that are sure to please any style-conscious friend or family member (and me).

10 Great Gift Ideas For A Fashionista

1. Magazine Subscriptions – Give the gift that keeps on giving – 12 months of fashion, style, and inspiration in the pages of Harper’s Bazaar, British Vogue, Lucky and other fashion & style magazines.

Bonus: Super affordable and no wrapping!

2. Nina Garcia’s Look Book $13.97 – Advice on what to wear for every occasion from the fashion director of Marie Claire and Project Runway judge, Nina Garcia. She’s smart, chic, and sharp tongued. Who wouldn’t take fashion advice from Nina?

3. Charm Bracelets - Charm bracelets are back in a big way. There are lots of fashionable variations (like this Juicy Couture braclet/necklace combo) and personalization shows that you put time and effort into your gift selection.

Bonus: Years of gift giving are in the bag! Mark memorable occasions with new charms!

4. Sephora by OPI $48 – Nail polish is an accessory just like a fabulous bracelet or necklace. The Sephora by OPI gift set includes 18 mini nail colors, from the lady-like to the daring, that compliment any outfit.

5. Gift cards – Fashionistas are one of the few people I recommend buying gift cards for. Style can be really personal, and you don’t want to buy the wrong size or color. If you ‘re going to give gift cards, make sure it’s for somewhere with a wide selection (like Sephora, Simon Malls, or a department store) and that the dollar amount covers the cost of whatever you had in mind for the person (say a new purse or pair of boots).

6. Echo ‘Driver Touch’ Gloves $35 – Gloves make a fantastic gift because you can buy a high-end name brand for a reasonable price (check TJ Maxx for brands like Coach and Michael Kors). I love the classic driving style and bold colors of these Echo wool gloves. So chic.

Bonus: Textured pads on the thumb and index finger allows you to use your iPhone and other touch devices!

7. TOMS shoes $54 – TOMS have a cult following, and these Glitter TOMS are so versatile and sparkly that anyone can see why.

Bonus: For every pair you purchase, TOMS gives a pair to a child in need!

8. Vintage Purse Camera Strap $30 – Photography and fashion seems to go hand-in-hand thanks to the boom in fashion blogging. What better way to make your camera fashionable than with a strap that looks like it’s straight from a vintage purse (namely one that rhymes with FoFo Fanel)!

9. Gem Headphones $29.50 – Not only are these Orbit Gem Hearphones from Delight.com slim and functional, they look gorgeous and demure.

10. Miniemergency Kit $11.95 – Every fashionista need to be prepared for the worst – unraveling hems, broken nails, runs in tights. The Miniemergency Kit from Kitson is adorable and contains all the necessities: hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, sewing kit, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, and bandages.

Reebok EasyTone? You Bet!

As a woman of a certain age (mid-thirties if you must know) I am constantly on the hunt for tips and tools to make working out more effective and easier.  About a year ago, I started seeing ads for the Reebok EasyTone, a shoe that was designed to work your glutes and hamstrings harder with every step, making toning your legs and tush just a little easier.

I am a diehard Nike fan and rarely look at any other brand of athletic shoe, but honestly I was intrigued by the wacky looking picture on the Reebok website. I hopped on Zappos and ordered my first pair of Reebok EasyTones. A few days later, the strangest looking pair of athletic shoes I had ever seen arrived at my door. I took them out of the box and saw shoes with bubbles on the bottom.

I slipped them on and walked outside to take them for a test drive.  They are very comfortable, but take a few steps to get used to.  With every step, your feet rock slightly on the pads underneath your heels and the balls of your feet.  Reebok claims the shoes work your glutes 28% harder and your hamstrings and calves 11% harder than regular walking shoes, so I expected to feel muscle fatigue more quickly than usual, but I didn’t! They were comfortable for the duration of my walk, but when I got home and stretched I could absolutely feel a difference, especially along my hamstrings.

The shoes are not designed for anything but walking, trying to run in them was extremely uncomfortable, but the next time I am in the market for a good quality walking shoe that will give me a little extra oomph, I will head to the Reebok display and pick up another pair of EasyTones before I try anything else!

New Balance Sneakers v. Fancy Kicks. (Or, Trust Your Instincts.)

I’m from New Jersey, and you need to know that those MTV stereotypes are lies. I’m paler than pale; I don’t even own hairspray or hoop earrings; and I haven’t been to the Jersey Shore in years. Also, the only people with that awful accent are New Yorkers.

I will confess, though, that the mall stereotype is true. I spent my 1990s teenagerhood in a mall. (And I paid the price: I used up a lifetime of mall tolerance in one decade. Thank the baby Jesus for Amazon Prime.)

So if you told me in 1995 that I’d be writing about shoe shopping in 2010, I’d get it – but if you told me I’d be a runner? I’d have snickered over my Orange Julius, hitched up my handful of purchases (probably a plaid oxford shirt, a tiny pair of silver earrings, and the latest cassette single), and told you to get lost. Me, a runner? No way. I was not an athlete. Mostly, although I wouldn’t have admitted or even realized it, because I was scared to try.

Fast-forward 15 years. I’ve just gotten my black belt in tae kwon do, I do yoga, rock climbing – and, yes, I run. As long as 10 miles, and about 20 5Ks, but usually just a couple of miles a few times a week. It took me long enough, and I’m not the best, but I’m here and I love it.

Not having being athletic growing up, though, means I never had a coach, I never went shopping for new gear or kit with my parents: in short, I haven’t a clue what to buy.

So when I started to actually think of myself as A Runner, I became skeptical of my faithful New Balance sneakers. Sure, they were comfortable, but what did I know? I’d never really used running shoes for running. How did I know if they were any good?

There’s a fancy running-shoe store 90 minutes from me: a cavernous place with a patented super-high-tech way to fit you for sneakers. They would know, right? So I drove all that way. Stood barefoot on a special mat so a computer could map the pressure I put on different parts of my feet. Ran on a treadmill so another computer could analyze my gait. Listened to the experts discuss my results. And I ended up…

…with a pair of expensive running shoes that I hated. I kept convincing myself that they’d been Chosen For Me and I just needed to get used to them. I trusted the fancy process more than what my own body was telling me. I spent six months with blisters before I wised up. I admitted the truth and got a pair of New Balance 738s. I absolutely adore them.

I’ve got wide feet, regular arches, I don’t pronate, I crosstrain, and I’m usually only running about 5 miles a week. I absolutely love New Balance athletic shoes, and I’d recommend them to anyone, but your mileage with these particular sneaks may vary. (Pun intended.)

And that’s my whole point. That’s why I love Buy-Her: because your mileage does vary. See, what matters is not what the sales pitch says or what the experts say you’re supposed to like. What matters is what it feels like for real people like you and me. And the more we trust our own reactions, the better we’ll be at choosing purchases that really help our lives.

My favorite thing about fall is the boots!

Listen, I realize it has been fall for most of you people for weeks, and I should have probably started talking about fall fashion sooner.  But, well, I have been crying myself to sleep every night in my air conditioning here in Florida, instead.

And then, this past weekend, the temperatures dipped just low enough for me to gaze longingly at my favorite knee high boots… and then to pull them out, pet them lovingly, and whisper “soon, my pretties, soon.”

This is totally normal behavior, by the way.

So, fine.  Let’s talk about one of my two favorite things about fall that the rest of you have been enjoying forever.

Fall boots!!

Ladies, let’s shop.

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Ballet Flats – A Fashion Staple

I adore ballet flats.

At present, I have seven pairs of ballet flats in various colors and styles and I can think of at least three more pairs I don’t own that I am lusting after.  (I’m just trying to figure out where I’ll make room for them in my closet.)

I believe ballet flats are a footwear staple that every woman should have at least one pair of.  Nina Garcia included ballet flats in her list of 100 things every woman should have in her closet.  (Although, she also included a poncho in that list – but still.  She was right about the ballet flats.)

There are two things I adore about ballet flats.  One is that they are extremely comfortable.  A cute shoe that can handle 6 hours of shopping is a treasure.  The other thing I love about ballet flats is that they are one of the few closed toe shoes that don’t require socks – making them perfect for summer days when you’re in bad need of a pedicure.  Yes, it happens.  But no one has to know if you’ve got the perfect pair of ballet flats.

Or seven.

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