80% of women will cripple themselves for those sexy Louboutin’s. Even if they don’t fit. Here’s why.

Come on ladies, I’ve done, you’ve done it, we’ve all done it. We’ve shoved our feet into shoes that are just too small for us (be it in length or in width), walked around the boutique like Bambi on ice (in severe agony) and still gone home with the shoes anyway.

Why do we do that? Why do we risk crippling ourselves for a pair of too-small shoes? Is this one of life's great mysteries... maybe.

Our intentions are mostly good. But listen, the road to hell is built on good intentions. Is that saying true? Maybe.

Here’s why I think we squeeze our feet into cute shoes knowing good and well we’re going to pay the price later.

1. When we buy the shoes, we genuinely believe they will stretch to fit our feet. And when I say genuinely believe, what I mean is we seriously hope they will stretch. Because damn it we are going to buy them anyway... sorry toes!

2. We just have to have them. Now. Our fashion sense won't let us leave them behind. We have been reading the trend reports for months and constructing our entire mental wardrobes around them. If we don't get this pair of insane beautiful (and too small) platforms home with us, the whole wardrobe is ruined, and no-one wants all that effort to go to waste, right?

 

What you just read was when our intentions are good. But sometimes, they’re not so good. Sometimes they are down. Right. Bad.

1. Sometimes we think no one will notice. We convince ourselves  that no one will notice us walking like a zombie from The Walking Dead or someone who just had an extensive rectal exam.  We reason with ourselves. “This shoe is fabulous, so I’m fabulous.” Even if they’re a full size too small. But that reasoning could be because of the illusions caused by the epic amount of blood loss in our mangled feet.

2. We can't handle the truth. They are just too small. We don't care what the dumb foot measuring machine says, we can get into those stunning size sevens and that’s that. And even though we wear a 7 1/2 we’ll never, ever give up. Especially on these amazingly sexy Louboutin’s.

So ladies, I’ve done it. You’ve done it. We’ve all don it.

And now it’s time for a dose of truth... If the shoe doesn’t fit, you must acquit.

Oh what a terrible ending.

Joy

Are your shoes sick?

In today’s world of colloquialisms, sick could mean nice, pretty, sexy, perfect, classy and boat load of other positive things. But for this rant, we mean are your shoes sick? Are they dying? Are they run over? Do they need a polish? Is the heel broken? Is the leather peeling? Has the strap snapped? Is the sole hanging on for dear life but staring directly into the bright light at the end of the tunnel? 

You know you can resuscitate just about any shoe ailment with the proper care, right? Of course, I’m not telling you to become a shoe mechanic, but a few tips to save one of the most satisfying things a woman owns is worth reading, don’t you think?  TLC’s How Stuff Works gave us some helpful tips on “saving the life” of our shoes.

Check out what they had to say:

From TLC:

Take a look in your closet, and inventory your shoe collection. Quite an investment, isn't it? When you factor in designer shoes, work shoes and sport shoes, your feet may receive more attention than any other part of your body. Keeping your shoes in shape is one way to protect your investment and your feet.

Instead of the occasional overhaul and frenzy of last- minute polishing, good shoe management involves regular maintenance and consistent care.

Where to Put Them When They're Not on Your Feet

• If you get your shoes wet, let them dry slowly in an area where there's good air flow. Never put your shoes on a furnace register or heater to dry. This will shrink the leather, loosen the bonding material and put them at risk for cracking, peeling and discoloration.

• Keep shoes out of sunlight and away from heat sources when you're not wearing them.

• Keep shoes separate. If your shoes are a mad jumble at the bottom of the closet or under the bed, they probably rub against one another, causing scratches and scuffs. Protect your investment by keeping shoes in a shoe cubby or in individual boxes where they'll be protected.

• Provide shoe trees for your best shoes. These wooden shoe mannequins help your shoes resume their original shape after a leather- stretching workout. As shoes cool and dry, they contract, and having a nice solid form inserted in the interior of each shoe after a hard day's work will keep them looking and feeling good longer.

R & R and TLC

• We at TLC believe in the other kind of TLC -- tender, loving, care. 

• Give your shoes some TLC when you put them on and take them off. Use a shoehorn. The stiff back, or collar, of a shoe hugs the ankle and provides support and a snug fit. It isn't supposed to bend or flex. If you're cramming your feet into your shoes without the help of a shoe horn, the constant flexing will break down the stiff material at the collar and can do irreparable damage to your shoes in no time. 

• Shoes spend their time hugging your feet, which can get sweaty and smelly. Avoid wearing a pair of shoes two days running or more. A little R & R will allow them to dry out, dissipate lingering odor and regain their shape. 

• Clean and polish your shoes regularly. The cleaning materials and methods will vary depending on the type of shoe, but regular maintenance to remove marks and repair the ravages of friction and moisture will extend the life of your shoes and keep them feeling supple and comfortable. 

• If your shoes see a lot of action in wet weather, consider waterproofing them. It'll protect the finish and cut down on shoe maintenance and polishing.

Think Quality

• There’s one important shoe tip we haven't mentioned yet: Quality shoes typically last longer and fit better than cheap shoes. When you're looking for longevity and resistance to wear, pay more. Don't stop there, though. Insist on a great fit, too. Expect to try on a number of shoes before you discover a pair that works for you. 

• A superior shoe will give your foot support and look great doing it. You may not be able to afford a closet full of quality shoes, but if you stick to a few classic styles and treat them well, your core collection will look great for years.

This article first appeared here: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/style/how-to-make-shoes-last.htm

Why Drivers are Good

Drivers.

They are cute.

They make you feel good.

You can give your heels a break from all that accelerating and breaking through.

But most important, you can eliminate the ugly heel scuff on the back of your shoes. You know that dark circle on the right heel of women that drive in their shoes? Don’t you hate that?

You thought I was talking about a chauffeur didn’t you?

Save your heels and buy a really cute pair of women’s drivers.

Cute Heels vs. Nice Bag - Who Wins?

The Case of Shoozie Q vs. Miss Clutches R. Best

Arguing the case for the sexy heel is Shoozie Q...

Ladies and gentleman of the court, I am not here to convince you that when choosing between the shoe and the purse that the shoe is the right choice. I'm here to simply inform you that the shoe is the only choice.

My arguments are simple and should only serve to reinforce what you already know...a woman will always be nourished, satisfied, fulfilled and confident when she is wearing a killer pair of heels, more than she could ever be with a purse on her arm.

Firstly, what woman hasn't been envious of the never-ending legs of Elle Macpherson or Cameron Diaz. Well there is no need to let the green eyed monster out, you can make your legs appear longer, thinner and more toned with a great pair of killer heels. For example a heel in a nude tone that matches with the colour of your skin makes your legs appear longer by creating a seamless transition from skin to shoe.

Secondly, actual scientific research, by real life scientists at England's University of Plymouth have shown that a high heel makes women more attractive, by emphasising their femininity and highlighting their womanly areas. The high heeled walk, with the sexy short stride and the sultry swing of the hips is something that is hard to ignore. No such research exists for similar effects with handbags.

Not only do high heels make you look and feel great they are also good for you...oh yes! Contrary to popular belief that regularly wearing high heels can be bad for you, research has in fact shown that stilettos may be kinder to your delicate knees than flat shoes. Researchers at England's Warwick University found that wearing high heels may make women less likely to develop painful arthritis in the knee joint in later life.

So not only do high heels make a woman sexier, they make her legs look longer and can actually be beneficial to health...can that really be argued with? The case for the shoe rests.

Thank you for your time.

Shoozie Q.

We Love Lilian Tahmasian

Hey Shoozies,

If you love and appreciate fashion, you will absolutely love Lilian!

Enjoy the video, check out her blog. Butterfliie Lilian

Thank us later,

Shoozie Q.

How to Walk in Killer Heels

We all have high heels that are beautiful but hurt so much that you can't stand much less walk all day in them.

Well, we've scoured the web and found what we thought to be the best video giving you a step by step guide to making it a lot easier.

Thank us later, and sign up for: www.shoozed.com.

Lin

Follow me on Twitter: @shoozed

Yes I'm Single, but Sexy Shoes Keep Me Happy for Now, Thank You Very Much.

Yes I'm single. Yes today is Valentine’s Day.

So that automatically means some of my friends with hubbies or lovers smugly pat me on the shoulder and say in their most patronizing voice: “Don't worry girl you'll find someone.”

To that I say, "Who says I was looking for someone in the first place?" Without a significant other, I only have myself to please. And to buy for, so that can only mean one thing...an extra pair of shoes to add to the closet.

I don't just have one love, I have many loves, all achingly beautiful and ever obedient, ready to take me out whenever I demand, and I must add they satisfy me more than any man.

In fact, there are many reasons why a great pair of shoes is the perfect Valentine’s date.

You can pick the size, they don't talk back, and there is no over-protective Mommy to battle with.

The only bad side, is some of the sexiest shoes may give you is blisters, which is a forgivable and surgically correctable sin. Now if a man gives you blisters…well, let’s not even go there!

Getting back on track, with shoes there is no baggage... unless you choose the matching clutch!

So, yes I am single on Valentine’s Day, but don't feel sorry for me I have plenty of love in my life and the next love is never too far away.

Gems

Follow me on Twitter
@Shoozed  

Sign up to buy cute new or used shoes: www.shoozed.com 

Sole to Soul with Mimi G. Style

Keeping our Shoozies connected to the best bloggers, celebrities, current trends and fashion icons by featuring the Who’s Who and What’s What of the cyber (and real) World of Fashion and all things chic. Sole to Soul will give you an up close and personal peek into the force and inspirations behind the trend, get styling and shopping tips, learn about current fashion happenings and events, and of course arm yourself with enough knowledge about what’s fresh off the runway to next seasons’ things to lookout for that you may even become a blogger yourself.
This Sole to Soul is with Mimi G Styles. A uniquely stylish, beautiful and successful woman who has dedicated a large portion of her life to keeping the fashionistas fashionable and empower those who are fashionably challenged with the confidence of knowing that style is all about finding and projecting your inner Betsey Johnson or Donna Karan. No matter if you’re in need of a fun, quirky look or a sophisticated, classic look – Mimi G. Styles has a little bit for everyone!

Fashion perfection… Mimi G. Styles is always picture perfect.

I want to start off by saying…MOTHER OF SIX? Holy cow! You look amazing! What is your secret????

Thank you! But in all fairness I only gave birth to four of my six babies. I don’t know that I have a secret but I do try to take care of myself and eat well. I exercise, dance, and always make time for myself–like all women should do…especially mommies.

Okay, back to business…You started sewing at 12 years old, what kind of fashion were you into at that age? Can you share a picture?

I don’t think I had a “style” at 12 [years old], but I do know that big frizzed out hair was a part of my look! So I am thankful that there are no pictures, LOL. I did, however, spend many a day locked away in my room with my sewing machine making duplicates of things I already owned; which is how I taught myself construction. I had to figure out how my dress was put together so I could basically copy it.

My greatest accomplishment at that age was when I made my mother a red dress that she wore to a wedding even though the neckline was awful and the hem was crooked!

I think it took a long time for me to develop my own style and then was able to translate that in my sewing.

How have you developed your craft over the years from what you had envisioned at 12 years old into what MimiGStyle stands for today?

You know at 12 years old I just knew that I wanted to make things! And I found sewing to be a gratifying craft so I stuck with it. I taught myself everything I needed to know and if I didn’t know something I figured it out, read a book or took a class.

What Mimi G Style has become is a mixture of my life and fashion rules: 1. Do you! No matter what the cost or opinion; 2. Always wear something girly, sparkly or both; 3. Never be afraid to mix the traditional with the modern; 4. If it doesn’t fit right, don’t wear it.

Today my goal is to inspire, teach and motivate people to come out of their boxes and try something new. [But] I don’t think that at 12 years old I knew I would take sewing and fashion to this level of commitment and passion.

What or who inspires you?

Usually it’s something I see when I am people watching–which I love to do. Sometimes it’s a color or an image I see, and thanks to Pinterest there is an endless amount of inspiration to feed from, LOL. 

I never know what it will be, but I always have a camera or paper handy to capture it for later. I read other sewing blogs and I get inspired by what others make and share, it’s a great community to belong to.

Tell me about your 1^st Annual Meet, Shop + Learn event? And the 3-day Fashion, Sewing + Style workshop coming in 2013?

Last year was an amazing experience because what started off as a single request from a local fan who asked if she could accompany me the next time I went fabric shopping. [That] turned into an event where women flew into Los Angeles from as far as Florida and NY to come shop with me, learn from me, and it was amazing. It was such a success that I have started planning the event for 2013 as a 3 day mini (really mini) conference where I will bring sewing, fashion, DIY and style together for a great learning and sharing experience. We have a SAVE THE DATE right now and a long “Keep Me Informed” list of patient attendee hopefuls. Once I get some more logistics in place we will open registration.

So I’ve seen you give your readers DIY lessons on bedazzling jackets to making a maxi-dress from jeans? Any tips for adding a little of your personal flavor to a pair of shoes?

I just went to the craft store and picked up some stones and ribbons to make detachable pieces for my plain shoes. I also picked up the back of clip on earrings so that I can create the pimped out bows and attach them to the back; it’s easy and quick and most important non-committing. I also have extra yards of chain links in my stash that I want to use to drape over some boots I have; maybe that will be a tutorial soon

What advice can you give women about creating their own sense of style and knowing the boundaries of what looks good and what’s just outright crazy?!

DON'T FOLLOW EVERY TREND! That is the first thing I tell my clients. Just because Beyonce or Taylor Swift are rocking it doesn't mean it will work for you. Forget about creating a STYLE and start by creating “Fashion Looks” that fit your lifestyle and comfort levels. Buy things that flatter your figure and if peplum tops don’t flatter you, don’t try to wear them. I work wonders with jeans and a sweater and it’s not because I am genius or possess something others don’t have, it’s because I am comfortable in them. I make sure they fit the right way and it’s MY favorite thing to wear. If you love dresses, wear them often. Keep key pieces like blazers classic and use small items like accessories to add your uniqueness. Once you start to wear things that fit and that you feel confident in your style will emerge effortlessly.

Fun, fashionable, and so Mimi.

You’re a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur. How do you juggle it all and not fall victim to the “mom jeans”, “baseball cap” and “sweatshirts” everyday!!?

Okay, I am going to share a little secret with you that changed my life… stop trying to do everything yourself! And the most important thing to learn is that if the house is a mess and you are tired it’s okay, do it later!! Brilliant right? LOL! What I mean is, you must learn to delegate, delegate, delegate. My five year old picks up his own mess when he is done playing. My older kids do their own laundry and meals if I can’t make it on time. My husband does the grocery shopping and helps me clean house. I couldn’t possibly get it all done with my family. It is a team effort and I know that if I don’t take time to focus and recharge myself I am doing a disservice to my family. I don’t function well when I am stressed or tired so why not stop, regroup and then proceed.

Share with us the people or person you consider to be the epitome of fashion (beside yourself of course)!

Thanks. I am a huge fan of the classics! So my all-time icon has been Audrey Hepburn, but I am also a fan of Katie Holmes who has a great classic all-American style about her. I love Solange (girl crush) because she has an incredible sense of self and always looks amazing. I love confident women because confidence is 90% the driving force in fashion. You could wear a plain black t-shirt and jeans, but if you radiate confidence that t-shirt and jeans will look amazing.

What’s next for you, Mimi G?

I am working on several sewing related ventures like my own sewing pattern collection, sewing tools and a new website that will launch in 2013 and serve as an extension of my blog filled with resources for sewing, tutorials and projects to continue my plan to fill every household in America with a sewing machine *insert evil grin*. On the fashion side of things, I am working on expanding my work as a local stylist to a virtual stylist as well where clients can send me pictures of their wardrobes and I will help them build looks around what they already own. I also would very much like to have a televised platform and so I am hoping for that opportunity. These are just a few that I have in the works now and the rest I’ll keep to myself for now

To find our more about Mimi G. Styles visit: www.mimigstyle.com

Sign up to buy cute new or used shoes: www.shoozed.com 

How to Walk in High Heels - Video

The title says it all. I'm sure we already know how but just in case. 

Sole to Soul with Stella Eneaya

SOLE TO SOUL WITH STELLA ENEAYA

This Sole to Soul is with Stella Eneaya.  A uniquely stylish, beautiful and successful woman who has dedicated a large portion of her life to keeping the fashionistas fashionable and empower those who are fashionably challenged with the confidence of knowing that style is all about finding and projecting your inner Betsey Johnson or Donna Karan. No matter if you’re in need of a fun, quirky look or a sophisticated, classic look – Stella has a little bit for everyone!

So I know you’re from Africa, but what part of Africa? And where else have you lived?

I grew up in West Africa Nigeria in a state called Enugu before moving to Minnesota, Oregon, and now in Maryland :)

How would you describe the fashion in Nigeria?

Nigeria's fashion is a blend of modern and culture.

Let’s talk about shoes for a moment, who is your favorite shoe designer and why?

I don’t have one favorite shoe designer. Over the years, I have taken a liking to shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti, Aquazzura, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino & Alexander Wang. I really like their unique, edgy and classy approach to their shoe designs.

Can the perfect pair of shoes make a good outfit great? Why, or why not?

Definitely! With the right pair of shoes, you can transform a plain and simple outfit to jaw-dropping style. Shoes are everything.

Think of your favorite shoe right now. Describe it for our ladies.

My favorite shoe is least 4.5 inches, pointy, beige and with studded details and straps. 

Okay, now fashion…When did you realize you stood out from your peers fashionably?

I always knew from elementary school because I always knew what I wanted to wear which was always different from all my friends.

How would you define your fashion Stella?

My style is classy, edgy and fun.

Who do you think is the most fashionable celebrity?

I will have to choose more than one. The Olsen twins, Christine Centenera, Rihanna, and Carrie Bradshaw if that counts. 

How much time do you spend putting your outfit together?

That’s hard to say because it varies. An hour at the very least.

If there was one celebrity you would love to style, who is it and why?

At this moment, I will have to say Rihanna. Her style reminds me of a very bit of mine and I love styling people who are willing to take risks and step out of the boundaries.

To learn more about Stella, visit: www.jadore-fashion.com

Sign up to see our shoes: www.shoozed.com.

You Need Cute Used Shoes? Are You in Tennessee? Marty & Liz

Our job at Shoozed is to provide you with all things Shoes. That said, there's a really cool shoe store that's off the beaten path called Marty & Liz. It's just outside of Nashville. Here's the best way to summarize the experience. Check them out -- they have really nice cute used shoes. So do we -- sign up at www.shoozed.com. 

Really cute shoes here! A plus for me as some of them are extremely unusually sparkly- uh, over-the-top sexayyy type shoes that really don't look appropriate on anyone but a singer, which I am, or, perhaps a stripper, or aspiring stripper, or frustrated housewife spicing it up. I'm not really sure what all goes on these days! My friends never tell me anything except Their Marriage is Perfect, so what do I know? :D 

Others are very Doris Day, housewifey flats. Some are cuuuute flats, with Chanelish camelias, etc. (I got a pink pair last time). Then there are the Git-R-done, boot type shoes. Nice for bad weather. There are some used shoes, I don't go for those. I go for the sparkly, the unusual, the ones that will be seen from 100 rows back as I make my singing, microphone-swinging debut. !!! I got a really nice pair of 40's style jeweled plum pumps for a video shoot here in the middle of summer.

There are also lots of rhinestone appendages, feathers, spikes, unusual colors, heels, and new things to try that no one else you know will ever have. 

Plenty of that here, in bizarre colors and spangles and at great prices. Really over the top and fun. Wheeeeee!

This post was used with permission and originally appeared on Yelp. It was written by: Pale Fire. 

Shoozed, Take One. (A note from the Founder)

So, this blog will be all about shoes. And Shoozed. And maybe a little more. Actually... we'll talk about shoes, fashion, entrepreneurship, and whatever else we decide is important.

I started a company www.shoozed.com just over a year ago after my wife gave birth to my wonderful daughter Anniston. During her pregnancy her feet grew a shoe size, and well, my wife had a bit of a shoe collection. Over 100 pair.

I figured -- why take the shoes to a resale shop when I can build a marketplace for her and her friends to buy and sell to each other.

A year later we're in BETA. (Which means we've launched, but we're not quite comfy with the world checking us out yet.)

Stay tuned folks.

And go sign up! www.shoozed.com

Tell a few friends while you're at it.

Special thanks to Lindsey O'leary, Joy Marshall, & Jessica Johnson, Jamey Moore, Michelle Kitchens, Coco Darby, Reshonda Corley, Autumn Bailey-Ford, Ryan Hill, Imari Havard... and anyone else who had a hand in the early days. We're going to make this happen y'all!

To Mrs. Joiner, and my little Miss Joiner... without you -- there would be no Shoozed.

Until next time.

AJ

Shoozed.com
Good shoes never lose their sole.