Wednesday, May 2, 2012

DREAM vs REALITY

Hello again,

The most popular items that we like to splurge on are our hand bags and shoes. SHoes are statement peices and we always want to look fashionable and fun. In this economy things are really tough and we now have give in to frugality. For those times tat we cannot afford designer shoes we must find a pair similar for a quarter of the cost.  I recently came upon a website named mock-off.com. This site is amazing at finding the best and most desirable designer items and finding the products that are almost identical for a smaller price tag. SO their specialty is displaying "mock-offs" of designer products, everything from bags, dresses, tops, bottoms, accessories, and shoes.  So with their help i will be displaying some of the nest mock-offs I have seen on this site. I cannot believe how much shoes can look identical for two different price ranges.


These zipper boots are almost identical to me. The only difference is the small peep-toe in the Michael Antonio shoes. They have the same level changes with the 3 zippers. I would personally prefer the Zanotti shoes but for my price range the Antonio's seem right.

The cap toe glitter flats here have the same idea but you ca see the difference clearly. The Zanotti's have the solid unadorned front cap while the J.Crew shoe has glitter everywhere. I would prefer the Zanotti because it is upright and looks more classic.
The heeled combat boots I am seeing everywhere. These boots side by said look like the same shoe. They look so similar in picture but in person Im sure the quality is shown. Although the forever 21 shoes are a they are not of great quality for the price of $36. Though price does not necessarily correlate to quality it does have some sort of better construction in some way.I would choose the Jefferey campbell because they are the right price for a decent pair of boots anyways. 


I am astounded at the similarities between the two shoes. Some of you may have read my last post about the trends of flats, and these espadrilles are a hot item. Everything from the direction of the lines to  the taupe trim, looks like the same shoe. The prices are not that far apart though, the Kate Spades not even being double the amount the Meloni shoes. Since they do look so similar, I would have to go with the Meloni espadrilles.  


The Leopard Print booties may look very similar but this time their prices are way far from each other. The difference is a little more than $1,000, but what do I expect they are Christian Louboutin's. Although I love, love, love the leopard print on the red soled beauties I prefer the shape of the Edelamn's. Not sure if the price was throwing me off, but I imagine if I had the money, would I still pick the Edelman's?



 Everyone has to love glitter right? Here are some gold glittered platforms that i love. The color of the two shoes are different for sure. They both have that metallic platform and about the same shape. I personally prefer the Jimmy Choo's because of their coloring, a glitter shoe is very tricky to have. A glitter shoe can be borderline over the top, but the Choo's are a neutral gold color that looks great with any outfit. The Angiolini shoe is not too bad, it has a sliver glitter top that still looks classy and not over the top.


So thanks to mock-off.com, I was able to show all of you different types of shoes, showing the originals and the almost identical mock-offs. So when you all are considering buying a particular type of shoe, ask yourself should I splurge for my dream shoe or save and settle for the mock-off?

-NG

Flirty Flats

Hello All,

I am not sure about you all but of all the categories of shoes out there, the ballet flats, as I like to call them flats, are my absolute favorite. Flats just have a way with the demands of everyday. They are perfect for just slipping on and getting out the door. Flats are so easy and fun! They definitely adds interest to any outfit. I am sure some of us have pairs upon pairs of flats in our closets! Flats are now staple items in our wardrobe and it's time to get updated with the latest trends for flats. As I've gone shopping here and there, I definitely see a consistency in the trends for flats. So when you are considering buying a new pair of flats for these coming seasons, take the next following trends of flats into consideration.

PLAYFUL PATTERNS
Here we have the patterned flats. The patterns range from geometric shapes to romantic florals. Pattern is and will continue to be huge these next seasons and I am so excited to see all the amazing new patterned flats coming out. Here we have a beautiful leopard print flat which stays girly with a small ruffle on top. Animal prints are back if you like it or not. So lets just love them! Next we have a floral, powder blue shoe that keeps your outfit looking romantic and feminine. Next we have out geometric neon combination which is always great for adding some flare to an outfit.


EARTHY ESPADRILLES
Next in our flat category, we have our espadrille trend. The look we aim for is effortless chic, and relaxed and what better way to look that way then to wear espadrille flats. Espadrilles are great because they  make any outfit look fun and lay back. Espadrille flats with bright color and/or pattern is the perfect way to wear them. Here we have that amazing orange color that  am seeing everywhere. You can also go the more classic look with a great red espadrille flat. A patterned espadrille looks fun and daring, giving an outfit that extra edge.



SASSY STRIPES

Stripes are everywhere! I love stripes because they come bold, skinny, irregular, and colorful. Stripes are a must whine it comes to flats. Everyone need a pair of flats with stripes, so if you do not have a pair, I suggest you get out there and find yourself some. These flats you can add more interest to an outfit by slipping them on maybe with a pair of jeans and a solid color tee or my favorite with solid colored jeans!

CREAMY NEUTRALS

Who can go wrong with neutrals? Neutrals are great because they go with everything and they stay classic. Maybe you have those days where you do not feel too daring to wear some bold color or patterns, then stick to the classic neutrals. Here are just a few examples of what road to take when considering neutral flats. You can take the textured-like  route with a flat that has a swirly pattern, giving interest to the neutral flat. There is also the solid color neutrals that always look classic, and then we have our patent leather look which i love because it adds more shine and attention. Buying neural flats is a must in your wardrobe.


BRIGHT NEONS

The best way to give your outfit and extra kick is having those bright neon flats! You might be intimidated but the shoe would be the statement piece and everything else can be a canvas for it. Having a matching neon top might be extreme, but keep it simple but having one element of the outfit be the neon. We suggest the shoe is the best way to introduce neon into your wardrobe. Do not worry about the longevity of the neon trend, it will definitely be a hot topic for seasons. SO invest in some neon flats and see people turn heads, for the better.



Hopefully you all got an extra boost to get out there and purchase a couple more flats to complete your wardrobe. Flats are essentials and the trends for flats makes buying even more fun. There is no such things has the wrong pair of flats, they all work and add a little something to any outfit. SO what are you waiting for, get out there and get your flirty flats!

-NG

Choosing the RIGHT work out shoes.

Women and men nowadays have been getting into the habit of working out and becoming fit for the new year. With this being such a big fad at the moment it is very important for you to choose the right shoe for what you are doing. Especially, if you do not workout often. Many people make the mistake of choosing any shoe. This is a problem because certain shoes are made for certain types of movement. For example, running shoes are different from basketball shoes. Basketball shoes need to be stabilized because you are constantly going side to side and for running shoes they don’t need that. If you are the type to occasionally run or play tennis etc. then cross-trainers may be the best choice for you.

What to look for when choosing a cross-trainer shoe:
1.     A firm heel.
2.     Good support.
3.     Light weight.

Here are some suggestions for what shoes work best for certain activities:
 1. Best cushioned running shoe:
        New Balance 1063















2. Best All-around use:
Nike airmax trainer one





3. Best Walking Shoes:
New Balance 850

















4. Best Tennis Shoes:
Fila Punto II






  









5. Best Trail Running Shoes:
Brooks Cascadia 4