New Shoes Causing Blisters and Discomfort? Tips For Breaking In New Shoes

For the right pair of shoes, I have been known to throw caution to the wind and wear some of the most uncomfortable, yet amazingly beautiful, shoes.  If you are a regular reader of my blog, you've seen some of the pictures I have posted.  But even some of the most comfortable shoes have that break-in period when first worn.  Here are some of my tips for breaking in your favorite new shoes, or fixing the odd pair that might not fit quite right:

This Shoe Survival Balm is great for preventing blisters on your heels.  It feels like you're rubbing deodorant on your heels, but it protects your skin from the friction cause by new shoes rubbing up and down your heels, without damaging your shoes.  I have a hard time wearing slingback style shoes because the elasticized straps seems to dig in and move around.  Products like the Shoe Survival Balm help keep the skin from getting irritated, and possibly blistering.  For a more affordable option, try this anti-chaffing stick.  If you do end up with those pesky blisters on your feet, try these blister cushions to protect them from getting infected, or continuing to rub in your shoes.

The Foot Petals Stiletto Stylist Kit saved a pair of Christian Louboutins of mine.  My heels are narrow, but widen towards the toes.  For comfort, I purchased the CL shoes in a 37, a half size larger than my normal... basically, the shoes were a little too big for me.  The larger size worked great for the balls of my feet, but my heels kept slipping out while I walked.  Enter the Foot Petals.  This kit contains cushioned pads of various types and styles to make any pair of shoes feel custom fit to your feet.  I inserted a pair of HeavenlyHeelz to keep my skinny heels from sliding up and down, and a set of Tip Toes into the foot bed to keep my feet from slipping forward as the satin wore in.  Now they are my go-to black pumps because they fit so comfortably.

If you made the mistake of trying on shoes from the department store, first thing in the morning, you may have gone home with shoes too small for you.  The longer we are on our feet, the more they swell.  So it would make sense to purchase shoes at the end of your shopping trip to get a more accurate gauge of your shoe size.  The solution to tight shoes? A shoe stretcher.  This handy device has been a God send when I've needed to break in a pair of new shoes really quickly.  The knob and handle on this stretcher adjust to stretch out your shoes not only in width (for those of us with wide feet), but also in length.  No, you can't make shoes longer, but you can break in the heels with this device, instead of on your own feet (needing the products listed above).  A quick word to the wise: unless you have the patience to stretch one shoe at a time, buy two of these :)

These are just some of the tricks I have found to survive new or ill-fitted shoes.  What do you do?






Image(s) courtesy of sidewalkskincare.com, http://www.handbagcom.com/christian-louboutin-very-noeud-slingback-shoes-p-3799.html, drugstore.com, http://www.footsmart.com/P-FitRight-Two-Way-Shoe-Stretcher-90120.aspx

DIY: Create Your Own Proenza Schoulder Inspired Tie Dye

Tie Dye is the trend and turquoise is the it color for Spring 2010.  So I was very excited to see that one of my favorite fashion blogs Who What Wear asked PS- I Made This to give us a DIY version of the Proenza Schouler knitted-silk sweater (shown left).  Unfortunately the Proenza Schouler version is sold out now, but it would have set you back over $1300.  While I can't shell out the cash, I also can't wait to try this DIY myself.  I'll keep you guys posted on how it turns out.  If you feel inspired to try it yourself, please send pictures.

 If you've never checked out the PS- I Made This blog, it's great for DIY tips on all of the latest fashion trends.

Image(s) courtesy of Net-A-Porter and PS- I Made This

Ritu Kumar Outfits "The Price of Beauty"

I've blogged before about Jessica Simpson's new show The Price of Beauty on VH1.  On last week's episode she travels to Mumbai India.  At the end of her trip, she and her friends attend a Bollywood party dressed in Indian garb.  You get a quick glimpse of them checking out the collection from Ritu Kumar.  I loved the clothes so much that I had to check out the website.

And much to my surprise, not only is the clothing available in the states, it's also quite affordable!  Here are a couple of my favorites:

 Blue Glitter

This is hand embroidered and only $124.  All pieces vary in delivery time based on how much hand work is needed to make the garment.

Concentric Eye

Like many of the items on the website, this dress is easily belted and would flatter most figures. A beautiful piece for only $106.

There are so many different styles of items: dresses, tops, pants, skirts, etc.  While I'm unclear on the sizing (offered in S/M/L but with no dimensional guide), I am positive that all of the brilliant colors and fabrics are going to make any woman feel like a princess of Bollywood.

Image(s) courtesy of Ritu Kumar

Ready, Set, Shop: Zac Posen for Target Launches April 25th

Target is at it again with another amazing designer collaboration.  Drum roll please!!!  This time it's Zac Posen.  If you aren't already familiar with him as a designer, his dresses have been described as "sultry, body-hugging, thirties- and forties-inflected party frocks".  Lucky Magazine interviewed the designer about his collaboration for Target, and was asked if  there were going to be any revivals of his iconic pieces from his main line.  To the delight of all who love Zac Posen, he replied:

"We definitely looked to our archive for inspiration and did takes on two of my most iconic pieces: the snap dress and the trumpet dress. But this collection wasn't as much about reinventing the old as it was about exploring the new and uncharted."

The collection opens up to the general public nationwide at Target and Target.com on April 25th.

READER TIP:  Here's a little secret I have used over and over again for these designer collaborations.  This works best for those of us on the west coast- The items go on sale online around midnight EST.  I start stalking the target website about 9:00 PST to see when the merchandise becomes available.  It beats standing in line, but you don't get to try the items on first.  Another plus, you get to shop the collection before your friends who don't know this tip, so you get to choose from the best selection.

Image(s) courtesy of Lucky Magazine
Quote from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/designerdirectory/ZPOSEN/seasons/

The Real Meaning of "Fashion Over Function"- NOTE TO READER: Do not try this at home!

My husband received his bonus this week, and we went out to a very nice dinner to celebrate.  I wore a slinky dark gray knit sweater dress with a statement necklace and silver cage booties.  Trust me, the outfit looked great.  But by the time we got up from our table (after the most amazing 4 course meal plus wine pairings) my feet were throbbing.  By the time I got home, this was the condition of my feet (see picture above).

Thank God the evening involved minimal standing up!  As a general rule, my personal style has to be fashionable and comfortable.  But there is the rare occasion where fashion over function takes over- In the name of good fashion, all sensibility goes out the window and I channel my inner Vogue model and wear items regardless of whether or not it is comfortable.  Attempt this same fate at your own risk.

Statement Jewelry DIY from New York Design Shop

I love statement jewelry because the right piece can make a dull outfit look more put together and fashion forward.    All great stylists know that a little black dress is nothing without the right accessories.

But statement jewelry can cost a fortune (do in part to the large nature of the pieces).  If your wallet can't afford to buy the bling, think about making it yourself.  New York Design Shop offers some great DIY how-to's.  I love this one (pictured left).

Image(s) courtesy of New York Design Shop

Vh1 Hit Show: "Jessica Simpson's The Price of Beauty"

At first I was a critic.  I have to be honest, I watched her grow up, get married, get divorced and get criticized during all of it for her IQ and her waist line.

Image(s) courtesy of Vh1