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Heel to Toe
How to Make Old Heels Look New

When you step out to strut your stuff, it’s always a good idea to put your best foot forward. But what if that foot is firmly planted in a favorite pair of heels that has started to look a little worn? Splits, chips, scuffs, scrapes and rips are common high heel problems that can all be fixed at home. Whether a furry friend has used your heels as a chew toy, or you're the victim of simple wear and tear, there are a number of steps you can take to put a spring back in your step and give an old pair of heels a loving little face lift.

5 Ways to Make High Heels Look Newer

1. Replace the Heel Tip

Because of pressure that the heel endures, a lost or chipped heel tip is a common issue. A replacement kit can be found at a shoe repair shop, online or at your local craft store. First, glue any split or torn fabric back to the heel with adhesive applied with a sponge or small nail brush. If damage is extensive, camouflage with a matching color acrylic paint. Second, either glue or hammer the tip into place. Lastly, file the heel tip to fit the shape of your shoe, but not too much that you weaken it. One way to prevent the need for this type of fix by wearing high heel protectors, especially when walking outdoors and on rough surfaces. 

2. Fix a Broken Ankle Strap

Don’t let this common problem slow you down. A sketchy heel strap, or blown out flip-flop or sandal is actually a very easy fix! A number of shoe adhesives are available at drug stores or even superglue would work in a pinch. First, remove any dirt or dust with a dry cloth, surfaces must be dry for the glue to set. Second, remove any stray thread or torn fabric. Apply glue and let sit for at least two minutes. Third, press pieces gently together and use a clamp to hold, a clothespin or paperclip will do. Let dry for 24 hours.

3. Walk This Way

When heels don’t fit properly they will show signs of age sooner. Luckily, there are a number of products that do double duty to help your feet and your fabulous heels! If an ankle rubs the back of the shoe, apply a band aid to create a barrier, or gel pads are re-usable. Foot inserts are available to take pressure off the ball of the foot, and arch supports help support the foot and back. The better fitting heel will instantly look newer.  

4. Condition, Condition, Condition

For any heel material, there is a way to clean and a way to pre-treat. A favorite shoe store or online site features a number of products to spiff up your heels. Each season, take out your collection of shoes and give each a clean. Then, depending on the circumstances, waterproof, de-salt, brush and buff each pair to perfection. Each pair will look renewed and this will prolong the life of the shoe.

5. Scratch & Color Fixes

When conditioning alone doesn't fix scratches, tears and scrapes, additional repair might be necessary. This is difficult with fabric shoes, but can be done with other materials as long as it isn't too deep or wide. First, prep the shoe by buffing out each scrape with leather oil. Then, use a color matching shoe polish to disguise the blemish.

Conclusion

Old age isn’t a good reason to retire a pair of heels, and expensive high heels are particularly worthy of the effort to keep them looking new. Renew your shoes with these handy tips and tricks and old becomes new again. It’s like getting new shoes without spending much money, and that makes everyone feel fabulous!

Clickless High Heel Protectors

15 Stocking Stuffers for Fashionistas Under $15

Stockings are where the fun and utilitarian gifts get stuffed. It’s the smaller, thoughtful and personal presents that don’t break the bank, yet truly warm the heart and are a blast to give. As luck would have it, there is no shortage of wonderful gifts this holiday season. And with major shopping days Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, now is time to stock up on some swanky stuff!

  1. Who can resist Burt’s Bees? Especially this tips and toes kit! High quality, natural ingredients and such delightful scents, this will be a hit for anyone looking to help winter heels.
  2. The perfect looking pair of shoes doesn’t always feel perfect on our feet. "No pain" blister cushions can save the day. Like bionic band-aids, they cure calluses and blisters by simply sticking to the back and/or upper area of a shoe.
  3. A sweet accessory to a favorite heel, ballet flat or sandal, these gorgeous black fabric flounce straps from Sassy Strapps step up a shoe and can pull an outfit together.
  4. High heel protectors that maintain shoe heel integrity and prolong the life of the shoe are amazing. These teeny tiny caps do double duty, also quieting heel clicks on hard surfaces.  
  5. Coming in at $19, and maybe too large for a stocking, but this boot storage kit is an incredible value. Plus, it’s like four gifts in one. A boot hanger and foam shapers keep your kicks off the floor. Leather lotion and shining cloth are total necessities for maintaining your favorite pair. 
  6. Even Fashionistas appreciate a little help now and then. Check out these boot straps, and keep pants tucked into boots! 
  7. For the friend who burns the candle at both ends, and looks great doing it! Eye makeup corrector and remover are little cotton swabs that offer ninja-like precision. Compact and perfect for a handbag for touchups or removal.
  8. Hate the flyaway scarf look? Keep it in place with a tape dot! Medical grade, double stick tape keeps bling, belts and bra straps firmly in place.
  9. Sweet as candy, keep those cords in place with these earbud holders. Simply wrap the cord around the holder and suction it onto a phone, table or any hard surface. Available in four yummy colors.
  10. Speaking of cord holders, they make them for the office, too. Keep the printer cable in place with these snazzy chord clips.
  11. Bedazzle a cup of cheer with these holiday-themed drink labels. Reusable and water resistant, each pack contains 30 labels.
  12. Chalk isn’t just for classrooms anymore, especially when it’s dust-free and works on any non-porous surface.
  13. Her feet will be happier, which means you will be happier, if she does not get blisters. If your honey loves nice kicks but doesn't wear them often enough to not get blisters, save the day with a stick of foot gloss to minimize chafing.
  14. There are so many wonderful people creating delightful, all natural concoctions and selling them on sites like Etsy. Why not support a small business this season and get your special someone a jar of handmade foot soak
  15. If you're like us, you want to wear your heels year round. We've just discovered the most incredible socks that allow you to wear heels and flats all winter long. And we aren't talking about that socks-under-sandals trend that came by the wayside a few years ago. We're talking about Keysocks
Stockings are the icing on the holiday cake. This is just a small list of fun things that are sure to impress your family and friends. Stuff those stockings with care, fun and humor, and your loved ones will be blown away by your present-giving prowess.

Clickless High Heel Protectors

Best Mid-Priced Heel Brands

When shopping for high heels, it might not be best to break the bank. Who knows what drink spill, mud puddle or latte froth drop might be looming in your immediate future? Lucky for us there are plenty of mid-priced heel options for shoe lovers. The less a pair costs, the more you can buy, right? But you don't exactly want to be buying the cheapest off-brands, either. You just won't get the same life out of the cheapest shoe lines, and they're more likely to make your feet ache. Take a peek at the list below for some stylish mid-priced options and spend your leftover cash on a latte!

Jessica Simpson ($40 to $250)

Sweet, sexy, fun and cute can describe the Jessica Simpson line of shoes. The brand matches the women herself. Available in a wide range of fun colors and styles, this is a pick that is as easy on the wallet as it is on the eyes. Found almost everywhere from Department stores to TJ Maxx to online shoe shops, if you need a quick shoe fix try a pair of Jessica Simpsons.

 

Sam Edelman ($90 to $200)

If you’re not familiar with the Sam Edelman brand, you might recall a few of his previous incarnations such as Sam & Libby, Kenneth Cole and Esprit - all serious fashion powerhouses through the last three decades. The Sam Edelman brand is bent on bringing fashion forward style to women at a price point they can afford, for not only shoes but handbags, outerwear and jewelry, too.

 

Dolce Vita ($95 to $250)

Uncomplicated style that is naturally flirtatious, this Italian brand makes a splash without cleaning out your bank account. Attention to detail and lots of mixed metals and textures make this footwear a favorite among the fabulous. Whether you are going for edgy or graceful (or both), make life sweet for your feet with Dolce Vita.

 

Guess ($30 to $250)

Founded in 1981 by the Marciano brothers, the Guess label has been emblematic of young, sexy and adventurous style. Known for some of the hottest denim on the globe, those same qualities hold true with the extensive shoe line. Loads of fun prints, mixed with metal butterflies, fur and feathers with a healthy dose of sex appeal make this a favorite for sure.

 

L.A.M.B. ($150 to $495)

Prefer your footwear fresh and funky? Check out L.A.M.B the fashion line from artist Gwen Stefani. The daughter of seamstresses, Stefani has become a major fixture in the fashion world. The L.A.M.B acronym stands for Love Angel Music Baby, her first album, and draws from influences from around the world. Let your inner rock star shine and your fashion "voice" be heard in a pair of pumps from L.A.M.B!

 

Chinese Laundry ($40 to $150)

Born in the 1980's, Chinese Laundry are creators of groundbreaking styles for young women with outstanding quality and value to match. The company prides itself on heavy consumer research and creative insight, which they credit for keeping the brand a household name for decades.

 

ALDO ($80 to $150)

Founded by Aldo Bensadoun, ALDO shoes have a look that helps the user protrude the feeling of uniqueness, and they're reasonably priced. You can find ALDO shoes everywhere from your local mall to the web, and always be sure to check out their clearance sections. At these prices, you can get one of ALDO's diverse looks for every day of the week and not break the bank.

 

Fergie Footwear ($70 to $190)

What's not to love about Fergie? She has been a success in a band, as a solo artist, a mother, and now a fashion designer. Fergie Footwear is nothing short of "Fergalicious", and you might find the song stuck in your head as you strut down the street in a pair of her remarkably designed high heels. Check them out at a store on on her website.

 

Steve Madden ($80 to $170)

Steve Madden states “I get my inspiration from pounding the pavement all over the world.” A huge brand globally this fashion forward line is inspired by rock and roll, a sexy edge and a global grasp. Wherever your party is on 5th Avenue or the neighborhood bar, Steve Madden makes a pair of awesome shoes to wear to it. Plus, Steve Madden makes a slew of rainwear, watches, handbags and more.

This handy little guide just goes to show you that you don’t have to skimp on style when pinching pennies. There are plenty of beautiful shoes to fit every sized foot and every sized wallet. So leave the spenders guilt at home and hit the pavement for another pair or two!

Clickless High Heel Protectors

5 Types of Ankle Booties for Fall

Bundling up much lately? Nothing signals boot season more than a little chill in the air. Yes, it’s the time of year to take stock of your closet inventory and if you find yourself lacking, take a peek at these sweet kicks. We're talking about fall booties, of course.

What’s not to love about booties this fall? The selection is tremendous and they are seriously an all-day to all-night option. Buckle up because here is your guide to Fall booties 2014!

Stacked Heel

A stacked heel in a neutral or funky color is just the call for this fall. These beauties pair so well with denim or chords and give just the right amount of lift to your strut for day or for night.

Low Heel

Here’s proof that a low heal can mean high style. Lucky for us, this fall’s selection has all the spice and swagger you could possibly want. Take a look, these little black gems would pair nicely with a flouncy skirt or blouse.

Wedge

There is a wedge bootie for every occasion out there. Trust me. Looking to make a tall and sexy statement with your footwear? Think about giving wedge booties a try.

 

Stiletto

Yeeee-ouzers. Stiletto booties are smoking hot. Available in any color or texture be forewarned that these will make a splash. There is a wide array of varieties and embellishments, from embossed leather to animal print fabric; you just can’t go wrong.

Moto

For a more casual look that doesn’t skimp on style, a motorcycle boot can be a girl’s best friend. Warm and cozy these just scream "wear me all day with your favorite sweater"! Here are a few versions, from strappy and scrappy to more refined, your choices are endless.

 

Bump up your look with booties this fall. The amounts of color and style choices for fall booties are simply breathtaking. Makes a girl think she might need more than one pair... or five... or ten...

Clickless High Heel Protectors

Shoe Brands That Give Back

As women, we work hard and we play hard. And we care about how our feet look and feel while doing it. Our shoe fetish feels a lot more "right" knowing that many top shoe designers are highly regarded in the philanthropic world. Many of them raise awareness and donate millions to diverse causes from agricultural scholarships to rape centers. Here are just a few examples of shoe brands that give back. 

Prada

Miuccia Prada, granddaughter to the fashion empire’s founder Mario Prada, started a nonprofit organization in 1993 called Prada Arte Milano to support contemporary art and industrial building in Milan. It has been renamed to the Prada Foundation and has broadened focus to include photography, cinema, design and architecture.

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo’s philanthropic efforts seem to be as dynamic and diverse as his shoe designs. He has partnered with The Elton John Foundation and has raised millions for a South African Rape Centre. He designed a one-of-a-kind line of shoes to raise funds and awareness for the disaster in Fukushima, Japan. He used local fabrics and silks as well as shoe making techniques with all proceeds donated to local organizations. Co-Founder Tamara Mellon has recently launched the Jimmy Choo Foundation which is focused on women’s empowerment.


Donna Karen

Donna Karen has been a distinguished philanthropist her entire career. She uses her company’s visibility and resources for a number of social causes including AIDS awareness and education, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and - along with her husband - formed the Karan Weiss Foundation in 1999. In 2007, she began the Urban Zen Initiative, which works to advance wellness, preserve culture and empower children. She also works closely with the Clinton Global Initiative to support and develop Haitian Artists.

Manolo Blahnik

When sample shoes build up to a sizable supply for Manolo Blahnik, they are taken to a sample sale at Litchfield, Connecticut’s Arethusa Farm. The sale benefits the Arethusa Farm Scholarship Fund, which helps agriculture students pay for their education.

BCBG Max Azria

One of the most philanthropic couples in Las Angeles, Max Azria and Lubov Azria support an array of compelling causes. The American Cancer Society as well as Susan G. Koman for the Cure are just two. Their interests span into the art world and include NYC’s Whitney Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA, Los Angeles.

This short list is really just the tip of the fashion iceberg as to what socially conscious designers do with their time and resources. As a consumer, we have the opportunity to make informed choices and choose where our money goes... right down to the shoes that we buy. It's just another way to feel good while looking good.

Clickless High Heel Protectors