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Heel to Toe
Shoe Repair 101

It is important to take care of your shoes. If you do get a scuff, snag or worse, a little shoe repair lesson can come in pretty handy. A girl doesn’t want to get caught without her favorite pair, so take shoe repair into your own hands with these helpful tips.

Simple Scuffs

There are lots of easy shoe repair fixes for the simple scuff. Water and salt from ice melt can wreak havoc on shoes. When this happens, look no further than the kitchen. A mixture of water and white vinegar can get the crusty salt marks off. If they are especially stubborn try this treatment two or three times.

Patent leather can reclaim its shine with a little bit of Windex. Leather shoe scratches can be buffed out with a tiny bit of moisturizer.

Clean dirt off suede by rubbing shoes with a stale crust of bread. If your suede shoes are more than just dirty and are beyond home remedy, try a cleaning kit such as the suede shoe care kit from our friends at Foot Fitter. The combo restores suede, cleans and eliminates shiny spots. This product can also be used on hand bags, boots and clothes.

Moderate Malfunctions

Some shoe repair issues will need a little more than a spray and a buff. Waterproofing a canvas pair of kicks can be achieved with beeswax. There are also some specialty waterproofing products out there (again, see Foot Fitter) and when applied with care, your feet can be warm and dry all day.

Broken straps may be repaired with a tactful application of shoe glue. Shoe adhesive can be found at most drug stores and super glue would work in a pinch. First, carefully clean the area and snip off any stray threads. Then, apply glue to both pieces and let it set for two minutes. Lastly, press pieces together and clamp to hold, a clothespin or paperclip works great. Let dry for at least 24 hours.

Gravel, rough surfaces and natural wear and tear can really do some damage to your heel tips. These little heel tips help you protect them in advance if you have the foresight, extend the life of heels showing wear and tear, and even fix heels beyond repair.

When To Seek Help

You might find it worth the time to simply seek out a shoe repair. Make sure to take all pieces of the broken heel with you to the cobbler. The same holds true for a split heel, if you want a repair job to stand the test of time, go to a professional. 

Fix a scuff, strap and more with these simple tips and keep yourself on your toes, in your favorite shoes. 

5 Ways to Wear Pants with Heels

It is a puzzle trying to figure out which style of pants look best with which heels. From skinny jeans to a party to trousers for work, there are a few keys to wearing pants with heels and looking fabulous. In an effort to try to take the guess work out of your style game, here is a handy little cheat sheet.

Skinny

We love the flattering look of a skinny jean or skinny pants with heels. Our most elegant look is a skinny pant paired with an untucked shirt and a mid-height heel, say 2 inches or less. This look works best if the pant ends clean at the ankle bone, without any bunching.

Trouser

The most important aspect of a trouser is that it is long enough. The leg of the trouser should be about 1” from the ground leaving the toe and heel visible. That said, the length should not be too long, bunching up or skimming the ground, which will simply ruin your pants.

We LOVE a long trouser with mega heels, a solid 3inch heel and even a platform will get you feeling extra fierce. A trouser pant with heels adds up to a formidable statement look that is very appropriate for job interviews and power lunches.

Capri

The mid-calf cut of a capri pant works well with a pointed toe mid-height heel. A fun look to play with for the summer season, this is professional enough to wear to work and afterwards this little number can do double duty at Happy Hour.

White denim

White denim and summer were just meant to be.  The combination of a stark white denim with a spikey nude heel is simply irresistible. You can mix it up with distressed denim, capri, or flared and you will look flawless when sporting a nude heel.

Zipper

Pants with zippered hems are one of the best blast-from-the past 80’s holdbacks. The edgy detail is so fun and so perfect when worn with a tall heel; say a classic pointed toe pump with a 3 inch heel. Bonus, this look also works well with a jogger especially in a flowy silk.

No need to fret the pants with heels puzzle. The next time you go shopping for pants, remember this handy guide. You won’t need to lug around a bag full of shoes so you’ll find you have more energy for shopping. Style game strong!

 

Shopping for Vintage High Heels

For those who love the adventure of the hunt or the well-heeled collector that longs for the one-of-a kind piece; vintage shoes hold much appeal. How thrilling is it to know that you are the only woman in the city with that beaded cardigan or that crocodile skin handbag? Consignment shops and vintage boutiques are treasure chests of gems just waiting to be discovered. However, for the true vintage enthusiast, there’s a bit of education and know-how that is needed to spot the diamond in the rough, and rock that pair of heels.

Where to Go

A good way to get a feel for vintage is to take a peak online on vintage shoe websites. See what styles and eras you like and then visit a reputable vintage store. Store employees are full of helpful information and can fit you into a fabulous pair in no time.

Know Your Fabric

The material that stands the test of time tends to be leather, usually from Spain or Italy. However, there are plenty of swede, fabric and embellished pairs in quality condition. Examine the shoe carefully for tears, scuffs and discoloration. 

Repair

Sure there are plenty of vintage heels for sale in mint condition. But if you budget is a little smaller, a scuff mark or split heel can be the thrifty shopper's new best friend. For that split heel, try a high heel protector which can work wonders for your heel and prolong the already long life of your heel. Scuff marks can be removed with a number of household items from toothpaste to nail polish remover, depending on material. One item to keep in mind: if a material is ripped or cracked the shoe may not be repairable.

Let’s not forget the eau de vintage, or that vintage smell that seems attached to all things second-hand. It can be removed with a baking soda sachet, simply fill an old tight or hose with baking soda, tie with a rubber band and slip inside the shoe when not in use.

Storage

Once you’ve procured that dreamy pair of vintage high heels, one of the key factors in the fabulosity of your vintage shoe purchase is storage. The most important aspect of storage is airflow and keeping your shoes as dust-free as possible. There are a number of shoe racks and clothing racks that make this easy. Some prefer to use old shoe boxes, ala Carrie Bradshaw.

While bringing new life to a classic pair of heels is exhilarating, make sure and do your research, especially if you are looking to spend. Simply stick with this guide and you will be sporting a new/old vintage pair in no time!

Clickless High Heel Protectors

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

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

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