True Diversity: The Mutli-Functional Wardrobe

Most of us tend to prefer a particular style of clothing, a particular style of accessory, and a particular type of footwear. This is quite normal; everyone has individual needs and not every design will meet those. But the desire for a familiar style need not put us in a rut to the point that we fear or scorn trying new things.

Sometimes our preferences come from our lifestyle or job. Construction workers will probably have more steel-toes and fewer skate shoes, for example. Living where there are blizzards might encourage more Nine west boots than flip-flops. A job at a Fortune 500 company might require something more like Coach Shoes and less like deck shoes.

Often, a pair of shoes can be mixed and matched to an outfit different than the style originally planned. In fact, some fashion designers play with unusual pairings to create entirely new designs or innovative remakes of older styles, and there is no reason why the consumer can't repurpose items as well.

The first objection most will give is that of ignorance: designers have trained and practiced recycling accessories, normal people have not. This overlooks a simple fact. Designers trained and practiced first in their everyday lives, long before they went to fancy schools or apprenticed to other designers. Practice is a matter of doing, trying, and persistence. Many people think that one failed outfit equates to absolute failure in all future endeavors and never try again. Small wonder their wardrobes seldom vary!

Something else to consider is the availability of magazines and fashion guides those very designers contribute to. For those who feel less than confident in their own ability to create a novel costume from their own closets, there are plenty of suggestions available to take the guesswork out of the issue.

It bears keeping in mind that many items currently in your closet can be reused; it doesn't take a huge shopping trip to revamp your personal style or look. A few new pieces here and there will augment much of what is already there. One pair of Coach Shoes will serve many outfits, and skate shoes are suitable for more than just grinding. And those Nine West boots can carry you from the office to the restaurant.

There is no shame in having a particular look that looks good on you and makes you feel confortable and confident. There is also no shame in trying new things and expanding your borders. Make your next shopping trip your own closet and let it surprise you.

Tradition mingles with modernity in West Bank fashion show

Source from: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/7423065.html

Nineteen-year-old Palestinian model Areen Anabtawi walked to the audience's applauds on a stage show in one of the halls in the northern West Bank city of Nablus, wearing a dress that mixed tradition with modernity.

Anabtawi said she joined this fashion show for the first time in her life. She said she was glad that she could have a role in keeping the Palestinian heritage and to encourage her classmates in college to wear these dresses in happy ceremonies.

The fashion show in Nablus is the first of its kind. It was organized by the Women Department in the municipality of Nablus under the patronage of the mayor and the city hall members in coordination with the United Nations Developing Program (UNDP).

The fashion show held in Nablus this week, included the show of 25 different designs of Palestinian traditional clothes that were inspired by various geographical areas in Palestinian territories. The traditional dresses are Palestinian traditional handmade.

Sahar Erqawi, the organizer of the project in the women department in the municipality of Nablus said the fashion show aims at keeping the Palestinian heritage and traditions and protect it from being stolen by the Israelis, adding "the dresses were a mixture of the old traditions and the modern designs."

"The designers of the clothes is Samar Abu Salha and Helda Afaneh. The fashion show also aims at opening a line of production to the market that includes various designs that attract women at various ages," said Erqawi.

Fashion show, the first of its kind in Nablus, was largely attended by women from the province of Nablus. The show was a joint effort of female workers and volunteers that lasted for four months at the Women Center in the municipality of Nablus, which was inaugurated in 2009.

The center was opened in cooperation with an Italian Association called Medinia Supports and Aids Small Projects, mainly for women. It also offers professional training in marketing, sales, finance, administration, accounting, negotiations and consultation.

"The colors were chosen in accordance with different times and ages. We chose the bright colors for young women and dark colors for older women," said one of the designers, adding "when such dress is shown, it encourages the girls who want to wear it because it fits them."

The two designers used the cloth and the designs that fit the current modernity in embroidery and textile that are used in making various kinds of dresses with various colors, artistic designs and the graphics that indicate the Palestinian heritage and traditions.

Most of the colors used in embroidery on the dresses are the red and pink on a black cloth background. The dresses, which were presented during the fashion show, had large parts of embroidery made of silk and had various graphics and a variety of narrow and large holes that simulate the modern designs and the tastes of the girls.

Around 18 young women and five girls from the city of Nablus had joined the show. They wore traditional dresses, slim and large that fits all kinds of ceremonies and occasions.

Rafif Melhis, director-general of the Women Center said the stitches that were put into the dresses "are expressing the Palestinian nature and the geographical area. Some of it had the shape of the pomegranate, others have the shape of the grapes leaf or the almonds.

"In the past, women were expressing their political views through out the stretch that it has in her dress. Our center is preparing to organize similar fashion shows all over the West Bank, " said Melhis.

Khalida Isteteyeh, the public information officer in the municipality of Nablus said the fashion show aims at strengthening the fair Palestinian cause and the Palestinian identity in the minds of the Palestinian young women.

Soft music was played during the fashion show, where the old and young models ended up the show with the white dresses of brides, which include the Palestinian embroidery.

Shoes for the Shoe-Crazed

All women love to shop for shoes and women of fashion know that your dress may be fabulous and stunning to look at but without the perfect pair of shoes to match, your look is not even close to being complete. Shoes vary according to the occasion they’re meant for. What you wear to go grocery shopping will certainly not be the same as what you slip on for a formal dinner with your spouse.

To give you that elegant, sleek and suave look, there is nothing like a pair of stylish high heel shoes. The grand look that high heel shoes provide you with, enhance the beauty and splendor of your party dresses or even your daily wear. Although, most women choose flat shoes for day-to-day wear, there are those who can’t do without their pair of high heel shoes, no matter what the occasion is.

High heel shoes come in a variety of styles and colors. Every woman has her own panache and style that distinguishes her from other women. Similarly, each woman’s choice in high heel shoes is different and distinctive, so that the shoes are offered in huge varieties and styles.

The high heel shoe varieties include strappy heels, comfortable pumps, ultra high heels, sexy boots, glamorous rhinestone varieties and peep-toe heels. Each type of high heeled shoe is meant to give women a sense of confidence and an alluring appeal that keeps those heads turning, wherever and whatever they are worn for.

A leading designer in clothing, accessories, handbags and shoes, Coach is well-known for providing footwear in elegant and stunning designs, using a vast array of material and fabric. Of all the products that Coach is famous for, the most popular and hot-selling merchandise, are their Coach shoes. Several retailers online sell Coach boots at their internet stores but to get a wider range of designs and prices, you can go directly to their main site to see the latest in boot verities. Coach boots range in price from $80-200 depending on the material and style of the boots. For better deals, you can check in frequently to see which styles are on sale.

Shopping for shoes online, whether they are high heels or Coach Boots, can be a highly rewarding experience not only in terms of the money you save on discounts and sales but also because of the ease with which you can browse through hundreds of stores in minutes.

The Essential Shoes Every Woman Needs

Fashion magazines talk a lot about wardrobe staples and must-have items for every closet. But shoes are often overlooked and referred to accessories, when really, they can make or break an outfit. Having a couple good pairs of shoes in your closet will not only make it easier to get dressed in a pinch, they will also help you to carve out your own individual style niche. So what shoes are considered can’t-live-without? We take a look at our top shoe essentials.

A great pair of high heel shoes can make you feel better. They can make your jeans look better. They can give you confidence and help you strut your stuff in style. Every woman needs a pair of look-at-me sexy heels. These aren’t for everyday office wear. We’re talking about a pair of heels that will turn heads and bring out the inner diva in you. Brands like Boutique 9 shoes have some really fun knock-his-socks-off heels that are sure to get you noticed.

You never know when you’ll have the need for a great pair of interview shoes. You should at least have a pair of basic black pumps ready in case you have to sport a suit for a last minute presentation. For the office, we recommend sticking with a lower heel, probably no more than 3 inches, depending on the type of work environment you’re in. This could be a kitten heel, or a pump. It’s worth your while to invest in a great pair of work shoes, as this is something that people notice, especially during a job interview. Anne Klein shoes have some stylish professional options, and you can find them online for huge savings over what you would pay retail.

Every woman needs a comfy pair of sheepskin boots. They are the ideal travel companion when flying, they work well when camping in the great outdoors, and they provide relief for tired feet after a long day at the office. Wearable season after season, you will grow to love and treasure your sheepskin boots for years to come. EMU boots makes a wonderful selection of boots that keep feet warm, dry and comfortable. Their signature Merino wool and Australian sheepskin offer the cushy cloud that your feet have always dreamed of.

Whether you’re a savvy fashionista or a budget babe, you’ll find that these shoes are all great investments that will get worn.

Shoes with the Longest Lifespan

A bright colored pair of shoes can grab your attention as you walk by a storefront window. They can lure you in and scream “Pick me up! Buy me! I’m fun”, but the fact of the matter is, you’ll get more wear and a longer life out of shoes in neutral colors. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t have fun with your footwear. It just means that you should weigh the amount of times you are going to wear the shoe with the cost of the item. If you buy a pair of red high heel shoes and wear them one time, then the cost for that one use is the full price of the shoes. However, if you buy a great pair of black boots and wear them thirty times, then the cost of each use is the price divided by thirty. For our purposes, we’re going to focus on the black boots, in other words, the shoes that you’ll wear time and time again.

A neutral wedge in tan or brown can be a very long lasting piece of footwear. A shoe like this can take you through spring and summer and return for many seasons. Worn with pinks, purples and greens, a neutral wedge can be complementary, while when worn with black or navy blue, it can be dramatic and classic. Natural colored wedges can actually help to elongate your legs and make you look taller and leaner. Coach shoes have some fabulous wedges that are well crafted and are sure to have a long lifespan in your closet.

Black high heels are very versatile, and can be worn time and time again. A great black pump can take you from day to night, from the office to dinner, from a special event to a holiday party. Black heels are a true staple for dresses, skirts and jeans. Once you find a black heel that you like, I’d suggest scooping up a couple pairs of the classic style. Anne Klein shoes have some tasteful designs available through several different lines.

Black boots are a must, no matter which coast you live on. From NYC to Miami to L.A., black boots are a must for every wardrobe. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the perfect pair of black boots, but once you do, your confidence will soar. Riding boots are great for an over-the-jeans look and are super comfortable if you have to do a lot of walking, while high heeled boots are nice when you want something a little bit dressier. Either way, you’re sure to get your use out of a well-made pair of black leather boots. Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes and boots are style staples, with their clean lines and classic shapes.

Shoes any Dad Would Love

With Father’s Day right around the corner, there’s always the question of what to get for dad. Sure, you can get him another tie or a tool that he’ll add to his collection, but why not try something different this year? How about some (actually fashionable) comfortable shoes that he’ll look great in? Dads can have a really hard time shopping for themselves and sometimes they need a little help when it comes to picking out clothing and shoes that complement their physique and are actually more contemporary then those twenty-year old penny loafers he’s been saving.

The first thing to consider when shoe shopping for your father is what kind of activities he enjoys. Is your dad an outdoors guy? Is he active and sporty? What does he do in his spare time? The answers to these questions will help you determine the ideal shoe for his needs. For a guy that likes comfort (who doesn’t?) on the weekends, Born shoes have some really great styles to fit his lifestyle. They’ve got everything from uber-comfortable leather sandals to distressed looking loafers that are sure to garner some compliment. The best thing for you is that discount Born shoes are available online, so all you have to do is point and click, and then wait for them to be delivered. No long lines in the men’s department or wandering aimlessly around the mall in search of that perfect gift.

For all those fashion-forward dads out there, Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes would truly make the perfect gift. The classic American designs come in styles ranging from broken-in driving moccasins to casual leather boots to high top sneakers and are the epitome of laid back cool. Kenneth Cole offers shoes that work for day or night, and many styles are versatile enough to be worn for both. If you come through with a pair of these kicks, your dad will pleasantly surprised.

For young hip dads, skate shoes are an interesting choice. Although some brands are definitely more skewed towards a teenage audience, more and more styles now are reminiscent of the retro trends that were popular during the 70s. Brand like DC Shoe Co. offer a wide variety of styles, but your best bets for dad include Tonik suede low top sneakers or their leather club oxfords, which do a great job of incorporating classic American country club style into a skate shoe. Modern and relevant, your dad might do a double-take.

Men’s Sandals: Do’s and Don’ts

As the weather heats up and guys start thinking about heading to the beach, the pool and on vacation, there are some important things to keep in mind. First, never forget the sun screen. Second, be sure to hydrate. And third, never, never (and we mean never) wear sandals with socks. All joking aside, there’s a right and wrong way to keep your feet comfy and still in style. Here, we take a look at some of sandal trends for guys, and ways to help you avoid one of the biggest fashion blunders of the summer.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or not, the fact of the matter is, summer is simply a time for being in the sun. Flip flops are the easiest style of sandal to throw on when you’re heading out the door. They work great if you’re heading to the shore, in which case you’ll probably want a good rubber flip flop. If you want to transition to dinner afterwards, then consider something a little bit nicer paired with a linen shirt and some khaki shorts. Brands like Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes make some comfortable leather versions that are both cushy and durable. And Australian manufacturer EMU, known for their EMU boots, also makes great men’s flip flops, complete with their famous sheepskin lining. What better way to prevent abrasion?

If flip-flops aren’t your thing (and we’re not saying that they work for everyone), a slide sandal might be more your preference. Born shoes make some versatile options that are very well made and have fine craftsmanship. But you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. Discount Born shoes are available online and ship directly to your door.

Most men’s sandals come in the typical colors: light and dark brown and black, but don’t be afraid to add a subtle bit of color to a monochrome outfit. Shades of blue, green and grey in fabrics like suede can add interest and elevate your style from beach bum to cool and collected. These are especially nice if you’re planning to go on vacation and still want to look polished at an island style restaurant.

Sure, summer is a time for kicking back and enjoying yourself, but that doesn’t mean that you should throw all fashion sense out the door. You can still sport comfortable, classic styles that are low maintenance and actually get the approval of your wife or girlfriend.

How to Choose the Right Shoes for your Active Lifestyle

Being active is a necessity to maintain your health and wellness. Whether it’s hitting the gym for a daily workout routine, being a part of a sports team or partaking in regular outdoor activities, working out is key for a sustainable lifestyle. And having the right work out gear is equally as important. Just as you wouldn’t step out into a rainstorm without an umbrella, you shouldn’t set foot in the gym until you’ve got the essentials, most importantly the right workout shoes.

Every person has different workout habits, so the most important thing to focus on is finding the right pair of shoes that supports those activities. For example, if you’re a runner who has flat arches, you should invest in a pair of motion control running shoes that are heavy and durable, whereas if you are a runner with very high arches, you should look for a pair of sneakers that are very cushioned, to support your foot. Not everyone is a runner. Some are joggers. And some people are walkers.

A lot of people (especially those who have knee problems) prefer more low impact activities like power or uphill walking, which is less stressful on the joints. In that case, look for a shoe that is comfortable. Test it out on stairs and inclines. Bend the shoe and make sure there’s some resistance. You’ll find that cross-trainers are more modeled after running shoes, which is great for the hardcore walker, whereas casual walking shoes from brands like Coach shoes can work (and look great!) if you’re just out for a simple stroll. The important thing is not to stress about working out – it’s about getting out there and doing something that you enjoy. Oftentimes, this can be an activity with a friend, spouse or pet, which can help you to make the time pass quicker.

Today, our on-the-go society is even more obsessed with packing as many activities as possible into one day. Therefore, more stay-at-home moms are combining errands with working out. So how can you get the most out of simple running-around-town-activities like going to the grocery store and the post office? New Balance toning shoes are the best of both worlds. They are a comfortable sneaker for casual wear, plus, they claim to actually make your muscles work harder, and provide added toning benefits. They’re a great choice for amping up your day to day routine and giving you a little pep in your step.

If you’re an outdoorsy type, seek out a proper hiking shoe or hiking boot that will have you hitting the trails in style and comfort. Make sure that you pay attention to the grip of the shoe, the breathability, the durability and the weight. And after a long day on the trail, be sure to give your feet a rest. Sheepskin EMU boots can be a great cozy addition at the end of a long challenging workout day. As with any workout, you should give your body time to recover to recuperate.

Flip Flop Fabulous

Flip flops (also known as thong or tong sandals) are synonymous with spring and summer. First worn in the 50s and 60s, flip flops quickly became a hit for beachwear. Today, the style has evolved to include many variations on the once rubber shoe, which can now be seen covered in rhinestones, beading, sequins and studs. Sure, you can still scoop up a pair of classic flip flops, but nowadays, there are so many fun colors and styles to choose from, it’s like being a kid in a candy store.

Oftentimes women get dressed up for a special occasion and wait until the very last minute to put on their high heel shoes, but with more and more designers offering dressier designs for flip flops, ladies love the comfort and look of these flat sandals with their outfits. If you plan on wearing a long maxi dress or strapless dress, some silver or gold flip flops are a great addition. Brands like Anne Klein shoes offer some pretty options to show off your pedicure in style. Metallic flip flops are a nice upgrade for these classic shoes, while studded versions add a little bit of edge to simple classic designs.

If you plan on attending a wedding this year, be sure you know the environment for the ceremony. Is it on a sandy beach? Is it set on soft grass? Dressy flip flops are a great choice for outdoor weddings. They don’t sink into the ground like high heel stilettos, and they are super comfortable for dancing and mingling all night long. Some brides even provide flip flops favors for their party guests, to ensure that everyone will be comfortable on the dance floor. Coach shoes offer some nice options for dressier thongs, some of which even have a bit of a wedge heel, and all of which have signature Coach hardware and design.

For casual days at the beach, there are plenty of sandals to choose from, but mixing it up with something a little unexpected will surely set you apart from the crowd. Rocket Dog shoes, a favorite in the flip flop category for years, has some really fun designs. Rocket Dog “Fickle” flip flops (available in black or brown) have great boho style and beautiful colored beading that looks just as good with cut off shorts as it does with your favorite beach cover up. No matter what style you choose, have fun with it, as flip flops are meant to be as carefree as the breezy summer days when you wear them.

Best Shoes for Job Interview

In today’s job market, there is plenty of competition when it comes to getting job. Heck, it’s hard enough to even score an interview. And once you walk through the door, first impressions are everything. Is your outfit professional? Does it reflect the company culture? What do your accessories say about you? Do you pay close attention to your own personal details that go into preparing and getting dressed for an interview? There are many questions that pop into an interviewer’s head before you even open your mouth. They are immediately sizing you up and trying to draw a conclusion. Therefore, everything you wear to a job interview reflects upon you, from you head, down to your toes. Here, we take a look at some of the best interview shoes that will give you a one up on the competition (at least looks wise).

I am of the firm belief that you cannot overdress for a job interview. Sure, this is a bold statement, and obviously you have to dress for the position and industry you are in, but it’s always a good idea to put your best foot forward. And by this, I mean your best shoe. If you’re going to be wearing a suit to a job interview, a dress shoe is a must. For guys, this is typically a polished black or brown shoe. Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes have some good options that aren’t too buttoned-up, yet still present a professional façade. A nice loafer or square toed oxford offer something interesting, while a classic lace up is always appreciated.

For women, there are a lot more shoe options out there, but there’s also a lot more opportunity to make a fashion (and career) blunder. It’s best to dress as conservatively as possible, and by this, I mean a low heel in a neutral color such as black or tan. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that your shoes have to be boring. Anne Klein shoes are great for making a statement that you take yourself seriously but still have a knack for quality. You don’t have to wear a heel if it makes you uncomfortable; you can try a simple unadorned flat instead. It’s very important to stay away from high heel shoes that are too high, too flashy or too trashy, or from open toed sandals like flip-flops or slides.

When selecting a shoe for an interview, think about where else you wear that shoe. If the answer is dancing or the beach, then they probably aren’t the right option. If the answer is church, then you might be onto something. Be sure to try your interview outfit (with your shoes) on before the interview, to make sure it all goes together.

Ballet Flat Chic

A few years ago ballet flats started appearing more and more on the fashion scene. Favored by everyone from little girls to working women to A-list celebs, ballet flats are a great versatile choice for day or night, and since they’re available in such a wide range of styles, colors and fabrics, that it’s not hard to see why they’re so popular.

Ballet flats originated during medieval times and were worn by both men and women. They were actually went out of style after high heel shoes were introduced, but in the 19th century, comfortable flat shoes made a comeback, thanks to style icon Audrey Hepburn, who wore ballet flats with skinny jeans. Today, the ballet flat is a huge fashion trend, and can be spotted just about everywhere you turn.

In the office, ballet flats are great, especially if you have to be on your feet all day long. Anne Klein shoes make some beautiful ballet flats that are both professional and chic. They are available in pointy toed designs, classic rounded toe and fun patterns like leopard print. Other options include different textures such as quilting and sequins. While we think a bright pop of color or a metallic sheen looks great in a ballet flat, designs with added bling should probably be saved for outside the office.

Ballet flats are perfect weekend wear when you’re out and about running errands or meeting the girls for brunch. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, Coach shoes makes some wonderful ballet flats in fun hues and patterns. Their Pandora flats (red patent leather with purple and red charms) are fun with jeans and a basic t-shirt, while their Olson flats in gold are absolutely to-die-for. Coach is known for their well-crafted products, so you can be sure that your flats will last more than one season.

Flats can be a great alternative to high heels, even so much so, that they’ve started showing on the red carpet for celeb studded events and movie premieres. Known for being extremely comfortable and a great solution when you don’t want added height, ballet flats are the perfect union of femininity and poise. Katie Holmes is a huge fan of ballet flats, and her adorable young daughter Suri loves them as well. This is just more proof that the ballet flat is a shoe that is cherished by women of all ages.

The Story of Dansko Shoes

Started by a husband and wife team who originally sought out the perfect pair of “barn shoes” on a horse buying trip to Denmark, they first started purchasing clogs and bringing them back home in their suitcases. The interest in these unique closed-back clogs grew first through word of mouth and the interest of close friends, family, staff and students. Owners Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup then started stocking up and having dozens of pairs of the shoes shipped overseas. They sold the highly coveted beloved clogs at horse shows they attended, unloading them from the back of their trunk. The shoes were instantly a hit among those in the horse business, many of whom were also active in professions where they were on their feet most of the day. So quickly the interest from horse lovers spread to a larger audience that included doctors, nurses, chefs and other service professionals. Suddenly, the couple was unable to keep up with the demand for these clogs, so they did what any entrepreneur would do – they started their own shoe business, called Dansko, which literally translated, means Danish shoe.

Dansko shoes realized that there was a market for many more types of comfortable shoes, and they grew the company’s product offerings to include high heel shoes, sandals, wedges, flats and boots. And through each product introduction or line extension, the husband and wife team made sure to stay true to their mission of creating comfortable shoes that promote good health of the foot, leg and back.

Dansko grew from just one employee to over one hundred and thirty workers, all whom hold the Dansko philosophy close at heart. The great thing about the company is that they not only want to make a difference in terms of footwear, but they also are concerned about giving back to the community, offering employees paid time off to volunteer and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.

Today Dansko shoes are worn by many service professionals, and are known for their comfort, yet are also considered quite fashionable. Styles include colored leather, patterned designs and even pearlized patent leather. The shoes offer built-in support that reduce fatigue and keep feet warm and protected. Dansko shoes have received rave reviews from wearers, and have even earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance. Dansko shoes may run a little higher price point than a standard tennis shoe, but the reliability means they’ll last longer than no-name discount shoes, and you’ll feel better wearing them. When it comes to your wellness, Dansko shoes are an investment worth making.

The Best Shoes for Your Feet

Oftentimes, it’s easy to get carried away with how something looks, as opposed to how it feels. But when it comes to shoes, if you aren’t smart about what you put on your feet, you could end up paying the price later. Luckily, shoe designers are taking notice, coming out with styles and lines that are both comfortable and fashionable.

Ever heard someone complain about being on their feet all day long? My first thoughts when I hear this is that they aren’t wearing the right shoes for their job. If you work in a profession that requires you to do a lot of standing, walking or running around, then you need shoes that support your arches, your legs and your back. Thankfully, Dansko shoes offer work shoes that do just that. The Danish inspired designs are favored by healthcare, education, airline and food service industry workers who credit the shoes for all day long comfort. In addition, eight of Dansko’s lines have received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for normal foot function and the promotion of quality foot health.

Dansko is not the only brand that caters to form and function. Born is a designer of casual comfortable footwear for men and women. Born’s handcrafted styles and superb attention to detail has resulted in a massive following for their footwear, which ranges in styles from boots to oxfords to loafers to sandals. Discount Born shoes are available online, making them a smart investment for your feet.

Another import making waves here in the U.S. is EMU boots. The Australian brand known for their sheepskin boots quickly became a hit here in the States, after first attracting a large celebrity following, which includes Kate Hudson, Katie Holmes and Sienna Miller. EMU boots are ideal for keeping your feet protected against the elements. The super soft water resistant sheepskin is not only cushy and cozy, but the boots also provide a molded heel cup and an anatomically correct sheepskin lined insole. Not only will your feet be protected, they’ll also be happy.

Sure, it’s easy to get carried away with crazy shoe designs that look cool in the store window, but at the end of the day, sometimes your feet just need a break. Forget blisters and sore feet, these designers are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. You can have it all.