Top Boots For Your Guilt-free Holiday Wish List!

The holiday season is in full swing: Christmas lights all a twinkle, Jingle Bells playing on repeat, and pretty packages tucked snuggly beneath the tree.  However, if your household is like most others out there celebrating Christmas, those expertly wrapped gifts are most likely for your spouse, children, or other loved ones.  All too often do the men in our lives wait until the very last minute to purchase that perfect present. Lucky for you though, because we’ve got the ultimate gift guide for  all you shoe lovers out there.

To stay in tune with the season, we’ve selected the very best boots that money can buy.  Yes, some of them are a little pricey, but we’ve also included a budget calculator for each boot so you can help justify that purchase, whether it’s a gift request made to your loved ones, or perhaps a little Christmas present you buy for yourself (we all deserve something special this time of year, don’t we?).  So go ahead, pick out that perfect pair you just can’t live with out, because boots are a gift that keep on giving.

*The budget calculator will include the versatility and trend durability of each boot, based on a scale of 1-10. The average wear per week and months per year will also be thrown into the equation which in turn will yield the cost per wear of the boot.  Because what’s easier to wrap your head around, a pair of boots that cost $1,200 to own or a pair that costs $5.25 to wear?  I’m guessing you went with the latter.

Lace Up Boot

These military meets savvy boots include a lace up shaft, golden hardware and buckled straps.  Suede upper with zip closure on inner ankle.  6-inch covered heel and 1.5-inch hidden platform.  Available at Neiman Marcus.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,400

Versatility Factor:  6 (style can be worn with jeans, skirts or dresses)

Average Wear Per Week:  3

Average Months Per Year: 7

Trend Durability:  3 years

Cost Per Wear:  $5.56

Over the Knee Boot

Both suitably bohemian and sophisticated, these sky high boots add a flirty nod to the corset with their cinched, lace-up back.  Medium brown leather with an approximate 23.5-inch shaft height and 4.75-inch wooden heel.  Available at Neiman Marcus.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,290

Versatility Factor:  8 (style can be worn with short, jeans, skirts or dresses)

Average Wear Per Week:  3

Average Months Per Year:  6

Trend Durability:  5 years

Cost Per Wear: $3.59

Buckled Up Boot

Add edge to your ensemble with these futuristic booties.  Black ankle boot with stitch detail and a side zip closure.  3.75-inch shaft height with 4.5-inch stacked heel and .75-inch hidden platform.  Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,495  - $1,045.99 on sale

Versatility Factor: 10 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses or slacks)

Average Wear Per Week:  2

Average Months Per Year: 9

Trend Durability:  7+ years (Bonus: these are from Alexander McQueen’s last collection before his untimely death, meaning the value of these boots will only increase over the years. Think vintage McQueen.)

Cost Per Wear:  $2.08

Riding Boots

Classic riding boots to be worn with effortless ease, these boots are sure to never go out of style.  Light brown leather pull-on boots with rounded toe and brass “C” buckle.  16-inch shaft height with 1-inch heel.  Available at Barney’s New York.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,195

Versatility Factor: 8 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts or dresses)

Average Wear Per Week:  3

Average Months Per Year:  7

Trend Durability:  6 years

Cost Per Wear:  $2.38

Biker Boot

Add a little tough-luxe to any look, from denim to frilly or body conscious dresses, with these biker boots.  Distressed black leather with rabbit fur lining and 1-inch heel.  Available at Net-a-Porter.com

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1.050

Versatility Factor:  8 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts or dresses)

Average Wear Per Week:  4

Average Months Per Year:  5

Trend Durability:  4 years

Cost Per Wear:  $3.29

Fur Boot

Don’t let the cold weather deter you from wearing anything but the cutest boots.  You’ll be the most stylish snow bunny on the mountain in these Prada fur boots.  Dark brown genuine sheepskin upper and lining with lace-up front and lug sole.  4.9-inch heel and 1.1-inch platform with stud detail.  Available at Neiman Marcus.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,350

Versatility Factor: 8 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts, and dresses)

Average Wear Per Week: 3

Average Months Per Year: 4

Trend Durability:  3 years

Cost Per Wear:  $9.38

Wedge Boot

These classic structured boots include a curvaceous wedge bottom for added modernity.  Suede black pull-on boots with 14.5-inch shaft height. 4.74-inch covered heel and .5-inch hidden platform.  Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,100  - $769.99 on sale

Versatility Factor:  10 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses or slacks)

Average Wear Per Week:  2

Average Months Per Year:  6

Trend Durability:  4 years

Cost Per Wear:  $4.02

Check out the many, many more boot styles available on shuzsociety.com!

Fall into Fashionable Footwear

The fall 2010 season officially kicked into gear September 22, well over a month ago, but for those of us living in the South, we have been roaming the streets in flip flops and sandals as that notorious Indian Summer has had its grip on us, refusing to give in. That is until this week.  Fall weather has finally arrived- I even broke out the Uggs last night! (Oh, how I’ve missed you!)

The introduction of cold weather is always somewhat exciting. Long stowed away sweaters and jackets are suddenly brought out of the dark, instantly refreshing your wardrobe.  Beloved boots are dusted off and whispered sweet nothings (everyone does that right?) of how much you have missed them.

Besides the basic fall weather staples, each new season always brings about hot new trends that every fashionable woman is expected to add into her wardrobe.  Sometimes those trends (hello harem pants!) aren’t for everyone and end up claiming more than a few fashion victims.  However, when it comes to shoes, new trends are often easy to pull off.  A stylish new shoe can add that extra “oomph” to an outfit- that old dress suddenly looks brand spankin’ new.

Luckily, this season has introduced some of the freshest new footwear trends to be seen in awhile. They’re not all just necessarily recycled trends returning for their second or third appearance on that well known cyclical fashion wave.  Nope, this season there are many new ideas: lace, military, cut-outs, velvet.  So spice up your wardrobe this fall and try out a trend or two (or three or four). Your tired wardrobe will thank you later.

Velvet

Look regal this season in purple velvet.  These peep toe platform sandals would look rich with black tights and the perfect LBD.

Concealed Nike Air Technology.  4.25-inch heel and 1.25-inch platform.  Available in Aubergine Velvet.

Retail:  $198  $139.99. Available at: Piperlime.com

Leopard

Oh so stylish, and ultra feminine.  These calf hair leopard D’Orsay heels feature a pointed toe with contrasting suede stiletto heels and buckled ankle straps.

Leather sole.  5-inch heel and 1-inch hidden platform.  Available in Leopard.

Retail:  $325. Available at: Shopbop.com

Military

One of the season’s hottest trends, wear these military inspired boots with another hot fall trend, the ankle skimming skirt.

Soft suede upper with aged buckle and elastic loop detail; side zip entry.  4.25-inch heel and .5-inch platform.  Available in Black, Dark Blue Suede, Dark Grey Suede, and Dark Red.

Retail:  $138.95. Available at: Endless.com

Cutouts

These luxurious leather booties have just the right amount of 70’s charm.  Complete the look with a boho inspired frock.

Supple leather upper with organically styled cutouts; tasseled back zipper closure.  .5-inch heel.  Available in Tan and Black.

Retail:  $225  $123.75.  Available at:  Endless.com

Lace

With such pretty lace detail and a stiletto heel, instantly turn any look into that of “femme fatale.”

Open toe heel featuring suede trim.  5-inch heel and 1-inch hidden platform.  Available in Black.

Retail:  $130. Available at:  Shopbop.com

Western

These boots weren’t made for the rodeo.  These western style boots have moto-inspired details guaranteed to give you an edge.

Leather upper with metal harness and studded detail.  8.5-inch shaft height and 1.5-inch heel.  Available in Dark Brown.

Retail:  $224.95  $137.59. Available at:  Endless.com

Shop for these shoes and many more fashionable fall footwear at shuzsociety.tv!

Naya Shoes: Beauty, Style, Integrity, Comfort

There are many benefits to being an Accessories Editor for an online “shuz” magazine.  Namely, my job mainly consists of researching fabulous footwear and its continuously changing trends on a daily basis and tell me, who would complain about that?  Now every once in a while, I get a special “assignment,” or rather, privilege, of honestly reviewing a gorgeous pair of shoes.  Honestly being the key word here.  I have always considered my frank and candid nature to be one of my more boastful character traits.

As luck would have it, the footwear in question this time around are a stunning pair of Naya shoes, more specifically, the “Nefertiti.”  And if I had to sum up these lovely little boots in one word, it would have to honestly be: delightful.  In all truthfullness, these boots bring a smile to my face.  The chestnut leather and suede upper (they also come in black and brown) with a  lace up front and side buckle closure not only make them completely on trend for fall, but also incredibly versatile.  This is a boot that will easily mesh with many items in my wardrobe.  Besides being adorable and charming (the quality craftsmanship is wildly apparent), they are also utterly and completely comfortable to wear.  Seriously, you would never guess that you were wearing 3-inch heels while strutting down the street in your brand new Naya Nefertitis.  As an added comfort bonus, the boots are also lined with shearling, which feels amazingly soft on your feet and I imagine will keep them warm and snuggly in the upcoming winter months.

Oh, and did I mention they were eco-friendly?  Part of Naya’s philosophy is that style and sustainability should go hand in hand and that beautiful shoes can both be gentle on your feet and gentle on the earth.  All of their products incorporate either natural or organic fabrics, biodegradable latex foam cushioning, natural cork and rubber footbeds and outsoles made with recycled materials.  Naya’s efforts to preserve our planet while simultaneously offering gorgeous shoes that infuse both style with comfort is just one more reason (out of many!) that I adore my new Nefertiti boots.  All I need now is a little chill in the air so I can step out in style sporting my Naya shoes with all of the glam and none of the guilt.

Retail:  $289.  Available at:  zappos.com

The Naya Nefertitis and many other Naya styles can be found at shuzsociety.tv!

Transition from Summer to Fall in Style!

It’s  finally September.  Fall is just around the corner, with its official beginning date just a matter of weeks away.  Rejoice! Is it just me or is anyone else sick to death of the summer heat?  Not to mention, I’m dying to wear my new fall wardrobe I purchased last month.  What am I most excited about, however?  BOOTS!  Oh, boots.  How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways…  Sadly, though, we are still a couple of weeks, possibly more if you live in the south, away from being able to slip our feet into those magical boots.  But the weather is starting to cool down, albeit slightly.  So what is one to wear when the flip flops and sandals have been worn thin, but the humidity won’t allow our boots to wake from hibernation quite yet?  Transitional footwear.

I’ve always had a hard time finding just the right shoes to carry me from late summer straight into fall.  This year, however, there are several adorable options that are on trend while also remaining highly versatile and functional.  Right now, pair the shoes below with summer dresses and skirts, shorts or capris and lighter fabrics.  Next month, when that brisk fall breeze starts to blow in, wear them with tights, pants, tweeds and cozy sweater dresses.  Purchasing a pair of transitional shoes should be guilt-free- think of all the outfits you can wear them with!  But if you’re still holding on to that last shred of spending remorse, let it go.  We’ve provided you with several options that are all below $100!

1.  Pointy Toe Pumps: They’re baaaaack!  Forget the round, square or oval toes.  This season is all about the point!

Pointy toe pump with patent upper and rubber sole; 3.5-inch heel.  Available in Gold Leather (shown), Black Kid and Icy Yellow.

Retail:  $48.92. Available at:  Endless.com

2.  Oxfords:  They were big last spring and summer and they’re still going strong for fall.  If you didn’t embrace the trend last season, now is the time to!

Lace-up oxford with leather upper and classic wingtip detail and perforated vamp; 3/8-inch heel.  Available in Grey Leather (shown), Navy Leather, Black Leather and Brown Leather.

Retail:  $69.95.   Available at:  Zappos.com

3.  Clogs:  this hot summer trend isn’t going anywhere!  In fact, expect to see the clog reincarnated into boots this fall!

Stylish clog with leather upper and manmade sole; 5.5-inch heel and 2-inch platform.  Available in Black.

Retail:  $89.00.   Available at:  Endless.com

4.  Peep-toe Booties:  The peep-toe makes it summer appropriate, while the bootie takes it into fall.

Cuffed bootie with suede upper and rubber sole; 6.5-inch shaft height, 12-inch boot opening, 3.75-inch heel and 1/2-inch platform.  Available in DI. Slate (shown), Black and Taupe.

Retail:  $97.00.   Available at:  Endless.com

5.  Mary Jane Flats:  Not just for little girls anymore!  These look adorable with skinny jeans, tights or leggings!

Mary jane flat with leather upper and rubber sole; 1/2-inch heel.  Available in Black/Camel (shown) and Black.

Retail:  $54.42.   Available at:  Endless.com

Shop for all these styles and many more at shuzsociety.tv!

Play in the Rain in Wildly Stylish Wellies

The lazy days of summer will soon enough be coming to an end.  Before we know it, fall will swoop in with its brisk breezes and unpredictable rain storms, encouraging the leaves to change and flutter to our feet.  Being prepared for the weather, however, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.  ”Welly” rainboots are the perfect way to face the rain head on.  Not only are they practical, keeping your feet dry, but they remain fashionable, loudly proclaiming your intentions to defeat the puddles scattered across the ground.

While basic wellies are simplistically chic enough, Jimmy Choo has upped the ante and created a bold welly fit for the most daring of divas.  Collaborating with Scottish footwear company, Hunter, the Jimmy Choo brand has turned out a true original and standout rainwear boot.  Embossed with the signature Jimmy Choo crocodile print, leopard print lining, and gold buckle hardware, this version of Hunter’s signature wellington boot is a must for any fashionista.

Also available in short styles and in Red, Anthracite, Silver, and Navy.

Retail: $425   Available at: jimmychoo.com

If you’re feeling a little more daring, stray from the basic black and try a bright, cheery yellow.  It’s on sale for half the price!

Retail: $425 $212.50 Available at: jimmychoo.com

Looking for something a little more budget friendly, but still want that designer touch?  Look no further than Tory Burch!

Also available in Forest Green/Coconut and Tory Red/ Tory Navy.

Retail: $150   Available at:  shopbop.com

Tend to be drawn towards the classics?  Hunter has plenty of new fashion forward options.

Also available in Bitter Chocolate and Dark Olive.

Retail:  $175    Available at:  zappos.com

Shop for other stylish rainwear options at shuzsociety.tv!

Ruthie Davis: Fierce Glamour and Futuristic Chic

Ruthie Davis footwear has become the go to brand for celebrities and women the world over when they’re looking for fierce glamour. And it’s no surprise that Ruthie Davis grew up to be a successful footwear designer.  Her passion for shoes began at the young age of 2, when her mother took her shopping at a department store. She tried on her first  pair of red patent leather mary-janes, and when the sales women went to take them off, she threw a tantrum fit for a super-star diva.  Little Ruthie wore her mary-janes out of the store and even went to bed in them that night. It was love at first sight, and this love turned into a passionate obsession which led Ruthie to eventually create a line of footwear made up of  some of the world’s most provocative shoes.

Ruthie Davis developed a business savvy early on, becoming a entrepreneur at the young age of 25 when she opened an aerobics studio in Vermont.  She eventually went on to earn her MBA from Babson Graduate School of Business and upon graduation, was hired by Reebok as a “Cool Hunter” and was swiftly promoted to Director of the Reebok Classic division, where she helped ignite a consumer love affair with throwback designs in footwear.

In 1998, Ruthie left Reebok to become the Vice President of Design and Marketing for Ugg Australia in California.  It was here that she created a worldwide fashion phenomenon by repositioning the Ugg boot as an essential fashion staple.  She was even responsible for giving Oprah her first pair of Uggs.  In 2001, Ruthie went on to work for Tommy Hilfiger as the Vice President of Marketing and Design and launched a new division called “Tommy Girl Shoes” which was targeted at a younger and hipper girl.

With such a strong background in footwear, it’s at no surprise that Ruthie eventually went on to launch her own line of shoes. The namesake brand of handcrafted, Italian-made shoes launched in 2006 combined the designers high-style and high-tech personal tastes with references to modernism, minimalism and lots of high-octane glamour.  Ruthie, who once wanted to be an architect, designs her shoes like “little buildings”, focusing on technical innovation in both form and function, a sleek aesthetic, and architectural precision, evident through the advanced “heel architecture”, which has become one of the brand’s signature details.

Ruthie also draws inspiration from the strong heroine characters in Italian comic books and James Bond movies.  Her shoes have even been described as “go-go-dancer-meets-Barbarella.”  An authentic movie poster of Italian thriller, Danger Diabolik, featuring  the movie’s heroine Eva Kant, even hangs in Ruthie’s office, providing endless inspiration of a “totally mod, chic, hip 60s chick.”

After the launch of Ruthie Davis footwear in 2006, the brand quickly gained worldwide recognition, and over the course of 4 years has been featured in countless publications.  The shoes, which embody a fierce glamour, have gained a loyal celebrity fan base, including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Rihanna.  Perhaps the most devoted is Beyonce, however, who is frequently spotted wearing her Ruthies.  The shoes, since their debut, have been popular on the runways as well, participating in every New York Fashion Week since 2006 providing shoes for labels such as Alice and Olivia, Doo Ri, and most recently Dennis Basso.

Ruthie takes after her strong female inspiration and strives to be a motivating mentor and promoter of “girl power.” The July 2010 issue of Harper’s Bazaar China even featured her as the only woman in the article “Top 7 Leaders in the World of Shoes.”  To provide inspiration to young women the world over, Ruthie speaks at college campuses as a woman who is taking risks and going after her dreams and encourages others to do the same.

Ruthie advocates her girl power philosophy in hopes of urging other young girls to work hard, dream big and never compromise themselves as women.  With such strong beliefs as this, it’s no wonder a woman feels a sense of empowerment when slipping her feet into a pair of Ruthie Davis’s shoes.  After all, they were designed with super-like-women and courageous heroines in mind.

Shop for Ruthie Davis footwear on shuzsociety’s shopping platform, shuzsociety.tv!

For more on Ruthie Davis, please visit her web site, ruthiedavis.com.

Stomp Your Way Through Summer in Trendy Clogs

Some of you may be cringing at the mere thought of the clogs mighty comeback, while others may be elated. The former, I’m sure, are of a slightly older generation.  You’ve already been through the clogs craze- during the 1970s when clogs were in its hey day, and you’d prefer it if they stayed there.  The latter are of a more youthful generation, and they’re embracing this season’s most trendy footwear with open arms. Whether you find clogs retro, passé, or, perhaps, intended for the Dutch only, it might be in your best interest to reconsider, because clogs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.  They’re even being translated into boots for the fall.  If 80s style neon and leggings can have a moment in the 21st century, then why can’t a major player from the 70s have one too?

It’s not a little known fact that the major fashion houses in Paris and Italy almost always dictate what we’ll all be wearing in the upcoming seasons, so when clogs were spotted stomping down the runways of some of the most influential designers- Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu- it should come as no surprise when clogs were soon trickling down to the mainstream stores like Aldo and Zara. Besides, clogs provide a youthful alternative to the standard heels and gladiator sandals to wear with sporty and frilly minidresses or even a blazer and shorts combo. The options are really endless, and clogs can make any old outfit seem fresh and brand new. So whether you love them or hate them, you’d best get on board, because you’ll be hearing the clip-clopping of wooden heels all over town throughout the season- and into the next.

Take an untraditional route with a sandal version of this season’s clogs- ones that can be worn through the midst of the summer heat!

Open toe leather clogs with antiqued studs, rubber sole, and wraparound patent ankle strap with buckle closure.  4.5-inch wooden heel and 1.25-inch platform.  Available in Black.

Retail:  $135.  Available at: ShopBop.com

Open toe suede clog with cutouts at side, light brown leather trim, gold tone studs, and slingback heel with gold tone buckle.  5.5-inch wooden heel and 1.5-inch platform.  Available in Tobacco.

Retail:  $495. Available at:  Net-a-porter.com

Sandal style clog with thick leather straps, studded metal accents, chunky platform, and rubber sole.  5-inch wooden heel and 1.5-inch platform.  Available in Bonbut (cream), Blavec (black), and Walnut.

Retail:  $375 $270.75.  Available at:  Endless.com

More traditional clogs, with updated accents and details, make for a great transitional shoe from summer into fall.

Slingback design with adjustable buckle closure, suede upper, studded midsole, and a lightly cushioned footbed.  4.75-inch wooden heel and 1.75-inch platform.  Available in Black Suede, Brown Suede, and Taupe Suede.

Retail:  $129.95.  Available at:  zappos.com

Slip-on clog with leather upper, rubber sole, stud trim along midsole and chain detail.  4.74-inch wooden heel and 1.25-inch platform.  Available in Brown, Black, and Natural.

Retail:  $150 $105.  Available at:  Endless.com

Slip-on design with suede upper, multi-strap detail with buckle accents, leather lining and insole, and wood-tone platform and heel.  4-inch heel and 1-inch platform.  Available in Biscuit Waxy Suede, Black Waxy Suede, and Mouse Grey Waxy Suede.

Retail:  $225.  Available at:  Zappos.com

You can find all of the above clog styles and many more on shuzsociety.tv!

Bring Out Your Inner Child With Jelly Sandals

It’s always fun to indulge the inner kid in you, to embrace a resurgence of a childhood favorite.  Whether it’s munching on kid-approved snacks such as gushers, rock candy, or popsicles, or seeing an old favorite movie like Toy Story or Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (a personal favorite of mine), child-like classics such as these help to resurface youthful memories which in turn can bring out a youthful spirit in grown-ups alike.  However, kiddie snacks and kiddie movies are transient, lending that buoyant and giddy feeling for only a short period of time.

Footwear designers, too, must have had the urge to feel young again.  Instead of giving us a fleeting chance to relive our youth, they are making it possible to embrace that childlike essence all summer long. Remember the days when you were young, pig tails or, perhaps, braces still intact?  Jelly shoes were all the rage.  They were the perfect summer sandal for the carefree kid who loved to frolic about in the hot summer sun and play in the water.  Fortunately, for the child that lives inside all of us, jelly shoes are back, but this time with a grown-up appeal.  The colors are still bright and fresh, but now they are made with sophisticated silhouettes and embellishments.

What could possibly be better than this?  Perhaps, the price tag.  Plastic and rubber shoes, while playful and adorable, are cheap to make, which in turn makes them quite affordable for us.  The designer options below are a steal, all costing less than $150! For a price like that, why not buy two or three pairs, that way you can ensure to live a youthful and carefree summer all season long.

Adorable ballet flat with rubber upper and sole and fabric detail on vamp.  Available in hot pink multi and black multi.

Retail: $149.38. Available at: Endless.com

Stylish and avant garde- who said rubber is only for the rain?  Plastic upper and manmade sole with medallion detail. 3/4-inch heel.  Available in black or beige.

Retail: $130.  Available at:  Endless.com

A flip flop sandal that’s just as chic as it is casual.  Rubber upper and sole with the Tory Burch logo detail.  Available in black, violet, parrot pink, and royal navy.

Retail: $65.  Available at: toryburch.com

An open-toe flat with flexible design and gorgeous stone embellishment.  Synthetic upper and manmade sole.  1/2-inch heel.  Available in fuchsia and black.

Retail: $69.95.  Available at: Endless.com

A laid back open-toe flat with a sophisticated edge.  Rubber upper and sole with bow detail on vamp.  1/2-inch heel. Available in fuchsia, black, green, and yellow.

Retail: $38.95.  Available at: Endless.com

Jelly’s come in all shapes and sizes, even in the form of a über-stylish gladiator.  Rubber upper and sole with studded detailing. 1-inch heel.  Available in yellow, black, and white.

Retail: $295 $147.50.  Available at: jimmychoo.com

A gladiator sandal so polished it’s hard to tell it’s made of plastic.  Rubber upper and sole with gold tone hardware.           Available in red.

Retail:  $130 $65.  Available at: toryburch.com

Add a pop of color to any ensemble with this flirty sandal. Synthetic upper with leather ruffle accent and side buckle closure. Available in black, blueberry, cherry, lemon, and vivid pink.

Retail:  $80.  Available at:  Zappos.com

A casual yet elegant open-toe flat with eye-catching stone embellishments.  Manmade jelly upper and rubber sole.  Available in crystal stones and jet stones.

Retail:  $158 $111.  Available at: Zappos.com

Find many more jelly style sandals at shuzsociety.tv!

Show Your American Spirit in Patriotic Footwear

It’s officially July which means hot weather (or scorching if you live in the South like me), plenty of days spent lounging by the pool, and perhaps a little more ice cream than you’re used to consuming.  Most of all, however, July brings to mind patriotic pride and dazzling displays of fireworks.

The American spirit has been on more minds than my own it seems, because according to summer footwear collections, shoe designers everywhere have been dreaming about patriotism and making those dreams come true.

This 4th of July, you can show your pride for the red, white, and blue by waving the American flag- on your feet!  Dressing head to toe in support of the U.S.A. is easier than ever thanks to the many patriotic footwear options on the market. Hesitant to spend money on a holiday-centric shoe?  No need to worry!  There are plenty of more “subtle” red, white and blue shoes available too.  Besides, showing your American spirit is always in style!

Let your fashion flag soar with this open toe shoe by Giuseppe Zanotti.  Leather upper decorated with an eagle and American flag with rhinestone embellishment; cut out at sides and back zipper closure; 4 1/4-inch heel.

Retail: $895 $644.40.  Available at: Zappos.com

These Giuseppe Zanotti ballet flats have a perfectly patriotic, yet carefree summer attitude.  Printed and stonewashed 100% cotton canvas; 1/2-inch heel; made in Italy.

Retail: $440 $220.  Available at: Giuseppe Zanotti

Be on trend with these nautical inspired sling backs with just the right red, white, and blue hues by Charles David.  Navy canvas upper with contrast piping and stitching; adjustable buckle closure; 4 1/4-inch heel.

Retail: $175 $140.  Available at: Zappos.com

Your American spirit will be undeniable in these unique and ultra-stylish thong sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.  Smooth patent leather upper in red, white and blue; oversized buckle detail, shiny silver eyelets and contrast stitching detail.

Retail: $519.95 $197.58.  Available at: Endless.com

Wear this stylish denim flat by Tory Burch year round or in support of our country on the 4th of July.  Denim and leather upper wit Tory Burch logo hardware; leather lining and padded insole.

Retail: $250 $175.  Available at: Tory Burch

Shop for these patriotic styles and many others at shuzsociety.tv!

Step Out in Style With Summer Sneakers

As I’m sure most of you may have noticed, heel heights have been on the rise all season long, reaching heights of unfathomable proportions.  Romania’s “shoe architect” even introduced a new pair of sandals that towers at a staggering 12-inches. However, when trends reach a certain extreme, the pendulum must swing in the opposite direction- a counterpart to the ultra high heel must exist.

Say hello to the high fashion high tops.  Gone are the days of the boring, traditional sneaker.  Designers are introducing sneakers and trainers in fun textiles and prints and with embellishments ranging from sequins to chains.  Even high end designers such as Jimmy Choo are jumping on the trainer trend band wagon. So when your feet tire from strutting in 6-inch stilettos, slip on a pair of snazzy sneakers.  Not only will you be on trend, but your feet will thank you for it.

High top sneakers with a girly flair. Canvas printed upper and tongue with white leather toe caps, heel panels and lining.  Removable leather insole.

Retail: $95.  Available at: Stampd’LA

Stay comfy and dry in these rain ready sneakers.  Rubber upper and sole.  Available in slate.

Retail: $64.95.  Available at: Endless.com

Metallic accents make these sneakers super stylish.  Canvas upper, textile lining and insole, rubber sole.  Available in gold metallic/canvas, silver metallic/canvas and black metallic/canvas.

Retail: $98.  Available at: Zappos.com

Be runway ready with these supple suede and glossy patent high top trainers.  Includes glamorous gold eyelets and star printed soles.  Available in black and taupe.

Retail: $495.  Available at: Jimmy Choo.

Sport the traditional Missoni motif in a different way.  Canvas and leather upper with rubber sole.  Available in blue and purple.

Retail: $225.  Available at: YOOX.com

The traditional Converse high top is embellished with bronze studs on the outer side.  Converse logo on inner side.  Canvas upper with rubber toe cap and sole.

Retail: $225.  Available at: Shopbop.com

Show off your inner rock star with these studded and chained sneakers.  Leather upper with rubber sole.  Available in off white and midnight blue.

Retail: $190.  Available at: Endless.com

Shop for other sneaker styles on shuzsociety.tv and don’t forget to check out your shuzscope for the month of June to find your perfect sneaker match!

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