Aerosoles
Aerosoles “Sprinkle” Dress Shoe: Win This
Congratulations Laney, the winner of the Aerosoles “Sprinkle” Dress Shoes! Thanks everyone for entering and keep checking TBF for more great contests to come!
To Enter, Leave a Comment Below
What: One lucky reader will win a pair of Aerosoles “Sprinkle” Dress Shoes, retail value $89.
The Lowdown: We all know “Aerosoles” means “comfort”, but it also means style, as is perfectly evident in this super chic “Sprinkle” shoe—sleek, strappy, with just a little bit of sparkly bling for good measure. And the comfort part? Not to worry—the shoe features an Almafi wrapped footbed and the classic Aerosoles diamond sole for extra cushion. Available in black snake, gold leather, or tan fabric, this is a great shoe to transition from summer to fall in style . . . which is why you want to win it, right?
Enter to Win: Leave a comment below; a winner will be chosen at random on Aug. 25.
The Rules:
- Contest ends August 24th, 2008 at 11:59 pm. All entries received after this point will not be eligible for the prize.
- One winner will be selected at random.
- Winners must respond within four business days or new winners will be chosen.
- Prizes are not transferrable
- Entrants must be residents of United States.
Comfortable Shoes on an Extreme Budget
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I have a question! I’m a college senior about to embark on interviews, then hopefully a job - even a career if I’m lucky. ;) I live in tennis shoes with arch supports in them because I have really bad feet, and so far I have barely found any nice, adult-looking shoes that I
can wear with slacks or skirts. I’m on a extreme budget, do you have any ideas?
Answer: You have two options:
- Head to to store like DSW Shoewarehouse or online at Endless.com and purchase a pair of plain black pumps from a brand like Naturalizers or Aerosoles, which will run you about $30-$50. Take these shoes to your local shoe repair or cobbler (look online at site like Yelp for one near you).
or
- Save your money and purchase an expensive pair (we’re talking $100+) of black pumps from a more stylish comfort brand like Dansko, Clarks, Taryn by Taryn Rose or Campers.
How to Pack for a Long Weekend
Dear Budget Fashionista,
Could you post a topic on the newsletter about suggestions for a long weekend travel wardrobe? I seem to run into the same problem every time I prepare for vacation—how to pack to look chic, but also be comfortable. I tend to do a lot of walking while on vacation. I want to look chic, which is difficult to do when you are hobbling around because your feet are killing you. Please help—I’m heading to Paris in a few weeks and would like to pack an affordable, fashionable, and comfortable travel wardrobe for once.
Help!
Fashion Traveler
Dear Fashion Traveler,
I’m a frequent traveler as well (especially this summer). Here’s a list of basic things I bring when going on a long weekend trip.
- A pashmina or pashmina like wrap that can fold easily into a tote bag or purse. These wraps are perfect for cold airplanes and cool nights
- A pair of flats. Isaac Mizrahi at Target, Aerosoles, all make comfortable, stylish shoes without breaking the bank.
- A pair of comfy heels from Aerosoles- these are the best walking/heel shoes around and they’re cute. Buy them in black so you’ll be able to wear it again and again
- Rayon blend black pants that don’t wrinkle.
- 2-3 chic t-shirts, in a variety of colors, with a bit spandex Lycra content. These t-shirts are easy to pack and don’t wrinkle.
- A stylish large bag, tote, satchel or hobo that can double as an extra bag for any souvenirs or purchases
- Pair of jeans with a hint of spandex. For some reason, I seem to increase a size whenever I travel, especially cross country
- A Jersey Knit dress that doesn’t wrinkle. Wear with flats during the day—with the pashmina and heels at night
- Umbrella—so VERY important
- A pair of plastic thongs you can get from Old Navy
for 2 for $5. Even if you’re not going to beach, you never know when you might need these
For longer trips (1 week or more), build on the list above. Instead of just one pair of jeans, bring two. Always make sure you have a 2 shirts to every pair of pants ratio. You might always want to throw in a more casual dress as well. The reason why I focus on dresses when traveling is that they’re instant outfits—just add jewelry and shoes and you’re ready to go—and you can dress them up or down.
Fashion Advice: Budget Flats
QI have to wear flat shoes for health reasons and I’m also on a budget. I feel like I spend days or weeks looking for fashionable, non-frumpy flat shoes which I can afford. What are some good sources for flat shoes on a budget?
A I’m a big fan of flat shoes and wear them on a daily basis because I do so much walking (New York is such a pedestrian city). Here’s some of my favorite places to score flats for a reasonable price:
Baker Shoes— This mall base store is a great place for trendy flats under $40. Never, ever pay more than $40 for a pair of flats from Bakers because several of their shoes are manufactered by the same folks who make shoes for Payless. Sometimes, you can even find similar styles at the both stores.
Aerosoles—In store, Aerosoles can tend to skew a bit grandma like—but online the store has a wider selection of stylish flats.
Old Navy—Old Navy has a solid selection of ballerina flats in leather and other types of materials for well under $20.00. The shoes won’t last you about 10, maybe 15 wears, and then you’ll have to throw them away. However, from a cost per wear standpoint, the shoes are only $1.50 to $2 per wear. A solid value
Urban Outfitters—Almost always has a few very trendy flats, usually well under $40/ most under $30. Be aware that many of the shoes sold at Urban Outfitters aren’t leather.
Steve Madden—Huge selection of stylish flat shoes in a ton of different colors from patten leather with pilgrim buckles to your basic ballerina flats in cheetah prints. Prices tend range from $29.99 to $89.99. If you see a style you like that tends to fall on the higher end of the price range, wait a week or two—they almost always go on sale.
Barefoot Tess—Great online based store with a HUGE selection of flats from folks like Jeffrey Campbell and Delmans. Most flats are around the $50 to $60 range.
Bluefly.com—Sometimes you can find a deal or two on designer flats from Kate Spade, Delman, Christian Louboutin, etc. Not exactly cheap, but definitely cheaper than retail.
Nine West - Another mall based store with a solid website. I actually think the website is better than the store. Every year, it seems like things get pricier and pricier. However, it’s definitely worth taking a peek at the store.
and Zappos.com, of course.
fashion advice fashion trends shoes fashion shopping weblog budget fashionista Clothing
Fashion Expert budgetfashionista
Fashion Advice: To Ruffle or Not to Ruffle
Dear Budget Fashionista:
I am 54-years-old and would like some style advice. I do not want to dress too young or too matronly—but I do love ruffles. I am “big boned” (5’3” and weigh 155 lbs).
A: Please, put the ruffles down. There is only one person over the age of six who can successfully wear ruffles and his named Prince.
There are several fashionable options for you, regardless of your size. The first thing you’ll want to do is create the illusion that you are taller. The taller you appear, the thinner your body will look. Search for shoes with at least a 2-inch heel. Stores like Aerosoles and Nine West sell fashionable, comfortable, affordable heels.
Another tip is to dress monochromatically—all in one color. This will help create a simple, unifying line (think ‘column’). Use a belt to help define your waist. Avoid the advice of stupid fashion experts who know nothing about larger-sized fashion, and advocate big muumuu-like tops. You want your items structured and tailored, again, helping to define your waist, creating a curvy silhouette. Embellishments like ruffles add bulk to the very areas that you want to draw attention from.
Last but not least, remember that the key to fashion is how you feel in a particular outfit, not necessarily what’s in style. If you feel comfortable with yourself, you’ll look fabulous. Style is 90% confidence, 10% attitude.
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