Why indeed.

Face it, pal. If you’re going to make your way through this world and be taken seriously as an adult, you’ll need at least three pairs of shoes. Keep the running shoes or better yet, invest in a new pair and ditch the veterans. Save the huaraches for summertime; they don’t count toward The Three Essential Pairs anyway. Pay attention to the advice contained herein and you’ll never be clueless -or shoeless- again.

Dress shoes. Frank Zappa had it right when he said ‘Brown shoes don’t make it.’ There’s just something innately unhip about brown leather shoes, so please get yourself a decent pair of black dress shoes. The simpler the better. This is one place where you certainly do not want the cheapest- besides fitting better and feeling good, costlier shoes simply look nicer. Women do notice a fellow’s shoes and so do potential employers, so go ahead and spend more than you think you can afford. It’ll pay off in the long run.

Speaking of running: a fine pair of athletic shoes is a must-have these days. Name brands aren’t nearly as important as a decent, well-fitting shoe. Walk and jog around the store while trying them on; there’s few things more aggro than a poor running shoe. Be certain to try them on with the same sort of socks that you’ll be wearing the shoes with- no point in buying athletic shoes that only fit with thin dress socks. If you play a lot of b-ball, ankle support is an important factor to consider. If you’re going to actually run in your running shoes, be sure they offer you excellent arch support.

So what’s the third pair of essential shoes for a man these days? How about another pair of dark dress shoes? Seriously- if you’re going to be doing the corporate, in-a-suit thing several days a week it’s entirely appropriate to have two pairs of dark (not brown!) shoes. If your suits lean toward blues and greys, a pair of dark blue leather shoes could be an interesting, tasteful choice. Some men have been known to pull off a pair of red leather with style and panache; you know if you’re that kind of guy.

Unless you live in the tropics, stay far away from white dress shoes. They always look like Easter at Fantasy Island and are right only when worn with a white suit. In that case, they are a must.

So there you have the three essential pairs of shoes for the modern man. Never skimp where it comes to your feet- spend a few (or several) extra bucks and be comfortable. At least as comfortable as you can while wearing a suit and tie. To secretly express your individuality, wear a pair of outrageous socks- just be sure they don’t show while you’re walking. Armed with this invaluable info, go ahead and strut proudly into your day!

You need to find the right jewelry, bag, belt or shoes to match the trends, but you also need to keep yourself comfortable with how you look, or you will end up a fashion victim. Not all styles suit all body types and complexions, and that is why we have so many! Adaptation is key. So, here’s your guide to customizing the season’s trend to your personal sense of style.

Let us start with jewelry. To draw attention to the lush fabrics you will be wearing in the evening this Fall, try huge pendants. They are in, as are chunky bracelets and oversized cuffs to accentuate that loose chiffon blouse for elegant daywear. The bolder the better, everything from burnished gold to aged polish, from mother of pearl to semi precious stones and pearls set in chunky necklaces will fit the bill. Ornate jewelry in exotic colors was seen frequently on the ramp, especially at Dior. These can also help dress up the simplest outfit.

If you would rather wear finer styles, you can try them as well. Though a single thin strand of antique necklace is good for office, layering strands by wearing them together will transform them into evening drama, or else, you could go for delicate tiered necklaces. The lovely occasional use of fashion jewelry chokers in the Edwardian or Victorian style, or any other Costume jewelry retro piece on bare skin can be very good. It would look stunning on you when worn with an auburn, dark chocolate or burgundy aubergine toned velvet outfit, for a special winter event.

If velvet outfits are not your style, you can add this season’s touch by simply wearing delicate chokers with velvet straps in deep wine tones. Ethnic has also retained its appeal, and many of the styles popular this summer will draw eyes in darker, more autumnal colors this Fall.

The attention this Fall is on the neck, but long chandelier earrings worn for a vixen look on a bare neck will make you sizzle; as will large hoops worn with a sharp suit and a pencil skirt. To add a touch of quirk to outfits with empire waistlines, there is nothing like a flower corsage or a vintage brooch. This is also the season to bring out the family heirlooms and wear them with an attitude. The idea is to know how much is too much.

If you are not the type to wear fancy jewelry, a hip belt could do the trick. To dress up your best loved denim, wear a woven belt matching or simply in contrast with your top. There is a huge variety to choose from, from leather to wool, or other yarn, to fabric. Belts have made a huge comeback this season, and were seen on the Fall runways over jackets, skirts, and dresses.

A ribbon strand flower belt is the way to go, if you want to be in trend with the season’s flower look, while keeping it to a minimum. A flower belt with a dainty ribbon tie can be just the thing, with strands of small flowers in monotone or multicolor, or a single blossom in fabric or leather to make that impression. Belts are still to be worn below the waist, at the hip, and teamed if possible with a bolero, in order to emphasis the length of the torso. A belt at the hip worn over a loose top in heavy chiffon can hide your waist while giving you a slim look.

The stud belt will dress up a pair of denims or a sleek trouser as will a sequined ribbon tie belt for that extra touch of glitter and glamour on a plain black dress. A corset belt will do justice to the Victorian look, and define an hourglass figure: a must-have is a leather corset belt with trimmings and textures that spell winter.

For those of you who want a serious evening look, the double wrap or the simple thin cinch belt, tone on tone with the outfit will shape your silhouette without too much fanfare. These belts will work well with tweeds and checks as well, for that smart office or daytime chic. A double buckle belt will bring back ’80s sophistication to an oversize sweater worn with leggings, or waist you up when worn over a short suit affair. But remember that these looks do require a rather trim waist, and that more petite figures need thinner belts.

Bags this season are as various as the different looks seen on the ramp, from functional yet trendy collectibles like Dior’s detective bags to the fancy embroidered Hippy Chic bags under the same name, there are quite a few trends to consider before bagging yourself one!

Every woman ought to and mostly does own a serious bag, constructed, no-nonsense, and good for office, while not altogether out of place at an evening. A simple bag in leather with discreet metal fittings like the new one from Mac Jacobs for instance, should do very well indeed. Here, it is good to remember that bigger bags suit taller people, and smaller ones suit petite figures.

Quilted bags in leather and fabric like the one at Louis Vuitton this season go well with the evening jacket and trouser look. As do vintage bags in deep aubergine, browns and burnt caramels through olives which carry the current flavor and add a touch of extraordinary to a dress, jeans or satin top.

Bags in houndstooth checks are part of the checkered style this season, and are ideal for those who do not want checks in their wardrobe, but do not mind them on an accessory: ideal with plain or casual outfits. Trimmed bags, like the Shearling bag from Fendi, could also be an exotic daywear option.

Embellished bags make a statement of their own and can be your prime accessory to jazz up a plain outfit without even a hint of jewelry. The red flower black bag from Prada is a good example. These bags, in leather or fabric, embroidered or embossed, are a must-have this season to go with the looks inspired by Japan and China. Big is nice, but smaller ones in silk or moleskin are also in. Sequined bags should be avoided as they compete with the rich textures this Fall. Bags trimmed with fur, however, and those made in velvet, with velvet trimmings in the same color are all a rage.

Bohemian bags can be carried through from summer, only now they are made in heavier fabrics or soft leather with chenille embroidery, or knitted in heavy wool in fall colors, with dark wooden handles. Part of the richer, boho-chic trend inspired by the renaissance and gypsy looks, these bags add an element of fun in the season’s heavy chic
in colors that could range from burgundy, magenta, scarlet to black, in light patterns. But make sure the colors are bright and rich, but not summery.

No look is complete without shoes, of course, in fact your footwear is the required underline to your style, whether they are boots, pumps or flats. Boots are de rigeur this season, and you will skip them at your fashion peril.

The round toe, stacked heel, knee-length type are comfortable and stylish, as are wedge boots. Wedge boots are also available in a variety of heights, from ankle to mid-calf to knee-length and in rich brown suede and shearling, with zips or buckles, or stud eyelets. They are embroidered or plain with fur trims to go with the Russian look worn with volume skirts set on a yoke, done to perfection by Cavalli.

Leather boots with bronze, copper, caramel or pewter tones are also the flavor of this season. Black patent leather knee-high boots, like the ones by Gucci, are just what you need for the Trans-siberian gypsy look, which will likely last into Winter, and even Fall 2006!

Yes, ankle boots are back, and can now be explored with laces and grommets, and found in leather-and-tweed. They could be fur-trimmed or done up with buttons and bows, and are more in fashion than ever. If you are into denim, rock, or horses, the flat boots styled with military trimmings and biker buckles are for you. For an evening of fun or dancing, moccasin slouch boots with Ikat or Inca designs are head turners. The only boot to avoid is the laced-up high heel, it does look a tad contrived.

In short, a woman is spoiled for choice of boots this fall. But a word of caution here is that unless your budget is unlimited, it might be better to buy expensive boots in a safe style, because a pair is likely to last more than a season, and should not look out of place next winter.

Shoes are available in the fabrics and colors of the season. A chic pair of stiletto pumps can be worn in exotic skins, with patent trims, or in matte metallic shades like gold and silver, or even champagne, to look delicious with evening wear this Fall. Loafer and kitten-heel, and especially the platform pumps are ubiquitous and a must have for every working woman. This season they come in croc-embossed leather, calf-hair, pony-hair and embellished suede, besides the other normal varieties.

The little black dress is here to stay, and this season presents a range of black shoes to die for. From suede-and-satin lace-up sandals, satin-and-velvet mules to soft leather with dainty tie ups and trimmings, this Fall black shoes dress up to give you an extraordinary look. Black is definitely hot, hot, hot!

Pointy- toe flats enhanced with bows and pretty trims, as well as Ballerina flats rival the dressiest shoes this season with dainty glam styles, and can be exquisitely sumptuous and decadent. Velvet shoes take on a new meaning this season with jeweled, embroidered, bow-tied, open or peep toe in the colors in vogue like burgundy, deep viridian green, rich brown, and even the season’s surprise favorite, shades of blue. A jeweled pair of evening shoes like the exotically colored, jeweled ones in satin from Versace, give even worn denim an extra appeal. Retro shoes, trimmed with lavish fur, feather or lace, will also earn that second glance.

As any fashion stylist would tell you, accessories are a must to complete the look of any ensemble,. But more important is to remain with the trends in garments and the various looks. With all this advice on the main wardrobe accessories of the season, you are now prepared to plunge in to Fall. You can relax, sure that so that your accessories will only add to your stylish appeal, and make you a fashion-savvy woman at ease with your personality!

Ah low prices don’t you love them. Prices so intoxicating that we can’t wait to spend our hard earned money just to save. Makes you wonder how much more you can purchase for those low prices. More stuff at low cost. Tons of dreck filling every nook of our homes. Things we may need to through out sooner than later because we may have sacrificed quality because of a cheap price tag.

The high cost of low prices effects all frugal minded, budget conscious families. Hey, look at that great widget thingy for $2.00 why its $9.00 in the catalogs. Cha-ching
there goes the cash register; you just purchase something because the price seems too good to pass up. Did you save any money here? Not a stitch! You sent $2.00 for something just because it was cheaper here than in a catalog. The catch word here is spent.

While low prices are cause for second thought it should be only if the item(s)
are needed (either currently or an anticipated need.) Did you really need that widget? Why? Because it was cheap or because you had to replace something? Because it will serve a multitask problem in your home or because it was a bargain. Bargain spending kills savings and budgets and fills the home will cheap stuff.

We’re not saying ignore coupons, sales or closeouts but, those big box meglomarts fighting over whose cheaper are really getting you to spend more than you need. Yes, buy new socks at meglomart if you need them but not that shirt that’s on sale
for $7.00 dollars ( have you ever heard of a quality dress shirt for that cost?) Buying things that are cheap because they are cheap saps your future.

Quality items (savvy shoppers can spot a good item in bargain stores or boutiques) last longer and they do go on sale. Invest some time and buy what you need only and when is on sale or closeout. Foods items well, that’s been beaten to death. Use coupons, loss leaders, a price book or a combine’s strategy and don’t forget unit prices.

Let’s say you need shoes and can’t wait for an end of year sale or seasonal sale
do you go to Payless or LL bean do you buy at Macy’s or the Birkenstock store? It depends on the circumstance. I have found not only low prices at “Pay lower” type of store but sometimes find a quality shoe or sneaker, you need to know your quality as well as your prices. An investment in a high quality shoe that will last years even if worn a lot
is cheaper than replacing ever year. Why buy an expensive sneaker than needs to be replaced every six months if a “pay lower” sneaker of similar quality and much lower cost will last the same six months.

Quality beats quantity almost every time. I said almost because there are exceptions to everything. A large quantity of crackers or something you eat a lot at the dollar store is a good buy, much better than supermarkets and the quality is the same.
Common sense and the ability to play devils advocate are the best companions
you have to beating “The high cost of low prices.” Remember quality, remember comparison, and remember that a little effort goes a long way.

I’ll go into the concept of incorporating your miniature shoe collection into your home décor, but as you check out the sites listed below for the artists, note the color and design. Isn’t that what you look for when choosing artwork to complement a room’s design? Part of the fun of collecting, be it antiques or newer collectibles, is in showing that collection off. Ironically, miniature shoes can make a big splash in an otherwise tamed room.
Just the Right Shoe is a standard in the United States. Raine, the artist responsible for these designs, has been creating classic designs of everything from pumps to boots to sandals and clogs for her ardent fans. The average size is 2 ½ to 4”. Like Hallmark and David Winter, she has her own club, and members may buy exclusive designs available only to members.

Raine is a bone fide artist, having received her training at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. When she graduated, she found the traditional world of art limiting, and came up with this alter world of miniature shoes, handbags and accessories. She found it a way to express her love of art and also make a comment on the times in which these things existed. You’ll find everything from the thin-heeled, pointed-toe classic shoe, to sandals to Easter finds. Start to finish, you’ll find something in her collection that speaks to your heart, as it unfolds a piece of your own history. As an aside, Raine has continued in the field of traditional artwork, creating larger sculptures, as well as the miniatures. As a matter-of-fact, her sculptures are listed on the National Museum of Women in the Arts sculpture tour in Washington, D.C.

In this field, all shoes are not created equally, In my opinion, the only shoes that follow the true miniatures path are made by Just Right Shoe, If the Shoe Fits, Palais Royal Miniature Collectible Shoes, and Russini, with the latter two being “high end” collectibles in this field.

The Palais line is made with various alloys for sheen and Swarovski components to add the pizzazz. On eBay, the auctions for both Palais and Russini start at about $20 with shipping. Just recently ended on eBay were a group offered by Palais. The low end started at about $18, but the higher end of the collection started at $32. If you research the line, you’ll find that many of the starting sales run about $45. Are they worth it? The shoes recently retired run around $60-120.

The Palais collection originated in France about three years ago, and is known throughout Europe; however, it is just now starting to become known in the United States. The curve of the line, coupled with the crystals and fancy alloys make them a winner worth searching out and adding to your collection.

Just the Right Shoe and If the Shoe Fits manufacture shoes that replicate the real thing regardless of the style. For example, If the Shoe Fits has designed a classic 1920s nurse’s shoe, meant more for people into nostalgia than into the sleek look of a shoe. Avon also manufactures miniature shoes, but as that is not their main market, or even a major market for them, I haven’t included them in this article.

As for Internet hits on these latter collections, just do a search on “Just the Right Shoe”, then follow the many dealer offerings and look for the best deal. Even if the prices are the same, one may offer a deal on shipping. A mini pair of classic black stiletto heels, deemed “Timeless” retails for $15, and the shipping is free. “Jagged Edge,” a more adventurous type of low boot, sells for $17 on these sites. Both are fairly new products.

If your shoe fancy runs towards rhinestones and classic beauty, you’ll find something to fit your tastes (probably lots of things) on Ebay along with the other classic miniatures. One style stands out with its feel of Swarovski jewels and shimmering metals. Gold, silver, emerald and ruby are the standard look for this line. The price relates to the shoe size; beautiful, classic pumps run in the $8 range.

Lucy Arnold puts an artistic spin on the classic miniature shoe. Her collection, fashioned of polymer clay, is full of whimsy and color. Most have an iridescent sheen and take the form of something you’d find Peter Pan or Tinkerbell wearing. Her Outrageous Orchid is a shiny green mini boot of green, given the illusion of leaves. From inside the shoe, a purple petal drapes out over each side of the creation, given the feel what it would be like to wear an orchid on your foot. Well, it would fit on you foot, if your shoe size ran in the neighborhood of 2 and ½ inches.

It’s easy to see where Arnold’s influences come from if you take a peek at the standard artwork on her Web site. The colorful artistry that fills her paintings has spilled over into her miniature shoe collection.

Arnold’s collection is a great example of how (and why) a collectible can become the centerpiece of a room in your home. Decorate around your loves, your collectibles.
Perhaps your love of the circus can be seen in spots around your home. Some people fear clown, while other people revel in the joy clowns bring to children and adults alike. It shouldn’t be a surprise that even clown items are represented in the world of miniature shoes.

Spears Shoes in Massachusetts has added a line of shoes guaranteed to make a clown lover delight. That’s right: clown shoes. Spears features the high topped colorful oversized shoes you’ll see at any visit to the circus. Well, a circus for Little People, as these shoes are distinctly miniatures. Each shoe in the collection sells for $14.99.

Even horse lovers will find something in the miniature shoe field. The Guide Horse Foundation features a line of mini sneakers you’d expect to find on the feet of a horse lover. It’s no surprise that these shoes are called “Reebuck”.

If your style falls more into the Victorian range, take a look at Cynthia Howe’s miniature shoe collection. Silk, pearls, over-sized buckles and buttons adorn her shoe collection. The leather collection is made of thin, hand-dried leathers. These shoes would look enchanting in a formal Victorian Parlor in a classic curio or on a marble-topped table dedicated to the collection.

The art of displaying miniatures shoes gets a little tricky. Much like salt and pepper shakers, they are bothersome in that they are small. To put them on a standard bookcase shelf would be to lose the gentle, subtle nature of the shoe itself. It will basically get lost in the space.

I came across a display case on eBay, and now I’m seeing new ones being sold in both catalogues and through dealers. These are perfect for the shoe lover. Basically, they are huge shoes with a series of stair steps that are the perfect dimension for these tiny treasures. These shoes average around $75, but for the real collector, it’s a great way to display. Raine has also developed a handbag to be used for shoes, bags or accessories. Basically, it’s the back of a handbag with shelving (no glass). This retails for $90.
If you display them out in the open and only have a few, consider a mirror, preferably beveled, or even a piece of shiny glass to put under the miniature. The colors pop, and it makes the classic designs look even sleeker. In addition, they have a Lucite-looking, spiral display that will show off about six of your favorites for about $40-55.

Take advantage of wall space. Remember, we’re looking at these as a form of artwork to enhance your home style. You can find wall curios for almost any collectible. I found one designed to highlight the miniature shoe collection. When you look up miniature shoe and display in search engines, you’ll be taken to some tradition cabinet making sites. The display artisans take the size and width of the miniature shoe being displayed into consideration. At one, the cases run tall or wide, depending on your decorating needs. The cabinets run a mere four inches deep, so the case itself won’t overpower your room or your collection.

If you feel the need to keep them behind glass, you may have to configure something on your own. You may have to find other options just because you’ll run out of room. For as small as these gems are, they make a huge impact and take over the space quickly
This is one of those hobbies that seriously takes over. A friend gets you one for the holidays, then two more appear for a birthday…and the next thing you know you’re seeking out a decent storage space for them. Isn’t it always the way?

What do you do with those tired, dirty old friends when they’re just too worn and smelly to wear any more? Nike, always at the top of their game, came up with a brilliant answer: recycle them, not into shoes but into “new places.”

Your worn-out sneakers of any brand, not just Nike, can be turned into brand new playgrounds, running tracks, basketball and tennis courts, gym floors, soccer and football fields — all kinds of sports surfaces.

Since 1993, Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe Program and NikeGO Kids, has recycled 16 million pairs of sneakers of all brands. The old or defective shoes are sliced into three parts, known as the Nike Grind, yielding three distinctly different materials. Each is used in a different way to produce these sporting surfaces:

• The Nike Grind Rubber: The rubber outsoles are used in baseball and soccer fields, as well as running tracks, weight room flooring and some golf products.

• The Nike Foam: The foam from the midsoles is used for synthetic surfaces such as tennis and basketball courts and playgrounds.

• The Nike Grind Upper Fabric: The leather uppers and the upper-shoe textiles are used as padding under hardwood basketball floors.

In a longtime partnership with FieldTurf, The Nike Grind is incorporated into a state-of-the-art synthetic artificial grass produced by FieldTurf. Needing no water or fertilizer, this incredibly realistic surface is used by the Atlanta Falcons, the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions, the Denver Broncos, and the Kansas City Chiefs, to mention only a few. This is the same sporting surface donated by Nike, so far, to some 200 needy communities around the world. Each FieldTurf field requires approximately the amount of rubber from 75,000 pairs of shoes. Over 7 million pounds of Nike Grind have been shipped for the FieldTurf surfaces since 1999.

Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe and the National Recycling Coalition have partnered to expand donation collection sites in the United States. Plans are to have collection partners in every state in the continental U.S. Other participating countries are England, Japan and Australia.

The program will not accept shoes with metal parts (grommets, eyelets, spikes, cleats) or shoes with the light-up feature. This is a used sneaker program, not a used boot, sandal or heels program. The brand of sneaker doesn’t matter. Any brand of sneaker is accepted.

Nike’s long-term goal is to keep kids active and healthy in their sneakers, while rescuing millions of pounds of our beloved old athletic shoes from the landfill. For drop-off locations, go to nikebiz.com and choose the “responsibility,” tab, then click on these hyperlinks: Environment, ReuseAShoe, Nike United States. If your state, city or town are not on the map, call 1-800-352-6543, Option 2, to speak to a live person. You can also check with your city hall, health clubs and schools. Local organizations can develop short-term collection programs. It’s a winning philanthropic and environmental strategy for your community and a great way to involve your children in promoting a healthy environment.

Three pairs of shoes will provide you with every look you might need. Ok…and shoes for the gym or running. Just keep those gym shoes for the gym and forget about wearing them for a casual evening out. Impress is on the menu for a night out. Every guy should own a pair of comfortable casual probably leather shoes for impressing the ladies. Maintain them and a good pair will last and last. This is the pair of shoes that goes from jeans to khakis without skipping a beat.

Go-to-work shoes run the gamut of high-top steel toes to black leather dressy enough to wear with suits depending on your job. The everyday shoes that you wear to work should fit comfortably and be durable. Stick a crowbar in your back pocket and pay for good quality that will last. It’s always a good idea to have two pairs of work shoes so you can alternate days, keeping your feet more comfortable and your shoes in better condition. If you’re a suit by day you’re dress up evenings are covered. If wearing a hard hat is part of your work wear, you’ll need a pair of dress shoes for those special occasions. Keep to classic styles, but consider your wallet on this pair. There’s no need to break the bank on a pair of shoes you may not wear all that often, but that doesn’t mean buy the cheapest pair you can find, either. Think classic, think long-lasting.

A few words of “soleful” wisdom: toss out the smelly white Nikes that you still wear even though they’re frayed and beyond hope. Don’t even think of wearing white gym shoes with dark jeans. Finally, when trying on shoes it might be time to be sized again depending on how long it’s been since you last placed your foot in one of those measuring tools. Your feet may have widened or become longer. Feet tend to change with age.

So there it is… the three pairs of shoes every man should have in his closet plus the gym or running shoes. It’s time to impress the ladies so the next time your browsing and find a pair of shoes you like, take the plunge and remember, it’s all about sole.

After all, let’s face it, how many times have you had to run after an errant toddler or pet across the freshly mowed lawn, only to look down and find the telltale signs of green. Fortunately, for you, you may be able to remove grass stains from your golf shoes, tennis shoes, or canvas sneakers provided that you do no wait too long.

First, make a solution of 4 ounces water, one tablespoon of ammonia, and a dash of dishwashing liquid detergent for shoes made from canvas or nylon. For shoes made with leather uppers, make a solution of 2/3 cup water, 1/3 cup water, and a dash of dishwashing liquid detergent. Dip a soft bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, into the cleaning solution and gently brush the stains with it. Next, wash the shoes thoroughly.

To wash your shoes, check the labels for instructions. If not are available, then you can use the instructions provided here to wash your shoes. Use these instructions only for shoes that have canvas, nylon, or leather uppers.

Set up an area to work near a supply of warm running water such as a laundry rub, bathtub, or sink. Spread newspaper or paper bags over the area. Partially fill a bucket with warm water. Prepare the shoe by removing the shoelaces and the insoles. The shoelaces can be placed in a mesh bag and then included in a load of whites.

Next, dip one of the shoes in the water only long enough to wet it. Do not allow it to soak. Place the shoe on the newspaper or bags. Use a clean nylon scrubbing sponge and a bit of dishwashing liquid to scrub the shoe’s entire surface area. Scrub the inside as well as the outside. If necessary, use a small brush such as a toothbrush to scrub stubborn stains. Repeat these steps for the second shoe.

Now it is time to deal with the insoles. Use the nylon scrubbing sponge to scrub them with the soapy solution. Take the insoles and dip them in and out of the water until most of the residue has been removed from them. Rinse them with clean running water. Lukewarm water is good to use for this. Repeat these steps with both of the shoes.

Now it is time to air dry the shoes. First, you must stuff the shoes to capacity with clean, plain white paper towels. Not only will this help them to dry, but also, it will help them to retain their shape. Make sure that the paper towels are completely white with no colored symbols or words on them. It would be silly to acquire ink transfer on your shoes while removing grass stains.

Place the shoes in an area that will allow them to air dry naturally. This means away from heat and sunlight. Ideally, select a spot outdoors where you won’t have to concern yourself with leaves or other debris. Once the shoes are dry, you can apply the appropriate type of shoe polish if desired. Replace the inner soles and the shoelaces. Put your shoes in their regular storage space.

If the stain is still visible after you have washed the shoes, you can try using a commercial grass stain remover. Additionally, you can use a clean brush dipped in a solution of a few drops of household ammonia and one teaspoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Rinse the area clean with clean water. Never use ammonia with bleach as this produces toxic fumes.

Huaraches

These ghastly sandals with the tire-tread bottoms were left on towels all over SoCal beaches in the Seventies while their owners caught a wave or thirty. The trick to having a perfect-fitting pair of huaraches (were ATCH eez) was to wear them in the ocean ’til they were saturated, then allow them to dry while still on your feet. Blister city!

Cowboy Boots

Unless you’re really a cowboy, with real cows, don’t wear ‘em. Ever.

Platform Disco Shoes

Face it. If you’re five-foot-nothing not even a pair of four-inchers will achieve the look you’re after.

Clogs

If you’re an aging Hippie who lives in a tree you probably don’t have a computer, in which case this article is irrelevant anyway.

Today there is a bewildering collection of athletic shoes available, to suit every sport or activity imaginable. Over 300 million pairs are sold each year, and with such a wide variety available, choosing a pair appropriate to your needs can be quite a daunting task. So just how do you select the shoe that is right for you?

Most experts agree that choosing the right shoe is crucial to preventing injuries. You should never choose a shoe just because it’s fashionable, or you like the color. Choosing the wrong kind of shoe can lead to various health problems and injuries, including stress fractures, lower back pain, arch and heel problems, not to mention the common, but often painful, blisters and infections that can be caused by ill-fitting shoes. But it’s not only the fit of the shoe that’s important, make sure you match the shoe to the sport, or activity for which it was designed, failing to do so may lead to injury. A walking shoe for instance should have a more rigid forefoot than a running shoe. It should also have a rounded sole, so your weight can be shifted easily from heel to toes. Running shoes need a more flexible forefoot and plenty of cushioning for the heel. They need to be more shock-absorbent and have a clearly defined Achilles notch. To check the flexibility of a shoe, hold it by the heel and the mid-foot (not the toe) and twist; the harder the shoe is to twist, the more rigid and stiffer it is.

It may sound obvious, but remember that the shoe should always feel comfortable. Don’t be too concerned about the size, as this can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Never go into a store thinking that you know your size, so therefore it must fit, especially if you haven’t had your feet measured for a while. You should have your feet measured regularly, as your feet widen and lengthen as you age, and as you gain weight.

Experts recommend you have both feet measured once a year. Always try the shoe on for comfort. For a comfortable fit, ensure there is enough room in the toe-box, and there is adequate room across the broadest part of your foot. The fit should be snug at the heel to prevent slipping and rubbing during movement. It’s also a good idea to look at the shoe for finish. Try running your hand inside the shoe to feel for cushioning of the heel, also feel the stitching, especially in the heel area. Rough or raised stitching can cause rubbing and chaffing, a sure-fire way to get painful blisters.

One last thing to remember is don’t be too sentimental. Don’t keep those old favorite shoes you’ve had since High School. They may still look okay, but most will no longer be providing you with the proper support, or cushioning your feet need. Experts recommend you consider changing your shoes after 150 hours of cross training, 300-500 miles of running, and 1000 miles of walking. You should also replace insoles frequently, rotate several pairs of shoes if possible, and keep sport specific shoes exclusively for the sports for which they were designed.

Shoe Stores: Many retail shoe centers offer fabric/satin footwear, made specifically for the dyeing process, with purses to match. The cost of these products range from inexpensive to very pricey. The retailer will color the articles too, sometimes charging a fee for the dyeing service, and sometimes not. Although your color choices are limited to pre-measured chart colors, the match should be more than satisfactory. Some shoe stores also dye fabric items not purchased at their location.

Department Stores: These retail centers can be a good choice to visit, because some stores offer premixed dyes, perfectly matching the color of anyone particular dress. Although there may be limited dress styles, the dyeing is performed in the store, or you can do them yourself, the ease of having the shoes or purses dyed in this manner saving time and money.

Other than the fabric dyeing kits found in craft stores and grocery stores, this method of dyeing fabric footwear and purses is the only one of its kind offered to the do-it-yourself consumer. Department stores without this particular type of dyeing process offer similar dyeing services as found in the retail shoe store, or may utilize an outside source.

Bridal Shops: Caters to every need of the bride and bridesmaid, proms and pageantry, offering in-house dyeing, or allows the customer to visit a business proffering dyeing services, such as shoe repair shops.

Shoe Repair Shops: On top of dyeing-to-match fabric/satin shoes and purses, either by pre-measured chart colors or by a swatch of fabric from the underside of the dress, some repair centers also sell the shoes and purses. The only drawback to this service is that styles and sizes may be limited, but can be special ordered if given adequate time. The advantage is the shops will charge a low fee for the dyeing process or offer a cost free service, if the items were purchased within the store.

Where ever you choose to purchase the shoes and/or purses to be dyed, try to choose a fabric that resembles the material of the article you’re trying to match, and make sure a large piece of swatch material, the same material as that of the shoe or purse, is included with the new items. This will insure a better match. It also helps to know what type of light the items will be seen in, as there are variations in every kind of light source.

What To Expect:: Once the articles have been dyed and you revisit the business to retrieve the items, the dye job should be uniform, with no dark rings around the toe or heel area, and the color should match the swatch almost perfectly. The exceptions are when the color isn’t dark enough and another coat of dye is needed, or when the fabric of a shoe or purse doesn’t agree with the dye used. Rare, but it does happen.

When the items are retrieved, there may be very small, light areas along the sole edge and perhaps around the heel of shoes (this shouldn’t happen to purses), and in some instances, light spots may appear anywhere on the items being dyed. These spots are caused by an excess amount of manufacturer’s cement, and though it’s rare for the markings to occur along any portion of the item except along a seam edge, there’s no way to completely remove the adhesive without damaging the fabric. If discovered after dyeing and you’re not satisfied, return the item to the retailer.

If the items have been dyed to your satisfaction, it’s a good idea to apply a silicone free water repellent spray to their surface. If the shoes or purse become wet for any reason, from drink spills to inclement weather, the color will bleed off the items, perhaps onto your skin or clothing, creating an ugly stain.

Some businesses will offer to alter the color of a dyed fabric/satin shoe, but this isn’t a recommended application. The items must be bleached to achieve the desired dyed effect, and the new color being applied will not always match the intended new color. There may be residuals of the original color deep in the pores of the fabric. However, fabric shoes or purses that have been colored once can be re-dyed dark navy or black.

Now that the wedding plans have actually come together, there’s only one thing left to do. Let that groom in on the secret….