Packing Shoes for Travelling - tips for packing

I have travelled a fair bit over the years, and hope to do a lot more in the future. Amongst a mountain of teachings during these travels, I learnt the art of packing light. The trick is to pack ahead of time and then re-pack a few times before you depart. Or, more to the point, cull the mountains of stuff you have decided you would DIE without !!

When you have performed this a few times, you get a feel for it, and normally you only need to check what you have packed once. Lists are good, I have always hated them, but they really do work. I usually just write a list for the things I have not yet purchased, or stuff I use daily and can only pack last minute.

The reason for this post is SHOES ! I normally only pack three to four pairs for flying trips because of baggage limits. For road trips, around five pairs and when I go camping it's three pairs. The following suggestions are for trips to relatively warm climates. To colder places I would switch out the smart day shoe for a pair of boots (or two).

Flying Trips Overseas or Domestically:

Casual Walker

Something comfortable and stylish, try burnt orange, the new red.

It goes with lots of colours, including black, brown or grey.

All Rounder High Heel

I hate to say it, but black is best here. You could wear these with jeans

or a dress. This style carries over various outfits a bit better than just a strappy heel would.

Smart Day Shoe

I have bought tan into the collection with this shoe. This style is not too high and has a comfortable foot bed, so you could walk a bit in need. It is also stylish, and again, would work with pants and dresses or skirts.

  

If you plan to exercise or run, better add your joggers to the list.

Road Trips (domestic):

This pack will be very dependant on what you are wearing and or doing on the trip. Usually you would have more space (no bag limits) so you do have the option to take a different shoe for each outfit. Less is sometimes easier, so decide which outfit, or outing is most important and make sure you take the exact shoe for this. Then you can be a bit more flexible with the other outfits and not have to take so many shoes.

Casual Walker

Stylish and practical, you obviously need a good quality walker if you plan to walk the streets a lot. Sometimes you have to forgo a little style for comfort, although we are seeing much better designs coming through.

All Rounder High Heel

Classy stable heel, not too high. Again I have bought in tan here, to give a good mix. This is actually a high end comfort / sport brand that also does fashion. The foot bed in these is very comfortable and supportive. Can be worn with pants, a dress or skirts.

Smart Day Shoe

With this shoe you are looking for something a little spunky and fun. The pewter and purple in these are great colours to match with lots of outfits. Practical heel height, quality foot bed, not something you would walk a lot in.

Another heel for "just because"

Oh and maybe this one too !!

 

Now, stop right there. No more, if you need to swap out one of these heels for a boot or another cute flat, do what suits you.

Again, If you plan to exercise or run better add your joggers to the list.

Camping Trips (domestic):

Flip Flops

 I am not big on this foot wear, however they are practical. Good for showering in and just for the ease of taking on and off when going in and out of the tent (or cabin) and so on.

Casual Walker

A shoe that is comfortable and water resilient would be good here. The shoe below, is comfortable and can get wet. Oh, and it also looks good, bonus.

Boot or Joggers

It can get cool at night camping and sometimes "rain"!!!! Which means a warm covered in shoe is always handy. If you are a runner, jogger etc maybe just bring your runners, then you have both bases covered. Otherwise a great gumboot like these.

I also make sure I dedicate one whole bag to shoes. Don't be in denial, they wont fit in your suitcase. That way you will have space to shove last minute things of the kids and husband in this bag as well (maybe !!) It's also easier to locate them on your trip if they are in one bag.

How do you normally solve the shoe packing dilemma ?

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3363663/diary-of-a-shoe-lover?claim=3etjrsmhru7">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Italian Shoe Fair - Brisbane - Summer 2012

Summer 2012 spoiler or teaser, as I prefer to call it !

As promised, a post updating you on what's to

come for Summer 2012, and it's pretty amazing.

We say it before each buying trip, how can they

beat the current season ? The designers always do, that's

why they are the designers and we are the Loving Appreciators.

Some seasons are more surprising than others and

Summer 2012 looks to be one of those.

Colour colour colour, is the standout consistency

across all the suppliers and brands.

The colours are simply beautiful.

The collections have a real upmarket holiday feel about them. You could take them from The Riviera to The Amalfi Coast on to the Caribbean and then off to Scarborough.

With the hot days we are having at the moment I want them now now now I SAY !!

Alas, we have to wait, in the mean time, appreciate the pictures below. These are some of the contenders for our orders for next year. You will have to wait until then to see which ones get to come and play at Shoes on Scarborough.

Wrap-up of the looks for Summer 2012

Lots of raw leather look and tans

Heaps of colour

Wedges are still strong

Practical heel heights were well represented

Block heels

Low kitten heels

Pointy toes

Check us out on face book to see regular posts as our winter styles start to come in.

Bye for now xx

SOS Fashion Update - Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo New style - Biel

Spring Summer 2012 - USA

Oh My, I think we have seen these somewhere before !!

http://eu.jimmychoo.com/cruise-12/biel/invt/113bielpyl/

These are really awesome, and I love the crisp lines with the gold and white combination it's beautiful, at over 400 pounds a pair though !!

I cant help but thinking that I have seen this mirror heel style somewhere before, oh, that's right. We had a similar shoe a couple of season ago. The Sempre Di below, and the heel shape on the Biel is very much like the super high wedge we had in the Via Uno range a few seasons ago. I know, I hear you, bitchy bitchy, I could be critical to Choo designer's and say - hmmm your so last year (or even the year before). Instead, I will be glass half full and say, well done (clap clap) However, our ladies at Shoes on Scarborough are well ahead of the " Fashion Race " they have been there done that xx

Anyway, it looks like we are still in for super high wedges next summer, these don't even have platforms !!!

News Update - Us chickies at Shoes on Scarborough are about to go on our next buying trip!!! Three days solid of shoe shopping - woohoo - so stay posted - we will give you a sneak peak at whats in store for Australia summer 2012 over the next couple of weeks xx

I'm sure you remember these, we also had them in Black and Silver and a strappy style in silver mustard and purple.



Thank you so much to the inspired creative designers of shoes in the world - what would us shoe lovers do without you xx

Red Shoes - why are they so loved ?

Red Shoes - I love them with wild abandon, for some reason I am drawn to them - why ?

"When I am an old woman I shall wear red

With a purple hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens . .

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear red"

We are talking about a state of mind, about the way you feel, or the person you want to be, when we ask the question, why do women love shoes? In particular, why such a passion for Red Shoes ? Scientists have finally made a breakthrough, tackling this important issue thats close to the hearts of many people:        

“Why do women wear red shoes?”

Dr Elaine Webster, a Sociologist from Otago University, New Zealand has spent six months asking why women wear red shoes. And, she has concluded that young women wear them for excitement, and out of a desire to be noticed; whilst most men associate red shoes with sex and sin.  Dr Webster, whose long term interest is “dress and identity” conducted the research after being impressed with the way that women spoke about their red shoes. She said:

" Women, and some men wear red shoes because they’re really wanting a richer and more exciting life than the one they are living. " Many of the women interviewed made a connection between their red shoes and Red Shoes, the film of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, or Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

Dr Webster believes footwear, more than any other items of clothing, has a special quality in our lives. And red shoes are a way to lift you out of a drab and ordinary existence.

We have many women come into our little shoe shop that have never owned a pair of red shoes. You can see them processing whether or not they should buy them, what would people think, what could they wear them with, and if they could really carry them off ? Once you jump into your first pair, there is no turning back, you will end up with a collection in many fabulous shades, and you will think - why didnt I do this sooner?

There are many red shoe quotes around, and popular belief is that you can never have a bad day if you are wearing a pair of red shoes, most women would agree, wearing red shoes is not for shrinking violets. They are for women who refuse to surrender to a crappy mood, who dont take themselves too seriously, who want a party on their feet, and be the one enjoying that party. Women who beleive it is their right to have fun and not let anyone get them down - try a pair of red shoes - seriously - they do change the way you feel - in a positive way.

Some inspiration to go out and get into a pair of Red Shoes :

When in doubt, wear red. Red is the ultimate cure for sadness.” –Bill Blass

If you’re not a wearer of red shoes, do you have another article of footwear or clothing that wakes you up and makes your heart sing? – Cindy La Ferle

 "If one says 'Red' – the name of color – and there are fifty people listening, it can be expected that there will be fifty reds in their minds. And one can be sure that all these reds will be very different." -- Josef Albers

"My red shoes make me feel great, I looooove my red shoes", is what you here women say. You almost never would hear, " I love my brown shoes. "

Tips for making the most of your New Red Shoes :

• Remember our cost per wear rule  http://shoesonscarborough.blogspot.com/2011/07/cost-per-wear-rule_28.html - wear the shoes, dont make excuses, just get out there with them on your feet !
• Be friends with your Red Shoes - BFF's forever.
• Wear grey or black if your taking them to the office. And no, you wont look like the office tart, Red shoes look extremely professional. 
• Less is more, make the shoes the colourful part of your outfit, especially the first few times you go out into the world with your new bestie.   
• Over time you will find that red goes with almost everything. Just add some red lipstick, maybe a red handbag or a braclet or earings to bring the outfit all together. Jeans in all shades, white pants skirts and so on all work.
• With Red you can achieve many of different looks, from summer frilly flowers to Burlesque babe. And everything in between, enjoy yourself, be creative and most importantly, an ensemble worn proudly, with confidence canalways be pulled off. So get out there proudly with your new best friend and work it. Enjoy life, be free and love yourself.

So whats on your mind when someone says Red Shoes ?

Summer Feet - how to get them sandal stunning

 I dont know about you but I have trouble trying to keep on top of the grooming of my feet. My stunning summer footwear deserve more efftort on my behalf, I normally have a quick check and scream - arrrrgh ! Running for the foot file, I madly scrub away, throw on some cream and then my shoes and run out the door. I dont take a second look because I am already late for school and work and I just hope for the best ! I could be more diligent and give myself a home pedicure, or maybe this fish therapy !!!!

So, what do you need for a home pedicure:

Warm water

Tub, towel

Nail file

Nippers

Pusher

Bath Salts

Scrub

Foot file

Cream

Acetone and cotton balls

Nail Polish

Process:

Fill tub with warm water and bath salts -  take off your old nail polish - trim nails - file nails to desired shape and length (using a file thats 180 grade or higher for natural nails) - apply cutical softener to one foot (leaving he other foot to soak in the warm water) - next, use the cutical pusher to gently push back the cuticals on each toe - use the nippers to carefully clip off any excess dead skin. And bla bla bla ............... - see below for the complete process !!  Voila, beautiful happy feet !

I dont know about you, but I am exhausted, so I am making an appointment at my "local", beauty salon that is! A pedicure and gel nails is on the menu. I would rather sit for the hour and have someone else love my feet and relax than try and bodgy it up for myself.

We are very lucky on the Peninsula we are blessed with lots of amazing salons that can assist in the area of feet magnification. Below is a list of some of these:

Aromaglow (Pearl of the Bay Day Spa) http://www.pearlofthebay.com.au/aromaglow.htm

Redcliffe Beauty Therapist - http://www.redcliffebeautytherapist.com.au/

Beaute Empire - http://beauteempire.com.au/

Body Bliss - http://www.bodybliss.com.au/

Beautiful You Hair and Beauty - http://www.beautifulu.com.au/

 

And many more x

  

......... cont/: The towel is placed on the edge of the tub (which is preferably a pedi spa). If using a flat bucket (or washing up bucket) you will need to rest your feet on a stool, with the towel, or an upside down bucket. The towel is to help stop mess, but also to keep wiping and cleaning your tools on. So after you have finished one foot, repeat with the cutical cream, pusher and nippers as above. Cut off all the dead skin, dont cut too far into any live skin, but you will probably get a fair bit of dead skin off if you havent done this for a while.
Next, apply the foot scrub to help take off the dead skin on the rest of the foot. Using the the foot file, rub your foot in the areas required to take off the dead skin and hopefully any small cracking of the heels. Once this is done dry the feet thoroughly - then apply foot cream all over. Before applying the nail polish remove the cream from the nail bed with non oily nail polich remover. Then apply base coat, colour and top coat.
I must say, that a good pair of masque socks and good quality foot cream worn at night has been one of the better little tips I have received for keeping the cracked heels at bay. Putting the cream on underneath gym socks is a good strategy too, your feet come out nice and smooth after your workout.

  

Heels, are they crazy - we do love them !

Goodmorning - just something a little light and fun this week. The subject of heels comes up a lot in the shop, of course! We have had our share of crazy, high, sexy heels on the shelves, thanks to the likes of Zola, Vicenza, Kosheen, Hot Lips, Sempre Di and so on. We havent yet reached the heights of Lady Gaga creations, but they may still feel like that when you are wearing them.

We have lots of ladies droool over the stunning sexy heels that amazing designers create year after year, for our appreciation. Comments like " gone are the days when I can wear a shoe like this" and "oooooh maybe I could get these just for dinner, I wont have to walk far !" are regularly heard.

Try try try, we say, technology in heel construction is improving all the time, so whilst they might look high and painful, more often than not they are "comfortable" Now, lets not be "crazy" we are not talking Dr Shcoll comfortable, just much less awkward than what you might imagnine.

An interesting thing is that heels often get very high in hard financial times. Elizabeth Semmelhack, wrote "Heights of Fashion: A History of the Elevated Shoe." She explains that for some reason heel heights soar during times of economic crisis, "it could also be sort of a greater need for escapism."  It comes back to that simple little rule of rewarding ourselves with something we really love, thats not too expensive, but makes us feel extra fabulous - a burst of happy !!!

If only the little pretty flats you can buy made you feel as hot and sexy as a lovely heel does. Let me know what you think on the subject of heels, are they worth the effort ???

Enjoy some pictures