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Archive for the ‘How To’ Category
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
If you know me, you know I’m not the MOST athletic of individuals, so in writing a ‘How To: Athletic Shoe Shop’ post, I conducted endless research. From all of the references, this is what I learned and am imparting this wisdom on you. “Athletic shoes are a $20 billion industry, and there are hundreds of brands, models and features on the market today” (eHow) so choose wisely.
{1} Decide what specific type  fits your needs, whether it be a running shoe, a cross trainer, or anything in between.
{2} Measure BOTH of your feet –You’d be surprised how many people purchase shoes too small or too large, which can hurt both your athletic performance and your health. Note:Â You need a fingers width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
{3} Know your foot type — Are you flat footed, do you have a high arch, or are you an overpronator or supinator? (See Definitions)
{4} Set a budget
{5} Read customer reviews online
{6} For in-store purchases, try on BOTH (yes, I’m stressing both) and walk laps around the store.
{7} Select appropriate socks.
{8} When in doubt, ask a podiatrist.
Shop (From Top to Bottom & Left to Right)
{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12}
By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: athletic, Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, feet, foot, footwear, how to, shoes, sneakers, sport, style
Posted in How To, Shoe Brands, Shopping | No Comments »
Thursday, October 13th, 2011
If you saw today’s news article about models’ feet after fashion month, your foot concerns are as heightened as ours. Is it time to trade out the flatforms for flats or our high heels for Havaianas?! Don’t store your pumps in the closet quite yet, instead follow our ‘How to: Walk in High Heels’ Guide for proper footwear etiquette.
{1} Purchase properly fitting shoes — No slipping & sliding allowed!
{2} Break in all new footwear around your house before stepping up your game in the city streets (God forbid you eat it in public).
{3} Start small — While kitten heels are often titled “the mullet of shoes”, they make perfect training wheels.
{4} Walk heel to toe, not toe to heel — Balance is key (as shown by the terrible embarrassment and near career-ending catwalk fall above)
{5} Take baby steps.
{6} Stand straight, feet pointing forward, chin up, and swing your arms naturally to maintain your balance and confidence.
{7} Be conscious of how noisy your heels are– If you’re clunking and clanking you’re probably not walking properly. Not to mention annoying those around you.
{8} When in doubt, rock wedges or boots, which are more newbie footwear friendly.
{9} Carry a spare pare such as Footzy Rolls or Yosi Samra flats.
{10} Practice makes perfect!
See  Modelinia Video For More Tips
By: Ashley Tschudin
Tags: Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, footzy rolls, high heels, how to, how to walk in high heels, style, yosi samra
Posted in How To | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
Packing seems like a daunting task even for the world traveler;Â it is made especially difficult when you own an exorbitant amount of shoes. Here are some step to avoiding the packing blues:
{1} Determine how long you’ll be gone and pick out weather-appropriate footwear for each day, taking into account your daily activities and events.
{2} Clean your shoes with a damp cloth before packing (God forbid mud got on your new Reed Krakoff Boxer Bag) and fit into satin shoe bags – packing them opposite each other toe to heel and heel to toe. If you’re overly concened (0bsessed) with your shoes, stuff them with socks so they keep their original form.
{3} Pack your bag by placing your shoes (in their shoe bags)Â at the bottom of the suitcase before covering with clothing.
{4} Plan to wear the largest or bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane.
{5} Remember, that you can save even more space by filling the inside of your shoes or inside the shoe bags with smaller items… ones that won’t spill ruining your “newly purchased, perfect for meeting your sole-mate (pun intended) shoes”.
Photography Source: Instyle
By: Ashley Tschudin
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Tags: Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, footwear, how to, packing, shoes, style, travel
Posted in How To | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
When you come to DNA Footwear you can expect to not only get top quality shoes but also the best price possible. When shopping vast selections of shoes it is often difficult to find your favorite styles at a price that fits your budget (If you’re like me your taste doesn’t match my bank account balance).
How to shop for shoes on a budget:
1. Allot a “shoe budget” for yourself — this can be weekly, monthly, or yearly depending on your shoe addiction level. Put this money in your savings account or that shoe fund jar that’s collecting dust on your desk.
2. Create a schedule of shoe purchases based on the seasons. Say, you’ll need 3 pairs of boots come November then you may need to up your budget in November (boots are often pricey).
3. Moodboard It — Create a visual collage of styles and designers you fawn over, which will give you an idea of what fits your personal style best.
4. Research sample sale sites like Rue La La, Gilt Group, and Mintbox, bargain footwear companies like us (of course), and lower price-point brands such as Steve Madden, Minnetonka, Chinese Laundry, Chelsea Crew, Asics, Merrell, Keds, Converse, Vans, and more!
5. Keep your eyes peeled for coupon codes and giveaways (Hint Hint: We host 2 giveaways a month AND offer exclusive discounts on our Facebook).
When in doubt, make a wish list and beg your friends and family to contribute to your "shoe-aholic fund"!
Photography Source: Bing
By: Ashley Tschudin
Tags: Asics, budget, Chelsea Crew, Chinese Laundry, cocktailchic, DNA, dnafootwear, Fashion, gilt, how to, Keds, merrell, Minnetonka, mintbox, rue la la, shoes, shopping, Steve Madden, style, vans
Posted in How To | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
Shoe organization is often a feat (no pun intended) for even the most OCD fashionista. With every new closet addition comes a challenge: fitting MORE shoes into your already overstuffed wardrobe, leaving you to wonder if you should’ve purchased those new platforms in the first place. Before you dip into a spell of buyer’s remorse, consider the following shoe organization tips:
{1} Out with the old and in with the new — If you haven’t worn those sparkly bow-encrusted overly-detailed flats since the 90′s then off to Goodwill or Soles4Souls they go!
{2} Keep shoe bags, boxes, and horns, all of which keep your footwear looking like the day you bought them. While shoe boxes may take up space, labeling the outside of the box with a photo or using clear boxes will not only keep your closet organized but also keep your shoes dust free.
{3} Organize by color, style, and/or season.
{4} During your clutter cleanse you may come across a pair or two that you’ve been dying to re-wear but have scratches, scrapes, rips, and breaks; (gently)Â throw them into a bag clearly labeled ‘Repair’ and find yourself a local shoe repair.
{5} Not only does your closet need a scrub down, but your shoes do as well. Check out Good Housekeeping‘s Shoe Cleaning Guide.
{6} Think outside the (shoe) box and treat your shoes like artwork. Hang them, present them in a glass armoire, or shelf them under acrylic display boxes.
{7} Shop for all your closet organization needs: Target, Container Store, Amazon, Shoe Organization, and Home Depot.
Photography Sources: Hip Girlie and Bing
By: Ashley Tschudin
Tags: clean, closet, Fashion, how to, shoe organization, shoes, style
Posted in How To | 4 Comments »
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