Archive for the ‘How To’ Category

Wedge Side Story

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Believe it or not, there is a bit of a wedge divide this summer. Some women love their wedges super tall, while others prefer to stay a bit closer to the ground. Do you love the added leg length you get from over 3” wedges or is do you prefer the 2” wedge range?  Or are you the type who loves the silhouette no matter the height? Whatever the outcome, there is a wedge to satisfy all preferences thanks to the abundance of styles and heel heights available this summer. Which side of the wedge divide are you on?

21624 Laura Mid Wedge Sandal - Brown Yellow 21575 Damas Mid Wedge Sandal - Cognac
21619 Sinousa Low Wedge Shoe - Red Suede

For those who prefer to stay on the lower level, Camper has some adorably stylish choices, a few favorites (in order of heel height) are the 1 ½” 21619 Sinousa Low Wedge, the 2 ½” 21575 Damas Mid Wedge, and the 2 ¾” 21624 Laura Mid Wedge. They all pair exquisitely with the new tailored shorts, and knee-length flirty summer dresses and adorable rompers.

Moira Platform Sandal - Dark Natural Caramel Giana Wedge Sandal - Pewter Metal
Becka High Wedge Sandal - Squeezed Lemon Juicy Culture

And for those who prefer a bit more elevation, turn to Juicy Couture for the height you want. Wedges from their spring/summer collection include the new flatform shoe silhouette, the 3” Juicy Couture Moira Platform Sandal, the bold colored classic 3 ½” Becka High Wedge, and the dual trend raffia and metallic 5” Giana Wedge Sandal. Higher heel wedges look superb with maxi dresses and jeans of all lengths.

By Dynelle Skinner

 

Sole Men – Vintage Shoe Company

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Ok guys, it’s your turn. No matter what you’ve got going on, Vintage Shoe Company has got a man’s foot covered, literally and figuratively. Their footwear selection is diverse for the kind of man you may currently be or perhaps the kind of man you want to be.

Vintage Shoe Company

 The Vintage Shoe Company Vincent Mid Calf Boot is a broken-in leather boot with a sturdily constructed toe-box that will look great on those impromptu dinner and movie dates you may spring on your date. They’re great with slim, slightly faded indigo denim and a wash & wear button-down with either a casual unlined cotton blazer or a shrunken trench as a topper.

From dinners to romantic walks – move on to the Jerry Canvas Boot, a clean ankle high boot that’s reminiscent of the Blucher boot, which was originally made for the Prussian army. The traditional open lacing gives a wider opening to the foot which makes this a cool, comfortable shoe for strolling around the city. It looks great kept simple with tapered khakis and a cool pullover.

The Hampton Boat Shoe features casual comfort with a rich deep color. It’s a great classic hue for men and the nautical-inspired piping, slightly broken-in leather upper, gritty sole and the chukka height makes it a pretty good shoe to wear with slim shorts and a variety of tops from breezy tees to shrunken cardigans.

By Dynelle Skinner

Now Hiring: DNA Administrative Help

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Help Wanted at DNA Headquarters

Is it in your DNA? ….We’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill and are currently looking for an ambitious, organized and fashion forward individual to help out in the main office at headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. If you think you have what it takes and would like to join the team please email your resume with availability and a little bit about yourself to: career@dnafootwear.com

♥ DNA Footwear

 

Q&A (With DNA)

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

winter boots

Q: Can winter boots be stylish?

A: Let’s let the shoes do the talking — because we have such a wide variety of boots available it’d be hard to answer simply. Above is just a brief glimpse into the hundreds of fashion-forward boots DNA Footwear carries. Winter doesn’t mean layers that make you look like the Pillsbury Doughboy and boots fit for eskimos; there are ways to keep chilly chic.

The best way to stay in style while keeping warm is to stick with a neutral palette that mixes and matches well with the massive layers above, wear sleek clean lines that don’t look chunky or turn your feet into boats, leave behind the excessive fur trimmed boots (*cough* Snookie *cough*), and don’t be afraid to add some heel (with proper traction, not to be worn on snow days).

There is not excuse for frumpy winter footwear… NONE.

{Shop}

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By: Ashley Tschudin

 

 

How To: Protect Your Pumps

Monday, January 16th, 2012

protect your pumps

Serious shoe lovers everywhere rejoice for their is a solution to your footwear woes: Protect Your Pumps. Created by Kathryn Jackson with fellow shoe addicts in mind, Protect Your Pumps shoe adhesives provide your precious Manolos and Choos from the harsh city streets.

Protect Your Pumps are an easy to use self-applied adhesive placed on the sole of your shoes for protection. The adhesive serves as a buffer between the bottom of your shoe and the ground, protecting from dirt, grime, and unattractive scratches and scrapes. Unique in that it is transparent, the product does not take away from the authenticity and style of your shoes. Easy to both apply AND remove, it is safe on leather sole shoes and will soon be available for use on specially coated footwear such as Louboutins.

Featured on Refinery29 as well as numerous other fashion blogs, fashion journalists and bloggers alike agree that this is a must-have item to keep your shoes looking as perfect as the day you bought them.

Pricing: One Pack $10 (Come on, you can sacrifice two soy lattes this week for the sake of your Choos!)

More Info & Shop

By: Ashley Tschudin

How To: Look Skinnier (w/ a little help from your shoes)

Friday, January 6th, 2012

nude shoes

We know your new year’s resolution is to slim down but face it, you’re 6 days into January and you’ve yet to hit the treadmill. With a little help from DNA and the ultimate nude pump, fool the eye into thinking you’re skinnier than ever.

Since we’re not all Victoria’s Secret models we have to elongate our legs using optical illusions. Choose skin tone or nude shoes to create the illusion of longer slimmer legs. High heels make the lower leg muscles tighten, giving them a noticeable elongating lift while the added height is also a plus.

These beige shoes are anything but ordinary, turning you into the model you always dreamed of being.

{Shop}

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By: Ashley Tschudin

What Do Your Shoes Say About You?

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

shoe personality

Whether you like it or not, how you dress says a lot about who you are and how you choose to present yourself. Facing the fact that you’re a shoe embarrassment might increase your chance at date, a job, or even a friendship — self-awareness is the first step in shoe recovery.

Athletic Shoes (ALL the time) – Don’t get us wrong, wearing athletic shoes sends the message that your care about your personal health and fitness but when you never take them off you’re sending a different message: “I am insecure and want everyone to know that I am athletic (even though I only run on the treadmill).”

Kitten Heels – “I use to only wear flats until I became self-conscious about my height but I’m still to afraid to take the plunge into pumps.”

Toe Shoes (NOT the ballet kind) – If you’re one of those individuals who wear toe shoes, you know the ones that go between each and every toe, TAKE THEM OFF and save yourself the embarrassment of our critique.

Combat Boots – We are all for the combat boot trend and are guilty of it ourselves but there is a right and a wrong way to do it. Right — Skinny jeans and a tee or a lace dress to add a touch of femininity. Wrong — Combat boots with ripped jeans, ripped shirt, and skull/cross jewelry… You’re scaring the little children.

Crocs – These go up there with toe shoes and the “slob” title. We understand they are comfortable (actually we don’t because we refuse to step a foot in them) but they send the “I don’t care about my appearance” vibe, meaning no dates and no new jobs in your future.

The shoe infractions go on and on, as do our not so nice words of advice. By no means are we criticizing you, we are pushing you to be a better you: one with confidence and class. Shoes are meant to be accents not costumes.

By: Ashley Tschudin

2012 Shoe Resolutions

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

shoe resolution

I vow today, December 28, 2011, to keep all of my above 2012 New Year’s Shoe Resolutions to the best of my ability. While I may falter at times, I call for the support of all my fellow shoe lovers out there. I find the following resolutions extremely challenging but have helpful ways to push through them.

How to Keep Resolution…

Number 9. How To: Shoe Organization

Number 7. Shoe Care 101

Number 5. How To: Build Your Shoe Wardrobe

Number 3. Pump Up Your New Year’s Resolution.

I encourage every other shoe fanatic out there to keep my resolutions in mind when creating your own list for 2012. Good luck and Happy Shoe Year!

Photography Source: Mrs. Lilien

By: Ashley Tschudin

How To: Winter Boot Care 101

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

allure magazine

In a recent interview with Brian Atwood, a well-known American shoe designer with raw shoe sex appeal, Allure Magazine got Atwood to dish on boot care.

Choose Wisely: To get the best worn-in look, choose boots with a visible grain that are brown, black, or gray.  Soft nubuck and flat, shiny, calf leather boots are so delicate they will end up showing more damage.

Take Precautions: Atwood stated that as soon as you purchase those fabulous new boots, take them home and waterproof them with a leather or suede spray immediately. Waterproofing helps form a barrier by adding a water-resistant film to the outside of the boot, that in turn shields the leather. (Shop Boot Care)

 Dry Out: If your boots do ever get wet, keep the shape of the boot by stuffing the toes as soon as possible (Some suggestions include socks, towels, or newspaper). When the boots have dried completely, buff away salt with a damp towel.

Spare the Sole: Extend the life of your boots by having a shoe shop attach a rubber toe tip and heel tap to your boots. Costly? Think again!

Make Amends: Winter boots do require a bit of maintenance. Polish boots at least once a month and be sure to cover up scratches by using a dab of neutral leather buffing cream and a chamois. On suede boots, use a soft brush to buff away dirt and lift the nap. For lighter color boots, rub away scuffs with a damp cloth.

Store Your Boots Properly: When spring comes, replace the heel taps and give the boots a good polish. Stuff the toes with paper and put plastic boot trees in the boots to help keep the leg shape as well as prevent creasing.

Information Source: Allure Magazine, January 2012 issue, pg 46.  Interview by: Brooke Le Poer Treno

 By: Cindy Batchelor

How To: Prepare Your Footwear for Winter

Monday, December 12th, 2011

grace carter

When you slip on Grace Carter ShoeCovers, you slip on style. We’ve seen our fair share of “shoe covers” — those bag-like bundles that mask your shoes like a homeless lady. Long gone are the days of formless footwear [covers] and we welcome Grace Carter into our closets.

If you live in a wet winter climate, the Grace Carter ShoeCovers deserve a place in your fashion emergency kit. Protecting your precious heels with waterproof fabric and super-traction-threat outsole fabric is key come rain and snow. Available in three different styles (high heels, kitten heels [the mullet of shoes], and flats) and  prints, you’ll never be caught without them this winter. Once you arrive at your destination, shoes in tact, unmask your shoes and conventiently store the ShoeCovers in their carrying case, which conveniently fits in your handbag. Walah! You’re done.

{Shop Grace Carter ShoeCovers}

By: Ashley Tschudin