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footwear

What’s Better Than Vacation? A SKECHERS Shoecation, Of Course!

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Now, y’all do know that I wear SKECHERS absolutely everywhere, right?

Of course I do! For cruisin’ around the neighbourhood and doing errands, you’ll find me in my Glider shoes. When I’m pounding the pavement at Walt Disney World, you know I’ll be sporting the GOwalk 3 – they’re lightweight, breathable and keep my feet comfy all day. On a beach vacay? Can’t hit the sand without my GOwalk Move sandals – perfectly stylish and supportive! And as I travel from destination to destination, I always wear my (very aptly named) Travelers. The soft, durable nylon sandals are easy to get on/off in security lines, and transition seamlessly from airplane to boardwalk. So, where in the world are your SKECHERS shoes? We want to see where you travel with SKECHERS! Simply post photos to Instagram of your SKECHERS on vacation, using the hashtag #ShoecationSweepsCanada. Just for sharing your photo, you could win a travel prize pack that includes:

One (1) pair of Skechers shoes of winner’s choice (sizes and styles based on availability)
One (1) Peter Thomas Roth Shampoo
One (1) Peter Thomas Roth conditioner
One (1) DK Eyewitness Travelers Guide Travelers Book

The total value of this gift pack is approximately $150, and they’ve got EIGHT to give away! A new winner is announced every Monday starting on July 13th, 2015. So, you can enter now through August 28th, and if you share your pictures all summer long, you’ll have more chances to WIN! …

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Everyday Over-the-Knee: A Wearable Trend

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Although over-the-knee boots were never out, per se, I’m so happy to see them back in with a vengeance. Fall 2013 runways were dominated by the dominating style; paired with everything from super-short skirts to long and skinny jeans, over-the-knee boots are once again the trend du jour.

I’ve long had a love affair with the look; back in 2011, I searched high and low for the perfect leather pair that encapsulated the trend while exuding understated elegance. And I found a match made in heaven with a pair of soft, supple Browns Couture boots which only set me back $498. Now before you roll your eyes at this shopaholic, #4 on my fashion board below is the exact pair I purchased (pictured in brown). Hence, it can only be called a timeless and wise investment when the style is brought back two years after its introduction. Pictured right, you can see me showing off the boots at the Fashion Forward Conference in New York City.

Alas, fashion is fickle, and I retired the boots last year for fear that the trend was waning slightly. However, as soon as the Fall Fashion Reports began circulating, I knew they would once again find heavy rotation in my wardrobe this season. Viva la over-the-knee boot!

Of course, whenever I wear my beloved boots, I normally garner two distinct reactions: (1) “I love your boots!” and (2) “I could never pull them off.”

And today, I’m here to tell you YES YOU CAN. Over-the-knee boots are a very wearable trend; you simply need to keep a few things in mind when selecting the perfect pair. Here are my 3 best tips for finding the perfect boot:

1. Be mindful of your materials. Soft, muted leather is sexy; shiny, patent leather is a Pretty Woman flashback – and a definite faux pas. To ensure that the boots complement your wardrobe (rather than stealing all the attention), choose a dark hue with minimal embellishments and understated detailing. I prefer a classic black leather myself, but I’m also partial to black suede or fabric/suede mixed media (#5 below).

2. Keep to flats. There are very few people who can pull off an over-the-knee boot with a high heel. Unless you’re Jennifer Lopez on your latest promotional tour, you *may* look like a street walker, just keepin’ it real. There’s a reason why 90% of over-the-knee boots feature a 1.5-inch heel; it’s all about balance and structure. If you do choose a tall boot with a heel (#2 below), be sure that the styling is of utmost quality and craftsmanship (designer level) or the boots will look cheap.

3. Get out your ruler. Over-the-knee boots are designed for women 5’4″ or taller. A shorter leg makes it harder to pull off the style with the intended panache; if you’re on the shorter side, stick to knee-high boots. However, if you’re set on rocking the trend (and contrary to my advice above), go for a style with a high heel to help elongate your leg and balance out the boot-to-body ratio. Keep it classy with a hidden wedge pictured in #6 below.

My very favourite affordable and wearable looks for the season: 

1. Steve Madden, $190; 2. Coach “Dalla”, $625; 3. Betsey Johnson, $250; 4. Browns Couture, $498; 5. Marc Fisher, $200; 6. Stuart Weitzman “Demiswoon”, $650; 7. Call It Spring “Zahavah”, $98; 8. ALDO “Kudela”, $200; 9. Nine West “Niteracer”, $285; 10.Chinese Laundry, $99. Tell me – are you over the moon about over-the-knee boots?