Zappos Blogs

Facilities has a Suprise Party for Patti!

Jason C. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:16:48 GMT

Our facilities department is a very important part of our Zappos team. Every other department here relies on them in some way on a daily basis. They are always asked to help out with projects around the office, and they are always more than willing to help. One of the reasons they are so great is their supervisor Patti C. She has been with Zappos for four years, and is loved by everyone.

Today was Patti's birthday, and her team in the facilities department decided to surprise her with a pot luck. Thank you Patti for everything you do for all of us!

Handbag Report: Rocker Chic Style

Sabah K. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:01:09 GMT

This Fall, the handbag department is touting a lineup of rocker chic-inspired collections that feature oversized studs, gleaming silver and gold buttons, and chain handles galore. If you've always had a little bit of a rocker-girl style in you, this is the season to show it off! Some of the leading handbags of the season are designed with an edgy look with oversized hardware and darker colors for that tough-girl look you crave. From chain-handled shoulder bags to studded hobos, here are some of the leading looks in handbags for Fall:

1. Gunmetal hobos and satchels. While black is still a top pick for handbags this season, gunmetal silver and pewter shades reign the runways this year and are a great match for your rocker look. Look for charcoal, dark silver and pewter handbags and clutches that will accent any outfit with a fresh and sassy look.

2. Studs galore. From the miniature clutch to the oversized hobo, studs are cropping up on every piece of arm candy you can find. Look for matte silver and gleaming gold studs that look like they've been pulled right off a motorcycle jacket.

3. Chain handle shoulder bags. If you're looking for a versatile bag to last you through the season, stick with the classic shoulder bag embellished with chain handle accents. Chain handles are a top trend in handbags this Fall, and your best bet is the oversized chain style that becomes the focal point of the bag. Not only are these handles super-sturdy (yes, you can tote your heels, wallet and a few books without worrying about breakage), but they will give you that edgy, rocker-inspired look you crave.

4. Coil accents. Coils, oversized metal hardware and rings are some of the embellishments you'll find on the tough-girl bags this season. Look for crossbody bags and satchels accentuated with these details for a fresh and fun look.

5. Extra zippers. Zippers serve a dual purpose on hobos and satchels this season, and you'll find a number of bags with lines of zippers as part of the design. They're just another way to show off your rocker-chic look for the season.

Beauty Tips: Get a Flawless Face This Fall

Sabah K. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:12:15 GMT

Fall is finally here, which means cooler temperatures may be leaving your skin drier than usual and in need of some moisture-rich beauty products. In addition to making sure your daily skin routine is up to par, you'll need to revive your skin after the long summer with some facial masks, nourishing scrubs and a slew of other products that will keep you glowing.

The first step to flawless skin this season is investing in a high-quality moisturizer. Look for facial creams and moisturizers that are free of chemicals and the type that are non-comedogenic so your pores don't get clogged easily. You'll need to apply moisturizer right after your cleansing and toning routine day and night, and your skin may benefit from a thicker, emollient-rich version from your favorite brand at night.

Another way to get flawless skin this Fall is to use a light, mineral makeup foundation instead of the heavier liquid variety. Mineral makeup can give you that flawless, camera-ready finish you crave without looking overly done. Look for mineral foundation that can be layered with a mineral bronzer to enjoy a healthy glow all season long.

If you want to keep your makeup looking clean and fresh this season, stick with the bronze, deep red and pink tones in lipsticks and eyeshadow this season. These are among the leading makeup palette colors for Fall 2009, and can help you create a natural, buff look for casual days and everyday use. If it's time to take things up a notch for a special event, get your flawless look with the help of a cream concealer under the eyes and pressed foundation on the face and neck. This combination will give you a smooth, mattifying look for the season.

Finally, make sure to modify your skin cleansing and exfoliation routine to accommodate for the change of seasons. Cooler temperatures mean you may need to exfoliate with a moisture-infusing scrub a couple of times a week so that your skin is free of dead skin cells and flakiness. If your cleanser seems to dry out your skin, look for a milder version or one designed for sensitive skin to avoid excessive dryness for the season.

The Ballad of Melissa

Brett H. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:59:22 GMT

The gang writes a song for Melissa, whether she wants them to or not...

etnies Malto RVL & RVM

Jim C. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:36:46 GMT

In a sport dominated by the two coasts, it’s easy to forget that there’s a vast space right in the middle of America, where kids like Sean Malto are tearin’ it up in the heartland. Malto rides with etnies, and what better way to bring it all full circle than with a fresh new colorways of the RVL and the RVM that has Malto and Midwest written all over it?

Home is where the heart is, and that’s especially true with these signature colorways. Malto isn’t afraid to rep his hometown in his video parts, and as a result, this colorway bleeds Kansas City blue all over. Gold accents help add that extra kick of pop into a classic skate silhouette and it also features signature Malto embroidery details at the heel. Plus, it’s all backed up by the fresh features of both the RVL and the RVM, like the STI G2™ heel system that’ll ensure smooth landings and the STI™ Foam system that offers cushioned comfort even after a hard day of drilling down some sick tricks.

So show KC some love and check out the Sean Malto RVM and RVL from the Zappos Rideshop!

Day 921

Dr. Vik — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:20:31 GMT

Overwhelmed?

Well, the feeling usually comes when we are not in balance.

Doing too much of one thing, or many things, and not doing enough for
ourselves to get our batteries charged - and to get "whole" is usually
the culprit.

Focusing is a great thing, in the short term, but focusing on something
too long, can make our view...get a bit fuzzy.

We just need to "air it out" and take some breaks along our journey to
properly balance out...making us much more likely to complete the
journey we've started.

Maybe our mantra should be: "I am so balanced, I should be walking on a high wire".

And in doing so - we are reminded to balance along the way.

Yours in "Balance" - Coach

Skate Item of the Week: Vans Classic Slip on Core Classics

James Hamel — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:38:28 GMT

Who in their junior high and high school days didn't at least own one pair of slip on Vans shoes? These comfortable, long lasting and easy to slip-on shoes are a part of our national heritage. Sitting in homeroom, doodling in pen on the rubber edge of your Vans is possibly the most 80's of memories.

Well, now you can relive those glory days even in some of the retro-80's checkerboard styles with the Vans Classic Slip On Core Classics. These shoes are guaranteed to bring back memories and make your life a whole lot easier. Because let's be honest, who has time for shoelaces? You didn't have time for them back then and you definitely don't have time for them now.

Styles
Vans Classic Slip On Core Classics are so affordable you could easily buy a different style to suit your every mood or one for each day of the week. There is the retro checkerboard in black/white, red/white, pink/black and red/black. For more of a preppy look go for the blue, white or black. There is even a version so white that you could probably hit the skate park in the dark and the cops could still see you.

Materials
These shoes come with classic Vans EVA insole support to help cushion heavy landings when grinding, shredding or just jumping off the roof. They have a cotton drill lining for extra comfort and breathability. The sole is Vulcanized to repel heat and to make it durable. And as always there is the gum rubberized outsole that is a Vans trademark—you could probably even still write in pen on it.

Content provided by Associated Content

Workout Tip of the Week: Weekend Bootcamp Shape Up Tips

Sabah K. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:06:22 GMT

It's the weekend, your time to sit back, relax and enjoy some late-morning snooze sessions. While weekends are great for catching up on sleep and much-needed R&R, they can offset your diet and weight loss goals that you've been keeping up with all week long. The antidote? Rev up your workout routine and squeeze in a bootcamp-style workout (or two).

Experts say that interval training, otherwise known as circuit training, is a great way to rev up your metabolism and get over any weight loss plateau. If you're still struggling to lose those last few vanity pounds, your weekend could be the perfect time to get your body in shape. A few ideas for your weekend bootcamp sessions:

1. Kickboxing. This high-energy workout is a great way to blast away a few hundred calories per hour and get yourself in fat-burning mode. It's also a stress-reliever, giving you the chance to kick and punch away your worries from the week! Try and schedule this in the early morning hours of the weekend for optimal benefits.

2. Dance aerobics. Dance aerobics are a fun, high-energy workout routine that can help you work all your major muscle groups and without feeling like a workout. Check with your local gym for an early morning weekend or afternoon class to give your metabolism a makeover in a few short hours. Better yet - take a friend along so you can enjoy some company during your sweat session.

3. Sunrise yoga. If you've been sitting at a computer desk all week long, your body may need some much-needed stretching and toning. You can get this with some sunrise yoga. Head outdoors if you can with a friend or significant other on the weekend and enjoy the sunrise as you stretch and tone your legs, arms and torso. The deep breathing exercises will do wonders for clearing your mind of the week's stresses, and can also help to boost circulation throughout your body. All you need is a yoga mat and comfortable workout gear to get into the habit!

Whether you settle for a dance aerobics class or yoga with your roommate, think of some fun exercises you can look forward to on the weekend. A weekend bootcamp session could be all you need to get into shape fast this season.

Outdoor Fall Season Recreational Activities: Form a Nature Club

Lyn Lomasi — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:19:25 GMT

The fall season is a wonderful time of year for nature-oriented activities. Outdoor fall activities are a great way to stay active and nature can lend a helping hand in many ways. Leaves are changing into wondrous colors and the weather can be just the perfect temperature. Regularly participating in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, nature walks, camping, and other outdoor adventures can be a workout. It's also fun and a great way to spend time with family and friends. One way to be sure you get these outdoor activities in regularly is to form a nature club.

Decide who you are interested in forming the club with. Will this be strictly for family? Are friends invited to participate in the activities? What are the age groups? There could be separate groups for adults and children or it could be all-inclusive. Some may prefer even to ask around the community and make it a more formal club. Decide also if there will be dues or if everyone will just pay their own way whenever there are any associated costs. Many nature venues, such as state parks are free or low-cost, but there may be equipment and supply costs or a number of other small fees.

Scheduling should be something to think about when making plans. The group can decide together on a schedule that best fits all participants. Think about how many times per week or month is ideal, as well as days and times. Also remember to consider holidays, as well as possible weather conditions. Some activities, such as kite flying, would be good on a windy day.

Some may choose to focus a club on one fall hobby or activity. Others may choose to be more versatile. Whatever option you go with, be sure the chosen activities fit the skill levels of your nature club members. A fun way to keep track of everyone while on nature excursions is to get custom-designed t-shirts and matching shoes. Just be sure the shoes are durable and comfy, as well as appropriate for certain activities. Nature activities can be hard on the feet without proper footwear.

Sources:

http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/detail/texas_parks_and_wildlife_promotes_family_nature_clubs

Celebrity Gossip: Another Trump Wedding!

Rebecca White-Glanders — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:25:30 GMT

British songster Leona Lewis hasn't let fame change her - and she staunchly sticks by the people who have been with her from the start. In a new interview, Lewis, 24, addresses the fact that she is still with her boyfriend of seven years, Lou Al-Chamaa. Lewis says some people think you should ditch the people you knew before when you find fame, and she doesn't agree with that. "For people to think that you should leave someone because, all of a sudden, you're a singer and you have opportunities. I feel sorry for them." Lewis has also kept her residence in the "gritty" Hackney area of London.

There's been another Trump wedding, only this time, it's not Donald Trump playing the groom. Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump and his ex-wife Ivana, married publisher and executive Jared Kushner in a lavish Jewish ceremony at Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey last weekend. Though both bride and groom are under 30, they're already a power couple. Ivanka hosts Celebrity Apprentice, has her own fine jewelry line and is vice president of Donald Trump's real estate division. Kushner, 28, is publisher of the New York Observer and an executive at his family's company. Hopefully, Ivanka will have more luck with marriage than her father has thus far.

More than four months after the death of their father, *Michael Jackson*'s kids are still trying to adjust. LaToya Jackson recently opened up about how the kids are doing, and how each of them are trying to cope in their own way. Blanket, age 7, is "just a very sad, shy little boy. He cries." Meanwhile, his older sister Paris, 11, "thinks and writes about her father all the time." But it's the eldest boy, Prince, 12, who has LaToya most concerned. "Prince just doesn't want to speak about it. I do worry about him very much". According to LaToya, all three children are currently in therapy to help them cope.