Not only am I super passionate about shoes, but I have a deep dark secret that I also love to enter (and especially win) sweepstakes and contests.  So when I have the opportunity to combine the two passions, well, that makes for a happy girl here!

I just entered the Crocs Instagram Sweepstakes for a chance to win a “Splash of Color” prize package and shopping spree from Crocs!  And now that Crocs has expanded their footwear line to includes some super cute styles that are are so comfy, I’d really love to win!

To enter, all you have to do is upload a photo to Instagram using the required hashtag #splashofcolor. Then connect your Instagram account through the sweepstakes page.

Here are the three Instagram photos that I submitted for my chance to win (do you follow me on Instagram yet?)…

The last photo is of me receiving a belated Christmas present from my cousin, Erin, who also writes some shoe reviews for Shoeaholics Anonymous.  She gave me some super cute shoe-themed handkerchiefs and a super-cute pink key-themed purse (I’m also big into “keys”).

Crocs Contest Rules: Valid in USA only; Entrants must be 18 years or older; Contest ends 5/20/13.

Do you ever struggle with the in between season of sandals and boots?  The Naturalizer Hanover boat shoe is the perfect in between shoe, plus it’s a great slip on and as we all know Naturalizers are always comfortable. The added bonus is the detailed stitching and lacing as they dress them up a bit. Plus a favorite of mine is that it is not completely flat, it has a ½ inch heel. Plus they’re red (my favorite color).

The Naturalizer Hanover Boat Shoe is available in an array of colors: Yellow, Red, Greige, Navy, Tan, Turquoise, Teakwood, Grey-Beige, Bingo Tan, Chick Yellow, Inky Navy, Red Pepper, Grey and/or T-Bird Turquoise, all available from Amazon.com.

naturalizer boat shoe

Disclosure: We received the above complimentary shoes at no cost to facilitate our review. The opinions are all 100% our own.

Olivia Palermo was spotted wearing Butterfly Twists Leopard Cleo ballerina flats (available from Shoebuy.com, $34.95) while out and about in Westbourne Grove in London on Monday, May 6th, 2013.

Cleo is the wild one and always the girl who dresses to impress. Leopard print is trendy yet a classic that never goes out of style . Wear the Cleo loud and proud with animal print accessories or as the perfect accent to liven up an understated look . The Cleo is made of soft micro-suede and the cute little bow adds a cheeky side to this fierce shoe.

Butterfly Twists is owned by the Pentland  Group (owners of Hunter, Ted Baker and Lacoste footwear).  They have a great selection of footwear that are light weight and easy to fold, but perfect for all day wear! Butterfly Twists are sold at top retailers internationally including, Harrods, Topshop, Selfridges, House of Fraser, Office stores and more.

leopard ballerina flats

Spring Shoes For The Office – all styles are polished, professional yet fashion forward to make a statement.

• Dana Captoe shoes make large feet look smaller
• Kali by scene seafoam green pumps
• Whitley by Signature ankle strap sandals
• Nariko pink/silver t-strap pumps (shown)
• Jeffrey Campbell black/white wedges – wedges are suggested for heftier women.

Spring Shoes for Girls’ Night Out - straps are the biggest trends, so don’t be afraid of straps!

• Victory by J.C. Dossier black/gold platform sandals
• Gelda gladiator sandals – nude color eloganate legs
• Zaie blue neoprene sandals are fun and sporty
• Gelda white wedge pumps
• Aine strappy sandals with a thick heel

Spring Shoes for a Casual Weekend – Remember that wedges are the most comfortable heels.  Combine with an elevated platform for the look of height.

• Crisscross Stiletto Sandals – only $29.80 from Forever 21 (shown)
• Rosalie by Liliana coral shoes
• Bethenny by Scene heel-less wedge
• Nine West orange sandals – ankle straps are recommended for skinny legs
• Aine colorful slip-in wedge sandals – recommended for full-figured gals

Spring Shoes for Formals & Glam Office Parties – includes works of art, embellishments, jewels to shows off great legs.  The more foot you shoe, the sexier the look.

• Ribbon Sandals from Frederick’s of Hollywood
• Zara Shiny Strappy Sandals
• Colin Stuart Lace-up Sandals from Victoria’s Secret
• Shoe Republica LA Lowa Black and Gold Sandals
• Clear Metallic Pumps from Forever 21

*Shop Shoedazzle through Shoeaholics Rewards and earn cash back on your purchase!

BB Dakota Dress – Isharya Bracelet – Zigi Soho Florence Sandals (Spring picnic, anyone?)

Nanette Lepore Top – Ruby Kats Leaf Necklace – Roxy Brody Canvas Shoes (Watching Spring sporting events)

GapFit Breathe Racer Tank Sports Top – Nike+ iPod Sport Kit - ASICS Gel-Noosa Tri 8 Running Shoes (A reminder that I definitely need to start exercising).

Which Spring Shoe Styles are your favorite?

Disclosure: I received a gift card for sharing my thoughts about the Famous Footwear Lookbook, but all opinions are 100% my own. Always have been, always will be.

Now I don’t suggest wearing ugly shoes either or even tennis shoes just for comfort, but I do suggest buying inexpensive heels as these shoes more than likely will never be worn again.  I found several prom-worthy styles at Milanoo.com that are within my daughter’s budget. You can follow Milanoo on Pinterest, Milanoo on Twitter and Milanoo on YouTube for more inspiration. But for now, here is my favorite pair from the site:

Fabulous Silver 3 9/10” High Heel Womens Sandals, $47.44

If you are looking for a stunning pair of strappy heels for your next formal event, look no further. This pair is amazing! They will make you feel like Cinderella with her glass slippers. They are made from a lovely PU material in a great silver color and feature a stunning upper that is made from gorgeous rhinestones and silver accents to create a completely jewel-encrusted look. The shoes have an ankle strap and a T back shape. The heels have a silver metallic tone that looks fantastic with the rhinestones and measure just under four inches. A truly beautiful pair of sandals for any event or occasion.

Find more affordable promo shoes at Milanoo.com.

prom sandal

Chinos are the most versatile trousers you could wish to have in your closet. In this day and age, as trousers become increasingly varied, denim is no longer the staple in a woman’s wardrobe. Hailing from quintessentially English, Ralph Lauren sportswear, the chino represents effortless chic, their up-take by the tomboy trend allowing chinos to remain a cool and comfortable look. Their versatility means you can take this classic piece of clothing and pair them with an array of shoes to create many different and contrasting looks.

The Brogue.

Pair chinos with a classic pair of brogues and you’ll immediately resemble a high flying city author or a character from a Nora Ephron film. Recently worn by Alexa Chung, who is often considered responsible for allowing brogues their fashion revival, she has previously paired them with tiny denim shorts and a blazer jacket. Match your brogues with some tan chinos and a dark leather belt for an extra touch of professional chic.

The Stiletto.

Match chinos with a pair of sky high stilettos and you will ooze a Victoria Beckham fierceness and take power dressing to the next level. If you want to add some glamour to your wardrobe, stilettos and chinos are the place to start. Wearing heels with your chinos is the perfect way to show off your legs and appear stylish and elegant. This is the perfect example of contrast dressing; mixing elegant heels with casual, daywear chinos is perfect for a first date or cocktails with friends.

The Slipper.

A velvet slipper is the perfect symbol of the elegance and glamour of a bygone era. More and more stores are coming up with their own version of the slipper, and to great effect. Try a black velvet slipper embossed with gold stitch and team them with some classic chinos. You will instantly combine the glamorous with the casual to create a contemporary version of a classic. This look is perfect for relaxing at a friend’s house or a picnic in the park.

The Wedge.

The wedge is a woman’s best friend. A comfortable pair of trusted wedges with some chinos is the prefect look for a woman on the go. They can easily transition from day to night and informal to formal occasions. If you want to make your outfit look more feminine, adding a pair of wedges is the perfect addition. Comfortable wedges and chinos are perfect for a shopping expedition and for popping into a wine bar afterwards to relax.

The Sneaker.

No longer just an All Star staple. The sneaker has transcended social class to become one of the must haves in any shoe collection. The most versatile of shoes, they are perfect to combine with chinos to create that casual, preppy look. Sneaker shoes such as Converse are no longer just found on American school baseball pitches, but are now being paired with chinos and are making a fashion statement on British streets. Harness your inner-tomboy and combine tan chinos with a flash of bright, All-star colour.

brogue

When installing a new floor or carpeting, it is not unusual for the workforce to wear something to cover their shoes in order to prevent shoe tracks from soiling the new floor. It is easier afterwards for cleaning and it is definitely more hygienic as well. Disposable shoe covers are utilized indoors and outdoors for identical reasons, to inhibit shoes from leaving germs, dust, bacteria, and other impurities into a space where it may well be harmful or unwelcome. Shoe covers are produced from a specific type of material that holds matter beneath the shoe cover, which is advantageous for the situations described above.

Inside Disposable Shoe Covers

Inside disposable shoe covers are chiefly utilized to prevent foreign matter from getting on floors that must remain clean and presentable for whatever reason. These covers are manufactured from a specific plastic that has the texture and feel of paper. They fit comfortably on shoes and include an elastic top to keep them in place. Tradesmen, carpenters, and realtors, are quite fond of using shoe covers in order to keep newly installed floors flawless. For example, if you have been asked to remove your shoes prior to viewing a home for sale, you should not feel uncomfortable, the floors were more than likely newly installed, and the realtor wants the floor to remain dirt free for appearance purposes.

Outside Disposable Shoe Covers

Outside disposable shoe covers are manufactured for using a few times before throwing them away, dissimilar to inside covers that are only usable one or two times. They are also produced from stronger materials. Different from interior shoe covers, the purpose of outside shoe covers is to keep pollutants from sticking your shoes. This system is perfect for those who are employed in areas with unsanitary surfaces, such as hospitals or meat packing plants. These contaminants can wind up in your home if you are not cautious. In addition, you will find water resistant shoe covers that will protect your footwear during rainy and even snowy conditions.

Shoe Covers Resourcefulness

Shoe covers are known by various names such as paper booties, hospital booties, plastic shoe covers, and others. However, disposable shoe covers enact a couple of tasks simultaneously. First, they protect surfaces and they protect your shoes as well. If you have a need to protect your floors or your shoes from impurities, using indoor or outdoor disposable shoe covers is the best alternative. Regardless of which type of shoe cover you choose, they are effectively designed to keep surfaces clean and your shoes contaminate free.

Samantha Wideman is part of a team of writers and specializes in writing about current news events.

shoe cover

If you regularly work out at the gym more than you do around town, then you need the additional support and design for indoor running shoes. If you switch between indoor and outdoor running, you should also switch your shoes for maximum protection on every surface.

Take a look at the following five shoes and find out why they are superior for indoor running:

Asics GEL-Treadmill

Asics is one of the few shoe companies that actually makes a shoe designed for running pad rungs. The shoe has extra heel cushioning, because most treadmill runners place more weight on the heel than the toe. The cushioning is lighter in the toe, to keep the shoe lightweight. The treadmill shoe also has vents in the sole for increased circulation, and an “Impact Guiding System” which helps treadmill runners run naturally, rather than with the typical “treadmill” run, which can cause problems with the back, shoulders, legs, and hips.

Nike Air Max Ultimate

This show has durability, strength, and a lightweight design. The shoe has a high level of air-based support, which is crucial for protecting the heels during long running pad runs. The air inside the shoe helps provide support without adding extra weight.

Nike Air Max Tailwind + 2.

The Tailwind +2 is similar to the Air Max Ultimate. It has air-based cushioning and a breathable body. The shoe has a cushioned mid sole and a high level of support. Increased traction makes running on a smooth treadmill easy.

Merrell Trail Glove Barefoot Running Shoes

Barefoot running shoes are typically seen as outdoor shoes, but they also work well indoors. The Merrell shoes fit the contours of the food perfectly. The sole is also durable, so you don’t have to worry about tearing it on exposed screws. The shoe is surprisingly light and also is able to provide stability at the same time. A micro-fiber foot bed helps the shoes conform to the natural shape of your feet.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 Running Shoe

The Adrenaline series are a high performance type of running shoe. The Adrenaline series has a dynamic arch saddle and an innovative cushioning system. The shoes feel custom-made after just a few wears. A mesh upper makes the shoe highly breathable for maximum comfort. A special “omni groove” makes it easy to run indoors on a running pad.

Just because you run indoors does not mean that you can wear any shoe for the activity. Traditional running shoes designed for outdoors do not perform as well in indoor settings. If you love running on running pads, then you will enjoy wearing any of the above shoe models.

Author Bio

This is a Guest Post by contributing author Kate Simmons. Kate currently represents DualFit, the best source online to find info about how to jump higher.

running shoes

Alternatives

As such, recent seasons have seen fashionistas and designers look at moving away from the design; alternatives have been sought for some time. Last year saw the rise to prominence of the wedge – summer time in particularly saw cork varieties of the shoe become almost omnipresent thanks to their endorsement by the likes of Cheryl Cole and Kelly Brook. The wedge, it seemed, was a great compromise sharing some of the benefits of heels (additional height for example) whilst also negating some of the troubles (the spread of weight across the soles make wedges much more comfortable to wear than, say, stiletto heels).

Miz Mooz Delma Ballet Flats

Flats

Yet, even this wasn’t far enough for some who, quite rightly, point out that many career minded and on-the-go women need shoes that they actually find possible to navigate in. So, whereas kitten and mid-heels have proven to be a fair alternative to some ladies, others have looked entirely to rule them out in favour of the renaissance for flats spearheaded by the likes of Zooey Deschanel whose approach to style embraces both the practical and the uber-feminine. The belief is that, even if heels are discarded, femininity of style need not be.

Ballerinas and Brogues

The surge in demand for flat shoes has seen a number of styles particularly benefit. The first of which is the classic “ballerina” style – they’re hardly the most durable of designs but, when it comes to unparalleled comfort, they are in a league of their own and the polemic opposite to vertiginous high heels favoured by designers such as Christian Louboutin. The second of the most prominent styles for women has seen the re-appropriation of traditionally male associated designs, retargeted towards ladies looking to add a touch of androgynous shtick to their wardrobe: the classic brogue. Taken their cues from Asian designs which have capitalised on androgyny in footwear for some time (and are far ahead of the West with synergistic desigsns included the wedged brogue), these shoes are smart, stylish and perfect for rounding off the Tomboy look!

Sports Luxe

The final style highlighted here which has managed to put a severe dent in the popularity of high heels is the emergence of sports and sports luxe on the high street. Taking retro cues from American sport stars of the 80s and early 90s, High Top lace ups are currently taking the market by storm and look set to be as popular this season as spiked shoes were for the past year. Taking the exact opposite approach to high heels, the sports luxe vibe is all about street wise edge and comfort takes a real precedence over elegance too. Whilst high heels will never be entirely a thing of the past, it is likely that their share of the market will continue to diminish in the next few years.

Kieron Casey is a fashion writer who blogs on the behalf of a number of organisations. He suggests checking Barratts womens shoes collection for inspiration.

ballet flats