This Spring Go Exotic!

I think that snakes get a bad rap. I guess it all started with Eve getting talked into the whole apple thing. Ok, I admit, that was pretty shady. Then there was that song, “I Don’t Like Spiders and Snakes.” Derogatory remarks like you’re a snake in the grass further demean these creatures. I mean really! Leave the poor things alone, and they won’t bother you.

But this spring, the snake’s reputation is taking a turn for the better. They are being talked about in the press, being featured in pictures splashed across magazine spreads, and they are showing up in all the right places. No, I haven’t been bitten by one; I am talking about exotic snake prints on accessories! Or, to be more specific, sandals. They have strutted down fashion runways and will soon be seen at the hottest clubs, the best restaurants and even at the office.

This spring exotic snakes are taking a bite out of fashion. Python prints in beautiful colors, small grain snakes in natural browns and tans, even lizards, a close cousin, get in on the hype. Leathers printed to replicate these reptiles look as authentic as the real deal, without causing any harm. They are paired with natural wood, cork and rope and crafted with veg-tanned leathers and nature-inspired embellishments.

The snake is also going all Hollywood on us this season, showcased with glitzy jewels and metallic touches. Either way you choose to wear it, this is a must have look that all the fashion editors, designers and celebrities can’t live without.

I think wearing solid earth tones, like khaki, grass greens or burnt oranges brings out the best in these shoes. Casual materials like linen blends, cottons and floaty fabrics look right with the intricate snake pattern. And since the snake is so popular, you won’t have a problem finding a shoe for your every occasion and specific style sense. High-heeled dressy styles make for a sexy snake and simple flats take on a whole new snake sophistication.

The Quickset from Fergie is one of my favorite styles sporting this exotic print. It comes in colors and naturals and has not only the exotic trend going for it, but also the wedge! I love the red-orange color paired with browns and tan apparel.

Fergie Quickset

Then there is the Jumper2 from Guess. A flat thong that looks super sophisticated with everything from jeans to dresses. And this snake is dressed to kill with loads of rhinestone details. The natural snake color is my fave in this little number.

Guess Jumper2

And finally, when I really want to make a statement, this is the style that I am going to sink my teeth into. Can you say GORGEOUS? The Emmy from Via Spiga. Strappy sandals on a high, but not towering, heel. It’s racy and refined. Perfection.

Via Spiga Emmy

This spring the snake redeems itself as a beautiful, sleek creature in the form of a shoe! And whether you like them or hate them, you will scream with delight when you see the choices on shoes.com. So start shopping, my little reptilessss!

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Brand Spotlight: Franco Sarto

At age 14, Franco Sarto was working hard in a shoe factory in a small town outside of Venice, Italy, laying the groundwork for the empire that is Franco Sarto. Fashion was his life. At age 14, I was working hard on my tan, sporting gorgeous scrunchies and rocking the coolest L.A. Gears around. Fashion was my life (so I thought). OK, so Franco Sarto and I clearly didn’t lead parallel lives but we do share one thing in common – a love for fashion and shoes.

“The spirit of Italian style, infused with the passion of an artist”. That’s Franco Sarto. While the technician in him continually pushes to make shoes as comfortable as possible, the other side of Franco Sarto lives for fashion. And while I push myself to get out of bed in the morning, I do so in the name of fashion – or something.

He understands a woman’s undying passion for shoes and is dedicated to keeping that passion alive by crafting beautiful shoes that bring joy to women around the world. And I am dedicated to keeping that passion alive by wearing the very beautiful styles he continues to create. Season after season, Franco Sarto delivers styles that are both fashionable and wearable. And this spring is no exception. The shoes are at once fashion-forward and classic, timeless yet modern – something for every occasion.

Here are a few looks that top the charts for spring:

Franco Sarto Artsy

Franco Sarto Danish

Franco Sarto Cool

On point with the season’s top trends, Franco Sarto boasts a fresh collection of shoes that include fashionable wedges, pretty pink slingbacks and jeweled embellished sandals. So I will do my part, season after season, to wear Franco Sarto shoes with the style and grace he intended.

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More Of The Same Please

Monday, February 8. 5:48 a.m.
I bent over to tie my shoe and I could see my pink and green sock staring back at me. Uh oh, a hole!? Really? I thought I may be about due for another pair of running shoes but there was my answer, pink and green striped, staring me in the face. But if felt like I had just bought new running shoes. I started to think back and realized I had – 10 long months ago! Time flies. I was horribly overdue for a new pair.

It’s recommended that you replace running shoes every 350-550 miles. I started to do the math in my head (which is scary) and calculated my weekly miles X weeks worn and sure enough it was time – about 4 or 5 months late. I was tardy for the party. My current running shoes are the Asics GT-2140s. Good arch support, great cushioning and stability, and best of all no breaking-in time needed. They’ve carried me through countless runs in all types of weather, including a soggy 1/2 marathon.

So began my search for the next great pair at shoes.com. There I was perusing the shoes.com Running Shop – a handy tool I may add. I decided to check out the new arrivals from Asics, and then New Balance, and then Mizuno and then Asics again. After spending an obscene amount of time checking out top-rated styles and reading countless reviews, it hit me: my current shoes have great arch support, cushioning and stability, why am I trying to find something different? Why am I making this so difficult? Why must I do everything the hard way? Hello! I should just buy the same trusty shoes I know and love. And so I came to my senses and with confidence purchased a second pair of my favorite running shoes, the Asics GT-2140s.

Lesson learned: if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

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I Spy Something Green

I am totally loving one of the newest additions to shoes.com, the eco-friendly collection named Naya. Finally, eco-chic done right! I can’t decide which part I like best: The fact that these styles are feminine, sophisticated and luxuriously comfortable? Or that they leave a softer footprint on the earth?? Let’s chalk this one up as a tie.

One gorgeous sandal at a time, Naya is proving that you shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and fashion, style and sustainability. So do your wardrobe and your earth a favor and check out Naya on shoes.com now!

Some of my fave styles so far:

Naya Atwood

Naya Salida

Naya Timpas

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Style Cents: Men’s & Women’s Canvas under $70

We are heading into Spring, and that means it is time to change up the footwear. I’m ready to be done with my chunky boots and into some fun new canvas colors. A great look for the changing weather is a canvas sneaker! You keep your toes warm, but get the relaxed look that will carry you into the sunny months.

Here are our Buyer’s favorites at prices you will love.

Women’s Canvas

June Bug $50

Coronado Mary Jane $60

Estella $50

All Star Ox $45

Kirk $67

Venice $64

Men’s Canvas

Slim Ox $65

Classic Slip On $40

Haylard $49.99

Center Hi $50

Chiba $60

Sno Tire $56.99

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