Mommies With Style

No matter the time of year, I am always up for a pedicure. The chance to sit back and relax (especially during this hectic time of the year!) while my toe nails are painted and become pretty is the best!

Now that it is cold out and I’m not walking around in flip-flops all day, I risk ruining my new pedicure by slipping on my shoes. But this is no longer a problem, thanks to my recent experience with Flexflops, the first emergency flip-flop that folds in half and stays in it’s own matching pouch.

Simply throw your Flexflop pouch in your purse or leave them in your car, and you are always ready for a pedicure! Unzip the adorable blinged-up pouch, unfold your Flexflops, and off you go! The Flexflop is extremely comfortable and made of a terry material. It’s available in a number of different stylish colors and styles (check out the great holiday selection). Some of my favorites include “Chic Feet,” “Pedi, Please,” and “Paint, Primp, Polish” with adorable heart bling. At around $20 each, they make great gifts for girlfriends, a trip, bridal party, maternity, and more!

Many of the Flexflops are on sale right now for 20% and more. Plus use code TWITTER for an additional 10% off your order.  Shop the adorable selection and enjoy!

As my pregnant body continues to grow, it’s become increasingly difficult to spend a full day in heels.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m not tossing all of my finest footwear into the back of my closet just yet, but most mornings I’ve been sliding on a pair of flats for comfort.    The newest pair to make it into my shoe rotation is a pair of Ariat Strathmore clogs.      

Normally when I think of clogs I picture nurses walking the corridors of a hospital…not anymore.  Ariat has managed to take the comfort and support of a clog and add some style and flair.  What results is a great everyday shoe that can be appreciated by all women who need to take a break from their heels.  The greatest thing is that they still have a bit of a heel allowing me to wear longer pants without tripping all over myself…something that’s much easier to do now that I’m 5 months pregnant.

Ariat’s co-founders set out to make the world’s most innovative performance riding boot.  Since their first pair of boots shipped in 1993, they’ve expanded their focus to include riding boots, work boots, and casual footwear.  All of their shoes are designed with the highest quality materials to dramatically reduce fatigue and stress to feet, legs and the lower back; a pregnant woman’s dream shoe!

They even have kids’ shoes! 

Zareen, a Mommies with Style writer, was able to share a pair of Ariat’s children’s boots with her daughter:

Mia’s been kickin’ it in a pair of Ariat boots this fall.  She loves them because they are 1. pink and 2. “cowgirl boots”.  Very important criteria in her little world.  I love them because they are 1. adorable 2. durable 3. functional in any kind of weather and 4. she very willingly puts them on in the morning.

Mia’s been wearing the Ariat ProBaby boot in distressed brown/pink camo.  They are cute and well made.  They have an 8″ height and come with Ariat’s “Booster Bed” that provides extra wiggle room for growing feet.  Comfort, style, durability – what else could you ask for in a child’s boot?

The ProBaby boots retail from $71.99 and can be found at 6pm.com.  Ariat’s full line of footwear can be found at retailers such as Zappos, OnlineShoes, The Walking Company, Amazon, and Shoes.com.

Samples of Ariat’s shoes were kindly provided for this review.

I’ve long been a fan of shoes like MBT Trainers which I reviewed for Mommies With Style a while ago. These shoes made a believer out of me as they lived up to their claim of improving my bottom line and reducing cellulite with regular use. I’ve owned and enjoyed my MBTs for a few seasons but I’m ready to move on to the new Shape Ups shoe in town from Sketchers.

Why am I abandoning my MBTs? For starters, Shape Ups are cheaper and Shape Ups come in a variety of cute styles including boots for those of you in colder climates. They are lighter weight than the MBT’s and softer and more flexible. As great as the MBT’s worked, I stopped wearing them regularly when I found it difficult to stand in one place for very long while wearing them. I don’t have this issue with the Shape Ups. I am able to wear them all day long and stand in line at the grocery store or while doing dishes etc, without any discomfort.

What I love best about shoes like these is how easy, passive really,  they make it to  to get fitness results. I don’t have time always for a toning workout, but I am always walking around. Why not make the most of it? Wearing a shoe like this is a small tweal that gets remarkable results. All you have to do is remember to wear the shoes.

If you’ve never worn shoes like Shape Ups you will definitely “feel” it at the end of a day walking around in them. Go for a walk around the neighborhood and you’ll burn more calories and work more muscles, without really trying. Shape Ups also improve your balance, work your core and reduce cellulite. Walking in them the squishy heel upon impact gives you a walking on sand sensation. Your foot then rolls forward, propelling you comfortably. The Shape Ups are lighter weight than other similar shoes I have tried and a little more flexible which makes them more comfy to me.

One side note: If you are a pronator like me and need to wear orthotics in your shoes, you will be happy to know they fit in great in Shape Ups. Not all sport shoes accommodate mine, so I was glad to know this was not a problem.

Check out my photo slideshow review of Sketcher’s Shape Ups on Whrrl

Fergie “Carly”

It’s gray outside and the weather is getting cooler and as I get dressed this morning my mind keeps turning to boots. Fall is right here and that means boot weather. I am addicted to boots. Every fall, I add to my collection. I own more pairs than I care to disclose. Next up on my hit list are two of this Fall’s must have boots. The bootie – so cute and functional. And the sexy, tall, over-the-knee boot. Both are so versatile and can be worn with anything from jeans to skirts, leggings and dresses.

Let’s start with the OTK Boot. There are so many options out there – brand, price range, color, style, height, material, and I could go on. You can go flat with a comfy sweater and leggings, high heeled with a mini-dress. Then there’s boot length, many designers actually go way over the knee to mid-thigh, a great look if you are tall, lean and leggy. If you’re more petite, try to stick with the OTK boot that falls over the knee, between knee and thigh.

Here are some options for the recessionista, one who is able to stick to a budget and still dress stylishly. My goal under $200 a pair.

Jessica Simpson “Clancy”

If you are looking for a casual and comfortable OTK boot this fall, Chinese Laundry’s Trust Me boot is a great and affordable option, retailing for $99 from Nordstrom. Another option, Fergie’s Carly also available at Nordstrom for $199.95.

For a more tailored look, I like Sam Edelman’s “Mischief” boots from Bloomindales, retailing for $180 and available in Rainy Gray, Brown or Black Suede. Another nice tailored boot is Jessica Simpson’s “Clancy” which carries the riding boot style and can be cuffed down for a slightly different look. It is available

Guess "Rumala"

at Nordstrom and retails for $197.95.

In the higher heel category, I like the Guess “Rumala” High Heel Over-The-Knee Boots from Bloomingdales. They come in Black or Mushroom and retail for $199.  Another choice, would be Two Lips’ Over-The-Knee Boot from Victoria’s Secret for $197.

On to booties, or ankle boots, a staple in any fall wardrobe. They were big last fall and are still strong in 09. They can be worn with jeans, skirts, pants, leggings, the list goes on. And if you thought there were a lot of options in the OTK boot wait until you start exploring the bootie. Booties combine with other fall trends such studs or ruffles (which are very big this fall). You can have stiletto, platform, peep toe, cut outs, flats, etc. They come in many different fabrics and color options. You can take a simple outfit and make it pop with a fabulous bootie. It is a great accessory this fall. With so many options it is very hard to narrow the choices. My goal this time, under $150. I find Nordstrom and

Hive & Honey "Truffle"

Piperlime to offer a great selection in this price range.

Here are some of my favorites. First up, the Truffle by Hive & Honey. It combines the peep toe bootie with ruffles a must have this fall. And very affordable at $89 from Piperlime.

For an edgier look, you can go with the N.Y.L.A. Isabel Bootie for $109.95. It is a great look combining cutouts and studs. Another edgier option is the Fergie Thief Bootie with side cutouts, shiny patent piping, a peep toe, and snake skin embossed mid-sole retails for $139.95. Both are

Report "Kline"

available at Nordstrom.

Some great everyday booties are the Mia Seductive on Piperlime for $130, the Sofft Orlena Bootie at Nordstrom for $149.95 (I love this brand for their comfort), and the Report Kline Bootie at Nordstrom for $124.95.

There are endless fabulous options out there and these are only a few.  Did I mention I love boots?