Snap a photo and send it in to Megan! Each photo will help raise money for cancer research and will be donated to Stand Up 2 Cancer.org (remember – 1 only photo per person this month! You’ve got to encourage your friends to submit!). Let’s show off those shoes everyone!

To me these were utterly irresistible, they might as well have been dripping in chocolate! So the package arrived today, and inside were Lola’s new ruffle shoes. I ordered them a bit big so she has to wait a few months to wear them, but we’re ready to be all stylin’. Lola’s reaction was priceless, she literally gasped when she saw them. That’s my girl!

Thanks Emily and See Kai Run for adding yet another vice into my life. XOXO - Daria

When Sorel approached me to review a pair of boots from their newest collection, I was all over it . . . and all over the website trying to decide which pair to take for a test drive. And let me tell you, it was a really hard decision. Just look at all those super cute styles like the Suka II, Firenzy and Tivoli Low Lace to name a few. But I finally settled on their new Cate the Great boot. Of course the image of the girl in a fancy cocktail dress sporting these stylin’ boots helped seal the deal.

Remember my Looptworks review? It featured a photo of yours truly sporting their Ningxia cowl neck top paired with Sorel’s Cate the Great boots. Here, let me refresh your memory:

How cute are those? And they were warm and comfortable to boot (pun totally intended). Plus I love the little tuft of faux fur accent lining the top. Though the laces do take an extra minute to adjust, they stay put. Compared to my Shilas, this pair feels a little more stiff and almost clunky, like they don’t hug my feet as much nor have as cushy an insole, but the Cate the Greats do have more flair, which means you can pair them with sweat pants or skinny jeans and a dressy top (or cocktail dress if you’re brave enough).

I don’t know anyone else who does winter boot style like Sorel. They seriously have a corner on the market—and if they don’t, they should. Just look at some fun styles for men, women and children:

I know, right? Love them! And yes, Sorel boots will cost you more than the ones you’ll find on the shelf at Target, but they are also a heck of a lot more fabulous and will last you a heck of a lot longer. And you can’t put a price tag on that!—Emily

*** Giveaway! Sorel is giving away one (1) pair of Sorel boots, winner’s choice! ***

Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway:

•   Visit Sorel.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite style.
•   “Like” Sorel on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you did.
•   Follow Sorel on Twitter and leave a comment telling is you’re their newest follower.
•   Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
•   Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL to your blog post.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: December 9, 2010 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

I also love the shoes in their new spring collection. Simple Shoes sent me the D-Kay in Jute, a sort of skater-style women’s tennis shoe. Well, maybe it’s not super skater but it’s definitely more hip and youthful than my tan suede Rocket Dog sneakers! Here’s me trying them on for the first time and a what appears to be a pathetic attempt at ballet’s first position:

And here’s me kickin’ back in my D-Kays on our super comfy couch. (At least, I’m guess it’s super comfy since I rarely sit on it much less kick back on it. Who has the time?)

Though I wouldn’t typically choose this style of tennis shoe (it’s totally my sister, though), I really enjoyed wearing them. Made me feel a few years younger and yet not like I was one of those mom’s who raids her daughter’s closet. At first the top of the back of the heel felt like it might sit too high and poke into my ankle (or whatever bone/ligament/tendon is back there), after I wore it a couple times it loosened right up and I didn’t give it a second thought. The D-Kay is a really fun shoe, and like all Simple Shoes, it has a really cool makeup:

• Eco-certified suede eyestays


• Certified organic cotton laces


• A “pedbed” (the cushiony and supportive stuff at the bottom of the shoe) made of super soft and squishy polyurethane foam and recycled rubber


• Certified organic cotton lining and footbed


• A biodegradable sole made of recycled and natural rubber and EVA with Eco-Pure additive


• Water-based glue


• Foot form inserts made of post consumer recycled paper

And your D-Kays arrive in a shoebox made of post-consumer recycled paper, soy based printing ink, natural latex and starch based glue.

The other fab shoe in the collection is the women’s Flippee. Who doesn’t love—and live in—a great pair of flip-flops all summer long? This new flip-flop from Simple Shoes is just as eco-friendly as the D-Kay and just as stylish, if in more of a “I’d rather hit the beach than hit the skate park” sort of way (my sort of way). They have lots of fun color combos and I’m telling you, they look like the comfiest flip-flops a beach-goer could own!

If my tan can’t be sustainable, then I sure as heck want my shoes to be! Check out all Simple Shoes’ new arrivals for spring/summer on their website at SimpleShoes.com.—Emily

Sorel sent me a pair of their new, super stylin’ Sorellington rain boots. Typical me, I went with the black and white style; other color combos would really tax my already simple fashion brain and require a phone call to my friend Quinn in a panic asking her how to work them into an outfit. Here’s a little info about these little puddle jumpers:

The Sorellington combines all the comfort and protection you need in a Wellie with the durability and detail you expect from Sorel. Crafted with the same high-quality vulcanized rubber shell as our classic 1964 Pac boot, it features a bonded felt frost plug to insulate your footbed on colder days and a multi-directional lug outsole for grip.

When my black and white Sorellingtons arrived, I whipped those babies out of the box and tried them on, hiked up pant legs and all. I couldn’t believe how comfy they were! I’m no Wellie-aficionado but these might be the most padded, comfy rain boot around. Plus the tall shaft made them feel a bit more chic and stylish, at least in my humble, little opinion.

Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to sport them around. The couple times it snowed it melted immediately or snowed on a Sunday, and I didn’t think I could pull off wearing my Sorellingtons with my Sunday dress. But I have a feeling with it being a mild Utah winter, we’ll have a very slushy, rainy spring so I’ll have plenty of chances to test them out. Of course, George didn’t need an excuse to try out my new boots:

Perhaps I should take some fashion advice from George. He seems to have plenty of style for the both of us!—Emily

***Giveaway Sorel is giving away one pair of their Sorellington rain boots, winner’s choice!***

Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway; PLEASE leave a separate comment for each one you do:

•  Visit Sorel.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite shoe (women’s, children’s or men’s).
•  Become a fan of Sorel on Facebook and leave a comment telling us you joined.
•  Follow Sorel on Twitter and leave a comment telling is you’re their newest follower.
•  Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
•  Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL to your blog post.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: March 23, 2010 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Robin H., the winner of the Sorel giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

ScooterBees just launched it’s new 2010 collection, which features a line of supple leather shoes handmade in Peru. The company sent us the Bloom story (“a flower story from bud to bloom”) in a beautiful gray and you can believe I tried to make them fit Livi’s not-so-size-6.5 feet. The leather is super soft and dyed using vegetables and fruits grown at the tannery, so each color reflects the crop of the season. How cool is that? And the company doesn’t use the chemicals traditionally used in tanning leather so you can be sure each component of ScooterBees is made from sustainable and safe materials. As with their 2009 line, the company is all about being eco-friendly. The new collection features a midsole made from recycled carton and lined with recycled fleece fibers and an outsole made using natural and recycled rubber (PVC and phthalate free).

Here’s a really great little video I found on their site that shows how the ScooterBees StoryTelling Shoe works. (It would’ve taken me hours to try and put something like this together for you, and I was too busy trying to get Livi’s feet in those dang cute Bloom shoes!)

Do any of the shoes in your little one’s closet tell a story? I’m not talking the “I was worn while jumping in mud puddles” or “I’m her favorite pair of sparkly princess shoes.” I’m talking endangered animals or dinosaurs or egg in a nest to tweeting bird in just two flaps. If you want a unique gift this holiday that is as good for your child’s feet as it is for the environment then choose a story from either the bamboo or leather collections offered by ScooterBees.

So Livi’s feet never did fit into her ScooterBees shoes from the new 2010 collection. Can you tell I’m seriously sad about it? Fortunately she does have a BFF (yes, even at her young age) who is slightly smaller in stature and will be able to give these shoes a good test run. Guess I’ll have to settle for a review by proxy. Sigh…—Emily

*** Giveaway ScooterBees is giving away one pair of shoes, winner’s choice! Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway (please leave a separate comment for the ones you do):

•   Visit ScooterBees.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite product.
•   Follow ScooterBees on Twitter and leave a comment telling is you’re their newest follower.
•   Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
•   Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL to your blog post.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: December 14, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Heidi, the winner of the ScooterBees giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

Description:
“Whether you are going out to the lodge or shopping around town, your little snow bunny will be sure to impress at any winter soiree in these adorable boots. Made out of lovely Paula Prass fabric, and lined with super soft and cozy black fleece. These boots have black non-slip leather soles which are ideal for walking babies. Finally, these gorgeous boots are finished off with completely handmade pink roses reminiscent of the ones in the fabric. They even have gold edged leaves. ”
Size….....2…....3-6 months….....4”
Size….....3…....6-12 months…....4.5”
Size….....4…....12-18 months…...5”
Size….....5…....18-24 months…...5.5”

Snag these sweet boots for your little love right here>>

Last year I reviewed Bearpaw shoes and am already a fan of Uggs, but this year there’s a new fave in my closet and I have a feeling it will be worn a lot more than the others because it combines comfort, warmth and some serious style. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on—and toes in—a pair of Sorel boots so the company sent me the Shila from their newest line. (Oh, the sacrifices I make for our readers…) Though I think the Shila is one of their cutest styles I have to admit I can count at least five others that come close. I’m thinking it’s the combination of 45+ years of experience and some pretty talented product designers that make their line so irresistible!

So the Shila arrived, tie-up laces, wedge heel and all. My first thought was something like, “Dang! These boots are even cuter in person!” It was then followed by, “How did I not notice ‘SOREL’ written along the outside of the heel?” At first that was a bit off-putting, but that’s probably because I don’t love brand names printed noticeably on clothing. I think I would’ve preferred it to be the exact same color as the background (it is in the black) just so it blended in a bit more, but as it was the boot had enough chic style to compensate for this one little “flaw.”

Of course being cold-weather boots meant I had to wait for a nice wintry day to test them out, and fortunately for this review—but unfortunately for me because I hate snow—we actually had some snow fall yesterday, enough to warrant a thorough test drive. I pulled on Sorel’s Shila boots and opted for some straight-leg jeans so I could show off the super cute laces. I wore those shoes from about noon until about 6pm, even keeping them on while in the house, they were THAT comfortable. I swear the sole of the shoe had some serious cushioning but I had added spring in my step, something I’ve lost these past few crazy weeks. Though I love my Uggs and Bearpaws they don’t have near the comfort when it comes to the insole. My feet were toasty and looked fabulous, if I do say so myself. I did notice the SOREL printed on the boot wasn’t nearly as noticeable once the boots were on my feet, and no, that’s not just because they were harder to see. It really blended in well to the overall look, so I guess first impressions can be deceiving sometimes! (Gotta love my expression; it’s like I’m trying to pretend I really and truly do love snow. A for effort!)

Sorel has a wonderful line of boots for men and children as well so you can make sure everyone’s tootsies are warm this winter. If you happen to live someplace like Phoenix, I say buy a pair and then come up and visit me just so you can wear them! I already have my eyes on the Hoonah and Maribel in black…merry Christmas to me!—Emily

*** Giveaway! Sorel is giving away one pair of children’s boots, winner’s choice! Here’s how to enter. You can do as many of these as you’d like. Each one is worth one entry into our giveaway:
•   Visit Sorel.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite shoe style.
•   Follow Sorel on Twitter and leave a comment telling us you’re their newest follower.
•   Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL of your tweet.
•   Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with the URL to your blog post.

Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: November 5, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Chris S., the winner of the Sorel giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

ScooterBees shoes have a patent-pending design that allows the shoes to adjust to and fit the variety of widths and “chunkiness” (instep thickness) of each little foot. The company is all about the unique shape of baby and toddler feet and so the design focuses on their healthy development and protection. ScooterBees also us committed to the environment; they company uses only the highest quality, environmentally friendly materials such as recycled fibers derived from both post-industrial and post-consumer sources, including PET soda and water bottles. And all ScooterBees shoes are manufactured domestically in San Francisco, CA.

The health of your little one’s feet and the environment is all well and good but what sets ScooterBees shoes apart from the rest? Well, not only are they soft soled, durable, machine washable (gotta love machine-washable shoes!) and easy to take on and off, they are educational. Yes, I said educational. Each pair of shoes are designed with your child’s mind in mind. They have a little “story” complete with illustrations that help stimulate their imagination. The artwork is handcrafted with non-toxic paint and the shoes can be worn with different “pages” complete with colorful letters, numbers and images.

Our little Livi received the pink Growing Bird pair of ScooterBees and they are truly like no other pair of infant/toddler shoes she owns. They are super soft yet durable and I love how adjustable they are—heaven knows my kids have chunky, little feet! And being able to change around the flaps makes it so much fun! It’s like finding a little surprise every time she wears the shoes! I am a big fan of children’s products that are parent friendly, child friendly and to top it all off, environmentally friendly. It’s a hard combination to pull off but ScooterBees does it—and does it with style!—Emily

*** Giveaway! ScooterBees is giving away one pair of shoes, winner’s choice! Please visit ScooterBees.com and leave a comment telling us your favorite style of shoes; include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: July21, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* For an extra entry tweet about this giveaway and leave a separate comment with the URL of your tweet!

• Congratulations to Gina S., the winner of the ScooterBees giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

Foxpaws Shoes are designed using the highest quality materials and “luxury comfort soles” so fashion beautifully meets function for little feet. The effect is the perfect accessory for any outfit, whether it’s his favorite jeans and t-shirt or her favorite party dress. You can bet no other tot will be sporting the same pair of shoes, and while that may not matter as much as later in life, it’s never to early to make a fashion statement.

My little Livi received the Classic Giraffe shoes in size 6 (18-24 months). When I opened the box I swear I’d never seen such a fabulous pair of infant shoes in my life! Though a loafer style they reminded me of one of my favorite pairs of heels: black patent leather stiletto with a patch of leopard print over the toe. Before I know it Livi will be borrowing those heels, but until then she can strut around town in her Foxpaws. They are a little big for her now so we haven’t had any photo opps yet, but believe me, when she finally fits into them we’ll be snapping pics left and right!

What I love about Foxpaws Shoes is each one is truly one of a kind because of the authentic and unique real leather hides used in their construction. And though the website gives you a good idea as to the superior craftsmanship, it is best appreciated up close and personal. Trust me, these shoes are going to last many play dates and parties and will be passed down to the next lucky little girl.

Foxpaws Shoes carries a couple styles for boys but it’s the Cheetah Peek-A-Boo and Sleek Snake Boot that have me wishing they came in sizes larger than 24 months! What makes the company—and the shoes—even cooler in my book is their efforts to help abandoned and disadvantaged children in South America through the Orphanage Support Services Organization (OSSO). Foxpaws sends private donations to OSSO with each order to help sponsor children and orphanages in need. Foxpaws Shoes isn’t just another pretty shoe; it’s a shoe with style and substance!—Emily

* Promotion! Foxpaws Shoes is currently offering customers $10 off their order plus free shipping! Use code foxpaws09 when checking out. Hurry! This offer is for a limited time only!

Take today’s review on Simple Shoes. There isn’t one shoe in this line I don’t love. (Okay, maybe the Teetoe isn’t my favorite but I’m having a hard time getting into the whole gladiator look anyway.) With styles for men, women and children, this line of sustainable shoes is fashion friendly, wardrobe friendly and definitely environmentally friendly.

company uses a variety of materials in their shoes, from bamboo to hemp to wool. It’s amazing how chic their styles are considering they also use recycled carpet padding, plastics and recycled inner tubes! Just look at the Entire, which I received in the yummy chocolate brown. First thing I noticed? They are super cute. The second thing? They are super comfy. Though I only wore them around my home (keep in mind it was still snowing as of last week!), I could tell they’d be my go-to shoes this summer.

These little peep-toe sandals are from Simple Shoes’ ecoSNEAKS line and boast a silk upper with certified organic cotton knit linings. Now that’s the sort of normal stuff. What’s not so normal and rather cool is what else makes up this shoe: an outsole that used to be a car tire, a vulcanized rubber sidewall and heelcap and 100% post consumer paper pulp foot form. Wow! All that in super sweet peep-toe!

And not forgetting sustainable when it comes to the packaging, Simple Shoes are shipped in a “totally state-of-the-art/back-to-the-future post-consumer recycled box.” Some other nifty things about Simple Shoes:

• Glue-free assembly: By using sewing machines instead of extra glue to assemble the shoe components, their new Glue-Free Assembly reduces the amount of glue used to less than 5mL (think about the size of a thimble compared to the two shot glasses of glue that are usually required).


• Silk: It keeps your feet cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. Silk is featured on styles ranging from slides to sporty sneakers.


• Kids: They have great prints for infants and kids this spring but they company is even more excited about the new toddler collection being introduced in Fall 09. (I am really excited to since we’ll be reviewing a pair from the new collection this August!)

Eco-friendly and sustainable can be very fashionable words, especially when applied to footwear from Simple Shoes. Pick up a pair or two and do something good for your closet and the environment!—Emily

My first review of Eleven Collection was in November when George received his Luc boots. Those sleek black boots have officially made him the coolest kid at church, and I’m not just saying that because I’m his mom and think all my kids are super cool. Those boots are stylin’, sturdy, comfy and easy to get on and off. Plus their unisex style means our little Livi will get to follow in George’s footsteps in about two years. With Eleven Collection shoes you can bet your 529 plan they’ll last through two if not three kids and still look great. Here are the basics behind Eleven (from my previous post):

Eleven shoes feature soft leather uppers, and flexible, durable rubber soles for traction. With a cushioned insole and easy on-and-off Velcro or zipper closures, the shoes are just as child friendly as they are style friendly. Plus they are low maintenance (wish my kids were too) because the high-quality leather makes them naturally water resistant. You only need to use a mild detergent or leather cleaner to and damp rag to keep them looking their Sunday best.

George received the Joaquin from Eleven’s new spring line. The Joaquin is a simple yet classy brown leather sandal with a solid Velcro closure that’s sure to keep his feet in his shoes even when running at breakneck speed down a grassy hill. Plus the style is perfect for church, so he’ll still be the coolest three year old in his class. That’s all that really matters, right? He’s anxious to wear them but I have a feeling he won’t enjoy the feeling of snow between his toes. I’m thinking it should be at least 60 degrees outside before slipping on the Joaquins.

My other favorites from Eleven Collection’s latest styles are the Caper, Kasota and Laura—that pink and red Mary Jane is to die for! Similar to See Kai Run, the price tag on these shoes is a bit higher than what you might pay at a big box retailer but they will last a lot longer (multiple children for sure) and are a lot healthier for your little one’s feet. Check out their sale page where you can pick up a pair of Elevens for as little as $20. That kind of price puts a little spring in my step!—Emily

** Giveaway! Eleven Collection is giving away one pair of their super sweet shoes, winner’s choice! Please visit Eleven Collection’s website and leave a comment here telling us your favorite style. Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: April 9, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

No matter how many times we feature See Kai Run on the Daily Dish, I can’t get enough! Hopefully you’re not satiated either or we’ll have to stop reviewing their latest and greatest and simply-the-cutest styles and you’ll miss out on one of our favorite giveaways—and some fabulous shoes to boot (pun totally intended)!

Today’s featured shoe is from See Kai Run’s new Spring Collection, and it is to die for! The Jennae takes the peep-toe style and turns it into a shoe fit for your mini me! It comes complete with butter-soft sheepskin leather in a delicious raspberry color accented with cream piping and the sweetest little flower on the strap. Like other See Kai Run shoes it features a flexible sole, which makes it perfect for growing feet but can hold up to all those outdoor garden parties. Unfortunately, we live in Utah and you won’t find garden parties until mid June. Peep toe and snow don’t mix well!

In true See Kai Run style, the Jennae has a generous width with a wider toe box. This means even the chubbiest of feet can wear See Kai Run shoes. Honestly, we have not had a pair that hasn’t fit perfectly, and I’ve tried out many pairs and two sets of chunky feet! The shoes also have a breathable inner sole and lining, so no juicy feet even in warmer weather. (Maybe I should see about getting some custom-made SKR’s for myself!)

For some the price tag that comes with a pair of See Kai Run shoes is a bit high, but I’m telling you, they are more than worth it. These shoes last forever, and once your little one has grown out of them you can hand them down to the next—often in near perfect condition. And if you don’t have a “next,” See Kai Run shoes have great resale value. Plus right now See Kai Run has a few of their styles on sale in both their main collection and their newer Smaller line. Just try to control yourself when looking at the new Spring Collection. Like myself (and Depeche Mode), you won’t be able to get enough either!—Emily

** Giveaway! See Kai Run is giving away one pair of shoes, winner’s choice! Please visit the See Kai Run website and leave a comment telling us your favorite SKR style. Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: April 7, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Sky S., the winner of the See Kai Run giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

Reason being is I received a pair of ENDfootwear PBnJ running shoes and with the shoes on my feet I pretty much now like running, which is reason alone for me to love these shoes.

I am an avid walker. I walk 5 days a week, but, sometimes I wish I were a runner. I like the way running makes you feel. You lose your breath. You sweat. You get tired. All the things that indicate you are really working out. Running really conditions my heart. So, for all those reasons I try to do the walk/run thing occasionally, but, I always seem to end up walking.

Turns out my shoes may have been the problem (yeah I am sure it is ALL that…nothing to do with my lack of determination or anything;) But, really I do think the shoes were a bigger problem than I ever realized. I buy Nike’s-always have. I usually buy whatever is on sale. For the most part, I like what I buy. They fit me well and they look good. But, sometimes you don’t know what you are missing until you experience something different.

ENDfootwear sent me a pair of PBnJ running shoes and now I know what I have been missing! They really are onto something. Minimalist construction that streamlines mesh webbing and supportive lining make it a light-weight shoe that gives you a skip in your step. The shoes feel drastically different from my other running shoes. They support my arches but feel light in all the other areas of the shoe.

The construction of the shoe is made with natural materials like bamboo-infused linings and non-toxic glues eliminating all unnecessary plastics and components to make it a very light running shoe.

And let’s not forget to talk about the looks of the shoe…
It is a simple design with rich colors. Ranging in 3 colors in the PBnJ women style: sapphire and white, celery and white or white and grapefruit. I like the simplicity of having one main color along with an accent color. Nothing too loud or obnoxious down below. Just a simple running shoe that is very streamlined in the color and design. Environmental Neutral Design shoes might be just the thing to get you running.

Available at R.E.I or online at ENDfootwear.com.

This auction is for my sample pair, toddler size 8 never worn.

Snag these sweet shoes for your honey bunny on eBay from sweettoesboutique >>

So, you can see I have a problem. I like fashion and I pay the price.

However, I won’t be paying much more…I just discovered Switchflops.

With these sandals I can change the look instantly by replacing the colorful straps. Essentially creating my very own shoe to coordinate with just about everything in my closet. Not to mention leaving so much more space in my closet as well. Now I won’t have several shoes stacked in every nook and cranny.

This unique concept is so easy to get what you want. First, you select your sole. They have classic 1” flats, added lift wedge and a little kitten heel option for a more sophisticated look. Each style comes in an array of colors so that your sole can match your straps. Next is selecting the wide assortment of straps. Now this is where you have to practice some self-control! The strap designs are endless. Switchflops strap collection has a little bit for everyone. You will find nautical stripes, bright florals, safari prints, even patent leather straps.

I tried the 1 inchers and they were ideal for me. I like having a bit of padding but not too much stacking in the sole. Some flip-flops are really rigid and flat, which make it difficult to break in and hard on your arches, but, not with Switchflops. The cushion instantly conformed to my feet and there was not a bit of discomfort initially or by the end of the day.

Another area that can be a sore spot with flip-flops is the toe strap. I put my Switchflops to the test and flip-flopped my way around town the entire day and too my delight I was never bothered by the toe strap. This was great considering my spot in between the toes usually get irritated and red by end of the day.

For a mere $32 for the sole and $12 for additional straps now you can afford to flip flop. – Amber

Switchflops available online at www.switchflops.com

This time I wanted to showcase what I call pediped’s party shoes. No, they don’t specifically have a party line, but they totally could. I was sent the original Naomi in silver for our little Livi. Though the Isabella is my most favorite of their dress shoes, the Naomi runs a close second (and goes with more outfits). Livi was too young to have an opinion about her red patent Isabellas but when she saaw the Naomis through the window of their gift box, she immediately went over, opened the box and took one out. If that weren’t cute enough she then turned to me and handed me the shoe so I could put it on her. Livi didn’t care that they were still a little too big. She was off and running (well, toddling…she is only 16 months) in her Naomis and protested much when she had to take them off for naptime. She might be their next biggest fan!

Looking at the Naomi and the Isabella, you can tell pediped shoes are big on style but did you know they are also big on comfort? pediped Footwear promotes quality foot health and development and the company has been awarded both the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance and recommended as a top footwear choice in the 2007 Consumer Reports Best Baby Products Guide.

So why is pediped a dream come true? Because they have partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to helping grant the wishes of terminally ill children. pediped is making dreams come true by offering a very rare promotion on its website. (Rare because this is only the second time the company has made such an offer.) From December 17th through the 31st, pediped is reducing the price of select footwear and will donate 50% of the sales from these shoes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

This is the first time pediped has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and through its fundraising efforts the company has already raised over $87,000, enough to grant the wishes of 12 children with life-threatening medical conditions. You can view some of the granted wishes and keep up to date on pediped’s goal by visiting the Make-A-Wish page on their website.

This special online fundraising event is good only through the end of December. You can learn more about this fundraiser and view the select footwear at pediped.com.—Emily

Once you get a glimpse—and a feel—of Bearpaw Shoes you won’t even remember the name of that “other” boot company. Bearpaw is all about keeping warm while looking hot. Good enough for me! I actually met the owner of Bearpaw Shoes in the airport on my way home from MAGIC in Las Vegas. He is the nicest person you could sit next to at an airport restaurant. I could tell he had passion for his company and his positive attitude was extremely contagious. I believe you can tell a lot about a company from its CEO, and this one was sending out a very good vibe.

But back to the shoes…Bearpaw has an amazing collection of shoes, from your standard comfy suede boot and your not-so-standard exotic boot to clogs, slippers, sandals and even a few fab pairs for kids. (I love the Hazel!) Did you know sheepskin, “nature’s technical fabric,” regulates body temperature (i.e. keeps feet cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold) and its hollow fibers wick moisture, keeping feet dry. The suede upper naturally resists dirt and water, and the extra thickness allows boots to keep their shape longer.

I’m currently—and by currently I mean right now as I write this review—wearing Bearpaw’s Eva in Sand (similar to the black one pictured). This suede boot with its sheepskin lining has kept my toes toasty in even the chilliest weather. The corner of the dining room where my computer sits has a slight draft, and though my fingers are still a bit frostbitten, my toes haven’t been in weeks! These shoes are so comfy I’ve worn them all day, only taking them off at night because I generally don’t wear shoes to bed. My feet have never gotten too hot, even when worn with fuzzy socks, and never been cold even when worn without any socks at all. Next to my slippers, which I just can’t get myself to wear to the grocery store, my Evas are my favorite pair of all-weather shoes (and I can wear them to any grocery store I please!).

Now that I’ve dispelled the myth of the sole suede and sheepskin shoemaker, aren’t you glad? Bearpaw Shoes has so much more to offer us shoe buyers and it’s all wrapped up in super comfy, super cozy, super “hot” style.—Emily

Eleven Collection is right in step with See Kai Run’s tradition of flexibility and great style, but Eleven is solely for older children from age 3 to 8 years. Eleven shoes feature soft leather uppers, and flexible, durable rubber soles for traction. With a cushioned insole and easy on-and-off Velcro or zipper closures, the shoes are just as child friendly as they are style friendly. Plus they are low maintenance (wish my kids were too) because the high-quality leather makes them naturally water resistant. You only need to use a mild detergent or leather cleaner to and damp rag to keep them looking their Sunday best.

My little George received the new Luc boot in black, and although I love the super soft leather and how easy it is for him to put on and take off the shoes (one less thing I have to do), my favorite thing about the Luc is that it’s gender neutral. You can’t find too many gender-neutral shoes that are also fashion friendly, and those of us with multiple kids and a mix of genders love having a shoe that can be passed down through the family. The minute George saw his new boots he had them on for a test drive around the house!

We also received the Sofia but because the shoe sizes start at a 9, our little Livi has a little while before she can wear them. I’m practically counting the days! I have a feeling she’ll want to eat, sleep and play in these super cute metallic Mary Janes, and I’ll be okay with that. At least she’ll be eating, sleeping and playing in super chic style. The color goes with everything, and like my favorite pair of shimmery heels they can be dressed up or down. The Sofia is a popular seller—like that’s a surprise! What little girl wouldn’t want to wear her own pair of magical golden shoes?

Comfortable, durable, stylish children’s shoes are hard to find, especially for those hard-on-their-shoes ages between 3 and 8 years. After checking out Eleven Collection’s line of chic, high-quality shoes, Eleven will become your new favorite number too!—Emily

See Kai Run is known for their chic styles, superb fit and most importantly for me, their durability. I have a pair of black boots George wore as a walker and they are in perfect condition for Livi to use. Unfortunately her feet are a lot chunkier than Geroge and she outgrew them before she could wear them! Right now I’m anxiously waiting for George’s feet to get big enough to fit into his new Kian boots. Well, I’m not anxiously waiting since that means he’s growing up, but they are really cool.

But today’s review is not about See Kai Run’s new fall styles, as cool as they are (check out the Melody—to die for!). Today’s review is about See Kai Run’s new Smaller line, soft-soled booties designed specifically for infants age 0 to 18 months. Smaller soft-soled booties are made from the same butter-soft sheepskin leather uppers as the original and combine a suede sole with non-slip rubber pads for extra protection and traction. That means these babies are perfect for crawling and cruising. A breathable leather lining and Velcro closures—and their Velcro actually sticks—make them easy to put on and take off and comfy to wear.

Livi received the Tine, a sweet little black ballet flat with white piping. They’re the perfect shoe, easily going from daytime to nighttime like my favorite pair of grownup ballet flats. I don’t break a sweat trying to put them on her chunky little feet and the softer sole has been perfect for her wobbly walking. Smaller booties are available in 15 new styles and are packaged in a snazzy metallic silver box with a see-through window; no gift wrapping necessary!

** Giveaway! See Kai Run is giving away a pair of shoes to two lucky Daily Dish readers! (We have one pair of Jakes, size 12-18m, and one pair of Monicas, size 6-9m.) Please leave a comment telling us your favorite new Smaller style; include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: November 7, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Amy P. and Tricia H., the winners of our See Kai Run giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

If you aren’t familiar with Söfftt Shoe the company makes beautiful, handmade European-inspired shoes with sexy silhouettes and comfort to boot (pun definitely intended). Once again I was able to test two styles from the new fall collection, the Simone and the Fiorentino.

The Simone is a peep-toe style shoe with about a 1 1/2” heel, but even with its heel height it still comes off as a sleek little flat. The design is a little on the funkier side with its square toe, shimmering patent leather (go for the red) and chrome accents. To be honest it wasn’t love at first sight (except for the color). I worried a bit about the square toe style on a flat, but once it was on it was love at second sight. I saw the genius in the design—this shoe makes anyone’s foot look fabulous! No surprise it’s comfortable on the first wear since it has Söfft’s leather-lined footbed and a stacked heel (covered in red leather, no less) that gives great support.

The Fiorentino is a 3 1/4-inch, who-knew- Mary-Janes-could-be-that-sexy heel that had me hyperventilating as I pulled the pair out of the box. I love a Mary Jane, I love leather and I love 3-inch+ heels and the combination is to die for in this shoe. I’ve already drooled over their shiny pewter-colored patent leather and sweet button wrap detailing, not to mention the totally unique curved stacked heel. My first thought was, “Yay! Finally a heel that won’t get stuck in those dang grooves in the sidewalk!” The baby doll toe was dainty yet a little sexy and they have that same leather-lined footbed as all Söfft Shoes. I wonder how they look with pj’s? I’m almost tempted to find out…

Even though this review is a little on the lengthy side (can you blame me? It’s all about great shoes!) I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my other favorites like the Fara boot and the Venessa heel. Okay, okay, I have lots of favorites when it comes to Söfft Shoes, but can you blame me? Didn’t think so!—Emily

For this review I was able to try two styles of Söfft shoes, so I carefully browsed the site for both a flat and a heel so I could get a well rounded “feel” of both Söfft’s style and comfort. (Sigh…this job definitely has its perks!) It was a very hard decision (you try just choosing two!) but I finally went with the Pilar flat in pewter and the Vivian high heel in black patent…and then I anxiously waited for the UPS man to knock on my door.

The Pilar got its test run at a family birthday party and were the perfect complement to skinny-leg jeans. The insole was super cushy and I loved the added touches like the corset lace and bow on the back of the heel. They did take a little breaking in (a warm day where you’re on your feet the whole time is not the best first-run for any new patent leather shoe) but that was related more to the stiff patent leather rather than the nicely padded insole. And I absolutely love it when a company adds a finishing touch by putting something decorative on the sole of the shoe, which Söfft does with a beautiful floral pattern. (Note: this shoe runs about a half size small.) I’ve worn these shoes quite a few times already and they are definitely one of my favorite pairs of shoes!

The Vivian is all sass, and what woman doesn’t love a sassy pair of shoes! These peep-toe slings have a 3 1/2” heel (great for showing off the legs this summer) and look perfect whether you’re wearing a skirt, jeans, or dressy bermuda shorts. And again, Söfft adds a great little touch with French piping and stacked heel (and that fun floral print on the sole). I have very few pairs of heels I can wear all day and so I’m more than happy the Vivian is one of them. I may have to get another color, especially that yummy red. Talk about sassy!

And I know this review covers Söfft’s Spring 2008 collection, but you’ve got to check out Fall 2007. They have some to die for boots and heels. I’m hoping these are still available because I think I’m going to have to buy the Calypso, the Modena III, and maybe even the Regina. It’s not too early for Christmas shopping, is it?—Emily

** Giveaway! Söfft Shoe Company is giving away one pair of shoes, winner’s choice Please leave a comment telling us your favorite Sofft shoe; include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: June 3, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

** Congratulations to Julie R., the winner of the Sofft Shoe giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!

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