After years of not being able to find stylish dresses that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip), owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it. They visited trade shows, marketplaces and designer studios only to discover the problem was not that department stores weren’t buying the right dresses, but that designers weren’t designing them.

Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything else. A return to what dresses were always meant to be — a one-piece outfit. No need to add anything…no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing (except accessories, of course!).

I received the Daisy dress, which can be found under Flirty. (Sounds like my kind of dress!) This crisp, white, hail-the-sunshine eyelet dress has one of my favorite features of all time: puff sleeves. And for my shorter torso the dress’ empire waist and A-line skirt is perfect! As pleasant a surprise as the puff sleeves is its length—it actually hits my knees! (What I lose in torso I make up for in inseam…) The Daisy is fully lined so no impromptu—and embarrassing—bra sightings, plus its rayon/cotton blend fabric means it travels well. The yellow grosgrain ribbon isn’t attached so you can change up the dress simply by changing the ribbon! Traveling well is a really, really good thing since I have yet to wear this dress outside our home so I’ll be making up for lost time by packing it for our cruise in September. (It’s almost May and we’re still experiencing 30-degree weather at night and the rare 60-degree day. Are you kidding me?)

Others can vouch for Shabby Apple’s drool-worthy design. I know for a fact Daria is all over the Lois Lane and envisions herself wearing it at the BlogHer conference in July. I’m debating whether to don A Sunday Afternoon or Tender is the Night. Perhaps I should get both just to be safe!

In true Shabby Apple style you can’t forget the accessories, the little fashionista or the mama-to-be. Along with the delectable dresses you’ll find scrumptious jewelry, handbags and shoes for you, the sweetest dresses for little girls and belly-flattering maternity dresses. Shabby Apple leaves nothing to chance, especially style!—Emily

* Promotion! Shabby Apple is offering Daily Dish readers 15% off their purchase! Simply enter code SABoutique when checking out. Offer expires May 28th, 2009. (Think of it as a Mother’s Day present to yourself—you totally deserve it!)

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!

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

Trina from Allegro Mfg. Inc. is a collection of cosmetic and accessory bags that “merge high style with practicality.” My current selection of makeup bags can boast practicality but they’re a far cry from stylish, so I was elated to learn I would be reviewing one of Trina’s travel bags from the new 2008 Fall/Winter collection.

I received the Square Weekender in the new Get in Line design. I’m more a basic than floral girl so I of course loved the wide brown and ivory stripes on the outside of the bag. The hardware was solid and high quality—I did multiple pulls to check—and when opened, this simple looking Weekender offered a world of organizing possibilities. There were zippers and pockets and more pockets and dividers. I was in total heaven as I found a place for everything (pomade and razor included) and everything had a place.

This fabulous Weekender traveled to Kauai and back (I should test all my travel gear in Hawaii) and passed with flying colors. I went from three random “practical” bags to one totally stylish, totally travel friendly Weekender from Trina. Trina’s collection of makeup and accessory bags range in price from $19 to $120; the Get in Line Weekender is actually about $80. Believe me, I wouldn’t normally spend that much on a travel bag (or any bag) but this one is worth every penny. To find out where you can purchase a bag from Trina’s collection, call Allegro Mfg. Inc. (Trina’s design house) at (323) 724-0101.—Emily

Sure, PeaceLoveMom has comfy tees in great colors but they also have some rockin’ designs. And by rockin’ I mean really cool designs that are all about mom. The three moms behind PeaceLoveMom are all about “creating designs that will both inspire and empower mothers everywhere” and the collection “represents a collaboration and true celebration of motherhood.” We definitely need more celebrating of motherhood, and these tees do it with style.

I received the Lucky Mom Mint Tee, which is all about feeling lucky 24/7 because you’re a mom. While I don’t necessarily adhere to that way of thinking, having four kids (five if you count my DH), I truly love the design. The first thing I noticed about this cute cap-sleeve t-shirt was the slightly glittery ink used in the design; it was sparkly without being blingy (I don’t do bling). The design itself was awesome (I don’t do cheesy) and I loved the little graphic on the back of the neck. The fit was flattering and comfortable, probably due to the 100% soft cotton jersey, tapered waist and longer length. And I can attest to its washability since I’ve worn and washed this t-shirt just about every week! It became one of my faves overnight, and that’s saying a lot since I have quite the collection of t-shirts.

If you’re gearing up for some cold weather you’ll love PeaceLoveMom’s Cozy Mom Thermals. They also have a few tank tops, fuller-cut tees and a fun kids collection. I am totally loving their hat collection too!

We really ought to remind ourselves to enjoy the journey that is motherhood, and PeaceLoveMom is a great way to do so. If you’re having one of those days, just throw on your favorite pair of jeans paired with your favorite PeaceLoveMom tee, add a smile and you can at least fake it til you believe it! I love the “Language of PeaceLoveMom,” which you can read on their About Us page—and you really ought to read it. It’s a wonderful reminder about why we should celebrate motherhood 24/7.—Emily

** Giveaway PeaceLoveMom is giving away one of their Grateful Mom grass green thermal tees(a $50 value)! Please leave a comment telling us your favorite PeaceLoveMom tee and your favorite thing about motherhood. (Don’t forget to include a valid email address for our drawing.) Then post the contest on your blog and let us know for an extra entry! We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: November 20, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* Promotion! PeaceLoveMom is offering Daily Dish readers free shipping! Simply enter code BOUTIQUEMOMS at checkout. Offer expires November 30, 2008.

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!

The isABelt is a virtually invisible, fully adjustable belt uniquely designed to keep your pants back-gap free. The isABelt is clear and though only a half-inch wide is strong enough to fight gravity. I had to put this new belt to the test for my sake and the sake of every stranger who’s had a glimpse of my unmentionables. I opened my isABelt and carefully read the instructions for adjusting its length. Note: it does not adjust like a bra strap! Even with instructions it took a couple false starts to grasp the concept but once I did it was smooth sailing. I adjusted it enough to fit snugly yet comfortably through the waistband, shimmied it towards the bottom of the belt loops and then secured it just under the front button. And then the real test began.

I squatted, bent over as if I were picking up toys (something I do a LOT) and sat down. Though my pants had a little vertical motion it was a vast improvement from my pre-isABelt days. And unless you want to adjust the belt so tight you can’t breathe, expect a little movement. But a little movement is better than a natural air vent down the back of your pants!

The isABelt is my new friend and should be yours as well. It is available in three sizes plus options for juniors, plus-size women and even men. (One should be included with every plumber’s standard “uniform.”) Right now you can get isABelt’s limited-edition Breast Cancer Awareness belt, which is clear with sweet little pink ribbons. Proceeds from this belt benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.—Emily

*** Giveaway isABelt is giving away three of their fabulous belts! Please leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winners from the comments and contact them via email. Deadline: October 9, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* Congratulations to Heather R., Mary J., and Kathy D., the winners of the isABelt 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!

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!