• Casual shoes

While casual footwear for men can vary from sneakers to loafers, never underestimate the fashionable allure of a casual lace-up shoe. Don’t get these confused with sneakers, though. A casual shoe may look as laidback as a sneaker, but it isn’t as functional. It’s not made for wear in any kind of weather, and some may not be the most comfortable choice for days when you’re doing a lot of physical activity. You can wear your casual shoes with a pair of jeans and a sweater and you’ll be set for a day at the mall or an afternoon at the movies. Shopping tip: If you’re buying a suede or leather shoe (which is probably a good idea), buy the protector spray your salesperson tries to sell you at the cash. This will protect your new kicks from the unpredictable elements spring sometimes offers, ensuring their longevity as a staple in your wardrobe. Also, when it comes to picking a color, go for brown — it’s a more dynamic neutral than black.

• Dress Shoes

Men have been wearing some variation of the Oxford for ages, and the fact that this shoe still looks slick at formal functions proves that a modern black Oxford never goes out of style. Wear it with slacks at the office or with a suit at any formal function. Just don’t wear them with jeans — mixing dressy and casual pieces tends to look a little unpolished and confusing.

Shopping tip: Pick an Oxford with an elongated square toe box and make sure to go with a less “chunky” heel since sleeker is superior this spring.

• Boots

Black ankle boots are good for office wear. Wear them with your best black or gray slacks and you’ve got a great business look for the spring. They are a good transitional item if you’re going out after work as well. Simply remove your blazer, and the right pair of boots will add a touch of modern sophistication to your newly dressed-down outfit.

Shopping tip: Pick an ankle boot with a square toe and a lower, less chunky heel. Lace-ups are a no-no if you want to pull of a sophisticated look.

• Sneakers

The right pair of outdoor sneakers is not only trendy, but you can get a lot of wear out of them too. Pick a pair that’s neutral in color (but don’t shy away from a subtle multi-colored pair), virtually flat and possibly water-resistant. Wear your modern sneakers with any wash of jean and your favorite vintage T-shirt, and you’ve got yourself the perfect casual outfit.

Shopping tip: Avoid buying running or basketball sneakers unless you’re performing either sport. “Outdoor” sneakers have the casual look of a regular sneaker, but lend a trendier air to your favorite pair of jeans

For Women

• Ladies who prefer skirt or pant suits should opt for closed toe shoes in a contrasting colour.

• Stiletto heels give a more corporate look to your attire, but you could also experiment with kitten heels and the like.

• Black is the most preferred colour when it comes to women’s shoes, but ladies can also try and match their shoes with the colour of their pants/skirts.

For Men

• Men should stick to the more traditional colours such as blacks and browns.

• It is also advised that men generally try to match the colour of their shoes with their belt.

• Dark coloured socks are generally the norm. Make sure that the elastic has not worn out to prevent them from gathering around your ankles.

Men’s clothing for spring emphasises all things uniform – work or military. Safari Jackets are included as part of the military look, as are cargo pockets on pants and shorts. Look for additional pockets on casual shirts. 

Stripes are in. On everything – pants, neckwear, shirts! Seersucker in non-traditional colors, and pin and chalk stripes (suit pant styles) in casual trousers. Even jeans will have pinstripes. Shirts feature colorful stripes and neckwear in suit pinstripes. Pairing tie and shirt stripes are the coordination challenge for spring.

• Pants:

Casual pants will take inspiration from uniforms featuring heavier fabrics such as canvas, visible zippers, and big cargo pockets for holding all the cell phones, MP3’s and other required electronic gear!! 

Dress trousers are offered in patterns. You’ll be able to choose checks, windowpane, Glen paid, or country tweeds.

• Jackets:

Two button jackets with high stance will replace three button in both suits and sports jackets. You might even see a fashion forward one-button suit in some designers’ lines. Pinstripes will be the major pattern in spring suits with some Glen paid getting attention. 

• Belts:

Casual belts will have smaller buckles with elaborately detailed leathers such as distressed leather, engraving and texture.

• Bags:

Oversized totes in canvas, leather or exotic leather will be an option competing with briefcases and messenger bags for spring. It’s the answer to where to put your cell phone, palm pilot, laptop, lunch…. 

• Colors:

The big spring color will be BLUE in all shades from soft to vivid. Blue will also be big for watch face backgrounds. Other popular spring colors are green (military olive, jungle and celery), brown (unusual for spring), rose, and white.

The trend in swim wear will be to solids with cargo pockets in longer lengths, and darker colors. There still will be room in the stores for prints of florals and dragons, and fun colors like orange, red, lemon yellow and even white! 

• Shoes:

Pointed toes in brown will be the “in vogue” choice.

• Fabrics:

Superfine wools will be featured along with linen blended with almost every other fiber! You’ll be able to find garments in linen/cotton, linen/cashmere, and even linen/denim combinations. Lightweight suede will be popular for shirts. The high-tech trend will continue with spill proof, no wrinkle fabrics, and washable suede and leather. Corduroy, normally big in winter/fall will make inroads into spring.

• Shades:

Sunglasses for spring and summer have gone masculine, overshadowing the unisex styles of the past few years. Blue continues to be the dominant lens shade, but look out; brown is strongly increasing in popularity. Even though the big hit are Aviators, plastic frames are slightly more popular than metal.

Soon to be brides often worry themselves sick for perfect wedding accessories to match their bridal trousseau. Getting bridal shoes in exactly the same shade of white, cream or ivory is not as easy as it sounds. We have an easy solution for you. Just dye the best style of plain, white and simple silk or satin shoes that you are comfortable in, in the desired shade, and decorate them for your wedding day. If you are the bridesmaid or maid of honor, you can lessen the anxiety of your beloved bride by helping her design her own dream bridal shoes. It is very simple and quick to make craft too.

Things You Will Need:

• Decorative Items such as Beads, Lace, Pearls, Flowers or Charms
• Fabric Glue
• Hair Clips
• Needle and Thread
• Silk or Satin Shoes
• Sponge
• Strong Black Coffee in a Bowl

Method:

• Brew up strong black coffee and pour it in a bowl.
• Dip the sponge in the coffee and squeeze it well.
• Wipe one shoe with the sponge lightly.
• Let it dry to see the shade that the shoe acquires.
• Apply as many coats as required to get the exact shade that you want.
• Repeat the process of dyeing the other shoe.
• Make sure that colors of both the shoes match.
• Keep in mind that once the shoes dry, the color will be lighter.
• Take time to get the exact shade.
• Beautify the shoes with embellishments such as beads, pearls and glowers around toe and heel and stick them in place using fabric glue.
• Use hair clips to hold decorations in their right place for some time until the glue dries.
• You may also stitch some of the embellishments such as beads and pearls using needle and thread to attach them more securely

Unlike many adults, kids don’t really enjoy shopping for shoes. But at the rate they outgrow them, trying shoes on is absolutely essential for growing feet. Here are some tips that will help you be certain that your children’s shoes fit properly, and remove some of the nightmare elements of shopping for kids’ shoes.

When to Buy New Shoes for Your Child

Unless your child complains that they are uncomfortable, you may not know when it’s time for a new pair of shoes. It’s a good idea to periodically check your children’s shoes to make sure what they’re wearing is still working for them.

Look for particularly worn areas, or stressed seams. If the sides are bulging or wearing out more quickly than the rest of the shoe, then they may not be wide enough. Toes that bend upwards are also a sign of shoes that don’t fit properly, and worn out toes or heels can also mean it’s time for a new pair of shoes.

Shopping Tips for Children’s Shoes

• Shoe shopping should always be done later in the afternoon or evening, since feet swell over the course of the day.
• If you’re child is particularly not into shoe shopping, look for a store that specializes in children’s footwear, as the staff should be well-versed in how to deal with the reluctant shoe shopper.
• While there are so many cute and trendy shoes available for kids, unless it’s for a very special occasion, it’s best to avoid overspending as children outgrow shoes so quickly and new shoe occasions are seemingly always right around the corner.

Choosing Shoes for Children

• Children’s shoes should have laces, velcro or some other fastening system. As a general rule, avoid backless or slip-on shoes for kids.
• Look for shoes made from breathable materials, such such as canvas or leather. In addition to being more durable, they will help to keep the child’s foot cooler and dryer, helping to prevent blisters, discomfort, and smelly shoes.
• While they may look cute, always avoid heels on children’s shoes. Not only is it difficult for kids to walk in heels, they are particularly bad for proper foot development. When it comes to children’s shoes, stick with flats and even soles.
• Look for a pattern or textured sole, as this will provide traction and help prevent your child from easily slipping on slick surfaces.
• Soles should be sturdy and thick enough to protect the feet from pain and injury, but the sole also needs to be flexible too so that it will bend with the foot.
• Once you’ve found shoes that fit and are appropriately designed for a child’s feet, allow your children some input as to which shoes they prefer. It’s bound to make for a better shopping experience if they get to choose a color or design they like from shoes that fit well and are appropriate for growing feet.