LilSugar

Mommy's Lil Helper: Sole Mates

babysugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:30:00 PDT

Katie Holmes, Kate Beckinsale, and Victoria Beckham are a few moms who don't let children get in the way of fashion. Sporting heels at the beach, playground, or pool are no big deal to these glam mommies. More in tune with Jennifer Garner's sneaker style or Reese Witherspoon's flats fetish, I don't bother much with heels.
This Summer, however, has thrown me into a tizzy with weddings galore on beaches, lawns, and other outdoor settings. Thankfully, I've got Sole Mates to lend me a helping, well, heel. The plastic heel covers are intended to keep your slim sticks from sinking into grass, grates, or other tough-to-manage surfaces. The $20 accessories spared my Jimmy Choos an untimely death and me the embarrassment of popping up and down in the turf. They also allowed me to chase my wee one around the lawn without hesitation. I dare say some of my mom friends had mom envy.

Bridal Friday - Rainbow Parasols Add a Splash of Color

Annie Scudder — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:40:57 PDT

These bridesmaids have a rainbow connection - Green Wedding Shoes
Download this ultimate wedding planning checklist! - SavvySugar
Vintage travel wedding ideas - The Wedding Chicks
The peplum trend comes to wedding gowns - The Bride's Guide
A romantic elopement on a prairie - Style Me Pretty
Festive neon wedding inspiration - 100 Layer Cake
How to plan a same-sex wedding at Tokyo Disney - Equally Wed
8 sky-high updos that are perfect for brides - Glamour
Find your sole mate: pairs perfect for walking down the aisle - FabSugar

Find Your Wedding Sole Mate - 15 Pairs Perfect For Walking Down the Aisle

Marisa Tom — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:02 PDT

You've snagged the wedding dress of your dreams, now it's time to find its perfect sole mate. When it comes down to it, it's all about mastering that vision from head to toe. Thus, polish off your bridal look with the perfect heel (or flat). For every bride, we've got your wedding shoe match: a metallic-infused Vera Wang caged heel will inject an edgier sense of glamour, a modernist white T-strap Zara sandal will work itself into your post-wedding wardrobe, and a gauzy bow-tie BHLDN pump will provide a princess-worthy vibe. Take a look inside - there are 15 gorgeous pairs at every price point, just begging to walk with you down the aisle.

Find the Perfect Pair of Running Shoes For Your Feet

Zelana Montminy — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:47:16 PDT

Spring is the perfect time to recommit to your running routine, and buying some new sneakers might just be the motivation you need to get out the door. Since the shelves of colorful shoes lining the walls of your local sportswear store can be overwhelming, we talked to a running-shoe specialist to get the lowdown on finding your sole mate.

After you lace up your new sneaks, watch our video on the best way to tie your laces so they stay put.

The 3 Most Common Mistakes Runners Make

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:22:09 PDT

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise, because besides burning major calories and toning your tush, it costs pennies compared to other sports. If you're a runner at heart, be sure to avoid these three most common mistakes.

Wearing Sneakers For Too Long
Your trusty old pair was there for you when you shaved two minutes off your 10K time and later conquered your first half, but that doesn't mean you should wear them forever. The lack of cushion and shock absorption that comes from wear and tear can result in foot pain or a more serious injury - make sure to retire an old pair every 200 to 350 miles (about four to six months, depending on how much you run). You could always buy the exact same pair you know and love, but if you're looking for a new sole mate, here are tips on how to find the perfect pair of running sneakers.

Skipping the Postrun Stretch Session
It's hard enough squeezing in a run during your busy day, but stretching those muscles you worked so hard is a must. Increasing flexibility in often-tight hamstrings, calves, shins, and quads can prevent shin splints and runner's knee, as well as lower back pain. A good stretching session can also prevent tomorrow's soreness. Try this yoga sequence to loosen tight hips and hamstrings.

Being Married to Running
You love running. We get it. And even if you're training for your first marathon, running as your sole form of exercise is a big no-no. Since overusing the same muscles can cause repetitive stress injuries, incorporate other forms of exercise into your routine. Biking, swimming, yoga, and strength training are perfect complements because they'll strengthen other muscles, which will make you a faster runner with better endurance. Not to mention, taking a break from running makes you love it even more.

10 Super Chic Foldable Flats For the Girl on-the-Go

Marisa Tom — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:12 PDT

Want to know the secret to happy feet? We've discovered it - and it's so compact, it actually fits inside our handbag. Two words: foldable flats. These versatile, super stealthy soles have come a long way since the basic black Dr. Scholl's Fast Flats (which we love, too!) and to date, we've spotted ultracool versions in snakeskin, metallic, and patent leather. Whether you plan on donning these ballet-inspired shoes all day or swapping them out for sky-high heels once you reach your final destination, these rollup flats take up minimal space in your bag and look cute to boot. The bottom line: on-the-go ladies need not kill their feet running around. To fete the beginning of our own foldable flats-wearing revolution, we've culled 10 pairs that serve a practical purpose and prove chic sole-mates.

Shoe Review: Nike LunarEclipse+ Shield

Susi May — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:48:10 PST

When you pick up a stability shoe, you expect it to have some weight to it, keeping with the notion that it takes a lot of extra shoe to keep an overpronating foot on track. But the times they are a changin', and running shoes have gone minimalist, across all categories. When I picked up the LunarEclipse+ Shield ($140) that Nike sent me to test out, I was pleasantly surprised by its lack of heft. One of my size eight shoes clocks in at around 9.8 ounces - light for a stability shoe.

The LunarEclipse has a bouncy feel. It's got cushion and spring. The sole is not overbuilt like previous generations of stability shoes, so I can feel the road under my feet, especially at push-off - I feel my big toe adding to my propulsion forward and I like it. The sole is flexible, which adds to the shoe's responsiveness. The stability of this shoe comes from what Nike calls dynamic support, a technology it developed for the Lunar series the company introduced a few years ago. Using strategically placed dense foam, the shoe limits excessive pronation without making the shoe too stiff.

Keep reading for more deets on these kicks.

Glee-Ful Highlights From Episode "Rumours"

Becky Kirsch — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:14:19 PDT

The title of this week's episode of Glee may refer to the Fleetwood Mac album that inspires the songs, but it also perfectly sums up the theme of the night. McKinley overdoses on the gossip this week, thanks to Brittany's new web talk show and Sue's revival of the school newspaper. Not only are the New Directions involved in the mudslinging - they're at the forefront of all of the hearsay.

Some of the rumors turn out to be true, while others are just made up, but in the end the whole club learns a lesson in how easy the truth can be manipulated to hurt others. Since all of the back-and-forth is reminiscent of the turmoil Fleetwood Mac went through while making their album Rumours, the club pays homage to the band by only using songs from that record. Let's talk about what worked and what didn't when you

First thing's first: we must discuss the wonder that is Fondue For Two. Showcasing Brittany's new talk show is a brilliant way to open the episode; I loved every second from Mercedes's criticism of the melted cheese to Lord Tubbington's Atkins diet.
Brittany's gossip show is only a precursor to a much bigger animal: Sue decides to bring back the school newspaper, The Muckracker, as part of her latest evil scheme to get Will out of McKinley and create chaos for the glee club. She sets her minions out to dig up (or make up) dirt, and it's only a matter of time before Santana is flagged as a lesbian and Quinn is accused of cheating on Finn with Sam.
When Artie confronts Brittany about the Santana rumor, Brittany deflects it by saying that her relationship with Santana doesn't count as cheating. Artie's pretty cute about his paranoia, saying that he can't compete with someone who can give Brittany more . . . until he gets so frustrated that he calls Brittany stupid for defending Santana. Poor Brittany takes off in tears, but it kicks off my favorite number of the evening: Artie sings "Never Going Back Again" while the rest of the guys follow with guitars. Not only does Artie sound great, but it's a creative and different performance (especially since Will and April's "Dreams" is kind of a snooze fest).
Speaking of April, Kristin Chenoweth is back yet again this week, and I have to say that she doesn't add much to the episode. Thankfully she's not at the epicenter, but the woes of her Broadway show just didn't do it for me. She serves as the catalyst to try to get Will out of McKinley by enticing him with dreams of performing on a big stage. Though Emma encourages Will to get out and follow his dreams, Will chooses the group that "saved him" over the bright lights of Broadway. I'm still a bit confused about why April would be in cahoots with Terri though, since clearly both women still carry a torch for Will.
Finn and Quinn's relationship suffers most from the tangled web of lies: given Quinn's track record, he can't help but believe that she could be hooking up with Sam, so he and Rachel stake out a motel (not sure where that tip came from) where they find Sam and . . . Kurt. Before the gay rumor even lifts off ground, though, they spot Quinn parting with Sam at the same location later that week. Finn and Quinn can barely keep it together (their "I Don't Want to Know" duet is entertaining but awkward). Meanwhile, Rachel uses the entire situation to try and manipulate her way back into Finn's heart. He may have offered a huge grin in response to Rachel's love song, but it looks like next week Rachel will feel the wrath of Quinn.
Santana pulls out a love ballad of her own, dedicated solely to Brittany after she breaks up with Artie. It's a sweet moment, but the sentiment doesn't last very long. Though Santana agrees to openly accept Brittany's invitation to prom on Fondue for Two, she leaves Brittany in the lurch. To add salt to the wound, Santana confirms word that she and Karofsky are "soul mates." Ouch. Do you want to see Brittany and Santana go public or would you rather Brittany and Artie get back together?
In the midst of all the cat fighting and finger-pointing, Sam's big secret is revealed: he's actually been living in the motel with his family because his father lost his job; Kurt and Quinn were just helping them get by. In typical New Directions fashion, Rachel and Finn are quick to apologize and do whatever they can to help. Poor Sam is so touched when they return the guitar he pawned that he starts crying. The frown is turned upside down though, for the episode's big finale of "Don't Stop."

Were you touched by the sweetness of this week's episode? Do you think Sam should have given Rachel's dating proposal more thought? And what are your expectations for next week's big prom event? Weigh in!

Photo courtesy of Fox