It’s amazing how miserable those running blisters can make you. Sadly, I had taken the time to fill my iPod with the latest John Grisham novel, but I hadn’t properly cared for the most important part: my feet! Then I came across the Thorlo Thick Cushion Running Socks, and let me tell you, I had met my sole mate. They are the perfect running socks, with a comfort-cushioned footbed that reduces shock and chafing, while preventing blisters. And what about the blisters that I already had? Well the Thorlos are also made with performance fibers that keep the foot amazingly cool and dry. Without any extra moisture in the sock, my heels could heal in no time.

Summer is the time for a lot of things… but most of all, it is the season of love. I’ve certainly had something get my attention this summer, and I’m not just talking about the cute guy who works at the coffee shop down the street. Yes, in addition to my infatuation with that java-brewing Matthew McConaughey look-alike, I’ve also fallen for the Taos Serena Sandal. The Serena leather T-strap is adorned with rugged metal grommets and stitching and is secured by a buckle that is embellished with earthy, colored stones. They’re casual yet trendy, classy yet funky and perfect to show off my freshly pedicured toes. When I find myself walking to the corner for yet another iced vanilla latte, I dress to impress in a tank top, denim skirt and my red leather Serenas. In addition to the red, you can also get them in colors similar to the iced coffees that my beautiful blonde barista serves… in mocha brown, black or with cream!

Once I’ve had enough caffeine, I get on my health kick and walk a few blocks past the coffee shop to the juice bar. Luckily the Serenas are such great walking shoes, I don’t have to worry about going the extra quarter mile for my healthy protein smoothie. Taos sandals give such great support with the molded EVA footbed that contours and cushions like no other, and the Serena sandals are no exception. They’re so breathable, so durable and so comfortable that it’s hard to believe they can feel as good as they look. And the rubber outsoles absorb shock and provide traction, it’s almost as if they’re giving as many benefits as the extra vitamin boost that I add to my Banana Berry Blast.

The Taos Serena Sandals are the perfect blend of something that has both good taste and is good for you. Now if we could invent a beverage to do both things, I’d only have to make one stop!

Summer is the best season. With all of the barbecues and beach days, picnics and peach pies, fireworks and family vacations- it’s all so much fun.

But my favorite parts of summer (though the peach pies are a close second) are the SHOES. And what, my friends, is the consummate summer footwear? Why, the sandal of course! This summer, I was on a mission to find the ideal sandal… one that would be comfortable enough to be on my feet at those beach days and picnics, but also stylish enough to wear with shorts and flowy dresses.

Well that mission proved to be not impossible when I came across the Geox Tori Sandals. The black leather T-strap upper is adorned with a ring detail and is so smart and stylish (and sexy!), that they make the perfect transition from a day shoe to a night shoe. I just wore them for the entire day on the 4th of July: from early morning walking the parade route, to an afternoon of window shopping and all the way into the evening of trekking to the optimum fireworks viewing spot. And let me tell you, I had an independence day of my own as I was free from the blisters and bruises that usually plague me when I spend so much time on my feet.

Best of all, the adorable Tori Sandals are the perfect shoe for braving those hot summer days. Just like with the Noah Flats, the patented Geox insole wicks away the moisture one can so easily accumulate in a heat wave to keep you dry and comfortable. So if it’s the high temps that are making you sweat, or the nerves before a blind date on the boardwalk, either way you’re in the clear.

If you want to get a little fancier (something I am ALL for), the Geox Tori Sandals also come in a version with a sassy buckle. Those come in black and cognac, perfect to match those flowy summer dresses of any color. They’ll be sure to become your #1 summer loves… the peach pies may just have to settle for second place.
 
Also, hurry and save 10% off all regular priced sandals and an extra 10% off of sale priced sandals! The offer ends July 31, 2008!

So whether you’re running errands to cross items off your grocery list, or at an event where you’re popping open bottles of bubbly, the Mephisto Babatas with the cork support are the perfect combination of comfort and style, both casual and dressy. Anyone who tells you differently… you can tell them to put a cork in it.

Footwear etc. offers a wonderful selection of Mephisto shoes; if the flower on the Babata is too ornate for your taste, take a look at the simpler Mephisto Helen.

UGG Knightsbridge… where do I begin? They're basically the Classic Tall UGG, which I swear I wear every single day in the winter months, but with a zipper in the back!


Because here's the thing, UGGs are here to stay. They are insanely comfortable and warm and convenient and they look cute with everything.

I love the mini-skirt with tall UGGs, UGGs with a tunic and leggings, UGGs over skinny jeans, UGGs with the sweats tucked in, and then my personal fave -- UGGs under pajama pants when my sweetheart Miley (the labrador retriever, not the pop star) wakes me up at 5 a.m. to go for a walk.

I'm as snug as a bug in my UGGs. And now, with a zipper, there's less of a fight to take them off... because yes, sadly, sometimes you do have to take them off.

Footwear etc. sells this style in Espresso, Black, Sand, and Chestnut Sheepskin colors. With free shipping, the price can't be beat.

If they're called Earth shoes, why wouldn't they be loved by the stars? Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow, even both Posh and Becks have been seen sporting them around town.



So why the big celebrity draw? Not only does every shoe in the Earth line sport the "negative heel" technology to help you burn calories with every step, they also offer vegan options. And the vegan Inhale shoe offers a funky and sporty spin on the classic Mary Jane while being totally animal-friendly. They're also available in a variety of colors. I'm such a girly-girl and can never turn down a pink shoe, but I also think the Forest Green looks really cute with khakis.  

And here's what's crazy... since the Earth shoes tone your calves and thighs, I'm finding excuses to walk more in them. Coming from someone who drives over to the grocery store that's only two blocks away, that is a BIG step for me. Literally.

PLUS, I just had the greatest experience with my Inhales when I wore them to take my nephew to Disneyland a few weeks ago. They were amazing to be in while on my feet all day, plus the heavy-duty microfiber fabric shielded my toes as they were constantly getting run over by strollers. But the best part is how they helped me feel less guilty as I walked around eating my funnel cake, because I knew I was counteracting those calories with each step I took toward Tomorrowland.

Now that's the wave of the future.

Color-wise, my personal love affair is with the pink, and that’s not just so that it matches my cotton candy. They're also available in gold and black patent leather, which would be so perfect for a night game. So from now on, I’ll forgo the flip-flops and pumps to wear to the ballpark and stick to the Geox flats… where, thanks to my Noah’s, it will be the opposing team, not ME, that suffers the agony of “da feet!”