One of the hottest fashion trends this fall is the thigh-high boot. If you are like me, hearing that immediately conjured visions of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman- pre ladylike makeover. It isn’t too hard to avoid crossing the line from sexy to smutty, if you know how to wear them. Here are a few suggestions to pull off those fabulous boots.

1. Choose boots that are cut just above the knee, not extending past mid-thigh. This will give the look of a long, slender leg (especially if it has a stiletto heel) without drawing the eye higher than it needs to go.

2. Over-the-knee boots are a great way to wear those stylish mini dresses without showing too much skin

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Yesterday morning while getting ready for work, I noticed a new pair of shoes I have had for months but had not yet worn lurking in the back of my closet.  Being the shoe collector I am, it is not unusual for me to have shoes sit several months between wearings, but never before have I neglected one of my new friends for so long.  Determined to remedy this situation, I pulled out my lovely and new, never-been worn sandals and chose the perfect ensemble for my shoes’ first day out.

Everything was great, for a while that is, until I noticed an odd sort of squeaking sound from my left shoe.  I hoped it was because they were new and that the sound would dissipate.  As the day went on, the squeaking became more frequent and pronounced until my beautiful new sandals were virtually barking at me with every step.  By the end of the day, I knew that if I could not stop these lovely new sandals from squeaking, it would be their last trip from the closet.  Determined to save my new friends from a life of darkness in a solitary cubby hole, I searched for remedies to stop the squeaking.  Here are the most helpful suggestions I found.

1. Are your shoes wet?  If so, letting them thoroughly air dry or tumble drying athletic shoes on low should solve the problem.

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I found this over on www.windycitysports.com and it made me laugh, so I had to share. Enjoy!

Head Over Heels

I am a self-proclaimed klutz. Truly. This is something about myself I once hated and tried to deny, but it was to no avail. This problem only became worse when I moved to a climate with harsh, snowy winters. I had falls resulting in serious injuries two of my first three years here. Just when I was determined to stay shut in my house any time it looked like there was a possibility of snow or ice, my friend shared with me her favorite winter product: Yaktrax.

Sheepskin boots are a fashion trend that has swept the world, from its origins in the sheep lands of Australia to fashion runways worldwide. Debuting in Australia, Uggs are the original brand of sheepskin footwear but have given rise to less expensive competitors in recent years. If you like the look of Uggs, try Bearpaw boots or the emerging Brumby boots. Anyone who has worn these boots knows their comfort and warmth is virtually unparalleled, the sheepskin keeps your feet toasty and wicks away moisture for ultimate comfort.

To keep your beautiful boots looking beautiful and new, follow these instructions for cleaning your sheepskin footwear.

1. Using a cold, wet cloth; dampen the entire exterior of the boot, being careful not to soak all the way through to the interior

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A long time favorite, once reserved only for the beach in heat of summer, the flip flop has become, for many of us, an integral element of our year round wardrobes. Far from the days of uncomfortable shower shoes; today’s flip flops are more comfortable and intuitive than ever before. At the forefront of the flip-flop design revolution has been Reef, with their unique design elements putting them head and shoulders above the competition. With styles available for men, women, boys, and girls, there is sure to be something for the whole family.

Most Reef sandals are crafted of EVA foam with anatomically correct arch support and their exclusive contour process, so the footbed feels molded to your foot and comfortably worn-in, from the first time you wear them. For even greater comfort, the Fanning Reef sandal line boasts a full heel airbag enclosed in soft polyurethane, so you can literally walk on air.

Have you ever been at the beach, camping, or the lake and reached for your favorite bottled beverage only to find you had forgotten to bring along bottle opener? If you are wearing Reef sandals from the BYOB, Mick Spackler, or Fanning lines, fear not. The sole has a recessed church key bottle opener, so you can enjoy your favorite “soda” anywhere.

The Reef Stash is ideal for keeping your keys, credit cards, identification or money secure, even when you do not have pockets or do not want to carry a wallet. The sole opens to reveal a hidden stash pocket, so you can carry your valuables easily and out of harm’s way at the pool, beach, lake, amusement park, or virtually anywhere else.

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