New Year's Party Style

The New Year has crept up on us faster than most of us would like to admit. In the midst of visiting family, traveling, buying gifts, giving gifts, receiving gifts, and trying to recover from the annual Christmas cookie sugar crash, suddenly 2015 is upon us.

Resolutions?! I haven't even unpacked my suitcase yet!

But time keeps ticking regardless of how much we wish we could just have a few hours to get in a good long nap, and in two days time we'll be out again waiting for the ball to drop and the champagne corks to pop.

New Year's parties are almost always a blast. It's a chance to be out with the previous year, however good or bad it may have been, and welcome in the fresh and new. It's full of possibilities and joy of what could become.

In the midst of such joy and potential, we want to look and feel our best. So, before we tackle the heavy questions of what we want our 2015 to look like, or what our goals and hopes may be, let's tackle the more immediate question:

What are you going to wear?!

Golden New Years by jessie-scales featuring Fluevog Mariella

We love pairing lux black lace and velvet (courtesy of Modclth) with metallic gold accents. Fluevog's eye-catching Mariella gold oxfords add glamor without pain (no need to bring a pair of flats to change into). Get ready to shine your way into 2015

New Years Sophisticate by jessie-scales featuring Chocolat Blu Royal

This outfit is all about the details. The subtle show of skin, the contrasting textures of the Chocolat Blu Royal shoe, the sparkle of the bag. Your outfit may not be screaming with color, but you are sure to be noticed.

Cozy New Years by jessie-scales featuring Fluevog Murillo

Looking for a more casual new years style solution? Dress up your cozy, comfortable basics with a statement shoe, like Fluevog's wild paisley printed laser-cut suede bootie Murillo, and a touch of sparkle near your face. You'll look super chic, and all your friends will be jealous of how warm you'll stay.

New Years Glamour by jessie-scales featuring Wonder's L-7050

Get dressed to the nines to bring in the New Year! A sexy detailed dress with patent leather pumps by Wonders will have you feeling ready for anything in 2015. Accessorize with classic New Years metallic and celebrate!

Cheers to a fabulous New Year everyone!

With love,

Jessie and the Village Shoes Team

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Happy Holidays from Village Shoes

From our family at Village Shoes to yours, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy holidays!

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Fit Fix: Too Small

Just because your toes are touching the end of a shoe doesn’t mean you should give up immediately. If the toe-box is non-rigid, try the rubbing alcohol stretching methods in Part 1. Gently massaging the toe-box out with your hands can help as well, especially for narrow toe boxes squishing the pinkie toe.

Using methods to help pull the heel back in the shoe, as mentioned in Part 5, can help alleviate the pressure on your toes by better distributing your weight and positioning in the shoe. It may be that the shoe is the correct size, but your foot is sliding slightly forward.

Overall, don’t push it. If the shoe is painful and your toes are feeling too crushed, it’s probably time for a different size. 

PART

 |1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

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Fit Fix: Too Big

If you’ve got a little extra space in your shoes, insoles are a great way to fill that space out. Superfeet insoles come in a variety of levels of support and cushioning, so, if you’re able, try a few different style and see which one offers the best fit. In the event that you cannot try on several styles, Superfeet Green is a good bet for shoes will a lot of extra space. They offer the most cushioning and high arch support, so they take up the most amount of room in a shoe.

If you’d prefer to avoid adding extra support, Foot Petals make adhesive cushions for underneath and around the foot, as well as Sock Free Saviors and Give ‘Em the Boot, flat, cushioned, moisture wicking inserts.

Don’t be afraid to use insoles in conjunction with adhesive padding. Oftentimes we’ll use a Heavenly Heelz in conjunction with an insole to get the right fit.

These tips are also great for people with narrow feet who fit in shoes lengthwise, but find that shoes are often too wide or vertically spacious.

PART

 |1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

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Fit Fix: Foot Sliding Forward

Heels are the most common culprit for this shoe dilemma. Because raising your heel up changes the position of the foot, your weight is redistributed forward. The extra forward pressure on the ball of your foot pushes your foot forward into the shoe. This can crunch the toes painfully in the top cap (making the shoe feel too small), or leave a gap around the heel cup, causing the heel to slip out of the shoe (making the shoe feel too big).

There are a few ways to fix this problem. A non-slip pad underneath the ball of the foot will keep the foot from sliding forward and improve fit, but won’t take much pressure off.

A high-heel insole by Superfeet draws the heel back in the shoe by redistributing your weight and stabilizing the heel. It’ll prevent your foot from sliding, and take the pressure off the ball of the foot. These insoles do take up some room in the shoe, however, so you might have to do some extra stretching. The insoles also raise up the heel a little in the shoe. If the heel cap isn’t high enough, you could slide right out! In that case, stick to the adhesive pads solution.

PART

 |1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

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Fit Fix: Need a Little Support?

Whereas there are a few shoe companies that bridge the gap between comfort and style (like Cobb Hill or Brako), many companies are focused more on style than comfort or foot health. But, before you swear off heels or resign yourself to tennis shoes, try out an insole or adhesives supports. Although you still might not make it all day on your stilettos, they’ll add cushioning where you need it (under the ball or heel of the foot, most of the time), or they can help redistribute weight so you’re not putting so much pressure where it hurts. Superfeet are a great option because they’re removable and washable so you can move one set of inserts from shoe to shoe.

PART

 |1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

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Fit Fix: Rubbed Ankles

A word of warning--rigid back shoes, like many women’s heels or men’s dress shoes, won’t get much, if any stretch in this area. That’s to say: don’t tough it out! If a shoe is cutting into your heel add some padding or moleskin to protect your feet. You’ll feel way better, and it’ll save you from limping in flip-flops a week later.

Shoes with softer heel cups will loosen with warmth and movement. Use your hands to kneed them out, or try the rubbing alcohol tip mentioned in Part 1.

PART

 |1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

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Fit Fix: Too Tight!

 The most common problem people experience when trying on new shoes is tightness around the top and sides, or vamp, of the shoe.

As hard as it may be to believe, a shoe with a snug vamp can be a blessing in disguise. Leather shoes have a natural break in period, and, over time and wear, the vamp will stretch to perfectly accommodate the size and shape of your foot.

Of course, not all of us are so patient. Most cobblers have a shoe stretching service where they use a wooden block to stretch out the leather of a shoe. This is a fine fix, but you’ll get a less customized fit, and it’ll cost you a pretty penny. We much prefer using rubbing alcohol to stretch out shoes. It’s cheap, fast, and customized to your foot.

Nervous to use alcohol on your shoes? You can also put on thick socks with your shoes and run a hair dryer over them. This will help imitate the heat of your foot stretching the shoe naturally (although we’d recommend following up with some leather lotion to avoid over-drying!). You could also try the freezer method.

Feel better? Click on to solve your next fit fix problem!

PART

 |1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

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Fit Fix: Fix the Most Common Problems in New Shoes

“No matter your waist you can always wear that perfect size 8!”

So the saying goes. But, it isn’t always quite so easy. Because shoemakers have to make shoes to fit an “average” foot (and each factory has their own template for what “average” looks like!), it’s a rarity to find a shoe that looks and feels good immediately on your foot. Our advice—be patient! Remember that unlike clothing, shoes really do change size and shape with your foot. Don’t say no right away without a few of our tips and tricks to perfect the fit of your shoes:

Our lives are busy. It’s easy to get a package in the mail and put off opening it until you have time to deal with it. But with shoes, it really is better to open up the box and get them on your feet sooner rather than later. Most online shoe retailers have generous return policies (ours is 30 days) precisely so you do have enough time to try on a shoe and make sure it really works for you. Take advantage of that!

Make sure to be specific about any problems that come up. While knowing a shoe is uncomfortable is a fine first impression, knowing that it’s uncomfortable because it hits your ankle in a bad place gives you a problem you can solve.

 
Figured out the problem? Read on to see how to fix it...

 TO BE CONTINUED

PART

 |1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

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Vintage Fryes

Yesterday, Village Shoes got an excellent surprise. Our owner brought us in a pair of Vintage 1980's Fryes! Other than being a little dry, these lovelies were in near mint condition. After Kacie gave them a good rubdown with some saddle soap, they are looking better than ever. Here are some snaps we took of the process!

Snapped before their spa session. 

A "before" shot of the toe of the boots.

Followed by some good old fashioned saddle soap and elbow grease...

And a little more

Voilà! Good as new!

Don't we all wish we aged this well!

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Holiday Gift Guide

As the weather gets colder and colder and we flip the pages of our calendars, it's time to start thinking about gift giving. It can be overwhelming to come up with something for each and every person on your list (or even coming up with who to put on that list! Do I need to buy something for my brother's girlfriend? Are they even still together?). But before you resort to buying 30 Starbucks gift cards, check out some of our suggestions for cute, personal and (mostly) easy holiday gift ideas.

Socks

No one, I mean no one, can resist the allure of a cashmere sock. Warm and luxurious, they are perfect for lounging around on cozy mornings with family and friends, and look fantastic peaking out from the top of a boot. For the young and adventurous, try an over-the-knee style, but for Dad or Grandma, stick with a classic crew style. We have some awesome options available online.

 Food

This is a gift that is guaranteed to be enjoyed (and won't sit around in a drawer gathering dust). We especially love food gifts with a personal touch. The Food Network  and Buzzfeed have some great "in a jar" recipes that you can personalize with what's inside, and how you decorate the outside (By Stephanie Lynn has some good decorating ideas if you're stuck). If you're not the best cook, making a personalized gift basket is easy and fun (and less likely to cause a fire). Buy a basket at Goodwill, fill it with some tissue paper or rafia, and fill it up with foods that meet a theme. One year, I made a spicy basket with hot sauce, salsa, spicy dried sausage and chili peppers, though the possibilities are endless: sweet, savory, salty, chocolate, boozy. Have fun with it!

Scarves/Gloves/Hats

Although it helps to have some sense of a person's style before giving these keep-warm gifts, they tend to be one-size-fits-most, and going with a simple solid or a kitch-y holiday pattern will go over well with almost anyone. Scarves are my go-to last minute gift for those distant relatives I wasn't expecting.We carry some cute ones here at Village for both men and women, though if you're feeling adventurous (and crafty!) you could always try and make some!

Jewelry

This gift requires a little more finesse. Does the lady (or gentleman) in question like big, or smaller pieces? Simple, or more ornate? Do they wear earrings, or necklaces more often? If you think you can swing it, jewelry is the type of gift that can really wow. If you're around Ashland, drop by and check out some of the local and semi local artists we have in stock, if not, check on Etsy for beautiful handmade pieces that will set you apart from the Zales and Kay Jeweler's crowd.

Bags

Like jewelry, bags require a little more thought. When giving a bag, think about the other bags the person owns. Do they carry huge purses all the time (guilty!), or are they more of a clutch person? Are they the type that needs a pocket for everything, or are they more dump-and-go (also guilty)? For the gentlemen in your life, perhaps they could use a new briefcase or messenger bag. Bags are particularly good gifts for students of any age, as they need something to carry all those books and papers around in (but can't always afford something that the handles won't tear off of every 6 months).

Books

Although I have a terrible time picking out book for myself at bookstores (or online), I love receiving books as gifts. If you have even the vaguest notion of that person's interests, you can do a quick online search for books about "_____". Gardening, painting, farming, finance...you'll find libraries about any of them. Pick out one that seems particularly relevant, or, if you're unsure, just pick one that got good reviews. Of course, the New York Time Best-Sellers List is a safe bet as well. If you're out on the town and willing to spend a little more time shopping, head to your local bookstore and ask for suggestions. Supporting your local economy and getting a super personal present, now that is spreading the holiday spirit.

Good luck out there!

Love,

Jessie + The Village Shoes Team

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Happy Thanksgiving

Although we believe in practicing gratefulness year round, Thanksgiving is a time of year in which we can really stop to appreciate all of the people and things in our lives that bring us joy. We believe its a time of self-reflection--it means something a little different for everyone.

At Village Shoes, we took a moment to reflect on this joyous season, and we thought we'd share a few thoughts with all of you.

Stacey: "This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the ability to spend time with family. I am also grateful for all the lessons this year has brought me and my ability to grow and always keep pushing forward."

Liz: "Thanksgiving is a time to surround yourself with those you love, stuff your face, and revel in the tradition and gratitude".

Jessie: "It's easy to get caught up in the daily complaining cycle, so during Thanksgiving I like to take a moment with my friends and family to say out loud what we're all thankful for. This year I think I'm going to say opportunities".

Have a joyous and thankful Thanksgiving everyone.

Love,

The Village Shoes Team

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Going Home: Tips to Survive the Trip

  The holiday season is just around the corner and many of us will be hopping aboard planes or getting behind the wheel to visit with our families and friends.

Whereas spending the holidays with the people you love is a blessing, actually getting there can be a pain. We've pulled together some of our favorite tips to make your trip a little more enjoyable.

What to bring:

• Wear comfortable clothing while traveling—but don't limit yourself to sweats! Leggings with a tunic and boots, a cozy maxi dress, or a simple tee and jeans are all comfy without compromising on style.
• Having a unique bag can make it easier to locate at baggage claim, and easier to find in a dark cluttered car.
• Bring items that are multi-functional and can be easily mixed and matched.
• Keep important items (like cash, tickets, credit cards, passports etc.) in a smaller bag in your suitcase or purse so they can be easily accessed.
• Wear a scarf on the plane or in the car. You can use it as a pillow or a small blanket during the trip, and it’s a versatile and warm accessory to jazz up your outfits while you're there!
• You only need two or three pairs of shoes for most trips. A comfy casual for travel and walking, something a little more formal, and an tennis shoe (for those morning runs you promise you'll take).

  

We had so much fun putting together these travel sets. Here we have a bag by Leaders in Leader to hold all your carry on needs, a pouch by Will to keep necessary items ready for easy access, Viscose and Cashmere tights by B.ella to keep you warm and beautiful two tone metal earrings for a versatile accessory while on your trop. For shoes, we picked the Kool by Boss & Co-- a super comfy waterproof boot with a hidden side zip so you can get them off easily for security. For the more formal shoe we chose the Maple by Chocolat Blu--this beautiful italian leather shoe can be dressed up or down, and the stacked leather chunky heel makes it more comfortable than you would expect.

We couldn't leave out the guys! We chose an army green weekender by Jessilyn Blake with plenty of space and extra pockets. She makes a matching pouch that is great for holding tickets, sunglasses, and other important items. The Adora hat makes for a great versatile accessory and can help keep you warm if you're headed home to snow. For shoes, we picked the Frye James Lug Chukka. Sophisticated in appearance but hardworking underneath, the rubber lug sole makes them comfy and adds traction. Put some waterproofing spray on them and you're ready for anything. If you need to go to a more formal party, opt for the J-Shoe's Men's Charlie. The brogue detail makes it formal, and the textured leather makes it cool.

How to pack it:

• Roll your clothes rather than folding them. They'll take up less space in your suitcase so you can save room for any goodies you’re bringing home.
• Keep all spill-able/liquid items sealed in plastic baggies in case of leakage. Bring a few extras for accidents or new items.
•  Use a pill container or straws and buttons to keep your jewelry from tangling.
• Pop a dryer sheet in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh
• Wrap your shoes in shower caps (which you can buy at the dollar store) to prevent them from getting your clothes dirty
• Wrap small fragile items in rolled socks.

Flight Tips

• Take an empty water bottle that you can fill once through security
• If you’re traveling with a friend or significant other, bring a headphone splitter. In-flight movies are more fun when watched together.
• If you don’t have a travel size or sampler of your favorite cosmetics, store a small amount in a contact case. 
• Avoiding alcohol, getting some exercise, and getting plenty of sleep can help you combat jet lag.
• When waiting in the security lines, chose the line with the fewest children and the most business men, it'll go faster.

Pit-stop!

• Pack nutritional snacks. It’s easy to end up at McDonalds when you’re tired and it’s late. 
• Get the wifi password to most cafés by checking the comments section of Foursquare
• Have meals frozen and ready for when you get home. You won't feel like cooking after traveling all day.

What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?

Safe and happy travels, 

Jessie

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Makeover!

We thought it was time to retire our old layout and bring in something fresher just before the holidays. We're still working out a few kinks, so if you're experiencing any difficulties, let us know and we'll work on getting it fixed as soon as possible. Comment here or on Facebook to let us know what you think!

-The Village Shoes Team

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Find your LBB (Little Black Bootie)

For fall and early winter, nothing is more verstatible, more practical, or more stylish than the...

LBB

(Little Black Bootie)

Like our old go-to LBD (little black dress), the LBB never fails us. She is always there ready and waiting for any outfit or any occasion. She is equally as comfortable with your favorite boyfriend jeans and a cozy sweater as she is paired with tights and a flirty dress (date-night anyone?).

In our minds, the LBB is the hero of the shoe world. She saves the day when we just have nothing to wear. Wear them to the office. Wear them with a floral skirt. Wear them with sweats (they’re in fashion now). Wear them on the red carpet. Wear them with head-to-toe black. Whatever your style, this will become your go-to shoe.

In the words of Mr. Dior:

Here some of our favorite heros:

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Halloween Parade!

Every year Ashland holds an enormous Halloween parade so the kids can trick-or-treat and everyone can see all the amazing costumes. Here are some of our favorite snapshots:

Everyone gearing up for the parade.

EVERYONE came downtown to see the spectacle.

Erika and Lizzie handed out candy to trick-or-treaters...

Like this cute little devil!

Some unique costumes were spotted...

And some beautiful costumes were seen.

And we got a few visits from our lovely friends.

  

And their FABULOUS shoes!

We hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween as much as we did!

Love,

The Village Shoes Team

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