Archive for 2012

School Girls Fancy Dress Costumes - Suggestions For Adult Girls Costume

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 –

The school girl costume you choose will obviously depend on the venue. Cute or slightly sexy will work for a costume party but very naughty or triple X is best for a private Halloween celebration.

The Cheerleader

One of the most popular fancy dress costumes is the cheerleader. This costume is especially fun if wearer includes the accessories too like the pom poms or high school quarterback. The cheerleader costume can be from any era. In the 50s a poodle skirt, sweater and saddle shoes were the rage. In the 70s and 80s a pleated mini skirt and form fitting Lycra shirt or lightweight sweater were popular. Today a micro mini and tight midriff are all the rage.

The Girl Scout

Another celebration of days of yore is the Brownie and Girl Scout outfits. Of course there is the cute traditional dress cut slightly above the knee in either brown or green with a sash for the badges. Brownies wore a cute little beanie on their heads while Girl Scouts wore a green felt beret. The adult girls costume is quite a bit different from the genuine article. Many scout dress costumes today are cut ultra short and are ultra sexy. And some creative license has been taken on the design with plunging necklines and short tight tops. These outfits might be best for a private Halloween costume party.

The School Girl

The traditional school girl costume usually mimics a private or parochial school uniform. In most cases they consist of a plaid skirt, white blouse, white socks and black shoes. Of course the variations on this them can make the school girl costume quite cute or quite raunchy. To complete the costume, hair should be work in pig tails to give that youthful appearance. The school girl can also carry some school books, an apple for the teacher, or a back pack. Adding a pair of black rimmed glasses to the costume provides the "smart" look. The sexier school girl usually has a micro mini skirt, white stockings held up by garter belts and 6 inch heels while the more traditional school girl has a plaid skirt just above the knee, white ankle socks and black loafers. Whichever style you choose, it is sure to be a good time.

Selecting the Right Costume

If you have decided that you want to wear a school girl costume but cannot decide on what style to choose consider a few important factors. First of all follow your fantasy. Did you always want to be a cheerleader but never made the squad? Then consider fulfilling that fantasy and select the cheerleader costume. Do you want to look smart and sexy? Then the school girl costume is perfect for you! Or if you want to select an outfit that will probably be unique as you are, go for the Brownie or Girl Scout. Just remember to have fun wearing your costume.

A Halloween school girl outfit can be a fun choice for a full blown costume party or a quite Halloween celebration at home with your honey. There are many styles and themes to choose from. Just be sure to pick the right one for you and remember to have a happy Halloween.

By Shaillesh Patel

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3 Secrets to Have Lightening Fast Elbows

Tuesday, July 17, 2012 –

Elbows is the most strongest weapon in your upper body. No weapon in your body can match it except the knee. Elbows are quick, effective and strong. If you come into full blows to the head with the elbow, it is most likely your opponent will not stand up or even speak. Muay Thai, Kick boxing or any martial arts view elbows as one of the most deadly attack you can get to your body. Here are 3 secrets how to get a quick and fast elbows like no person on earth!

1. Pushups with the elbows

Push ups to the elbow is one of the most simple but effective exercise you can do to get powerful quick elbows. When you do push ups, you are working the main muscles that drives elbows. That is, the shoulder blade or scapular muscles. All power of the elbow is originated in the shoulder blade and push ups is the most effective exercise to strengthen it. When you get strong and good at doing push ups with elbows, progress the exercise by adding weight to your body and do it as quickly as possible. Then progress to do it with one elbow.

2. Climbing

Quick climbing is one of the best ways to get quick, flexible and strong elbows. Climbing forces you to work your upper body and shoulder blades more harder. It requires a lot of flexibility and strength at different angles. So getting that elbow high at that chin is simple and easy if you had climbed a lot.

3. Freestyle Swimming

If you do freestyle swimming as quickly as you can, you can begin to notice that your elbows are more flexible and strong. This will correlate well with elbowing in martial arts. For instance, if you notice if you do an upper to lower height elbow, the movement is similar to freestyle swimming. That is when you push the water away.

Tito King is an Author living in Sydney, Australia. He is interested in reading and creating websites. His latest website is about saddle shoes and finding the best mens saddle shoes on the web today.

By Tito King

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History of Women's Shoes For the Golf Course

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 –

It was the year 1940 when women's shoes were introduced in America by FootJoy. During those times the shoes looked like men's shoes and the women weren't over all too excited about wearing them. But they still wore them because they had no other choice. Compared to 1940, the women's shoes found in the market are more feminine to look at. Women of today are lucky that they have their own line of women's shoes to choose from rather than trying to fit in shoes that were made for men but just labeled as women's shoes to meet the demand existing at that time.

The evolution of women's shoes has come into an existence at a very rapid pace because a lot of women have stepped onto the golf course lately. Today the overall demand existing for shoes is around 5.76 million. Imagine such a large amount of ladies asking for high quality, comfortable and reliable pair of shoes. Another reason why there is such a huge demand for them is because the women who were on the golf course started complaining loudly that they did not like to walk in the leather golf shoes having metal spikes on them. They considered them to be very uncomfortable causing there delicate feet to itch. Today these shoes are available in rubber soles having unique leather uppers and the spikes are made out of plastic nubs. 1970 was the year in which women's shoes having rubber soles were introduced for the first time. Etonic in 1980 designed leather women's shoes that were water proof, they were a major hit in the market.

As years have passed more and more brands have come upfront and developed many unique styled shoes. Some of the popular designer brands launching innovative women's golf shoes are Adidas, Sandbaggers and Nike. Sandbaggers line of women's shoes were started by Joan Villani, she being a golfer herself very well understood the needs of a women on the golf ground. She made it an aim to take out women golf shoes that are comfortable. After a lot of hard work she designed Kiltie which was an instant hit. Today Sandbaggers is the first choice of the women looking for comfortable women's golf shoes.

The next best brand in the market is Adidas women golf shoes. The variety in Adidas is endless they offer a lot of designs from the basic looking women's golf shoes to stylish shoes. The cost of their shoes ranges $40 to $ 70.

The third brand in line is none other than Nike. Nike's popular women's golf shoes are SP-5 and SP LS. Both these product lines come in a variety of colors, giving the ladies a lot of choice to choose from. Their another popular design is the Verdana Blucher II Saddle golf shoe which is famous for the extreme comfort it gives to the ladies feet.

By Ambrose Chalmers

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Grease Costumes Are Still Popular

Saturday, July 7, 2012 –

Grease costumes are popular and fun. The Grease movie was one of the most popular musicals. Even now, people still dress in costumes from this movie. The movie was set in the 50s, and so you are actually dressing in 50s costumes.

Just getting into these costumes makes a person want to have as much fun as those characters in the Grease movie.

There are more choices for Sandy costumes, the innocent ones that she started off with at the beginning and those sassy ones later on. A pastel pink or blue full poodle skirt, with your hair tied in a pony tail worn with a matching chiffon scarf. Put on a pair of black and white saddle shoes and socks and you are set.

Or you may want to be naughty and don the slinky black capri pants and a black off-the-shoulder top. Match these with a black jacket and heeled shoes and you are ready for the night out.

Another of the Grease costumes for ladies will be the pink ladies jacket. Rizzo is another of the characters that many people also like to dress up as.

For the guys, who better than Danny in his black jacket with his white tee shirt and tight jeans. Important is to have your hair greased and with a duck tail. Make sure you carry a plastic comb with you to keep combing your hair in place.

Besides the Grease costumes, what is important is the attitude that you put into your walk or swagger as you move.

You can even get kids Grease costumes as they also enjoy the fun and dancing in the Grease movie. 

By Reina Raine

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What Do The Popular Footwear Brands Keep In Mind While Manufacturing Black School Shoes?

Thursday, July 5, 2012 –

Every school has a particular uniform. No school's uniform is similar to another school. The uniform thus varies from one school to another. Some school's have skirts and tops as their dress code for girls, some have tunics and tops as their dress codes for girls and some schools even have just simple dresses as their dress codes for girls. Now the question you may ask is how it would be possible to distinguish one dress from another when both are of same type. Here lies the importance of colours, designs and patterns through which one dress can be distinguished from another one. Although there is the difference in patterns in school dresses, there is no difference in school footwear. It is always the black school shoes with the same pattern that all school asks their pupils to wear.

Black school shoes are available in many shoe shops. This is a shoe that will always be in demand among students. It will never fade away from the footwear world. In fact, this is the reason why several brands manufacture school footwear for young ones. They very well know that they would have nothing to lose if they manufacture shoes. Young one's will surely come to their shop in search of school footwear and get for them a pair for their daily use.

The only thing that the footwear brands that manufacture school shoes for young ones keep in mind is to manufacture high quality items. The shoes are used for regular wear. Students usually run, walk and use them daily for going to school. Regular usage sometimes leads to wear and tear of the shoe and that makes the young one's parents buy the shoe again. This doesn't benefit the parents a lot. Parents of young one's always want shoes that would last for a long time and would not wear or tear out with regular usage. Reputed brands always make it a point to manufacture shoes using high quality materials so that it doesn't get damaged soon.

One more thing that any popular and reputed brand need to keep in mind while manufacturing black school shoes is the comfort level of the shoe. Children's feet are usually soft and so if they wear uncomfortable shoes, they might suffer from various health problems like back ache, feet pain etc.

Footwear brands manufacturing black school shoes also make it a point to make shoes of almost all sizes for children. Some children may have big size feet and some may have very small size while others may have standard size feet. If a young one comes to the shoe shop with her guardian and finds out that the shoe of her size is not available with that particular brand, she would definitely go for another brand.

You can find a number of online shoe shops that stock school footwear for both girls and boys. You just need to browse the Internet and find out a reputed online shop that would be able to provide you the shoe of your size that would fit you the best.

By Jimme Howard

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Tips on Cleaning Leather Shoes

Tuesday, July 3, 2012 –

Since real leather shoes are costly, it makes sense to take good care of them and make them last. It is important to know the correct methods for cleaning; it will also help you in saving money, both in the short and long term. Read the instructions below to learn the correct way to clean leather shoes.

Is it time to clean yet? Make sure to clean your shoes at least monthly, if not weekly.
If you have been out in the mud and rain, immediately clean the shoes before the dirt can ruin the leather finish.

How to clean. Soft chamois is the best choice for using with leather cleansers. The best way to remove the dirt and mud from the leather is to dust it off with a clean shoe brush. Use a damp cloth and saddle soap to rub out scuffs and dirt clods. After applying leather lotion on your shoes evenly, you should then wipe the lotion off with a soft cloth or a chamois.

Appropriate storage. Storing leather shoes properly is the best way to prolong their life, as well as make them easier to clean and maintain. There are various options, such as a closet shelving system or a shoe hanger that hangs on the closet door. To allow the leather shoes to maintain their shape and avoid odors, you can use shoe trees.

Making the leather shoes gleam. You should polish leather footwear on a regular basis to maintain that sleek, like-new look. Most retail shoe shops will sell any color shoe polish that you need for your shoes. Put shoe polish smoothly over the leather using a soft cloth or a brush, then wipe away the polish with another piece of cloth or the brush. Finally, rub the leather with a clean cloth, until the leather has a shiny appearance. Do this on weekends at home, rather than pay a shoe repairer.

Cleansing various sorts of leather. Rippled, nubuck or suede leathers are a different story in regards to cleaning. To clean up different types of leather, specialist cleaners are available with appropriate equipment and materials.

Purchasing cleaners and additional material. Retail shoe stores carry the cleaners, lotions, polishes, and equipment necessary to clean and maintain leather. Pharmacist or chemist shops may also stock these items. The best online sites for purchasing cleaning supplies are Timpson, Johnston & Murphy, and The Shoe Shine Kit.

The care and cleaning methods that are listed above will help to keep all of your leather shoes looking clean and shiny. When you meet new people, a good pair of shoes always compliments your attire and helps the overall impression you make. You'll be saving money too by regularly taking care of your shoe upkeep since they will last longer!

By Jacquie Generra

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Caring for Your Vintage Shoe Collection

Saturday, June 30, 2012 –

Once you've purchased your vintage shoes, it's important to know how to care for and display these new treasures. First, be sure to know what decade your shoes were made, as the older the shoe (1930s-1960s) the more likely the rubber and glue used in construction can become brittle and lose its adhesiveness. To be sure your vintage shoes are at their best, look for cracks or crumbling in the rubber heels or soles. These heels are easily replaceable at any shoe repair shop. Be sure to do this quickly as the rubber will only continue to crumble over time.

A less likely problem to be fixed can be found in the glue sometimes used to keep the sole of a shoe attached to its upper. To check for this problem, bend the sole to check for cracking or shifting. If you notice the adhesive on your vintage shoe is drying away or becoming brittle, this can be easily fixed with shoe repair glue. Do not use craft glue as it is not strong enough for use on shoes. Leather shoes can lose their moisture as they age, leading to tearing. To avoid this problem, use saddle soap to keep your leather shoes moist.

To remove excess moisture from leather shoes, place newspaper in the shoes. As the leather dries, buff out any moisture lines with a soft cloth. Lastly, vintage fabric shoes are most likely to show damage and fraying. To stop these frays in their tracks, use a product called Fray-Check which will stop the damage from continuing.

Beyond caring for the exterior of the shoes, it is important to be able to be comfortable. Walk around inside in your shoes before taking them to the streets. Get comfortable in them and see if there is anything you need to replace or enhance. One thing that can make your shoes more comfortable and extend their life is a foam insert, which will give more support to a possibly worn down heel as well as freshen the interior of the shoe.

If your vintage collection is more for admiration than daily use, there are numerous creative ways to display your treasures. The vintage shoe devotee can use bookshelves, shadow boxes or even racks to display their finds. If your shoes are particularly old and/or costly it is important to keep them as safe as possible and away from any pollutants such as dust and sunlight. The best way to do this is through the use of a glass curio cabinet. In this way, you can display your beautiful shoe collection, while keeping them away from clumsy hands as well as dirt and dust.

By Mike Alvarez

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Practical Guidelines for Maintaining Your Leather Shoes

Monday, June 25, 2012 –

Why is it so important and necessary to protect and maintain leather shoes? If you have the awareness that leather is skin, you may take care of the leather shoes as careful and lovingly as you care about your own skin. Without appropriate conditioning and care, leather would dry out and even crack and fall apart. You will never want to have it on your feet. Though many people are pleased to invest in shoe polishing products when their shoes look dim and shabby, it is still necessary to give some specific instructions on how to apply these polish products properly and what should do to condition your shoes with these products.

Qualified shoes should be cleaned and polished regularly, at least once a month. As for those you wear often, clean and polish them whenever necessary. So as to clean the shoes, soapy water and a soft cotton cloth should be used for wiping away the excess. Then a leather cleaner made specifically for smooth leathers, such as saddle soap or a smooth leather shoe cleaner, can be applied all over the shoes, both inside and outside. Then clear away the excess again. This will enable you to clear scuffs and other minor stains out of your shoes. After cleaning, according to the package directions, keep the shoes sit for a few minutes so as to let it dry. And then, you can gently wipe the shoes by using another dry and soft cotton cloth.

When your shoes are clean, you should keep a good condition for them to help the leather pliable, soft and moisturized. Choose a proper conditioning product specially made for leather shoes, and take small amounts of it into the shoes till it covers the entire surface of the shoes. It would take some time for the conditioner to soak into the leather. After that, clear out the excess conditioner left on the shoes since the leather can only absorb what it can.

Before polishing the shoes, you should take a good choice of shoe polishes. Most polishes contain four essential premixed elements: wax, pastes, creams and liquids. They may make the leather glossy and protect it from moisture which can seep into the leather and damage it deeply. You'd better use a leather conditioner before applying shoe polishes in order to maintain the quality of the leather. In this phase, you should pay attention to apply shoe polishes in a well-ventilated area so as to avoid overexposure to chemical fumes. After applying shoe polishes, let the shoes dry, and then you should apply a waterproofing product to protect the shoes. Finally, bush the shoes with a soft and dry cotton cloth.

Only if you take these efforts to care for leather shoes regularly and properly, can they maintain their best look and last for a long time.

By Belinda Wang

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Cheerleader Costumes: Rah, Rah, Me!

Sunday, June 24, 2012 –

The Queen of Halloween was never a cheerleader in high school, but she certainly has donned the short skirt and shook her pom-poms a time or two, believe it. Whether you were too shy in school, not interested or better yet, too busy on the sports field yourself, it's never too late to pull on cheerleader costumes and be your peppy best. So, grab your spirit, your best costume and of course pom-poms in your school colors and you are ready to go.

Cheerleader costumes can be a sweet way to remember your past or a hot way to raise your mate's er, ahem...spirit. The choice that you make will depend on where you are going, how many people are going to be there and of course you own confidence level. We know that the Queen of Halloween is quite confident in herself (ask about the Lady Godiva costume some time, if you dare.), but other ladies may not be so brave or bold. Make sure that you are going to be comfortable in your costume or you will not enjoy the party or event and you will ruin the mood for yourself and for everyone else. No matter what costume you are wearing, in fact, no matter what you are wearing at all, every day of the year, every month and every week- your best accessory, the best makeup and the best start is always your own sense of self pride and your beaming smile. Wear it proudly honey, it will make everything else look better.

The top of most cheerleader costumes is a sweater, typically with a school emblem, logo or letter on the front. To be authentic and for a little boost of sex appeal, make sure it is a little snugger than you would normally wear but not so tight that you look like it shrunk when it was put on. Wear your hair in ponytails and add in little ties, again in your school colors if you would like.

The bottom part of the cheerleader costume is the pleated skirt, usually in a fairly daring length. Some of the official ones have a fitted panty attached so that you are still covered when doing cartwheels and jumps. (Word of caution ladies, if you are over thirty and have not done a cartwheel in fifteen years or more, the cheerleader costume will not imbue special powers on you. Nothing says painful like a snapped wrist and a dejected, older cheerleader.) The best shoes are white athletic shoes, although saddle shoes look really cute as well. Wear charming knee socks and your cheerleader costume is ready to go.

By Christine A Shoemark

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School Girl Costumes for Adults - Do You Have the Moxie To Wear This Costume on Halloween

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 –

School girl costumes for adults are definitely costumes that will make you stand out at your Halloween party this year. This tantalizing costume will likely be worn by those who have confidence and are self assured.

Not everyone will want to wear this type of costume. It takes a bit of courage to reveal so much.

These provocative, sexy costumes have been redesigned and updated to entice the imagination. Their popularity sky rocketed when Two and A Half Men ran an episode last year. Charlie and Alan's mother, Evelyn, answered her front door wearing a school girl costume. Needless to say the interpretation did not need any words.

This type of Halloween outfit or costume brings back memories of the early sixties and the days of catholic school and the catholic school uniform. White blouses with peter pan collars, wool pleated skirts and matching sweaters. White knee high socks and saddle oxford shoes finished off the uniform.

How it all evolved into the sexy school girl costumes of today is anybody's guess. But these costumes are very popular, maybe because it is hard to find a Halloween costume that allows a woman to be shapely and attractive. After all, dressing up as a clown or a witch is hardly a sexy outfit.

Naughty or nice, these school girl Halloween costumes are sure to be noticed at any Halloween function. If you are the bold and daring type this would be the costume you need to wear this Halloween. Depending on what look you are going for, there is a school girl Halloween costume for you. These preppie costumes come in a wide variety of sizes, so just about anyone can wear one.

Most of these Halloween costumes come complete with top and skirt. A few of these costumes are actually reversible, so you can have two outfits. Your accessories should include knee-high socks or tights with high heel Lady Jane shoes for the sexy look or saddle oxfords for the traditional look. Most costume shops online feature other accessories that you might want to purchase.

Try to complete your look by doing something fun with your hair style too. Try doing pony tails or pig tails tied up with bows. There are several videos online that can give you ideas on how to do your hair. Add rosy red cheeks and you will look the part of a school girl.

School girl costumes for adults will make your Halloween costume this year be one that everyone will remember.

By Barbara Maxwell

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Stylish and Comfortable Women's Golf Shoes

Monday, June 18, 2012 –

If you are a women and golfing is your game, then you know how important it is to find a pair of stylish and comfortable women's golf shoes. You not only want to play the best you can, you want to look good doing it! And, a pair of the right shoes will help you reach your golfing goals. All you have to do is find a pair that catches your eye and fits your pocketbook to a "tee".

Now that there are more women playing golf, the accessory market has expanded to include many wonderful women's golfing articles. This is especially true with golf shoes as they are one of the most important things for a golfer to have. Shoes for women have been improved immensely in both quality and style. Specialized shoes for women have good traction and spikes that hold firmly onto the ground. Women's shoes are both feminine and are made for comfort and durability.

Lady golfers like to have a variety of colors and styles available for them when they are on the golf course. That is why many manufacturers make their golf shoes affordable so that women can buy more than one pair. That way they can coordinate their shoes with their other golfing attire. This gives them a change of pace and makes them look good playing the game that they love!

Many manufacturers of ladies golf shoes make unique designs, giving you a huge variety to choose from. No longer do you have to buy old-fashioned saddle-type shoes. Innovative designs and beautiful colors are yours just for the asking. You can find shoes from passionate pink to basic white - whatever color you want, you're bound to find it!

It's likely that in addition to being fashionable on the golf course, you want to be comfortable as well. Today's women's shoes give you just that. They come with excellent arch support to protect your feet and good traction on their soles to keep you on your feet. They are made especially to work well in the outdoors and to keep you standing on slippery golf courses.

By Matt Murren

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Poodle Skirts and Petticoats

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 –

Poodle skirts allow you the chance to show off your femininity. They are fashionable and unique. These skirts are hands down one of the most beautiful items that women wear.

They are full circle skirts. Teenagers and adults can pull off this style very easily. Children also love them as well. Poodle skirts are great hits for swing dances and sock hops because of the skirt style. They are the best skirts for spinning.

They hit their most popular era during the 50s. The younger crowd loved to wear theirs to school and dances. Teenagers always love wearing ultra fashionable styles and then changing them slightly to fit their own unique tastes.

Poodle skirts are named poodle skirts because of the popular poodle applique that was on many of the skirts. Poodle skirts were usually made out of felt. Felt was a good, inexpensive material and was fairly easy to use and sew.

French poodles may have been the most popular applique, but they were not the only ones used on them. There were other appliques, such as music records and telephones, that were also popular choices. Some people even had catchy phrases put on their skirts.

Crinoline petticoats were needed with their skirts to lift them up and add volume and shape to the poodle skirts. Crinoline petticoats are made out of netting that is starched so it will flare out more. Crinoline petticoats were a popular choice during the 50s and continue to be a popular choice today.

Other popular choices during the 50s were women wearing chiffon scarves in their ponytails. Saddle shoes were another popular item. They usually wore the saddle shoes with white cotton socks. A drawback with black and white oxford shoes is that they require frequent polishing.

Malt and soda shops were also popular places during the 50s. Teenage boys and girls loved to go there and listen to the great music of the time on a jukebox. Even though the 1950s have faded away, their wonderful memories will always be with us - as will their outfit choices.

By JJ Storms

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The Smartest Man I Know

Monday, June 11, 2012 –

I learned most of what I know about people and relationships from a master. I've always thought of him as "The Smartest Man I Know" -for his ability to make people laugh and to build a relationship faster than anyone I have ever met. His name is Walt Zastawa.

We met many years ago when I went to a night club to hear a great "oldies" band. The band members were fantastic entertainers and communicators and I remember wondering what they did for their "day jobs." One of the acts included a set where two of four men band members dressed in drag in poodle skirts, Bobbie socks and saddle shoes. I was seated at a table on the floor and "got lucky" when one of the "girls" sat on my lap to sing to me.

About a month later that same guy walked into the 3M branch I managed looking for a sales job. It was Walt Zastawa and the rest has been a wonderful history of laughter, sales success, some tears and the best friendship you could imagine.

Over the years I have seen Walt walk into an office or a restaurant or anyplace you can think of and have the people there laughing and enjoying themselves so much they just want to be around him. He has a gift for knowing just what to say to people to make them smile - smiles that usually turn into belly laughs that bring tears to your eyes within minutes after making his acquaintance. He is the perfect example of the phrase "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

I could tell you about many of Walt's successful accomplishments in sales. But, it would probably be more appropriate to tell you about his success in life. I don't know a man or woman who has more people who call him a friend. In this age when we can count on one hand or less the number of people we know are true friends, Walt, no doubt has the distinction of having that title with hundreds of people. And, thousands more people have had their lives touched by him in a positive way. They come from all walks of life; the rich and powerful, those who have nothing, those who have had it and lost it and those who most people walk by and never notice. He's reached out to all of them or was there when they just needed a place to stay or a non-judgmental ear.

I've seen his "process" of meeting someone new and beginning a relationship many times and each time I marvel at the magic he weaves. I was going to describe the process myself, but I thought I'd pick up the phone and ask Walt how it works. First, he laughed and asked me if I was serious. I told him I was and so he thought about it and said, "I just like people." He said he laughs at himself a lot and he tries to get people to laugh at themselves and not take themselves so seriously. He told me that I should ask Becky, his wife of 40 some years.

Now here are Becky Zastawa's thoughts about what makes Walt - Walt.

"Hi Bob! Walt told me about your questions about what makes him the person he is. Here's my perspective:

He is what he is without pretense. He truly doesn't care whether or not you have money, fame, or power--he'll treat you the same whether you are the guy who washes his car or the 4 star general who visits him. He never "needed" the fans or local fame from playing in the band--he really enjoyed himself and in doing so, made others enjoy him too. When it wasn't fun anymore, he quit playing publicly, but has never stopped "entertaining" everyone who is around him.

He is the true middle child--he had to stand out to get attention and he certainly found a way. He stuttered as a child and became the "class clown" in defense. Once he made the other kids laugh, he never stopped. What he has cannot be bottled, copied or even picked apart. He is really the same guy I met over 45 years ago. Experiences have changed him very little--he still wants to please, wants to entertain and make you laugh, and wants to make you his friend, I think that's what people feel when they meet him and that's what makes him unforgettable.

Bob, you might not realize it but you do the same thing, only your forte is "one on one". You look the person in the eye and make it seem you're hanging on every word. You make that person feel they are, for that moment, the most important one in the room. You focus on what they want or need and try to find a way for them to have it. When I've seen you "work a room", you are at your best with one or two people at a time and you have them in the palm of your hand in minutes. You and Walt have many similarities which is why you've enjoyed each other so much and are so close--you just approach people differently to get the same results."

I wasn't going to leave the last paragraph in this article because this isn't about me. But, I changed my mind. I changed it because I know that prior to meeting Walt over 25 years ago; I wasn't the person Becky describes. Therefore, Becky's comments say so very much more about Walt than they do about me.

I started this article by saying I learned most of what I know about people and relationships from a master. I'll end it by thanking him one more time for being my friend.

By Bob Poole

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Nike Women's Golf Shoes - Reviews of the Best Ladies Golf Shoes of 2011

Sunday, June 10, 2012 –

If you are looking to buy Nike women's Golf Shoes, make sure to read the reviews and the ratings first. There are now a lot of golf footwear for ladies today because the number of female golfers has also increased. Whether you go for the style or the features of the shoe, it is important that you should pick your top 3 and make an intensive research. It is also helpful that you look for great deals and discounts as there are a lot on the Internet.

Review of the New and Bestselling Nike Women's Golf Shoes

2011 Nike Women's Air Embellish Golf Shoes

If you are a woman who loves golf and has an incredible taste for style, then 2011 Nike Women's Air Embellish is perfect for you. This shoe is fully customizable with interchangeable saddle straps that come if four different colors so that you can coordinate your shoes with your outfit. But if you think this shoe is all about looks, then you are wrong. It is made up of water-resistant full-grain leather and has good stability. You can get this shoe on discount in selected websites.

2011 Nike Women's Delight Golf Shoes

This golf footwear is well-known for its stabilizing platform and water-resistant upper. It features a full-length Phylon midsole and integrated spike system. Although not flashy or very trendy, this shoe is very durable and comfortable. There have been issues about its poor grip by some users. This shoe is also wide on the front and provides a big room for your toes. This shoe is a must-have considering its features and price.

Nike Women's Air Dormie II Golf Shoes

Stylish and comfortable are the two things that best describe these Nike women's golf shoes. It provides good balance and weight transfer thanks to its Nike Power Platform Flex. You should consider ordering half a size bigger because this shoe runs small. Its price is lower if you buy one on e-commerce sites.

Nike Ladies Air Summer Lite III Golf Shoes

This shoe is perfect if you are playing during the hot summer days because it is highly breathable. There is also no problem when you are playing on a wet course as it dries up quickly. It is very stable and has very good traction because of its Nike Power Platform outsole with Phylite and Integrated Traction. Golf players who have used it are amazed on how comfortable and lightweight it is.

By Glenn Simons

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Great Adult Halloween Costume Ideas

Saturday, June 9, 2012 –

Adult Halloween costume ideas are sometimes hard to come by. Whether you are looking for a costume for a party with family and friends or are going to a local night club, chances are you will want a unique, fun and easy to come by costume. Many times, adults want to enter into costume contests where there they can often win cash prizes. Therefore, adults generally want a unique costume.

Adult Halloween costume ideas can go above and beyond what could be worn as a child. The costumes can often be a bit sexier and sometimes can even be very controversial. One of the most popular adult costumes, which a child cannot pull off, is a nun who is pregnant. For this costume, you will need to invest in pillow and habit. If you are going as a couple, your significant other could go as a priest.

When considering adult Halloween costume ideas try and think out of the box. For instance you could easily dress up as a "one night stand". For this costume you would need a cardboard box, painted to look like a night stand. Your head would poke out of the top. On your head you would need to wear a lamp shade, to make it look like you are a lamp sitting on the night stand. You could also glue items such as a book or pair of glasses to the top of the night stand.

Another great adult Halloween costume idea comes straight from the 50s. Women could dress up in a poodle skirt, tight fitting sweater and saddle shoes. A man could slick his hair back and throw on a white t-shirt with a pack of cigarettes rolled in one of the sleeves. In order to complete the outfit, a man would need a pair of black boots. A black leather coat will add that extra special touch to the costume.

If you are going out as a group and are looking for some great adult Halloween costume ideas, you may want to consider the characters from the Wizard of Oz or Scooby Doo. For the Wizard of Oz each person would pick a character and dress like them. For example, if you chose to be Dorothy, you would need some a white shirt with puffy sleeves and a blue and white checkered jumper, with a matching bow for your hair. You will also want a small wicker basket that will hold "Toto".

If you are looking for a more original adult Halloween costume idea, consider doing a "Hillbilly Wedding". For this, you will need a bride (preferably a young one). Have the bride dress in a short white "wedding" dress. For an added touch, make the bride look like she is pregnant. For a bouquet, consider a potted flower. The groom can wear a pair of bib overalls with a suit jacket. You will also need a bridesmaid (who can wear a puffy dress from the 80s). If you have enough people, someone could dress up as the "Father of the bride". For this, you will want a pair of bib overalls as well. In order to complete his ensemble, have him carry a pretend shot gun. You can't forget to add "hillbilly teeth" to the costumes.

In order to come up with some adult Halloween costume ideas, be sure to use your imagination. You do not have to spend a lot of money to come up with a costume that is sure to have your friends taking a second glance. When trying to come up with some adult Halloween costume ideas, be sure to think out of the box.

By Peter Rayner

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Sandals: Affordable Men's Casual Shoes

Friday, June 8, 2012 –

Over the past few years the definition of men's casual attire has become much wider. If you ask someone about the casual dressing you will probably hear this means donning a cozy pair of sweats for the day. It hardly matters whether the causal dresses mean but these surely include the dresses wearing that you look good in a nonchalant way; not sloppy, but attractive and comfortable. But how can you go perfect without having a pair of casual shoe with your casual dress? So, this is your chance to add new definition to your style with men's casual shoes.

A wide variety of options are available in the market for men's casual shoes. When it comes to the choices of casual footwear you will get number of choices in sandals, slippers, flip flops, shoes, sneakers, loafers and what not. All these casual footwear are meant for pairing with all types of casual dresses like the jeans, trousers, cords, khakis and chinos.

What goes with what?

Actually, casual shoes come in the market to be suited to all occasions. It all depends on your lifestyle. When you are going out as a businessman, you are sure to pick up your formal shoe. But when you are going out on a sporty mission, you would want some sort of athletic or joggers. Slip ons can also be suited for the casual occasions. Slip ons are perfect for putting on or taking off very quickly. These men's casual shoes come in form of clogs, sporty shoes and the leather shoes. They come in athletic features with bright colors, breathable fabric and stripes.

You can also opt for the loafers. Loafers go with anything. They go nice with business suits, sports jackets and sweaters. So, if you own one pair of brown loafer and one pair of black loafer then that would go suitable with many of your dresses.

Flip Flops are also good choice of casual shoes. These are comfortable, inexpensive and lightweight. They came into style many years ago. These are good for wearing but they are not long lasting. They are perfect for beach walk and if you want smart casual form of footwear with a fashionable look then you can certainly have a pair of flip flops.

Sandals are the most common, comfortable and resilient forms of footwear. Sandals can be made from any type of materials including the leather, hessian or hemp. Sandals come in a wide variety of colors and designs to suit the individual needs. Sturdy with buckles are very trendy among the sandals. Buckles provide strength to the sandals. Some sandals also have adjustable snug to fit nicely to the wearer.

Lace Up Shoe is yet another type of casual shoe. These also come in a wide variety of choices and designs. They come in cushioned soles too. These provide support and add smartness to your dress up. Sketchers can be worn by both men and women. These are almost like the sneakers with slight differences.

If you are not in office or out on a formal occasion, you can always wear men's causal shoes just as your second skin. The very idea of men's casual shoes is to ensure comfort and ease. So if your wardrobe is light on numbers when it comes to casual footwear, you need to beef up your inventory, because if you are the kind who likes to relax after hectic work schedule, you definitely need casual shoes.

By Aubree Smith

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Great Cycling Clothing

Have you ever thought what to wear when out cycling, whatever the weather?

It's wet and windy outside, but don't let that put you off cycling. Ok, so it can be hard work when heading straight into a head wind, but if you have the right clothing, at least you'll be warm and dry and what harm can a bit of fresh rain do anyway.

What you could do is try some quality cycle clothing such as the OZZO range from Ride4Fun.co.uk here in the UK.

The OZZO range of cycling clothing covers everything from tip to toe, such as warm wooly hat, short and long sleeved jerseys, cycling shorts for warmer weather, base layers for the colder weather and right down to neoprene overshoes to keep your feet warm and dry.

They also supply excellent gloves and mitts - if fact, everything you need to enjoy a few hours out on the bike.

In addition, their own range of cycle tools are available, should you feel inclined to do that bit of maintenance, add a few extras, or just keep your cycle in good clean working order. And what's more, these tools, although very reasonably priced are the real thing, sturdy workshop quality. The usual cleaners and chain lubricants are available, along with special cycling grease.

If you are out and about and unlucky enough to have a puncture, there are some rather neat puncture repair kits available, which do not take up a lot of room in the under saddle bag (and yes, they also have a range of saddle bags and handle bar bags in the OZZO range. Don't forget the all important pump. Or you could consider buying some puncture resistant tyres, if these are not your cup of tea, why not stock up on your choice of tyre from our varied range.

Safety is also key, time to buy a new helmet? Then Ride4Fun.co.uk also stock quality helmets. Be seen be safe, ensure you have good lights and reflective stickers to attach to your helmet, shoes or saddle bag.

Serious about cycling, take part in events, or just want to be prepared? Special massage creams are ideal for cold days, warm days, helping with fatigue or keeping out the water.

Energy drinks are good not only for giving you energy but all important hydration. Try the new gel sachet, ideal for giving 20 to 30 minutes energy without the need for water. Speaking of water, take a look at our range of bottles.

Too cold to ride outside? Don't let that be a reason not to ride, Ride4Fun have a selection of indoor trainers and rollers to keep you fit whilst in the comfort of your own home.

Not a cyclist yourself, but know someone who is? Ride4Fun also have gift vouchers available for that all important present.

Prefer riding a motorcycle? Base layers are excellent on cold days. How about horse riding? Cold winter days can be much more pleasant with a soft Merino Wool base layer to keep you snug. Try the mitts whilst mucking out the stables, ideal to keep you hands warm but still give flexibility.

By David E Smedley

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Get Up and Go for a Ride in Costumes

Thursday, June 7, 2012 –

For those who like to get things going, Go For a Ride Day happens every November 22nd. Whether you have a destination in mind or are just floating along with the breeze, this low stress holiday is great for the whole family. Take a car, take a bus, take a motorcycle, take a plane or any other means of conveyance on this special day of transportation. Plus, why not dress in a costume to match your chosen mode of movement?!

If you plan to ride on horseback, pick a cowboy costume and giddy-up and go. A pair of denim dungarees and a plaid western shirt makes a great start, then just add cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and a bright red bandana. For a cute kid's costume, there are darling ride-on cowboy costumes that make the child look like he's riding a horse that's wrapped around his middle.

Cruise up to the hamburger drive-in in a big-finned convertible, top down and friends hanging out. Girls can dress up in poodle skirts, bobby socks and saddle shoes while the boys can go rebel-style in motorcycle jackets and slicked back black hair. Go greased lightening, go - you'll be burning up the boulevard.

Boat riders have a several choices to make waves on Go For A Ride Day. Suit up in a Navy costume with the signature white deck pants, sailor shirt and cap or go as a "Jersey Shores" guy with spiky hair, a faux tan with painted on "abs" and gold chains. A fisherman costume, a water skier costume or a tacky tourist coming off a cruise ship all make other good costumes to wear on your boat ride.

If you're ready to blast off in a rocket, today's your day. An astronaut costume style just like the real ones at NASA will make any aspiring spaceman feel super. Who knows where you'll go or who you will meet on your adventure - little green men in alien costumes perhaps? When you fall back down to earth, maybe you'll find a Jeannie in a bottle - just like Barbara Eden in the old television show. It doesn't matter what type of transportation you pick on Go For a Ride Day, just suit up, hop in and go!

 
By Todd Denning

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What You Could and Should Wear to a Sock Hop

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 –

Sock hops are one of America's funnest things to do as we remember and relive the good old days. Whether you were invited or hosting, make sure that you get into the spirit of things by dressing up for the occasion. This helps to set the tone and really get things rolling.

There are many exciting and fun possibilities of what to wear to your next sock hop party. First of all you need to know what type of look you are going for. Do you want to be the classic good girl/boy or do you want to bring out the rebel within? Perhaps you want to pose as someone famous. There are lots of possibilities.

A classic look for the good girl is a poodle skirt with a sweater tied around the neck. Wear this with saddle shoe and bobby socks. A classic ponytail with a ribbon to match will top off this look.

The "good" boy look is quite simple to pull off, so if you don't have time or someone shows up without a costume you can do this one in minutes. You just need blue jeans and a white t-shirt. Roll the pants at the bottom and comb the hair back. If you are wanting to look athletic top this look off with a letter sweater or a letterman's jacket.

If you're going for the rebellious look at the sock hop, ladies, wear tight clothing and heavier makeup are what you need. Include a tight skirt and a button down blouse with at least two buttons undone. Bright red lipstick should be frequently applied.

For you bad boy wannabe's the greasers look is what you'll want. Wear a white t-shirt, blue jeans and a black leather jacket. Put a pack of cigarettes (or something resembling them) in your back pocket. Sunglasses are also a nice touch.

You could also be a car hop waitress if you'd like to be more mobile. Wear a short skirt and blouse. Make sure to wear some roller-skates and carry around a tray with food on it. You may want to glue these down to the tray if you're balance is in question.

Now if you are going for someone with a bit more profile you may want to consider dressing up as someone from the 50's. These could include Elvis or Marilyn Monroe. You could also dress up as someone from the recent movie hairspray or model your costume from the TV show Happy Days. Whatever you do make sure the have fun with it and enjoy yourself at the sock hop.

By JJ Storms

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Styles in Kids Shoes

Tuesday, May 29, 2012 –

Kids have their own sense of style which can be even more individual than adults. Kids have no qualms in mixing styles, patterns and colors in ways that seem to only be harmonious to them. Clothing and shoe manufacturers have finally clued into this and are making offerings that run the gamut of style influences and allow your kid to put their own personal stamp on their look.

One of the best places to see this is in kid's shoes. Choices for girls used to consists of mary janes, saddle shoes, lace ups, and canvas oxford-style sneakers. Boys' styles were made up of canvas high top sneakers, lace up shoes and loafers. Shoes, with the exception of dress up shoes like mary janes, were more about function than style.

Today, most of the hottest styles in adult sneakers are available in kids' sizes. Brands such as Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Saucony and Sketchers spend a great deal of time and advertising dollars to promote their products to kids. There are specialized shoes for just about any sport your kid could get into, such as running, basketball, baseball, hiking and water sports.

Shoe choices for girls also mirror adult styles. Strappy sandals, funky wedges, cute flats and platform shoes are available for girls at every price point and in all the colors of the rainbow. Boots of varying heights and styles, from sleek riding boots to UGG style boots, can be found for girls of any age.

Boys' shoes are still available in lace up styles, but now boys have the choice of slip ons, shoes that close with velcro or bungee type straps and rubber clogs. While the range of colors for boys is much more conservative than it is for girls, there are a lot more colors available than the standard black, tan or cordovan. Sneakers are the most popular choice of shoes for boys, which is a reflection of the overall shift toward a more casual style in kids' clothes.

The days of buying your kid one pair of basic shoes for school are over. To keep your kid happy and fashionable, style is as important as function.

By Laura Bramble

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Ladies Golf Shoes - Are They Necessary?

Sunday, May 27, 2012 –

Ladies golf shoes are not only stylish and comfy, but they can help your game (in case you needed justification to buy another pair of shoes). Golf shoes give you traction, keep you balanced and help prevent slipping during your swing. Not to say you can't play a good round in a pair of tennis shoes, but if its at all damp, you're going to want those golf shoes.

Golf shoes, in my humble opinion, have really improved over the years. Many of the women's golf shoes on the market are really quite fashionable. They now come in a variety of colors and some look just like everyday athletic shoes (remember when the only choice was the saddle shoe?). You can even wear golf sandals now, which keep your feet comfy and cool, but still keep you from slipping during your swing.

How do you find the perfect pair of golf shoes? Well, for me, I go for looks. Hate to admit that, but its the truth and I'm guessing that's how most ladies choose their golf shoe. Nike, Ecco, FootJoy, Puma and a number of other brands have done a great job of designing beautiful, comfortable golf sandals or shoes for the golfin' gal.

Do you have to spend a fortune on shoes? Well, depends on who you ask. Golf specific shoes can be outrageously expensive. You can go crazy spending hundreds of dollars on a pair of golf shoes, but I personally don't have the budget for that and I'm guessing many other golf gals don't either. You can search for deals on eBay or look for discontinued or close out sales to find a good price.

But it is worth it to invest in a decent pair of golfing shoes, especially if you golf a lot.

Now, with that said, I must share a funny story. I recently played in a golf tournament with my sister-in-law. She's a really good golfer and has been playing since she was a kid. We get in the golf cart and I noticed she didn't have any shoes on. I asked her where her shoes were and she said "oh, I play barefoot".

I laughed out loud. Here I'm writing about how a good pair of shoes will help your game and she golfs barefoot (and is much better then me!). She said to me, "you should try it". So I did. I took off my shoes around the 9th hole and tried playing barefoot.

I ended up putting my shoes back on at the next hole. I'm not really a barefoot kind of girl - especially on the golf course. But I found al ot of humor in this, because when it comes down to it, you have to do, and wear, what works for you!

By Susan Osborne

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What Is An Oxford Shoe And Are They Fashionable Today?

Friday, May 25, 2012 –

An oxford is a basic shoe constructed from heavy leather that laces up. The shoe originated in Ireland and Scotland. Historically they were made from untanned leather and were somewhat plain. Oxfords of today are created in a variety of styles and are made from many different kinds of leather such as suede or tanned leather and even synthetic material. Oxford shoes are usually considered a dress or business shoe for both men and sometimes even for women. Contemporary oxfords are shoes that don't come above the ankle and most have a piece of leather carefully stitched over the upper. These are sometimes referred to as oxford caps or toe car oxfords. A dictionary definition of an oxford is, "an esthetically elegant style with closed lacing that typically comes in plain, full-brogue and semi-brogue versions."

There are five main categories of oxfords: Bluchers, Balmorals, Saddle Shoes, Kilties and Wingtips. Bluchers oxfords are open-laced leather shoes which have the sides of the shoe sewn onto the front. They appear to have four distinct segments. Shoes in this style with leather soles are often used for jazz dancing. Balmorals are close-laced shoes meaning the laces are not seen as they are under the smooth tongue flap. They appear very streamlined and almost seamless.

Saddle Shoes are oxfords with a piece of leather sewed on them in the shape of a horse's saddle, the saddle being either a different type or color of leather than the base of the shoe. The most popular and well-known variety are black and white. Another variety of men's oxfords are the Kilties. They are more detailed in their design and have a fringed leather tongue that covers both the laces and the eyelets. One of the most popular types of oxford is the Wingtip. This type of fashionable men's oxford derives its name from the toe brogueing (leather embroidery) which resembles the spread wings of a bird. The most formal of the oxford family are the black leather close-laced oxford known as Balmorals. They look smashing with a suit and tie for any occasion. Black is more formal and brown oxfords can be paired with a sportier tweed jacket and slacks.

For women, oxfords have never been more fun or fashionable than they are today. Women can choose from a multitude of styles and colors, from casual saddle shoes to comfort oxfords, fashion oxfords, hiking oxfords and professional types of oxfords. Casual saddle shoes for women feature a traditional split-suede buck, a cushion crepe sole and a comfortable heel. These days they move beyond the traditional black and white to pretty combinations of pastel and other fashion forward colors. Comfort oxfords are sporty shoes with a leather lining, a removable cushion insole and a slip resistant sole. Fashion oxfords come in are either platform sneakers or athletic-inspired sports shoes and have a cushioned insole, suede uppers and a lightweight flexible rubber sole. Hiking oxfords are rugged and versatile sometimes with reinforced steel toes, water-resistant uppers and slip-resistant soles.

There is an oxford for every man, woman, child and occasion. You probably have some in your closet right now. The oxford has been around for centuries and there is no sign of their popularity declining any time soon.

By Gregg Hall

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Style Options For Women's Golf Shoes

Thursday, May 24, 2012 –

In the past, the choices one had to decide between for golf shoes, particularly women's golf shoes, were not that plentiful. There were one or two styles, just slightly different from one another, and size. Metal spikes were fairly standard (although flat bottom, smooth shoes are also available). But the appearance did not give much to be excited about.

Now, though, the shoe industry has finally caught up with demand, and there are a LOT of choices between shoe style, both visually and in terms of construction. One of the first choices is whether you want spikes or not. If you do, chances are you will be going with rubber or plastic spikes, since the traditional metal spikes have generally fallen out of fashion (and are banned from many golf courses both in the U.S. and Europe).

Next you will want to decide what design you are going for. Many women's golf shoes take the traditional styles and adapt them with a slightly more feminine, but still delightfully classic (and classy) appearance. Saddle shoe style golf shoes are a great example of this, boasting the timeless black and white (or brown and white or even more colors) in a way that still has modern appeal.

Or you can go with wing-tip golf shoes. This is sophisticated and elegant, while still plenty capable. There are modern wing-tip styles as well as more traditional, old-fashioned inspired types. Whatever style you are looking for is probably an option.

However, there are plenty of women's golf shoes that are even more modern than just an updated saddle shoe. With a wealth of natural and synthetic materials to choose from, these shoes have really come a long way.

For example, you can easily get shoes that look more athletic or casual yet still provide the essential features you want in a golfing shoe. Canvas or leather (suede or otherwise) are great options, and these often include the rubber spikes that make golfing easier, without sacrificing modern and independent style choices.

However, as important as style is, it's also good to note that many golf courses outlaw athletic or 'street' shoes. This may make you want to choose women's golfing shoes that maintain some of the traditional appearances (such as saddle shoes, mentioned above). Just because your shoes have golf spikes and are worn only for golf, this does not mean that others may not doubt them based on appearance. This is a hassle that is simply not worth it.

And finally, don't forget comfort. Style isn't everything. You deserve women's golf shoes that are comfortable and supportive. They should fit snugly but not too tight, and should not rub or irritate your skin. It's important to look good and feel good on the course, but you won't feel good if you're sporting blisters.

By Kate Marsala

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Saddle Shoes Complete Your 1950's Costume - Guide for Girls

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 –

Are you attending a costume party soon? You should think of something different. Try to find something that a lot of other people won't be doing. Why not come up with a 1950's costume? You'll have a ball dressing for that one. Just pick up some saddle shoes and a few other 1950's items. It's a pretty easy costume to put together.

Here's a list of items you'll need to complete your 1950's look:

Saddle Shoes. No 1950's costume is complete without saddle shoes. These were "the shoes" to have if you were in style back in the 50's. They were two-toned shoes made of leather. The shoes were usually black and white. The actual shoe part was white, but there was a black part across the shoe kind of like a small saddle. That's where the name came from.
Poodle Skirt. These skirts were all the rage back in the 50s. Some of the skirts were long, stopping right above the ankles. The shorter version of the skirt stopped right above the knees. But no matter the length of the skirt, they all had one thing in common: the poodle. Each skirt had a poodle sewn right above the hem. The skirt was popular because of its full shape. Women could dance freely without having their legs constricted by a tight-fitting skirt. Plus, the skirt was cute. People who love retro-fashions wear poodle skirts even now.
Bobby Socks. You cannot wear saddle shoes without bobby socks. The socks complete your 1950's costume. The foot part of the sock is kind of thin. But the upper part of the sock is thicker. You turn the thick part down to create an ankle cuff.

Where to Buy?

Saddle shoes, poodle skirts and bobby socks aren't hard to locate. You can order the shoes online. The skirt is also available online. Or you can make your own from a pattern. The socks can be ordered online or purchased from a store that sells school uniforms. Get these three items and you'll have the perfect 1950's costume.

There's no reason you should be embarrassed about not being able to fin saddle shoes.

By Cindy Maddlehorn

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Saddle Shoes Are Back In Vogue

Sunday, May 20, 2012 –

Men's saddle shoes, men's saddle oxfords or saddles, men's saddle shoes were popular in the post-war era when men would jive, dance jitterbug and listen to the vinyl album of "The King". The classic or usually called "old school" men's saddle shoes are dress shoes with white leather back and toe box. The shoe's vamp, instep, throat, eyelets and tongue are black in color. The vamp and instep are shaped like a saddle in the center (that's why it is called saddle shoes). A complementary black strip ran on the back of the heel in the rear of the shoe. Some saddle shoe has a buckle on top of the black strip. The saddle shoe's sole is made up of composite low heeled sole which usually coral in color. The style of the saddle shoes have been used over and over since it was first introduced on 1906. Saddle shoe manufacturers have produced saddle shoes in every color combination and designs imaginable. This comes in handy so you can have a pair to go along with just about any wardrobe.

The market demand of men's saddle shoes at that time produced a lot of two-toned colored men's saddle shoes. Even though there are a lot of men's casual dress shoes in today's fashion industry, men's saddle shoes are still very much available in the market. Today men's saddle shoes come in many variants. There are athletic men's saddle shoes for active individuals. For those golf aficionados out there, there are also golf saddle shoes. Waterproof men's saddle shoes are also out now. And for the casual type, you can always buy saddle oxfords that are popular among executives.

Nowadays, men's saddle shoes are usually used for golf and sometimes in retro attires.

Most golf saddles have a classic saddle look but with advance features in comfort and support. Most have leather upper with a rounded toe box and its saddle has a contrasting color. Sporty or athletic saddle shoes now have a shock absorbing midsoles and stabilizers. Sporty saddles have superb traction which is another reason why they are popular among golfers. Having a shoe with good traction is crucial when playing golf, especially when swinging or putting.

So if you want to rock and roll, try on the craze footwear that replaced the loafers. After all, saddle shoes are considered as the ultimate All American Shoes. Believe it or not among kids today saddle shoes are coming back in along with bowling shoes. Who would ever think that the shoes our parents wore would be in with our kids? Well, I'm not going to knock it. It's saved ma a ton of money on shoes just by passing on grandpa's and picking them up at garage sales!

by Gregg Hall

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