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Archive for the ‘How To’ Category
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
Q: Can winter boots be stylish?
A: Let’s let the shoes do the talking — because we have such a wide variety of boots available it’d be hard to answer simply. Above is just a brief glimpse into the hundreds of fashion-forward boots DNA Footwear carries. Winter doesn’t mean layers that make you look like the Pillsbury Doughboy and boots fit for eskimos; there are ways to keep chilly chic.
The best way to stay in style while keeping warm is to stick with a neutral palette that mixes and matches well with the massive layers above, wear sleek clean lines that don’t look chunky or turn your feet into boats, leave behind the excessive fur trimmed boots (*cough* Snookie *cough*), and don’t be afraid to add some heel (with proper traction, not to be worn on snow days).
There is not excuse for frumpy winter footwear… NONE.
{Shop}
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By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: advice, boots, Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, footwear, q&A, question and answer, shoes, style, trend, winter
Posted in Feedback, Hot Trends, How To, Shopping | No Comments »
Monday, January 16th, 2012
Serious shoe lovers everywhere rejoice for their is a solution to your footwear woes: Protect Your Pumps. Created by Kathryn Jackson with fellow shoe addicts in mind, Protect Your Pumps shoe adhesives provide your precious Manolos and Choos from the harsh city streets.
Protect Your Pumps are an easy to use self-applied adhesive placed on the sole of your shoes for protection. The adhesive serves as a buffer between the bottom of your shoe and the ground, protecting from dirt, grime, and unattractive scratches and scrapes. Unique in that it is transparent, the product does not take away from the authenticity and style of your shoes. Easy to both apply AND remove, it is safe on leather sole shoes and will soon be available for use on specially coated footwear such as Louboutins.
Featured on Refinery29 as well as numerous other fashion blogs, fashion journalists and bloggers alike agree that this is a must-have item to keep your shoes looking as perfect as the day you bought them.
Pricing: One Pack $10 (Come on, you can sacrifice two soy lattes this week for the sake of your Choos!)
More Info & Shop
By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, footwear, high heels, how to, kathryn jackson, protect your pumps, shoes, shopping, style
Posted in Hot Trends, How To, News, Shopping | 2 Comments »
Friday, January 6th, 2012
We know your new year’s resolution is to slim down but face it, you’re 6 days into January and you’ve yet to hit the treadmill. With a little help from DNA and the ultimate nude pump, fool the eye into thinking you’re skinnier than ever.
Since we’re not all Victoria’s Secret models we have to elongate our legs using optical illusions. Choose skin tone or nude shoes to create the illusion of longer slimmer legs. High heels make the lower leg muscles tighten, giving them a noticeable elongating lift while the added height is also a plus.
These beige shoes are anything but ordinary, turning you into the model you always dreamed of being.
{Shop}
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By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: beige, Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, elongate, Fashion, footwear, high heels, how to, legs, long legs, model, nude, pumps, shoes, shopping, skinny, style, tan, trend
Posted in Hot Trends, How To, Shopping | No Comments »
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Whether you like it or not, how you dress says a lot about who you are and how you choose to present yourself. Facing the fact that you’re a shoe embarrassment might increase your chance at date, a job, or even a friendship — self-awareness is the first step in shoe recovery.
Athletic Shoes (ALL the time)Â – Don’t get us wrong, wearing athletic shoes sends the message that your care about your personal health and fitness but when you never take them off you’re sending a different message: “I am insecure and want everyone to know that I am athletic (even though I only run on the treadmill).”
Kitten Heels – “I use to only wear flats until I became self-conscious about my height but I’m still to afraid to take the plunge into pumps.”
Toe Shoes (NOT the ballet kind)Â – If you’re one of those individuals who wear toe shoes, you know the ones that go between each and every toe, TAKE THEM OFF and save yourself the embarrassment of our critique.
Combat Boots – We are all for the combat boot trend and are guilty of it ourselves but there is a right and a wrong way to do it. Right — Skinny jeans and a tee or a lace dress to add a touch of femininity. Wrong — Combat boots with ripped jeans, ripped shirt, and skull/cross jewelry… You’re scaring the little children.
Crocs – These go up there with toe shoes and the “slob” title. We understand they are comfortable (actually we don’t because we refuse to step a foot in them) but they send the “I don’t care about my appearance” vibe, meaning no dates and no new jobs in your future.
The shoe infractions go on and on, as do our not so nice words of advice. By no means are we criticizing you, we are pushing you to be a better you: one with confidence and class. Shoes are meant to be accents not costumes.
By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: advice, athletic shoes, combat boots, crocs, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, footwear, kitten heels, shoe, trend
Posted in Hot Trends, How To, Random Thoughts | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
I vow today, December 28, 2011, to keep all of my above 2012 New Year’s Shoe Resolutions to the best of my ability. While I may falter at times, I call for the support of all my fellow shoe lovers out there. I find the following resolutions extremely challenging but have helpful ways to push through them.
How to Keep Resolution…
Number 9. How To: Shoe Organization
Number 7. Shoe Care 101
Number 5. How To: Build Your Shoe Wardrobe
Number 3. Pump Up Your New Year’s Resolution.
I encourage every other shoe fanatic out there to keep my resolutions in mind when creating your own list for 2012. Good luck and Happy Shoe Year!
By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, footwear, how to, new year's resolution, new years, shoes, style
Posted in How To, Random Thoughts | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
In a recent interview with Brian Atwood, a well-known American shoe designer with raw shoe sex appeal, Allure Magazine got Atwood to dish on boot care.
Choose Wisely: To get the best worn-in look, choose boots with a visible grain that are brown, black, or gray. Soft nubuck and flat, shiny, calf leather boots are so delicate they will end up showing more damage.
Take Precautions: Atwood stated that as soon as you purchase those fabulous new boots, take them home and waterproof them with a leather or suede spray immediately. Waterproofing helps form a barrier by adding a water-resistant film to the outside of the boot, that in turn shields the leather. (Shop Boot Care)
 Dry Out: If your boots do ever get wet, keep the shape of the boot by stuffing the toes as soon as possible (Some suggestions include socks, towels, or newspaper). When the boots have dried completely, buff away salt with a damp towel.
Spare the Sole: Extend the life of your boots by having a shoe shop attach a rubber toe tip and heel tap to your boots. Costly? Think again!
Make Amends: Winter boots do require a bit of maintenance. Polish boots at least once a month and be sure to cover up scratches by using a dab of neutral leather buffing cream and a chamois. On suede boots, use a soft brush to buff away dirt and lift the nap. For lighter color boots, rub away scuffs with a damp cloth.
Store Your Boots Properly: When spring comes, replace the heel taps and give the boots a good polish. Stuff the toes with paper and put plastic boot trees in the boots to help keep the leg shape as well as prevent creasing.
Information Source: Allure Magazine, January 2012 issue, pg 46.  Interview by: Brooke Le Poer Treno
 By: Cindy Batchelor
Tags: advice, allure, allure magazine, boot care, boots, Brian Atwood, care, cindy batchelor, dan footwear, DNA, Fashion, footwear, how to, shoes, style
Posted in As Seen In..., Celebrity, Designer Spotlight, How To | No Comments »
Monday, December 12th, 2011
When you slip on Grace Carter ShoeCovers, you slip on style. We’ve seen our fair share of “shoe covers” — those bag-like bundles that mask your shoes like a homeless lady. Long gone are the days of formless footwear [covers] and we welcome Grace Carter into our closets.
If you live in a wet winter climate, the Grace Carter ShoeCovers deserve a place in your fashion emergency kit. Protecting your precious heels with waterproof fabric and super-traction-threat outsole fabric is key come rain and snow. Available in three different styles (high heels, kitten heels [the mullet of shoes], and flats) and  prints, you’ll never be caught without them this winter. Once you arrive at your destination, shoes in tact, unmask your shoes and conventiently store the ShoeCovers in their carrying case, which conveniently fits in your handbag. Walah! You’re done.
{Shop Grace Carter ShoeCovers}
By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: Accessories, Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, flats, footwear, gift, grace carter, high heels, kitten heels, shoecovers, shoes, shopping, style, trend, winter
Posted in Accessories, Designer Spotlight, How To, News, Shopping | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
Step into the DNA closet for a moment and let’s discuss your shoe wardrobe. Today, we will act as your shoe therapist, providing you with the necessary tools to flourish as a shoe connoisseur.
Over the years, you have collected shoes here in there from different seasons, styles, and trends, but have you ever asked yourself why you have the shoes you do and how you could spend your shoe budget more wisely? The first step in shoe therapy is admitting you have a problem, a problem that can easily be solved by DNA Footwear.
{1} Line up your shoes by style and color, giving you a full view of your already overindulgent collection.
{2} Narrow down — If you have more than three of the same color in one style, nix the least worn. Be realistic — Nobody needs more than three neon yellow loafers.
{3} Dispose or donate never worn or damaged shoes.
{4} Time to rebuild with shoe basics — If you don’t already have them, you will need at least one pair of:
Flats: Ballet Flat, Clog, Loafer, Oxford, Mary-Jane, Moccasin, Dockside, Mule, Espadrille, Slipper, Flatform
Sandals: Flip Flop, Gladiator, Dressy, High Heel
Heels: Pump (open & close toe), Platform, Wedge, Slingback
Sneakers: Running, Hiking, Every Day
Boots: Bootie, Heeled, Mid-calf, Knee-high, Thigh-high, Cowboy, Rain Boot, Snow Boot
This may seem like a daunting task not only to organize your shoe closet but also to rebuild your footwear wardrobe with the basics. This is not an overnight process and instead takes time and money to complete. God forbid you don’t have the appropriate shoe for every occasion! That’s why here at DNA we have your best interest and footwear needs in mind.
Today’s shoe therapy session is over. Please pay our secretary on the way out — we take all major credit cards, checks, and of course cash. See you again next week!
By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: ballet, bootie, clog, closet, Cocktail Chic, cowboy, DNA, DNA Footwear, dockside, espadrille, Fashion, flatform, flats, flip flop, footwear, gladiator, heel, high heel, hiking, how to, knee high, loafer, mary-jane, mid calf, moccasin, mule, oxford, platform, pump, rain boot, running, sandal, shoe, slingback, slipper, sneaker, snow boot, style, thigh-high, wardrobe, wedge
Posted in How To | No Comments »
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
If you know me, you know I’m not the MOST athletic of individuals, so in writing a ‘How To: Athletic Shoe Shop’ post, I conducted endless research. From all of the references, this is what I learned and am imparting this wisdom on you. “Athletic shoes are a $20 billion industry, and there are hundreds of brands, models and features on the market today” (eHow) so choose wisely.
{1} Decide what specific type  fits your needs, whether it be a running shoe, a cross trainer, or anything in between.
{2} Measure BOTH of your feet –You’d be surprised how many people purchase shoes too small or too large, which can hurt both your athletic performance and your health. Note:Â You need a fingers width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
{3} Know your foot type — Are you flat footed, do you have a high arch, or are you an overpronator or supinator? (See Definitions)
{4} Set a budget
{5} Read customer reviews online
{6} For in-store purchases, try on BOTH (yes, I’m stressing both) and walk laps around the store.
{7} Select appropriate socks.
{8} When in doubt, ask a podiatrist.
Shop (From Top to Bottom & Left to Right)
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By:Â Ashley Tschudin
Tags: athletic, Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, feet, foot, footwear, how to, shoes, sneakers, sport, style
Posted in How To, Shoe Brands, Shopping | No Comments »
Thursday, October 13th, 2011
If you saw today’s news article about models’ feet after fashion month, your foot concerns are as heightened as ours. Is it time to trade out the flatforms for flats or our high heels for Havaianas?! Don’t store your pumps in the closet quite yet, instead follow our ‘How to: Walk in High Heels’ Guide for proper footwear etiquette.
{1} Purchase properly fitting shoes — No slipping & sliding allowed!
{2} Break in all new footwear around your house before stepping up your game in the city streets (God forbid you eat it in public).
{3} Start small — While kitten heels are often titled “the mullet of shoes”, they make perfect training wheels.
{4} Walk heel to toe, not toe to heel — Balance is key (as shown by the terrible embarrassment and near career-ending catwalk fall above)
{5} Take baby steps.
{6} Stand straight, feet pointing forward, chin up, and swing your arms naturally to maintain your balance and confidence.
{7} Be conscious of how noisy your heels are– If you’re clunking and clanking you’re probably not walking properly. Not to mention annoying those around you.
{8} When in doubt, rock wedges or boots, which are more newbie footwear friendly.
{9} Carry a spare pare such as Footzy Rolls or Yosi Samra flats.
{10} Practice makes perfect!
See  Modelinia Video For More Tips
By: Ashley Tschudin
Tags: Cocktail Chic, DNA, DNA Footwear, Fashion, footzy rolls, high heels, how to, how to walk in high heels, style, yosi samra
Posted in How To | 3 Comments »
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