While we likely have several weeks left of winter, spring is approaching and with it, a new season for fashion!  Earth Footwear, a wellness-based company that designs and manufactures shoes that are comfortable and good for you, recently introduced a brand new line, perfect for the coming Spring and Summer months.  The Earth line features shoes that are comfortable, stylish, affordable and designed for the working woman.  As opposed to their Kalso line, which features a “negative heel” (aka they’re flat), the Earth Line features a “positive heel” (aka heels of varying height).

Because I prefer an open-toed, sandal-type shoe for most occasions, I’m loving the new Camellia shoe with it’s lattice, wrap-around design and chunky but comfy wedge heel. The wrap-around design features a leather-wrapped heel strap to ensure a snug, secure fit.  To ensure your feet feel as good as they look, the shoe features cushioning, reinforced arch support, and a padded heel.

The open-toed, sandal design of the shoe works well with both casual and more dressy attire.  I would likely wear these with a sundress, a flowing skirt and matching top or a pair of skinny jeans.

Heels and wedges, if not made properly, can wreak havoc on your feet. Fortunately, the company has put thought and effort into ensuring that women will “step into wellness” with their new line of shoes.  For more information, or to enter their spa sweepstakes, just visit their website.

I was compensated by Global Influence as part of a Bookieboo LLC campaign with Earth Footwear.

Before I had kids, I would shop at least once a month for either a new wardrobe addition or a pair of shoes (I know, frivolous right?).  Shoes are my favorite accessory and not only serve a functional purpose, but a fashionable one. In my experience, shoes are the type of accessory you want to invest in so that they’ll last and preserve the integrity of your feet. Because a quality, comfortable shoe can be expensive, I tend to look for sales on reputable brands.

I was recently introduced to Famous Footwear, a company that offers value-priced brand name shoes.  With both physical store locations and an online shopping destination, finding the brands you wear is easy.  Some of the brands you’ll find include Nike, adidas, Steve Madden, Skechers, Converse, Naturalizer, Carlos by Carlos Santana, Etienne Aigner, and much more.  Whether you’re looking for casual running shoes, stylish heels for a night out, or even shoes for your little walker, check out Famous Footwear’s expansive selection of shoes for the entire family.

If you prefer to purchase shoes at a physical location (so you can try them on), check out their store locator to find a location near you.  However, you can also visit the company’s website which is relatively easy to navigate.  On top of the company’s already reduced prices, they also offer a sale section with further reductions. And through October 15th, you can use their 20% off coupon either in stores or online.

Be sure to keep up with Famous Footwear on Twitter and Facebook. Every day at 2 PM CST, the brand will post a trivia question and one winner will receive a $25 gift card to Famous Footwear. You can also visit their main website to enter for a chance to win free shoes for life.

Win It! One of you will win a pair of Converse shoes from Famous Footwear. Simply leave me a comment with the name of the ones you’d select from the site if you won. Comments will close on October 21st, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a pair of Converse shoes from @famousfootwear and @rockinmama http://tinyurl.com/3nyn6s3 ”

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  Items for review and giveaway supplied by the company.

Thank you to Crocs for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Crocs’ new Back to School line. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

As a child, I loved going back to school shopping with my mom.  It was something just the two of us did together and we made a day of it. Typically, we’d peruse the ads first, map out a plan, and start shopping on a Saturday morning in late August.  It was our mother/daughter day out and we’d always break for lunch at a new tea shop we’d discovered in LA.

Back to school season is something parents either love or loathe.  If your child attends a school that requires uniforms, you may find back to school shopping a breeze.  But if you have a tween or teen daughter who’s a bit of a fashionista, you may dread the disagreements over what’s appropriate back to school attire. Fortunately, my children are still young with my son just one year shy of entering kindergarten.

If you’re stressing about back to school, here are some tips on keeping you sane and your child happy during this season.

Stick to the list. Many teachers provide a list of necessary supplies so be sure to “check it twice” and stick to it.  Be sure to make a list of other needed items with your child and then agree to stick to it to avoid spending on impulse.

Do your homework. Before you go out and shop, be sure to grab a few local ads to determine where you’ll find the best deals. Also be sure to look through last year’s supplies to see if you can re-use items you would have otherwise purchased.

Start early. While you probably won’t find a shortage of school supplies, you might find limited sizes or styles at your favorite stores so be sure to shop early.

Crocs is introducing a new line of children’s shoes, school-approved for children entering grades K-8 and they’ve created an adorable video to show you.  The video highlights 9 styles from the new line, all of which are clickable.  You’ll also find Easter eggs hidden within the video which will give you a surprise with purchase.

Right now, Crocs is hosting a Sneak Summer Into School Sweepstakes and your can win a family vacation in San Diego. And…Crocs and Clever Girls Collective are hosting a Twitter party on July 28th at 12p PST/3p EST. You can RSVP here and follow @Crocs (#CrocsBTS) and @CleverGirlsColl for more information.

So where do the locals go to buy shoes in the OC?  Check out my Orange County Kid’s Shoe Guide, on CBS!

Milk & Cookies will debut on Saturday, March 12th from 1-5 pm at Irvine Spectrum Center.  All of the artwork on display was created by children and will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Seeds Art and Education, Inc. and the JLA Project.  Musical guests Summer Watson and the Hindu Pirates will perform and refreshments of milk and cookies, of course, will be served.

During the event, TOMS will launch their Kids for Kids collection through a Style Your Sole and you will have the opportunity to design your very own pair of TOMS. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

TOMS will also be launching their Kids for Kids collection at the event, through a Style Your Sole, where people will be able to design their own pair of TOMS. As always, with every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

The Gallery space will be open March 4th, 2011 to March 6th, 2011 from 5pm-8pm and the event will take place on March 12th, 2011 from 1pm – 5pm at the Irvine Spectrum Center.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter because I’ve *heard* a very special guest from TOMS will be present on Saturday.  I’ll also share with you a special preview time before the doors open to the public on March 12th so stay tuned!

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to a media preview of the event.

Here are the deets for tonight’s Twitter party:

Time: Tuesday, March 8th at 9-10pm EST
Hosts:  @mytotsy @totsyfan @momtrends
Where: #totsyparty
Theme: Shoes! March is “Shoe Month” at Totsy- new amazing shoe brand sales go live every Thursday in March!
Prizes: Participating vendors include Piggybank Express, Oshimat, Seasons UV swimwear, Geo Toys and more.

Totsy is an invite-only shopping site.  If you’d like to join, you can do so here.  It should be noted that Totsy moms receive a $15 credit for referrals (myself included).

No compensation was received for this post. I am a member of the Totsy Mom Committee.

In the fall, crocs released their new line of shoes designed to give you the benefit of toning while retaining the comfort you expect from the brand.  The innovation behind the creation of the shoe lies in the sole. The outsole is sculpted to create a rocker effect while walking, the sole itself includes a toning ring to provide stability and support, and the lightweight croslite footbed with circulation nubs offers comfort.

crocs tone is offered in four fashionable styles, including the skylar flat style which I received to try out.  The shoe is lightweight, comfortable, breathable and fashionable. While I do find the shoe to be supportive, I don’t notice a significant amount of toning.  This might be due to the fact that I’m accustomed to wearing 1-2 inches shaping tennis shoes.  Of the four styles, I find the skylar flats to be the most versatile and attractive. I’ve worn them on casual playdates with my son and with summer dresses on “real” dates with my husband.

crocs tone’s four styles retail for $44.99 to $54.99 and are available online and at retailers nationwide.

No compensation was received for this post. A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

Summer is over, although you wouldn’t know it based on the heat wave we’ve been having here in the Southern California (as in 107 degrees yesterday!).  It’s time to trade in those shorts and sandals for some fall threads!

One of my favorite children’s shoe companies just launched their fall line and it rocks! Big girl boots and sporty tennies offer fashion, function and long-lasting wear.  Umi hand-crafts each shoe for comfort and fit. Each shoe is tested for safety and durability and meets strict guidelines for child-safe materials.  The company uses non-toxic drum-dyed leathers and recycled packaging to reduce it’s impact on the environment.

One of the many things I like about Umi is that they offer fresh new styles each season.  My son’s been sporting their Borneo shoes in Navy.  These shoes are durable, stylish, and sporty.  They feature scuff resistant toe-caps which is brilliant, considering the style was designed for toddlers who are always on the move.  The Borneo shoe is comprised of a textile mesh and nubuck leather and retails for $60.

Umi designs shoes for boys and girls ages 1-3 and 3-8.  This is our third pair of Umi Shoes and they’ve withstood the running and jumping of my active little boy.  While the shoes are moderately priced, I think the investment in a durable shoe that fits well and looks good is well worth it.

Win It! One of you will win a pair of Umi Shoes (please note that all styles/sizes may not be available).  Simply leave me a comment with the name of the shoe you’d choose if you won.  Comments will close on October 14, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow Umi on Twitter or Facebook

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  Products for review and giveaway were supplied by Umi.

If you can believe it, I’m currently wearing the most adorable pair of shoes from a brand my MOM wears.  I remember going to the Naturalizer store at the mall to shop for shoes with her as a child. And to be honest, I dreaded going to that store when I was a teenager. Today, I don’t have enough money space to buy all of the shoes I want from the store.

Do you ever buy shoes that don’t quite feel right until you’ve “broken them in?”  Naturalizer shoes are designed with N5 Comfort Elements which include the following five features:

Perforated insoles for flexibility

Featherweight outsoles for lightness in each step

Ergonomic heel and toe shapes for stability

Extra cushioning underfoot to lessen impact

Breathable linings to keep feet cool

The brand is well known for designing comfortable shoes that can be worn all day.  And with designs like this:

Women don’t have to choose comfort over style.  Because I rarely ever wear closed-toed shoes, I chose their Keene Platform Sandals in black.  I can wear them with a nice dress or a pair of jeans and they really are comfortable, given the 1 inch wedge heel.  They also feature a non-slip outsole, perfect for moms on the go.

Naturalizer’s reflexologist (yes…they have one!) Michelle Ebbin recognizes that women often neglect their feet (among other things).  Here are her tips for selecting a proper-fitting shoe:

15 minutes of…comfort: When selecting a shoe, you should be able to walk for at least 15 minutes without discomfort or pressure to any part of the feet. Even if you live in heels, you should be able to feel balanced and stable enough so that you are not carrying all of your body weight on the balls of your feet.  Balance ensures that your core is stable and energy circulation can flow easily. Stability promotes stress relief and improved posture.

Breathe easy: Every woman knows how annoying sweaty, sliding feet can be. And when your feet can’t breathe, your energy can’t flow. Find shoes with a breathable lining. By keeping your feet cool, and comfortable, you can relieve and prevent energy blockages in the feet.

Lighten up and embrace the softer side: Hard, clunky shoes are more than just ugly, they can affect your circulation. The lighter the weight and the softer the cushioning, the less pressure on your feet which means better circulation.

The 2010 shoe mantra – NO BREAKING IN: Flexibility means no “breaking-in” period. Supportive, lightweight shoes lessen the impact of gravity, which can wreak havoc on your feet and your entire body. Buy shoes that feel good straight out of the box.

Right now, Naturalizer is having a sale with savings of up to 50% on spring and summer styles.

In three short years, my son has gone through a lot of shoes.  While he does tend to “wear them well,” shoes usually get retired because he’s outgrown them. Children’s feet grow and develop rapidly, and a proper fitting shoe is crucial.

So what do I look for in a children’s shoe?

1.  Comfort. It’s difficult, particularly in young children, to determine if a shoe is comfortable. I learned early on that a shoe didn’t fit my son properly because they wouldn’t stay on.  As he became vocal, he’d outright refuse to wear those shoes that were uncomfortable. Tsukihoshi’s children’s shoes are designed to provide maximum comfort for children’s growing feet.  There are four functions of Tsukihoshi’s children’s shoes that ensure maximum comfort and support.

a.  Balanced Landing

b. Arch Support

c. Light & Flexible

d. Barefoot-like Comfort

2.  Support.  When a child is first learning to walk, they’re obviously unsteady.  I expect a few stumbles and falls, but a supportive shoe, designed for a tot who is learning how to walk is important.  As I mentioned above, Tsukihoshi’s children’s shoes are designed to provide children with stability while they learn to walk.

3.  Style.  I love dressing my kids in smart, trendy clothing.  Tsukihoshi offers a variety of trendy shoes for babies, boys, and girls (although I’m partial to their girl’s styles).

4.  Price.  Children go through shoes quickly, particularly early on.  I typically opt for shoes that are moderately priced while taking craftsmanship and style into consideration.

Overall, we were pleased with my son’s Tsukihoshi shoes.  They’re stylish, comfortable, moderately priced (I’ve seen comparable children’s shoes priced much higher), and durable. My son is able to get them on and off by himself, which is a definite time-saver for this busy mom.  And…I can throw them in the wash (which I did) when they get dirty (which they have).

You can find Tsukihoshi children’s shoes at physical and online retailers nationwide.

Win It! One of you will win a pair of shoes from Tsukihoshi. Simply leave me a comment with the name of the style you’d choose (other than the one I reviewed).  Comments will close on July 7, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow on Tsukihoshi on Twitter.

Like Tsukihoshi on Facebook.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.