CasaSugar

Gear Review: New Balance WX710 Cross-Trainer Shoes

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:50:26 -0800

When it comes to working out, I like to be outside. For outdoor runs I wear my Lunar Glides, and when I'm trekking in the mountains I stick to my Nike Wildedge approach shoes. Unfortunately, getting an outdoor workout isn't always in the cards, in which case, I hit the gym near my office. Since I don't like lugging around a lot of stuff and I'm pretty non-committal about what piece of gym equipment I use, I wanted a light and versatile pair of gym sneakers. It also made sense that they shouldn't be too pricey since they weren't going to be my primary kicks. So when New Balance sent me a pair of its WX710 cross-trainers ($60), I was stoked to try them out.

These shoes are light, way light. At 7.6 ounces per shoe, they weigh less than any sneaker I've owned and I barely even feel them in my bag. Apparently, the cushions of the shoes are made with a patented foam that's 12 percent lighter than other foams on the market. Weight seems like a small point to make, but when you're lugging around workout clothes, a laptop, and stuff from the office, every ounce you can shave off counts. And with all the caps on baggage allowances these days, I'm definitely making these sneakers my go-to fitness shoes for traveling.

To see what I liked and didn't like about these shoes, read more.

I'm not going to lie, these are not the cutest looking shoes. I've never been a fan of white sneakers and these have that sort of generic '90s gym shoe look that I hate. But I'm not at the gym to look good so I got over how bright they were pretty quickly. They fit well and provide support in all the right places without feeling too cushiony or soft, which is a plus. I definitely am the type of person who likes to still feel my foot working inside of my shoes. Also, the lightness of the shoe really came into play while working out on the stationary bike because I didn't have a heavy foot weighing down the pedals. They have good traction too - there was one day in particular that I rode the bike without pedal buckles and my feet didn't slip off once. On top of that, the mesh is pretty breathable so my feet stayed nice and cool during my workouts.

While I wouldn't recommend these shoes for running - I think your feet will feel too vulnerable in them - they make a good all-around gym, strength training, or walking shoe. If white is not your thing, don't worry, they come in silver and black too.

Choo Goes Disco

FabSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:22 -0800

Leave it to the house of Choo to create a disco-infused shoe. You ready to get down? Jimmy Choo's Zap Sandal ($2,495) not only looks supersonic, it is - it lights up when you walk, er, dance in them. Can you believe they are already out of stock? I can; when Choo goes disco, I want to go, too.

Is Steve Madden as Creative as Prada?

FabSugar — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:00:22 -0800

I was reading a Steve Madden Q&A in WWD when one of the shoe designer's responses stopped me dead in my clicks: "We design shoes every day, and we are as creative as Prada." Interesting, go on. "Do we make $900 shoes that are in Neiman Marcus? Have we made shoes just like that, which are less than $100 and have been great? Yes, we have . . . That creativity is not appreciated, and I would argue that what we do is harder. I could design an $800 shoe line; it’s easy. You use the best materials and you can make beautiful shoes. It’s easier than making great shoes for $90."

Quite the bold statements, ones I'm sure Prada and Chloé would be interested to hear. This begs the question: Do you think Steve Madden is as creative as Prada despite the vast price and quality differences?

Guess the Designer Shoe!

FabSugar — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:50:22 -0800

My lust for ferocious footwear will never die. Platforms, booties, heels, wedges - the list goes on and on. Since you already aced my handbag quiz, it's time to test your shoe knowledge. Think you have what it takes to match the beautiful shoe to the designer? There's only one way to find out - good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Guess who designed these luscious embellished peep-toe booties?

Tips For Keeping Lil Feet Out of High Heels

LilSugar — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:00:00 -0800

Is trendy tot Suri Cruise causing problems for moms other than her own? Though mamas may envy the precarious preschooler's designer duds, her love of mini high heels has other lil girls asking for a pair of their own, and is drawing the ire of doctors and parenting experts alike.

On a recent appearance on The Early Show, Parents magazine editor Dana Points advised parents to steer their lil ones away from the grown-up footwear until their pre-teen years:

"At the age of 5 and on up until 10, 12, the bones are still forming. The print is forming. You can get some shortening of the tendons in the heels. So you really don't want to let them spend more than a little time every week in some kind of heel."

Though 56 percent of LilSugar readers have kept their wee ones' feet planted firmly on the ground, keeping budding royalty away from the heels that their adored princesses wear isn't easy. Points recommends pre-shopping at shoe stores in order to offer little girls a few more sensible options and then provide them with tools for accessorizing their kicks like clip-on flowers, rhinestones and fabric markers.

How have you combated the high heel dilemma in your home?

Nicholas Kirkwood's Alice Shoes

FabSugarUK — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:21:55 -0800

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland isn't due for release in the UK until early March, but it has already taken the fashion world by storm.
Earlier this month, Stella McCartney revealed her jewellery for Disney which was inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll story and now Nicholas Kirkwood has followed suit.

He has designed this bespoke pair of shoes for Parisian department store Printemps. Nicholas told Vogue, "I am very happy to be involved in this project as I love Alice In Wonderland. My interpretation for Alice is all about fantasy and fun through escapism."

Other designers involved in the project include Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen and Maison Martin Margiela. The pieces will be displayed at the Boulevard Haussman store from 1st February 'til 13th March.

Trend Alert: Taste the Moccasin Rainbow

FabSugar — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:00:22 -0800

There's a reason I own four pairs of moccasins; they're comfy, cute, and give off that cool bohemian girl vibe. However, that won't stop me from trying out the latest hues available. I dare you to taste the moccasin rainbow in these fun, colorful moccasins. Pair these Aerosoles Deep Turquoise Moccasins ($50, originally $90) with fleece-lined leggings and a sweater coat, and you're super set.

FabTV: Megawatt Heels at the People's Choice Awards

FabSugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:00:22 -0800

Killer heels are a crucial component on the red carpet. Yes, they might hurt, but it's well worth the sacrifice. Just ask Kate Walsh, Diane Kruger, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey. These beauties stunned us with their ferocious studded, suede, and strapped footwear at the People's Choice Awards - check out their statement shoes now!

Like what you see? Watch more FabTV.

Friday Fab News Roundup

FabSugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:00:22 -0800

100 favorite shoes for Spring 2010 - Coutorture
Fashion forecasts for 2010 - LA Times
Teamwork, people: designers pairing up this season - FWD
Get Kate Bosworth's look for less - Frugal Fashionista
Rachel Roy wants water for her 36th birthday - My Charity: Water
Justin Giunta named design director of jewelry at Tory Burch - WWD
Bogus Birkins - Page Six
Miley Cyrus for Harper’s Bazaar - Red Carpet Fashion Awards
The couture schedule heats up - FWD
First look: Cynthia Rowley for Roxy - Nylon
Matthew Williamson menswear - Vogue UK

Guess the Peoples Choice Attendee by Her Fab Accessory!

FabSugar — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:30:22 -0800

Last night's People's Choice Awards was a whirlwind of slick style. Of course, the frocks took center stage - we loved Carrie Underwood's avant-garde style and couldn't stop lusting over Diane Kruger's sexy LWD - but did you peep all of the bodacious baubles, footwear, and clutches? Divine. Take my quiz to see if you can match the cutie by her Fab accessory!

Question 1 of 9

Which Hollywood lady wore these yummy Burberry platform sandals?