Call them whatever you want: Tennis Shoes, Sneakers, Tennies, Kicks, Trainers…. They are my greatest fashion challenge.
The absence of tennis shoes from my wardrobe has never been much of a problem until I had kids, especially now that I have two mobile toddlers. No matter how much I try to deny it, my flip flops and beloved Toms just aren’t cutting it these days. I would get some Converse like all the cool moms wear, but no matter how much I try, I just can’t shake the fact that they make me feel sixteen. And like I have mile long feet.
I’m totally willing to bite the bullet and invest in some grown up sneakers, but I just don’t know how they’d fit into my wardrobe. Plus, I have this fear that if I start wearing sneakers I’m going to start dressing like one of those tourists you see wandering Sea World wearing glaring white tennies, unflattering jean shorts, and some kind of sports-related men’s t-shirt. I know, I’m so judgy.
Well, a few weeks ago Dr. Scholl’s Shoes asked if I would be interested in reviewing a few items from their line of women’s shoes. I rushed to the website and was very pleased to discover these gems:
I’m not going to lie: I was seriously crossing my fingers for those boots. LOVE!
And?
Do you remember those red flats from the 70′s? That’s right! Those are the original Dr. Scholl’s Shoes and they still make them. I cannot wait to rock those next summer!
About a week after the email from Dr. Scholl’s shoes, two boxes arrived on my doorstep. I was SO excited. It felt like Christmas!
And then I opened the first box:
Meet “The Jamie”- my new best frenemy.
And then I opened the second box:
The Balance bootie! YES!
One for two isn’t bad.
I decided to look adversity in the face and make it my mission to work those tennies into my wardrobe. There’s no time like the present and it was bound to happen sooner or later.
So, I tricked my friend Staci (aka: Juniper and Brant) into coming over and taking some pictures of me in my new kicks. FYI: I pinky promise not to turn into one of these bloggers.
You ready for my tennis shoe experiment?
I’m feeling pretty good about these tennies of mine.
PS: I’m wearing pants from Banana Republic like seven years ago and the top is also from Banana, but I bought at a thrift store. BAM!
They are definitely grown up, but still cute. I also have to say that they are really comfortable. I wore them all day without socks and they didn’t hurt AT ALL. They are lined with neoprene or something that feels like a wetsuit, so the exterior doesn’t actually rub on your skin. It’s been a while since I didn’t have to break in a new pair of shoes. Maybe this whole sneaker thing isn’t so bad after all….
Then I took the Dr. Scholl’s Balance shoe for a test drive:
I’m wearing a black wool bell skirt from J Crew that I bought on super sale last year, gray Merona tights and a white Mossimo tank from Target, and a gray off the shoulder RVCA shirt from I don’t even know how long ago.
The Balance shoes were just as comfortable as The Jamie, which was surprising given the height of the heel. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes is really hitting the nail on the head with their whole “making feet feel good” philosophy. I’m totally into it.
I also think they’d be really cute with one of the maxi skirts that are so in for fall:
The necklace and bracelets are from Ruche, the sweater is from Lulu’s, and the skirt is from Anthropologie.
Oh, how I wish the skirt was in my budget….
And that’s how I overcame my greatest fashion challenge: Tennis shoes.
What’s your biggest fashion challenge? I’d love to know!
****Thank you Dr. Scholl’s Shoes for taking me out of my comfort zone and into…. well, comfort!
Related posts:
- The Top Ten Shoes You DON’T Want to Wear to BlogHer ’11
- The One Where I Shamelessly Promote/Embarrass My BFF and Give Away a Free Pair of Shoes
- Fashion Post: What I’m Wearing to BlogHer ’11
- I’ve Got the Urge to Purge: De-clutter Challenge
- What Not to Wear: The BlogHer ’11 Fashion Edition
21 comments
Okay, those tennis shoes are cute & the neoprene lining? Genius. Do you know if they will sell them in stores (eg Walmart) or just online?
Also, my mom ALWAYS wore those sandals. I might have to get me a red pair. I've been tempted multiple times…
Dana K recently posted..Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week: LCHAD
Dana K recently posted..Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week: LCHAD
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:04 am
I think they are just online. The neoprene really is genius. The didn't hurt AT ALL. If you are in between sizes I recommend going a size down. They come in gray and pink, which is really cute.
And you TOTALLY need a pair of the sandals!
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:04 am
I think they are just online. The neoprene really is genius. The didn't hurt AT ALL. If you are in between sizes I recommend going a size down. They come in gray and pink, which is really cute.
And you TOTALLY need a pair of the sandals!
[Reply]
I love the boots!!! They look comfortable AND chic. And for a mom, that's a powerful one-two punch.
Ryan (The Woven Mome recently posted..Fall Five
Ryan (The Woven Mome recently posted..Fall Five
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:04 am
The boots are cray-zay cute.
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:04 am
The boots are cray-zay cute.
[Reply]
I love those tennis shoes! Sorry you didn't get the boots because those are awesome as well.
My biggest challenge is getting away from the jeans/t-shirt wardrobe. I'm working on it, but it's a slow process.
Evonne recently posted..Nebby pickers
Evonne recently posted..Nebby pickers
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:05 am
I wear a lot of "fancy" t-shirts from Target. I love the ones from Mossimo. Pair them with cute flats and it's a step up from regular jeans and t's. It's hard to step it up!
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:05 am
I wear a lot of "fancy" t-shirts from Target. I love the ones from Mossimo. Pair them with cute flats and it's a step up from regular jeans and t's. It's hard to step it up!
[Reply]
I don't own a comfortable pair of sneakers…and when we were in NYC over the weekend and I as in my peep toe wedges, riding the subways etc, well let's just say that I should get myself some.
plus those looked so cute on you. My problem is that I am short and round…so when i don't have a little "heel" on I look dumpy, but maybe comfort should take a front seat these days.
I dress UP for work, heels, skirts, etc..and on the weekends I wear jeans but ones thare also dressy. I actually need to learn how to dress down and still look fashionable and "not dumpy" …any helpful ideas?
You looked great, I loved both sets of shoes on you.
KIr recently posted..Where I’m From
KIr recently posted..Where I’m From
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:07 am
I'm short too. It's really hard not to feel squatty in tennies shoes. I think cute flats are a good option. I try to keep the skin on my feet exposed so it lengthens. I think. lol.
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:07 am
I'm short too. It's really hard not to feel squatty in tennies shoes. I think cute flats are a good option. I try to keep the skin on my feet exposed so it lengthens. I think. lol.
[Reply]
Oh girl friend. Funny that I turn to you for advice on these matters and yet, I can rock the tennie…pretty sure I can set you straight with them too.
But those boots. Oh, I think I love them. If you say they're comfortable then I'm all in. (Was shopping for something like those this weekend and couldn't find a damn one that was comfortable/interesting.)
My greatest challenge are winter shoes. I work in a casual office so flip flops are my go to 8 months out of the year. Come winter, I'm up a rainy creek without a galosh.
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:08 am
I feel you on the flip flops! I always struggle in the winter. I'm working on it and if I find anything cute you know I'll share it. I need you to help me with the tennie thing!
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:08 am
I feel you on the flip flops! I always struggle in the winter. I'm working on it and if I find anything cute you know I'll share it. I need you to help me with the tennie thing!
[Reply]
I actually love those tennies and I, too, have a hard time working tennis shoes into my wardrobe (and I think Converse, as cute as they are, look like skis on me). And those booties are WAY CUTE!
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:09 am
I totally feel like Converse are skis too! Jack Purcells are a little better, but I wore them every day of my freshman year of high school. I just can't go back there. The Dr. Scholl's tennies remind me of Jack Purcells with the white toe, but they are actually more comfortable.
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:09 am
I totally feel like Converse are skis too! Jack Purcells are a little better, but I wore them every day of my freshman year of high school. I just can't go back there. The Dr. Scholl's tennies remind me of Jack Purcells with the white toe, but they are actually more comfortable.
[Reply]
My biggest fashion challenge is finding the shirt without a mustard stain. And wearing sneakers that aren't, actively, held together with duct tape.
John recently posted..Where I chronicle my Monday mornings
John recently posted..Where I chronicle my Monday mornings
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:10 am
Hmmmm. Sounds like you need to make a trip to Target.
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:10 am
Hmmmm. Sounds like you need to make a trip to Target.
[Reply]
This post made me laugh. I there with you re: shoes that are chasing kids around-friendly. I love my 4 inch heels but not so much when running after my 4.5 yo and 16 mo! I do have my fav converse and a pair of pumas that I don but I'm 41 and sometimes do feel silly wearing them. Who knew Dr. Scholls had such versatile and trendy styles? Thanks for sharing.
Coreen recently posted..Little Miss, being cute
Coreen recently posted..Little Miss, being cute
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:10 am
I totally feel like a teenager in sneakers too! I used to wear heels every single day and now I can't last more than an hour in them.
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:10 am
I totally feel like a teenager in sneakers too! I used to wear heels every single day and now I can't last more than an hour in them.
[Reply]
Those tennis shoes are cool! I think you need something a little funkier to go with them. I love the other ones too. My biggest fashion challenge is… oh man, where to start? I have ridiculously long legs, and I'm in between two sizes, so I can either have pants falling off, or be unable to breathe. I have ridiculously long arms, so finding anything with long sleeves that fits is next to impossible. I have ridiculously long feet (size 11 narrow), so finding cute shoes is laughable. Basically I need What Not to Wear to arrive at my doorstep.
Jen recently posted..His First Football Injury
Jen recently posted..His First Football Injury
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:11 am
I know what you mean about the funky. I have some cute wide leg jeans I might try with them. Baby steps….
[Reply]
thelittlehenhouse Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:11 am
I know what you mean about the funky. I have some cute wide leg jeans I might try with them. Baby steps….
[Reply]
So cute! I really like the tennis shoes and I'm partly in love with the funky heeled grey boot-e-things!
JamieAnne recently posted..it’s not junk…
JamieAnne recently posted..it’s not junk…
[Reply]
I laughed out loud at your link to: 5 Reasons Why Your Blog Hasn’t Hit the Big Time and you know why!
Way to go, Dr. Scholls! I really like those Balance booties.
Tonya recently posted..The Summer Of ’69
Tonya recently posted..The Summer Of ’69
[Reply]
Trackbacks
By submitting a comment you grant The Little Hen House a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate and irrelevant comments will be removed at an admin’s discretion. Your email is used for verification purposes only, it will never be shared.