Holiday Gift Guide: Alegria Mini-Boots (Review & Giveaway)

Gift them to: The stylish lady on your list.

I’ll probably be complaining about the blustery cold weather a few months from now, I won’t lie.  But to tell you the truth, I do love it.  Sure, I wish the season was a bit shorter, but you can’t deny how invigorating it is when you breathe in that fresh crisp air while taking in the holiday décor and enjoying winter festivities, picking out your Christmas tree, watching a fun parade or playing in the snow.  That is, as long as you’re bundled up in a comfy coat, warm gloves, and toasty boots while sipping a nice hot cup of cocoa.

My newest pair of comfy-cute boots is from Alegria.  Shoes by Alegria are popular with women who are on their feet all day.  Doctors, nurses, flight attendants, teachers and artists are among those who rave about this footwear brand, and for good reason.  You can see that they’re fun and fashionable, but they also promote health and wellness.

First, they have an anatomically correct patented interlocking footbed system with arch support.  Removeable footbeds are constructed of latex, memory foam and cork, which create a custom fit by molding to the natural contours of your foot. 

Also, they feature a rocker bottom that is extremely popular right now.  The outsole induces a normal walking motion while naturally toning leg muscles, promoting good posture, and reducing stress on muscles, joints and back.

These are properties my mother would look for in a shoe – but my Mini Boots look nothing like what she’d wear.   (No offense mom, but you lost your fashion sense a long time ago!)

The Mini Boot features a Suede Leather Upper, leather-lining and a mini bottom outsole.  They feature that a moveable footbed system I told you about before and they’re hand-stiched.  Talk about great quality.  The fit is very generous.  I like that they’re water repellent – they’ll be suitable for wearing in the rain, snow, etc.  Now I need to just get a pair of skinny jeans or leggings so that I can look as cute as this model pictured below!

GIVEAWAY!
One reader will win a pair of Suede Mini Boots, ARV $160!
(US Only - Ends 12/3)

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Alegria and tell me which color you’d want if you are lucky enough to win these Mini Boots!

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

+2 Extra Entries EACH if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, become a feed subscriber, or an email subscriber
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Alegria on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if after you ‘Like’ them, you leave this comment on their wall: I entered to win the Suede Mini Boots at Girl Gone Mom -
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

I entered to win a pair of Alegria suede mini-boots, a $160 value @GirlGoneMom #GGMHolidayGuide and you can too! http://bit.ly/atDJY4

+2 Extra Entries if you add my main blog button to your blog’s main page.  Please leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you post my Holiday Gift Guide (snow globe) button to your blog’s main page.  Leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on December 3rd, 2010. One main entry per household.  No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor sent me the product free of charge to facilitate my honest review, and has generously offered the same prize to a lucky reader.

Winning Style: Dr. Scholl’s Orthotic Inserts Giveaway!

Closed – congrats, Tylerpants!

Let’s face it, ladies.  When we’re uncomfortable in our shoes, it shows.  So often, we literally step out of our comfort zones for the sake of fashion.  I know I don’t always choose my kicks by the proper arch support they provide, and why bother when every person’s foot is different anyway?

With Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts, you can look your best because you’re feeling great wearing insoles that are selected just for you based on your needs.  The first step is to visit one of the Custom Fit™ Orthotic Centers, which are kiosks available nationwide at select Wal-Mart and CVS pharmacies. 

I recently visited the kiosk at my local Wal-Mart to see what this was all about.  The process was easy.  I just followed the simple instructions on the screen while the FootMapping® technology measured my arch type and pressure points to determine the most appropriate Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts for me:

The Dr. Scholl’s inserts are an inexpensive alternative to other custom orthotics; they we’re priced at $49.99. 

But the real test came when I put them to use.  I tried the inserts in a loafer shoe that I wear often.  It has very little to zero arch support.  You can clearly see the difference in the arch in the shoe with the grey insert.  There is no missing that.  And when I walked on these inserts it felt like I was walking on clouds.  The insoles do add some height, obviously so bear that in mind.  This particular pair of loafers did not fit as well on with the insert as they do without due to their low profile.  However, I know these will be a godsend this fall when I’m wearing my boots.

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky reader will receive a pair pf Dr. Scholl’s Orthotic Inserts!
(Winner will be required to visit a kiosk once notified)

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me why, specifically, you need a Dr. Scholl’s Orthotic Insert?  How would it help you?

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  For example, if you become an email subscriber, leave two comments.

+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:
#Giveaway Look great when you feel great wearing custom orthotic inserts from Dr. Scholl’s @GirlGoneMom #WinningStyle http://bit.ly/9D3Eku

+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Dr. Scholl’s for Her on Facebook.

+1 Entry if after you like them, leave this comment on their wall:
I entered to win one a pair of inserts at Girl Gone Mom: http://bit.ly/9D3Eku

+1 Extra Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.

+1 Extra Entry if you also subscribe to my Youtube page.

+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.

+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.

+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.

+2 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.

+1 Extra Entry if you add my Fall for Fashion button to your blog sidebar.  Leave link.

+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.

+1 Extra Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.

+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway.

No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor provided a product sample for the review, and is offering one to a lucky reader. Contest is open to anyone age 18 and older in the US and closes at Midnight EST on October 4th.  One main entry per person.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Winning Style: Lower your Heels in Scarpasa Shoes - Giveaway!

Closed – Congratulations #185 – CindyWindy2003!

I used to turn my nose up at flats, or any shoe with a heel that didn’t qualify as a stiletto.  The higher, the better was my motto.  I liked the way high heels encouraged good posture and made me look taller and leaner. 

That was back when I had no real responsibilities.  Before motherhood, play dates and household errands.  I do a lot of walking around now and I have no time for painful footwear.  These days, comfort comes first, but that doesn’t mean I have to start wearing shoes that look like grandma’s orthopedics.

This is where Scarpasa comes in, making shoes that “take the worry out of walking”.  Scarpasa offers lower heeled shoes for women who want great style, but won’t sacrifice comfort.  After all, shoes are made for walking, right?  Might as well wear a pair you can actually walk in!  This site specializes in footwear that will easily take any girl from day to night made by independent European designers.

Even though fashion may not be my main concern on any given day, I still want to look great.  I feel like my day goes a whole lot more smoothly when I’m together and armed with confidence. That’s how I feel when I wear the Praerie – Rosalia flats.  These babies were made in Italy, the mecca of fine footwear.  The Praerie shoe is available in several different colors, but I chose my favorite hue: green.  I don’t own any other shoes in this shade, so this pretty pair will give my wardrobe a nice shot of color.

They are all leather, from the sole to the lining.  The leather is actually covered with the pretty patterned fabric that you see above, and the shoe is then adorned with a gleaming jewel set in a silver-plated buckle shape.  I have to admit, the jewels seemed to be a bit much when I first tried these on, but now I love them.  I’m picturing these flats with a pair of jeans and a nice tailored blazer for fall.

They fit – and they’re comfortable!

As stated on the product page, the Praerie – Rosalia flats run very small.  It was recommended that I order a half size up, but when I did they were still too small.  Scarpasa’s free return policy came to the rescue and I was able to quickly and easily get the correct size, which was one and a half sizes larger than my usual.

Make sure you check out Scarpasa’s selection of shoes currently on sale.

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky lady will receive a $100 gift certificate for Scarpasa!
(World-wide - Ends 10/7)

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me which Scarpasa shoe you’d love to own.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  For example, if you become an email subscriber, leave two comments.

+1 Extra Entry if you sign up for the Scarpasa mailing list.

+1 Extra Entry if you follow Scarpasa on twitter.  Leave your handle.

+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:
#WinningStyle Low heels, high fashion with Scarpasa European footwear. Win a $100 gift certificate @girlgonemom - http://bit.ly/dhLch8

+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Scarpasa on Facebook.

+1 Entry if after you like Scarpasa, leave this comment on their wall:
I entered to win a $100 Scarpasa gift certificate at Girl Gone Mom: http://bit.ly/dhLch8

+1 Extra Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.

+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.

+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.

+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.

+2 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.

+1 Extra Entry if you add my Fall for Fashion button to your blog sidebar.  Leave link.

+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.

+2 Extra Entries if you enter the Toilet Tree Fogless Shower Mirror Giveaway.

+1 Extra Entry if you leave a meaningful comment on a non-giveaway post.

+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway.

No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor provided a product sample for the review, and is offering a gift certificate to a lucky reader. Contest is open to anyone age 18 and older  World-wide and closes at Midnight EST on October 7th.  One main entry per person.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Back to School Products from KIWI {Giveaway}

Contest Closed – Congratulations, Darcie K.!

When new shoes aren’t in the back-to-school clothing budget, or when you just can’t find a replacement for last year’s favorite pair, there are easy ways to spruce up your footwear.  KIWI has excellent products to make shoes look good as new.  They’ve also got products to help protect those new shoes and extend their life.  Why wouldn’t you want to do that?  Shoes are not cheap.

The following products are in KIWI’s back-to-school lineup.

• Save the Suede. If your child wears winter suede boots, consider protecting that investment to get them ready for the upcoming cold weather. Products like KIWI Suede & Nubuck Protector & KIWI Protect-All create an invisible shield designed to weather the storm and protect against water and stains so that boots look newer for more than just one school season.
• Keep Sneakers White. KIWI Fast Acting Cleaner will allow you to keep your child’s sneakers in tip-top shape. It’s designed to swiftly and effectively remove grass stains from sneakers to keep them looking new all the time – just the way they looked when you first bought them.
• Change the Laces. Old dirty laces can make a shoe appear to be in worse condition than it actually is. Change sneaker laces now and then to keep your child’s shoes looking newer and fresher. Consider laces that are strong, abrasion resistant and long-lasting.
• Shine it Up. KIWI Express Shine Sponges are the perfect solution for a busy household. Just like parents, kids need to keep their shoes looking shiny and new especially when there is a special function at school like a concert or dance. With KIWI Express Shine, moms can easily and completely shine their kids shoes no matter how much – or how little – time they have.

GIVEAWAY!
Enter here to win the whole assortment for back to school from KIWI as pictured above!

Mandatory Entry: Visit KIWI and tell me another product you’d love to use.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a comment for each entry.  If two entries are taken, leave two comments.
+1 Entry ‘Like’ KIWI Shoe Care on Facebook, leave your name.
+1 Entry f you follow KIWI Shoe Care on twitter, leave twitter id.
+1 Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook.  Leave your Facebook name.
+1 Entry Follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter. Must leave your twitter handle.
+1 Entry per day for tweeting this message, and leave the link to your tweet.
Win the back-to-school essentials from KIWI shoe care! http://bit.ly/93LKYZ @girlgonemom #giveaway

+1 Entry if you are a public follower of this blog and/or if you subribe to this blog in a reader.
+2 Entries if you are an email subscriber (must activate).  Leave email address.
+2 Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Entries if you add my Fall for Fashion event button to your blog sidebar.  Leave link.
+1 Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Entry if you leave a meaningful comment on a non-giveaway post.

No compensation was received for this post. I received the product sample in order to facilitate my candid review. Contest is open to US residents 18 and older with a street address (no P.O. box or APO) and closes at Midnight EST on September 6th.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!