Feb 19 2012

How To Buy Comfortable Shoes

Category: How To,My Outfits — Eyeliah

I understand for some, maybe even most people it is easy to find shoes but for me it is challenging.  So this post is for people like me (hi there).  My right foot is a half inch wider and also a half inch shorter than the left which makes my feet slightly PICKY in finding comfort.  My game plan when I shop for shoes starts with making sure the store gives full refunds as long as shoes are not worn outside, then I wear the shoes around the store for five to ten minutes before I decide to buy them; last but not least I wear the shoes inside my house for an evening or two or three to be sure they are comfortable before venturing onto the sidewalk.  This system has worked great for me for years and I no longer am stuck with piles of expensive uncomfortable shoes that I will never wear!  Just this week I got my money back for the cutest pair of denim Keds, they were great in the store but as soon as extended wear came into play my toes and heels were aching.  I am so glad I waited before wearing them outside, $30 saved.

Now I should say I am great at shopping for shoes except for when I go online, I am decidedly NOT a fan.  Since there is no chance to try on the shoes there is no way to get a real idea of fit.  Currently I am bringing these online frye boots into rotation though it has taken quite a while to work in the leather.  And my adorable online grey booties sent by Solestruck?  They are super comfortable…… once I get them on, there is a odd seam on the heel that takes a bit of sweat to get my foot past.  To be better at online shoe shopping I have tried scoping out the mall before shopping online, but I felt bad asking the salespeople to help me when I had no intention of purchasing.  I also couldn’t find exact matches here in Canada, it seems our mall choices are slightly outdated and limited.  To help with the pairs that don’t fit I found this excellent resource on how to fix common shoe problems.

Do you know the secret to choosing shoes online?

If so, please divulge.

___________________
Thrifted Jacob Sweater. Native Printed Skirt, Etsy. Frye Boots, c/o Shopbop.

*Charm Attack, Leona Naess*
I recently uploaded to my computer a dozen cds I used to play on constant repeat… and now I am overplaying them again, it’s great.

Jan 24 2012

How To Survive The Rain Without An Umbrella

Category: How To — Eyeliah

I am not an umbrella carrier, the fact that I lost the only one I had is besides the point….. so this is what I wear to keep as dry as I can on days that pour in my fair city of Vancouver.

Start with a staple waterproof or water resistant coat, look for one with a high collar or hood so you can bypass on a scarf.  It’s also important for those who wear glasses to don a wide brimmed hat to stop pesky raindrops from landing on specs.  Over my pants a skirt and high socks to soak up some of that rain and rubber shoes to keep toes dry.  Unfortunately these shoes gave me a few wicked blisters today, so I should toss them out straight away.

This close up on my jacket may give a better idea of just how wet it was out!

___________________
McKinley Water Resistant Coat; great for concerts, camping and rainy days. Winners Angora Hat and Rain Shoes.

Do you go without an umbrella on rainy days?

*No Rain, Blind Melon*

Love Eyeliah

Jul 28 2011

How Do I Get The Neighbors To Turn Down Their Music?

Category: How To,Life — Eyeliah

It’s been happening since I moved in here July 1st, around 2 in the afternoon Beyonce, Usher and Kelly Clarkson start bouncing off my living room walls.  My neighbor has her music and bass turned up, again.  I hate conflicts and so far I have done nothing.  Today, after appropriately dealing with a jaywalker I almost hit with my bike “it’s my right to walk anywhere I want” I was feeling ready to say something to her.

I marched myself right over to her door and knocked loudly, and then knocked again, and then knocked using the door knocker.  She  didn’t come to the door but turned her music down a smidge and then turned it right back up a minute later.

An hour and a half later and I can still here the music “you can pay my bills…” and feel like a useless chicken.  Not wanting to leave a passive agressive note or call the landlords I’m really not sure what to do.

Here is my possible note so far;
“I tried knocking three times, I can hear your music in my apartment and it is uncomfortably loud. I would appreciate if you could turn it down, especially the bass. I work odd hours and am often home during the day.
Thank you”

I’m debating to leave that or kicking her door for a knock she can’t ignore, but of course still being polite with my choice of words.  I’m about to knock one more time, wish me luck.

How do you deal with noisy neighbors?

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