Michele McKirdy Copywriter Extraordinaire | michelemckirdy@gmail.com

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Manolo Blahnik | Biography

Manolo Blahnik. Just saying the name will conjure fantastical creations and unique if not divinely inspired revelations in footwear. Plagued as we are by mass-market and generic products, Manolo’s designs are more akin to a tidal wave of an artisan’s creativity than to a breathe of fresh air. Every pair is distinct. Every pair, quite literally, has Manolo’s hand in it. It’s no wonder then that the haute couture ladies of Sex and the City fame deigned to fly across the world’s televisions in his shoes and at the same time brought his name to the attention of the masses. Even if the price of a pair of these shoes would require some women to eat tuna for a month-many will happily sacrifice. This man, although he had no formal training said “I didn’t need it (formal training) because I have the best taste in the world.”

So just who is this man that has incited such a devout and devoted following?

Born in the Canary Islands in 1943 to a Spanish mother and a Czech father, Manolo was raised on a banana plantation; with no real neighbors to speak of, aside from the sea. So how was his creativity sparked? The art of shoemaking; using ribbon and lace was taught to him by….his mother.

Writer’s note: Manolo Blahnik learned from his MOM. I should pay attention!

Like many young students, Manolo was sent to the University of Geneva with the decidedly more academic pursuits of studying law and politics. However, like most young academics, Manolo had other ideas about his future and would eventually enroll at L’cole des Beaux Arts. in Paris. A meeting with Diana Vreeland, the Editor of American Vogue would forever alter the course of Manolo Blahnik’s life. Instead of pursuing theatre designs, as he had originally intended, he was instead intensely encouraged to pursue the design of shoes.

Although he first began his shoe career in men’s designing for Zapata’s in London; he soon found himself sought after by the likes of Hollywood legend Lauren Bacall.

Manolo Blahnik Biography June 2008 Client: runningwithheels.com

An insightful look into the artisan and craftsman behind one of the most glamorous and idolized footwear lines of this century.

Making his first break in the United States with a collection in Bloomingdales in 1978, Manolo went on to forge partnerships with the likes of other fashion giants such as Perry Ellis and Calvin Klein. The 1980’s brought further success and more creative collaborations with awe-worthy designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera.

Often, designers catch the attention of Hollywood stars like Lauren Bacall and even get an opportunity such as gracing Bianca Jaggar’s feet on her infamous entrance on a white horse into Studio 54. However Manolo Blahnik has managed to not only main-tain, but explode with his legendary status upon the world’s stage for over 30 years. So what makes this man so unique?

As with anyone of his status, it would be easy to assume that the man was merely a figurehead, a name on a label; and that the real work and design lay with unknown assistants. However, that assumption would not only be a misunderstanding; it could also be considered be a lack of appreciation of the creativity of a true artisan.

Manolo Blahnik does not leave the post of designer after the sketch has been com-plete-for him, often within minutes. Although his sketches often become part of his ad campaigns, this man goes many steps further and sculpts and files in wood a shoe last himself. Think you don’t know what a shoe last is? Think again.

Client: runningwithheels.com

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Stella McCartney | Biography

Imagine this scenario. Industry naysayers would rejoice at your failure. The public at large, largely skeptical of your artistic competence eagerly awaits a dismal showcase of your material. Added to this, everyone knows who your father is. Really. Your father is a musician of international acclaim and has transcended generations with his musical influence. The pressure is on. Who are you? How do you separate yourself not only from the rest of the design world, but gain respect that most would rather not give?

The answer? You are Stella McCartney.

Your father is former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney. Your designs are intuitive, gorgeous and utterly real. You make it work-on your terms.

Stella McCartney’s design career is a study in a parallel of opposites. Born soon after the breakup of the acclaimed Beatles group, Stella would travel her super-star parents Paul and Linda as they toured in the group Wings. What could have erupted into developmental chaos from a jet-set lifestyle was tempered with a deep parental desire to see their children lead a more real lifestyle.

Exposure to the jet-set rock n’ roll lifestyle as well as an idyllic life on a farm raising sheep, horses and vegetables no doubt set in motion the inspiration for the dichoto-my that would be the style of Stella McCartney. Inspired immensely by the artistic photography of her mother Linda as well as her advocacy of animal rights, Stella would find a way to combine the whimsical and the humane into her creations.

Stella’s entrée into the fashion world came at a much earlier age than most. Al-though for most elite fashion designers, creating their own clothing in their early teens is not an unusual feat, interning for Christian Lacroix at age 15 and then fine tuning her technical skills on London’s famed Savile Row does lend an air of preco-ciousness and perhaps even questions of “daddy-connections”.

Stella McCartney Biography January 2009 Client: runningwithheels.com

Daughter of legendary Beatle Paul McCartney flaunts the stereotypes and becomes a phenomenal designer of her own accord.

Following in the footsteps of other famous designers, Stella graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Unlike most graduating students, however, Stella McCartney’s graduation runway show featured supermodel stars like Naomi Campbell, Yasmin Le Bon and Kate Moss. Oh, right. Did I mention Paul McCartney happened to be in attendance as well?

If that wasn’t enough of a wow factor, the entire collection was bought by a London boutique and designs were licensed to retail powerhouses such as Bergdorf Good-man and Neiman Marcus. Naturally Stella McCartney received some slack about her ‘models’ and the fact that her collection made front page news-was it only her father’s star power that brought her such acclaim?

She proved the doubters wrong.

In 1997, Stella was named chief designer of Chloe. Her predecessor, Karl Lagerfield was not impressed with the choice of the design house, saying “Let’s hope she’s as gifted as her father.”. However, when Mounir Moufarrige, the president of an established brand like Chloe thinks that you have what it takes to revive his brand? You take him up on it!

Triumphantly marrying romantic pieces and delicate petticoat skirts with the fine tailoring acquired from her years on Savile Row, her first collection was a commercial success and critically acclaimed. Her mother’s influence was immensely apparent. “My mom always collected thrift-shop stuff…especially Italian slips.” An article in the Washington Post agreed with Moufarrige’s assessment, saying “Chloe has not just gotten substantially better. It has been transformed.” ( for the full story visit here )

Client: runningwithheels.com

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Converse Spec Ad2009 Copywriting & Art Direction

Image selected from stock photography. Love written on sneaker inspired classic image of Converse, an eternal staple in the volatile world of fashion.

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L.O.V.E Classic L.O.V.E Vintage L.O.V.E Always, Converse

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Boston Marathon Spec AdJune 2008 Collaboration with Creative Director Pierre Pilon

Inspired by a stream of conciousness while run-ning 26.2 miles, this ad encompasses the peaks, valleys and ultimate success of completing one of the world’s most difficult marathons.

“Tried..Can’t breathe...Double Vision. Joy! Tears. There’s the finish...” Boston Marathon PAIN? YES. SATISFACTION? GUARANTEED.

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

ING NYC Marathon Spec Ad 2009 Collaboration with Creative Director Pierre Pilon

Inspired by my approach to race day, the ad ad-dresses the essence of endurance athletes-every race is against yourself.

“This is My race. Follow no one.” ING New York City Marathon PAIN? YES. PRIDE? GUARANTEED.

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Roger Vivier Spec Ad 2009 Collaboration with Creative Director Pierre Pilon

After seeing several photographs of Ms. Bardot wearing shoes from Vivier, this inspired Pierre and I to create an ad where one would see that you only need Roger Vivier’s shoes, and nothing else.

“Mais c’est tout Monsieur Roger?” ( but that’s all Mr.?) Roger Vivier | Paris “It’s all you need mademosielle...”

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Invisible Children Organization Rollover Ad Spec2009 Client: Invisible Children.Org

Created for the non-profit organization InvisibleChildren.Org, the ad engages educators that may be overwhelmed with children from a damaged foster system. The purpose of the ad is to inform educators of the resources and understand-ing that the non-profit provides.

You have30 students.50 lesson plans.A student with bruises on his arm. www.invisiblechildren.org

Who do you tell? What are the laws? Where do you turn? www.invisiblechildren.org

Resources. Interactive Forums. Workshops. You want to help. We’ll show you how. www.invisiblechildren.org

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Cole Haan & Nike Air: Fashion Fusion!

There was a time, in the not-so-distant past, when as connoisseurs of shoes you had exactly two options:

1) Style2) Comfort

Style? Perhaps we’ve all made some questionable choices-like the icky jelly-shoes, Reeboks with the Velcro straps, and the way too obviously fake animal-print heels. Don’t worry, you’re forgiven! I am guilty of many of these fashion “sins” too, but we can all breathe a little easier knowing they WERE cool…and we weren’t alone. After all, they were trends and had their moments…even if some hurt like hell, (and usually they did).

Comfort? Now unlike style, this is REALLY something that was unheard of. Even in ‘classic’ shoes comfort can be something of an urban myth. Sure, you LOOK great in your vintage black pumps, but what no one else knows is that there are band-aids around your toes and a cushion on your heel. Comfort used to be something relegat-ed to your grandmother’s nurse-style shoes or, even worse, found on fellow profes-sional women. Yes, I’m talking about those ladies in pantyhose, skirts and sneakers, (the ones that scream Melanie Griffith from Working Girl).

I know what you’re thinking. These women are wearing those athletic sneakers for comfort and to save their shoes for the office! All right all right, I know it’s true and even necessary. But why should we have to choose between fashion and genuine comfort? Good news – we DON’T.

In the past few years the label Cole Haan has introduced Nike Air technology into a wide variety of its shoes. Formed by Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan in 1928, this

Cole Haan & Nike Air: Fashion Fusion Fashion Feature 2008 Client: runningwithheels.com

The arena of couture footwear and athletic comfort of Nike collide to present exceptionally comfort-able high fashion footwear.

Chicago-based company has built a reputation over the past 70 years of high class and quality. Although introduced as a more conservative men’s shoe label, Cole Haan has adapted to the ever imploding and exploding world of fashion by branching out into the realm of women’s footwear.

Cole Haan was purchased by Nike in 1988, a bold move for the primarily athletic focused Nike. While operating almost autonomously from its parent company, Cole Haan has re-emerged as a younger and hipper label, with groups like Country, City, Resort and Evening that appeal to ladies like us.

What is really phenomenal about the Cole Haan partnership with Nike is the tech-nology that enables you to be comfortable AND still in high fashion. I’m talking about Nike Air Technology. That’s right, the same technology that enables me to run for miles and miles is available in stylish (read: non-athletic) shoes. So just WHAT is Nike technology? Well, of course I didn’t expect Nike to have the secrets to their success on their home page, so I did a little detective work for you, (they did need a patent for this stuff).

Client: runningwithheels.com

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Save 2nd Base

2nd base. Sadly enough, it’s a place not enough of my beloved Red Sox team got to in last night’s game against Tampa Bay, so no World Series this year. Yeah, I know. I’m a Red Sox girl smack in the middle of the Yankee kingdom (i.e. New York City).

A few things you should know about me:

-I like to live dangerously (Red Sox gear in Grand Central=serious guts)-I have an offbeat sense of humor (Spamalot, anyone?)-I like weird t-shirts (Napoleon Dynamite is leading my t-shirt collection at the moment)-Although I am a smart aleck, I am really a total mush. Everywhere you look this month, you’ll find PINK. Ribbons, hats, shoes, etc. You know what it stands for-breast cancer awareness. Research. Remembrance. I see it also. It does make you think-who do I know that’s been affected by this? Should I do something? Unfortunately, in our busy lives, these thoughts can be well intentioned, but fleeting. See it, wonder about it, then on to the next meeting.What if, though, a reminder stared your RIGHT in the face. And at the same time…made you crack up? You know you can’t forget that crazy subway rider that burst out with an off-key rendition of “Silent Night” in the middle of July. What if it was a t-shirt that made you consciously stare at someone’s chest? I can see it now, through the computer: raised eyebrows and a slight headshake. The Kelly Rooney Foundation I admit it, what first caught my eye on the web site was the fitted t-shirt with two baseballs and the words ‘Save 2nd base” emblazoned on the front. The baseballs were…how should I say this,‘strategically’ placed.Yes, you guessed it, the baseballs are ‘front and center’ commanding the attention of anyone passing by, and inviting them to read the words.

This t-shirt, attention grabbing ($20) and a little saucy, is more than just sass, it’s a strong message about breast cancer-and YOU.

Kelly Rooney was only 40-years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was a mother of five kids, a sister, an aunt wife and a daughter. Not content with enduring chemo and radiation, Kelly wanted to know how to prevent her daughters from experiencing her pain.

Save 2nd Base Fashion Feature 2008 Client: runningwithheels.com

The Kelley Rooney Foundation honors the late Kelley Rooney ‘s with and sass with witty and in your face fashion promoting breast cancer awareness.

According to the web site, Kelly “was mischievous…she was no saint and never set out to be…she was utterly human, with a big, giant heart.”Big heart+quick wit=the birth of Save 2nd base t-shirts. Second base. A baseball euphemism for ‘the girls’, ‘the twins’ or, perhaps simply, your chest. During a 2005 Breast Cancer Philadelphia 3-day walk, members of the Kelly Rooney Foundation wore these shirts, much to the delight and appreciation of all those around them. Not a t-shirt kind of girl? No worries! This spunky and direct message is available on fleece blankets, hats, bags and even a polo shirt for men! Did I mention capris, hoodies, and little doggie shirts too?!

Why do I think this is so unique and amazing? This message is not limited to Octo-ber. You can use the bags year-round; wear the t-shirts on the weekend to the park and also to the gym. We can make this message an every day event, not something you think about once a year.

We like being unique. We like making a difference and making an impact. And, let’s face, we often like to do something or wear something that starts a conversation. What better way than to make a purchase that makes people ask you “So, what does that mean?”

Writer’s note: I am personally looking forward to men trying not to blatantly look at my chest and me saying “it’s for breast cancer awareness-tell your sister!”Kelly Rooney lost her battle three years after her diagnosis on July 11, 2006. Her legacy is a powerful one. Spunk, sass and good sense of humor-THAT is to me, the most important part of herself that she has left behind. Knowledge is power. Laughter is strength. Help raise breast cancer awareness with the most powerful combination in the world.And, you know, save 2nd base. This is definitely “pink with a wink”!For more information on Save 2nd Base and to purchase these awesome items, please visit: www.save2ndbase.com

To learn more about Kelly Rooney and what the Kelly Rooney Foundation is up to next in their never-ending quest, please visit: www.kellyrooney.org.

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Beverly Feldman| Biography

A native New England gal from conser-vative Massachusetts town, you would never have guessed that Beverly Feld-man would turn out to be the globe-trotting, gregarious, whirlwind shoe designer extraordinaire that she is today.

And she’s hilarious. Who else would say something like “The circle of life is to get married, get divorced, and then have a great time with younger lovers. That is

how to stay young and gorgeous”

Well, until Beverly turned 13 and started drawing, sketching and illustrating her way into her eventual creative schooling at the Pratt Institute in New York. Then it became quite obvious where her talent lay. Even before graduating from Pratt with a major in Shoe Illustration & Design, Beverly’s whimsical, bold and glamorous style had caught the eyes of a few very important people at magazines such as Mademoi-selle and Glamour. Shortly thereafter, Beverly found herself appointed as a shoe illustrator for both magazines.The ability to envision an artistic rendering is a rare talent; the ability to take that illustration and translate it into a functional, beautiful, affordable product is almost unheard of.

Plus, she’s funny. Oh, right. More on that later.Beverly took these extraordinary abilities illustrating and designing ornate and fabulous shoes to the design houses of names such as Doris Weston, I. Miller and Andrew Geller (source). At the age of 31, Beverly founded Lucky Lizard Trading Company in Alicante, Spain. An established brand of over 30 years with a distribu-tion in more than 50 countries, Beverly Feldman has proven to be a forced to be reckoned with.

So what is Beverly’s inspiration and just what makes her tick? First, she is hands-on. Hands-on meaning she is in the factories in Spain nearly all of the time, overseeing and revising, revising, revising. She knows and wants to

Beverly FeldmanBiographyAugust 2009 Client: runningwithheels.com

An insightful look into the artisan and craftsman behind one of the most glamorous and idolized footwear lines of this century.

know exactly what is going on with her one-season only exclusive shoes.Visually? Beverly “designs to attract attention” (source). Leopard prints, jewels, ‘bling’ aplenty, there is no such thing as over-the-top for a Beverly Feldman shoe. Not surprising that Hollywood stars like Halle Barry and notorious socialites like Paris Hilton are devoted followers.

Beverly is inspired and follows no one’s inclinations but her own. Following no trends (can you tell?) Beverly Feldman shoes are unique, like the designer. Beverly creates what she would wear herself and what she believes her customers will love. She does admit to following one thing-glamour. Always in the moment, always changing, forever versatile.Her personality.

She has a blog. As in a real-person’s this-is-what-I-did-today and by-the-way-I-met-a-really-hot-way too young-Spanish-guy. Said Spanish man being taken advantage of-apparently (haha!). This blog is beyond rare. This is a celebrity blog actually written by the celebrity themselves, not a paid writer. She wants to lose 10 lbs and admits that being a blonde is a full-time job. She writes about her favorite stores, restaurant, her dogs and latest love exploits. Beverly’s personality, quirks and pas-

Client: runningwithheels.com

“I have just sent this to a lot of my important customers and two of my foreign press agents. Thank you for writing such a wonderful article about me.” - Beverly Feldman

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

How To Buy Running Shoes

It’s mid-August and they seem to be everywhere, those people. You know who I mean. Jaunting, gallivanting, occasionally shuffling, they’re moving along on side-walks, city streets and country roads.

Runners. They’re everywhere! Sort of like the U.S. Post Office, no weather seems to deter them. You’re intrigued, you might admit. Maybe you would like to run a mile or two. Perhaps a little afraid? Where do they get those…sneakers? Clearly there must be some sort of ‘training regime’ that you are unaware of, a secret society of information and expertise. Perhaps this is all a little over your head.

Oh no, dear reader, it’s not! You my friend, the fearless connoisseur of couture foot-wear, survivor of samples sales, can absolutely find the best running shoe for you. You already have the skill set: get the facts, gather some terminology and go into that store armed with information!

Ok, you admit. This sounds good. But, um, how? Like the shoe shopping connoisseur that you are, you must go armed with informa-tion. You know what I mean. Would you go into Stuart Weitzman without knowing the latest styles or how the shoes fit? I didn’t think so! So, much like any shoe shopping expedition, we at RunningWithHeels want you go into stores with confidence. In this case-I mean a running store. Yes, a running store. But fear not, in this two-part series, we’ll tell you what you need to know about a running shoe, your foot and what to know before you go into a running store.

Your Running ShoeThere’s a lot going on in that spiffy athletic shoe. Let’s simplify and break down the parts of a running shoe.

Outer SoleThis is visible bottom of the shoe. It usually has a textured or ‘waffle’ design to provide traction (i.e. you don’t slide across the sidewalk/street while running).

How To Buy Running ShoesAugust 2009 Client: Runningwithheels.com

The no-brainer guide on how to buy running shoes for new runners and fashionistas.

It also resists wear and tear. Every time you take a stride and land on your feet, your feet absorb 2-3 times your body weight (source). Talk about wear and tear!It should be flexible enough to bend slightly with your hands, but strong enough to support the impact of running.

UpperThis part is quite visible as well! Wrapping around and over the top of your foot; you can see a combination of materials like leather and/or breathable materials that make the shoes really comfortable. The upper also includes:-the tongue (that weird, padded part just below the laces keeps the pressure off top of your foot)-padding around the inside of the heel to prevent irritation against the achilles ten-don

MidsoleProbably the most important part of the shoe-and the one you often can’t see! This is the part of the shoe that provides the cushioning and stability between the upper and the outsole of the shoe. This is where you’ll find cool materials like gel & air technol-ogy that help to keep your foot in the right place (and not rolling to the left or right).

The heel counterThis is-you guessed it; right around your heel. It is built into the upper part of the shoe and is usually very firm. This firmness makes sure that the heel of your foot doesn’t move around too much (more stablity, more control, more comfort!)

InsoleOn this inside of the shoe, this piece also provides stability and support to your feet and is usually removable. You can change to add custom inserts (like orthotics) or insoles with just a bit more padding (if you desire) like Dr. Scholls.Now that you know the basic parts of a shoe, we have to prep you pre-shopping! There are a few things you need to know about yourself before you go:-Your feet-Your BudgetYour terrainYour Foot.

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

What’s That On My Foot

While sitting on the New York City subway recently, I glanced up and was read-ing one of those bizarre advertisements that are placed just below the ceiling of the cab. You probably know the ones I’m talking about-”Get out of Jail Now!” and “Get Your College Degree in 3 Months Online!”. The picture showed a distorted foot with the big toe bent painfully inward (um, ouch?). The advertisement claimed that the doctor’s office could perform a simple surgery to correct this “potentially painful” issue…(potentially painful? Ya think?!).

Seeing this ad got me to thinking: I think that’s a bunion. But wait, what IS a bunion? Do I have one? Would I need surgery? Writer’s note:I am an avid athlete, so my feet get a little bit rough-housed with the running/swimming/bik-ing. Oh yeah, and the high-heel wearing/running around the city thing too!

This made me think. If a college-educated woman like me is not quite sure about some basic foot facts, maybe there are some others out there in need of more info too? In addition, I KNOW there are others that do things to their feet that they shouldn’t (i.e. popping blisters, ignoring ingrown toenails). So, in the spirit of the season of open-toes shoes and putting your best (and nearly naked foot) forward, I’ve compiled a brief list of “Ouch, what IS that on my foot and how should I take care of it?” facts. Of course, I’ve included some signs to watch out for, preventative mea-sures and perhaps when you should go see a doctor.

Here are some basic “foot” facts:Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons (whoa). Feet contain a quarter of the bones in your body-can you imagine that? That’s a small space to take on the brutal force we put them through every day! (source)So, here are a few basic foot issues that come up and how to deal. At first you may think (well, duh, I know what a callus is), but what you may not know is what is causing your problem-and how easily it can be fixed!

What’s That On My Foot?July 2008 Client: Runningwithheels.com

The no-brainer guide on how to buy running shoes for new runners and fashionistas.

BLISTERSOk, ouch. Chances are 99% of you have had them in some form and man-they can HURT! But all right just in case you haven’t (lucky stiffs you!):

What IS a blister? It’s a bubble of fluid under the outermost layer of skin. It usually looks like a soft bubble.

How long does it last?Usually for about 3 to 7 days. So chances are you’ll be able to put up with them! Why do we get them?Blisters are caused by friction. For example, if you wear new heels that are a bit too narrow in the toe box or are too small overall and chafe against your heel, chances are you’re going to get a blister! When getting a blister, you’re probably going to feel it when it’s happening. Just that feeling of rubbing and a bit of uncomfortable pres-sure will give you an indication that a blister is forming. Blisters usually ‘drain’ them-selves so it’s not necessary to try to expedite the process (see below!) How to NOT treat them?#1 Do NOT pop blisters. I know it’s tempting. Like a pimple you almost can’t help yourself. It shouldn’t be there, so if you “dispose” of it all will be better, right? Ah, no. First-hand experience here-learn from my mistakes! I “relieved” myself of one and man oh man! That huuuurt! Raw skin next to a shoe? Yeah, do NOT do that! Even if you think popping one will make you feel better, it’s also inviting more chaf-ing and possibly infection (and you definitely don’t want that).

How TO treat blisters?This is the easy part.At any Duane Reade/CVS/Rite Aid basic band-aids or more specific ‘moleskin’ or padded band aids can be applied to help relieve the discomfort while you continue on your way.

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Muleos Product Review

So, next to peep-toe shoes, mules are my favorite heels (I’ll get into my peep-toe obsession soon!). Classy and versatile, backless heels can be worn with just about anything; from the classic black pants at the office to those dark denim jeans that you saunter with into a favorite bar.

Just one problem though. I’ve noticed it at the office when I have been running down the tiled floors (did I mention I’m also known as a whirling dervish?!) and the soles of my beloved mules are slapping against the back of my feet, sounding a very obnoxious beat. Perhaps you’ve experienced it on a night out on the town when the wine has been flowing and you feel that it’s time to get those ‘dancing shoes’ on. Kind of difficult to groove to techno or bounce to Kanye when you’re worried about shoes flying off your feet and whacking and innocent bystander, right? Or, even worse, you’re afraid that the jeans or slacks you’re wearing will get caught underneath your foot and you’ll trip on...your pants. Ok, yes, that’s embarrassing and also a pretty definite Glam-our magazine “Don’t”.

What to do? There’s nothing like backless heels, yet it’s unlikely you will be running around with a spare pair of heels in your bag.

When I was asked to try out Muleos; I admit I was a bit curious. Would they actu-ally work? How DO they work? Are they practical, useful? Or, would this product be more akin to the Topsytail hair product of the 90’s-an interesting concept, but not something that you actually needed to make a separate purchase for? Well, only one way to find out-try ‘em!

So who came up with this idea, anyway?

In 2006, Michele Hickford came across an issue much like what I have just men-tioned-backless shoes that were just not cooperating with her cool jeans (perhaps it’s something with the name Michele? Just a thought…). Although she initially impro-vised and used men’s shoelaces to anchor her heels to her feet, she would quickly come up with the concept of Muleos.

Muleos Product ReviewJune 2008

Client: Runningwithheels.com

Muleos: Satin straps that promise to take mules from heel slapping to heel hugging get a thorough review by yours truly.

The main idea of course is versatility. You want to be able to use Muleos and then remove with ease. Two style options are offered and of course I had to try both.

Straps:These look just like the straps you find with your ‘strappy heels.’ They have a leather-like appearance and come complete with holes to adjust with and a buckle to tighten.

Writer’s note: These also come in pairs in a cute little mesh bag with written and picture instructions on how to use them. Keeping track of the individual straps and Essentially the idea is to first hold on to the buckle and then wrap the strap under-neath your shoe (check here for the picture instructions). Then, fasten them just like a typical strap.

So, did it work?Well, wrapping the straps underneath the shoe and around my ankle was a no-brainer. My friend Carolyn complimented me on my ‘cool new shoes.’ Versatility: check!

My only complaint? The straps need more holes already made within the strap. Four holes weren’t quite enough to tighten the straps around my ankles and the heels weren’t quite as ‘secure’ as I would like them to be. Just a little too much ‘flopping’ for my comfort. Although you can force the buckle through the strap to create another hole, it kind of defeats the purpose of ‘easy.’ A few more holes would make this great!

Option #2 TiesVery similar idea to the straps, but these look more like satin; perhaps a better option for a ‘dressier’ evening out. Same approach to securing them to your feet, except I tied a knot instead of a buckle (look here for picture instructions).

So, did it work?Again, wrapping the satin straps around my shoes and feet? Easy as pie. Just like shoes with satin straps already, you need to really make sure these are secure or

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Zakkerz Product Review

A few days ago in Manhattan we had a mini-blizzard. Yes, in April. And a week before that days of torrential rains ensued. Oh that’s right, in Manhattan. City grime, dust and questionable substances litter the city streets.

Have I mentioned that I’m a commuter? That’s right – I live across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey. The not-really-Jersey-but-clearly not-an-NYCer. Yes, I am a bridge and tunnel, NJ transit-riding, bus-taking kinda gal so I get a lot of time with those New York City streets. And unfortunately, so do my pants.(That being said, with the economy in uber-crisis mode, money is an even more pre-cious commodity than ever and I love my pants!)

So imagine this scenario: You’re trudging to work on Monday (yes, I said trudging) sporting either the ‘working girl’ sneaker look or donning the prima ballerina-style flats. Like any self-sufficient city woman, you are clever enough to ‘roll-up’ the legs of your pants into precise cuffs. This works well, of course, until you realize that halfway through your trek not only have the cuffs semi-unrolled but have also managed to scrape along the ground and drag half of the street’s grime along with you. You then find yourself exclaiming something along the lines of “@&#$*!”. There is indeed another dynamic at work here as well – your shoes! You wouldn’t think of subjecting your favorite heels to the harsh surfaces of the city streets, but alas! Your office pants aren’t exactly made for sneakers, and any short enough to be worn with flats tend to look ridiculous with heels.So, the cycle repeats. Or does it have to?

Enter Zakkerz. Named after a beloved family pet, Zakkerz is the brainchild of two commuting sisters, loving their clothes and fed up with their pants’ quick demise at the hands of city streets and weather! What are they? Durable semi-stretchable strips of fabric that encase a very strong magnet at each end.

Zakkerz Product Review Client: Runningwithheels.com (Writer’s note: These are VERY strong magnets! No need to ‘force’ them together, it’s

unnecessary and possibly detrimental to your fingertips.)How do they work?

The directions on the web site are simple and straightforward, but after testing them out I am here to put in my own two cents!

1) Roll pants leg to desired cuff length (read: short enough to not drag along the ground but long enough so no one asks you when the next flood is coming).2) Next, place one magnet on the outside of the pant leg and the other on the inside of the pant so that the match up. You’ll hear a quick ‘snap!’ sound and know that the Zakkerz are on properly.3) Two zakkerz per each leg should be enough. But, just in case you have extra wide pant legs, you might want to add a 3rd Zakkerz for peace of mind.But what do they look like?Colors: Zakkerz actually come in a wide variety of colors from khaki and denim to black and brown. There are even a few cute patterns like stripes and flowers.Lengths: In addition, Zakkerz come in two lengths. ‘Original’ is for light weight/nor-mal weight fabrics and ‘Long’ is for heavier weight fabrics.How much are they?Full sets of four are around $30 per set and additional ‘extra’ sets of two pairs are available for $15.

Where can Zakkerz be purchased?Available at a few retailers online, your best bet is to go straight to the source at: www.Zakkerz.com.

But do they work? (The all important question!)Yes! They do work and work quite well. The Zakkerz I tried blended in very nicely with my pants and I didn’t have to worry about my hems dragging along the ground. Zakkerz also come with a cute little suede pouch to drop in your purse and not worry about losing them before the end of the day. My one caveat? I only wish these great products were just a few dollars less, perhaps $20 for a full set? That would make them a steal!

Michele McKirdyCopywriter Extraordinaire

Invisible Children.org 2nd Annual Make a Difference Forum Minneapolis, MN, September 03, 2009 --(PR.com)-- InvisibleChildren.Org, a non-profit online action and information based resource network for abused children will be presenting the 2nd annual Make A Difference Forum at Century College in Bear Lake MN, on October 16th, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join former Minnesota State Senator Becky Lourey, Judge Herbert Lefler and Dr. Read Sulik, Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health Services as they engage in an interactive discussion about the perspectives of advocacy, public policy and child protection issues with foster and adoptive families.

Audience members are encouraged to actively participate in the panel discussions. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to break out into small discussion groups as well as join an action group to facilitate a better understanding of the top-ics and enabling action.

“The forum last year enabled participants in all sides of the child welfare discussion to interact in a completely new way.” said KARA Spokesman Mike Tikkanen. “This year we hope to grow and further enable the powerful public discussion and highly successful action groups that resulted from last year’s Make A Difference Forum.”

The course fee of $15 includes lunch. Registration is available for the event online at Century College.

About InvisibleChildren.Org

Founded in 1996 by Guardian Ad-Litem Mike Tikannen, InvisibleChildren.Org works to improve the lives of at-risk children and youth by raising awareness and creating community action.

Contact

Mike Tikannen, President(952) 542-9318mike@invisiblechildren.orgwww.invisiblechildren.org

InvisibleChildren.org 2nd Annual Make a Difference Forum September 2009

Client: Invisiblechildren.org

2nd Annual Make A Difference ForumPress Release announces 2nd Annual Forum to Create Community Action on behalf of neglected children.

I am available for freelance, here’s how you can get in touch:

Michele McKirdy michelemckirdy@gmail.com michelemckirdycreative.com

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