The actress often opts for feminine and whimsical designs in an array of colors ranging from hot pink to navy blue, and has an affinity for designers like Christian Louboutin and Aquazzura.
Check out some of Blake Lively’s best footwear choices from over the years.
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As we roll into the colder months, it’s time to make sure we cleanse our white sneakers from all they were put through during the summer time. While brands like Golden Goose have gained a massive following by selling shoes that look worn-in and scuffed up, anyone who truly loves sneakers knows they should be kept looking like they are fresh out of the box for as long as possible.
As cool as white sneakers look with just about any outfit, they can also be a pain to keep looking clean. Every grass or dirt stain is easily visible on a white fabric, and keeping them crisp is no easy feat — especially if you want to avoid dousing your kicks in harmful chemicals. And the way to treat your sneakers also all depends on what material they are made out of.
Read below for our step by step guides on how to keep your white sneakers clean and expand their lifespan in your wardrobe.
How to clean white sneakers
In order to keep your white sneakers looking fresh, the organic way, follow the steps outlined below. Keep in mind that this process varies for leather, canvas or suede kicks.
How to organically clean white leather sneakers
- Step 1: Mix two teaspoons of organic pure castile soap with 1/4 cup of water. You can purchase a 16-oz. bottle of castile soap for around $10 at Target.
- Step 2: Dip a (clean) toothbrush into the soap-water mixture.
- Step 3: Scrub the white leather parts of the shoe gently and thoroughly with your toothbrush. Dip the toothbrush back in the mixture as many times as you need to — you’ll probably need to do this a lot. Be careful not to scrub into the laces or other delicate fabrics.
- Step 4: Clean the hardware, plastic and rubber portions of your sneakers as necessary.
- Step 5: Wipe off your white sneakers with a clean towel, and voila, you’re done.
How to clean white mesh sneakers
Athletic sneaker styles are a popular shoe choice for the spring and summer months — especially white sneakers with mesh uppers, making them breathable and lightweight. However, whether you’re wearing them for workouts or fashion statements, the knit pair’s textures can often attract dirt and quickly become stained. Below, we outlined how to clean white sneakers when they feature mesh uppers, seen in styles from brands like Adidas, APL or Allbirds.
- Fill a bucket with hot water.
- Dip a cloth into the water, and scrub dirt off of your sneakers’ rubber soles and outsoles with the now-damp cloth.
- Put 1-2 scoops of powdered OxiClean detergent into the water.
- Drop both shoes fully into the bucket.
- Put a heavy object on top of the bucket, such as a large heavy shelf or bowl, to keep the shoes submerged for 4-6 hours; if dirtier, soak 8-12 hours.
- Place the sneakers in the washing machine, and let them run for a full “heavy duty” or “normal” cycle with cold water.
- Remove your mesh sneakers from washing machine, and let them air dry.
You can watch this process visually on YouTube, as well — as seen here by creator Faith Mancuso, who’s estimated to have washed her white Adidas sneakers at least 50 times.
How to clean white canvas sneakers
Canvas sneakers are another popular style choice from their lightweight material and casual nature. As seen from brands like Converse, Cariuma and Superga, monochrome styles frequently feature lace-up or slip-on uppers atop flat matching rubber soles. However, these also need maintenance to prevent fabric staining — which we’ll outline, below.
- Step 1: Untie and remove your sneakers’ shoelaces.
- Step 2: Knock the shoes’ bottoms together to dislodge any large bits of dirt from their crevices.
- Step 3: Use a dry comb or toothbrush to brush loose dirt off of the shoes’ canvas uppers, as well as its tongues and soles.
- Step 4: Mix two tablespoons of vinegar with a tablespoon of baking soda, then dilute the mixture with one cup of worm water.
- Step 5: Dip a washcloth or toothbrush into the baking soda-vinegar paste, then scrub your shoes with it in small, circular motions.
- Step 6: Once the mixture dries, brush it off of your shoes’ uppers and let them air dry.
How to clean white suede sneakers
The final shoe style that’s most popular is suede, favored again for its light hue and weight. The faintly textured material can become dirty just like mesh, canvas or leather, but we’ll outline how to clean white sneakers with this unique material below.
- Step 1: Take a clean cloth and wet one of tis corners with a small amount of suede cleaner. If you don’t own suede cleaner, rubbing alcohol or white vinegar will also suffice.
- Step 2: Use the damp cloth to dab, or massage, the shoe’s suede pieces using horizontal or vertical side-to-side motions.
- Step 3: Set the suede sneakers aside, allowing them to air dry.
How to keep rubber soles clean
Many white sneakers featured flat white rubber soles, which can be easily stained and cake dirt into their textured bases. To clean these, you can use a melamine sponge — such as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. First, scrub off any scuff marks with the dry sponge, then use water to wet its tip and scrub the sides of your soles again. To finish the process, wipe off the shoes with a damp paper towel or other cloth, then allow them to air dry — your clean white shoes will now have an equally clean base.
How to keep white shoelaces clean
Another sneaker element that needs maintenance are your laces. The thin fabric closures often receive the brunt of our activities, and can easily become streaked and worn out. A simple fix is to wash them with bleach. While wearing gloves for your safety, remove the laces from your white sneakers and place them in a mesh bag. Submerge the bag in a small container or dish; the Clorox website recommends using 3 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. Once the laces are soaked, they can be washed with regular laundry detergent in the washing machine. Finally, let the laces air dry before stringing them back into your sneakers.
How to Clean White Sneakers with Lemon Juice
Because of its acidity, lemon juice can be a great way to clean your white shoes without leaving the house. The fruit’s lightening properties are able to break down dirt and debris that is making a pair of white shoes look discolored. Keep in mind that this method can only be used when dealing with canvas sneakers. It should never be used on any other silhouette, especially leather or suede as it will damage the material.
- Step 1: Soak the shoes in water until they are completely saturated.
- Step 2: After squeezing the lemon juice into a container, measure the amount. Then, add an equal amount of water to create a 1-to-1 solution.
- Step 3: After mixing both liquids together, use a clean cloth or toothbrush to apply the juice onto the shoes. Scrub the solution into the material, or desired area, in a circular motion.
- Step 4: After you’ve finished, let the shoes dry in direct sunlight for at least an hour.
- Step 5: Rinse the mixture off the shoes with clean water.
How to Clean White Sneakers with Micellar Water
Although many are familiar with micellar water as a toner or makeup remover, the skincare product can also be used to clean white shoes. The solution is infused with tiny particles called micelles that lift and soak up dirt and oil like a sponge, making it a great option for someone trying to clean their dirty white shoes. Because it is formulated for the skin, the formula is gentle enough to be used on several materials, including leather. Just like it is used within a skin-prepping routine, the fix does not involve water or rinsing.
- Step 1: Pour micellar water onto a clean cloth and gently rub the solution into the upper or wherever the product is needed.
- Step 2: Continue to do this for a few minutes and you will begin to see a difference as the dirt or stain will lift off the shoes.
- Step 3: Let the shoes air-dry. If there are tough stains, you can repeat the process again.
Celebrity fans of Amina Muaddi shoes include Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and more stars.
Swipe through to see which celebrities have worn the footwear brand over the years.
]]>Scroll to see how Ashley Graham’s style has evolved over the years.
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Crocs updated its line of collaborative Pixar’s “Cars” inspired footwear, accompanying its Lightning McQueen clog with a Mater-inspired style.
Released by Crocs in October of this year, the collaborative clog features the car character’s smiling face on the toes along with exposed engine detailing and a whimsical towing hook on the backstraps. The slip-on footwear comes in a dark brown, referencing Mater’s rugged color scheme, with blue and teal detailing on the soles. The clog retailed for $60 but quickly sold out, much like its Lightning McQueen counterpart.
Per usual, the Crocs classic clog style is water-friendly, lightweight, quick drying and easy to clean. The shoes came in a wide range of sizes. Many fans were seen mixing and matching their Mater and McQueen clogs, wearing one of each style on their feet. The style is popular among both young and older audiences.
The brand brought back its most popular Lightning McQueen style in August of this year to fans delight. Prior to the re-launch, the footwear brand shared a cryptic photo of a lightning bolt set against a bright red background on their Instagram today. The motif is highly reminiscent of the film’s protagonist Lightning McQueen’s design and coloring.
The mysterious photo was accompanied by a short video that gave audiences a sneak peek of the new adult-sized silhouette which included nostalgic “Cars” graphics and long-lasting LEDs that light up with every step.
“It’s happening tomorrow!” read the caption.
The McQueen clogs were initially released in May 2019 and brought back in September 2022.
What to Know About the Crocs Collab
In May 2019, the Colorado-based clog company announced on Twitter that, “due to popular demand,” they would be dropping an adult-sized version of their collaboration with Disney Pixar “Cars” character Lightning McQueen. The fun shoes inspired by the animated film were initially only available in kids’ sizing, but a petition asking for them to be produced in adult sizes changed that.
“It is unfair that there are adult sizes in many other movies and cartoons, but not Lightning McQueen! People around the world deserve equality,” Collin Bonner wrote on Change.org. “So many more people would buy the Crocs if they were in adult sizes,” Bonner explained while asking fans to sign the petition. The petition ended up going viral with more than 33,000 signatures and Crocs took notice. The demand turned out to be so popular that the clogs completely sold out on Crocs.com within hours.
The red foam clogs, which were restocked last September, were designed to resemble the beloved character’s face with graphics of McQueen’s windshield eyes. The classic style also features a flame with the number “95” emblazoned on the sides.
How Much Does The Shoe Cost?
The Crocs x Lightning McQueen clogs originally retailed for $50 on crocs.com as well as on Amazon. Today, the fun shoes are going for hundreds of dollars on resale sites like eBay, Grailed, Depop and Poshmark.
Who is Lightning McQueen?
The “Cars” character is an anthropomorphic race car and the face of the animated Pixar franchise. Lightning McQueen, who is primarily voiced by Owen Wilson, is known for saying, “I’m faster than fast. Quicker than quick. I am lightning!” Some fans have thought that Lightning was named after old Hollywood star Steve McQueen, but the lovable animated race car is actually named after Pixar animator Glenn McQueen, who passed away in 2002. When the first film came out in 2006, Cars director John Lasseter told the Los Angeles Times that Lightning McQueen’s design was “a hybrid between a stock car and a more curvaceous Le Mans endurance racer.” Lightning
Can You Still Buy Them?
Yes, you can — but a pair will cost you significantly more than they originally sold for. These days, the clogs will cost you around $100 to $300, depending on their condition. One user on eBay is selling a lightly used pair for $125.
Other Cars Collaborations
Beyond Crocs’ Pixar’s beloved “Cars” franchise has seen a variety of major collaborators over the years including apparel, accessories, publishing, stationery, toys, homes and retail and e-commerce brands. These brands include Mattel, Lego, Bata, Titan, Pantaloons, Illest, Autotrader, Porsche and Nascar, just to name a few.
These collaborators have aimed to interpret the franchise’s beloved characters in an array of ways, seamlessly integrating them into their brand’s activations. Much like Crocs’ offerings, many brands’ collaborations with the franchise are campy and whimsical, taking inspiration from the imaginative and childlike fun “Cars” has to offer.
PHOTOS: Crocs Collaborations From Celebrities & Big Brands You Should Know
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If you’re looking for a way to test out Adidas’ latest items — including some that have yet to be released — look no further than the Adidas product testing program.
Through its current program, which was launched in 2015, the Three Stripes sends shoes and other gear to selected individuals to test out for a period of time. After trying out the wares for a few weeks, product testers will mail them back to the company and let Adidas know what they think.
If this sounds like something you may interested in, read on for more information on the Adidas product testing program.
What is the Adidas Product Testing Program?
Adidas’ product testing program allows individuals to test Adidas footwear and clothing in order to provide the brand with honest feedback. This feedback helps the brand to fine-tune its products to meet customers’ needs. The tested pieces are intended to be worn for various athletic activities and testers are strictly required to send them back to Adidas at the end of their testing period.
How to Apply for the Adidas Product Testing Program
Product testers must meet a minimum set of requirements, including:
- Living in the United States or parts of Europe
- Internet access and a valid email address
- Read and write in English or German
- Age 18 years old or older
- Provide body measurements
- Not test any competitor products
- Not share information related to products being tested via social media, personal messaging or other forms of communication
If you meet those requirements, apply online now at producttesting.adidas.com. Applicants must fill out a short survey with information including preferred sizing, what sports they participate in and demographics. The straightforward survey will also ask what shoe type you’re interested in trying out. You can choose from or check all of the following: classic, fashion, high cut, elegant, velcro, slip-on, boots and slides.
How the Adidas Product Testing Program Works
If you are selected for the Adidas product testing program, you will receive an email inviting you to participate. Those who are chosen to participate will receive complimentary test gear based on their survey answers with instructions on how long to wear the product or the amount of mileage. After wearing the gear for the required period, testers will mail back the product (Adidas will pay for shipping) for evaluation by the company. During the testing period, participants are asked to keep detailed logs of their activity, as they will be asked to complete a short survey at the end.
What Are Adidas’ Requirements for Testing Shoes and Clothing?
Adidas product testers are required to complete a testing checklist, specifying if they want to test footwear, clothing or both — as well as their gender. For apparel, testers must enter their sizing for tops and bottoms, as well as hip, chest, waist and thigh measurements. For footwear, testers must submit their shoe sizes and foot width. Up to five categories of interest can then be selected from American football, baseball, basketball, golf, Adidas Originals, outdoor, swimming and wrestling — which must then be specified with information including training types, positions, performance levels and how often testers train.
What Happens After You Are Accepted to Be An Adidas Product Tester?
Those who participate in Adidas product testing will be asked to provide feedback through questionnaires and even potential in-person interviews. Testers must not wear their testing products in locations where people are familiar with Adidas’ product promotions or sportswear sales — including footwear, fashion and sporting events, as well as footwear and apparel stores — and cannot post about testing products on any social media platforms in any way. If you don’t adhere to these stipulations, Adidas is also allowed to terminate testers’ testing projects and agreements at any time.
Does Adidas Pay Product Testers?
In short, no. While some companies pay those who test out their products, Adidas does not pay its product testers. In a disclaimer on its product testing website, the brand notes that testers are not compensated financially. Despite some users on social media falsely stating they were paid to test products, the brand’s statement emphasizes that the claims are unsupported. Within its terms and conditions, Adidas specifies that testers can withdraw from testing at any point, as well.
Before you can move on to apply, a pop-up statement will appear that reads: “Please note: adidas does not pay money to its wear testers. Some people on social media are claiming to have been financially compensated to be wear testers for adidas. These claims are false and not sponsored or endorsed by adidas.”
The perk of the program is that testers get the chance to try out new products before anyone else and share their opinions, which may help improve the product before being launched. This role is invaluable to the brand as it helps to ensure its product is up to customers’ standards.
What Personal Information Does Adidas Need From Product Testers?
The brand only asks for basic information. At the end of its product testing application online, Adidas requires all applicants to submit their first and last name, home address, e-mail address, phone number and birthday. Users must also note their body height, as well as if they are an Adidas employee.
Test out a few Adidas pairs ahead of time for size and fit now, like these iconic pairs from the Three Stripes brand.
To Buy: Adidas Stan Smith, $80.
To Buy: Adidas Superstar, $85.
To Buy: Adidas Ultraboost 20, $180.
Since its 1924 inception, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has seen many changes — but it has remained a Thanksgiving staple for decades.
Now in its 97th year, the parade has evolved greatly since its original beginnings. In the event’s earliest years, live animals (camels, tigers, goats, elephants, etc.) paraded down the streets in lieu of the whimsical balloons that give the parade its character today. The practice was abandoned in 1927.
From 1929 through 1931, the balloons were intentionally released upon the parade’s conclusion in New York’s Herald Square. Those who caught the balloons would find postcards inside, which could be redeemed for gift cards worth up to $50.
While the scavenger hunt was removed, the parade has seen other additions. The Radio City Rockettes first performed in 1957, and they have appeared at each parade since.
One thing that hasn’t changed since the parade’s inception is its finale: Every year, Santa Claus has arrived at the end to mark the start of the holiday season. The one exception is 1933, a year in which Santa led the parade.
Since its 1924 beginning, the parade has only skipped three years: 1942, 1943 and 1944, during the midst of World War II.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023
Macy’s Parade Studio team includes 27 painters, carpenters, animators, sculptors, welders, scene and costume designers and electricians and engineers. The team behind the parade spends more than 8,000 hours behind the scenes each year, bringing the beloved parade to life.
In 2023, the parade has grown with a variety of new floats. There will be 16 character balloons, including seven that are new and 33 heritage and novelty balloons. The occasion’s latest inclusions include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ “Mutant Mayhem” float by Nickelodeon and Paramount, Beagle Scout Snoopy by Peanuts Worldwide, Pillsbury Doughboy by Pillsbury and Uncle Dan by Illumination, Leo by Netflix Inc., “Kung Fu Panda’s” Po by Universal Pictures’ Dreamworks Animation, Monkey D. Luffy by Toei Animation Inc., Brach’s “Palace of Sweets,” Solo Stove’s “Igniting Memories” and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka” — which takes direct inspiration from Timothee Chalamet’s namesake fantasy film, “Wonka,” which arrives in theaters on Dec. 15, according to ABC 7.
The parade will also start 30 minutes earlier at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones, extending the spectacle for the first time in 50 years. One of the new character balloons will include an NFT-inspired Blue Cat and Chugs by Cool Cats. Adding to the Thanksgiving spectacle, Macy’s has launched a new online game where fans can explore the parade virtually and learn about its history.
In addition to the new floats, a variety of longtime parade balloons and floats will return to the procession. This year’s balloon lineup includes the Acorn, Snoopy, Spongebob Squarepants, Paw Patrol and “Dragon Ball Z”‘s Goku, among others. On the float front, the occasion will feature the returning displays from beloved characters as well, including the cast of “Sesame Street,” Baby Shark and Tom Turkey.
Click through the gallery to see more images of the parade over the years.
From Marilyn Monroe in dramatic 1953 pumps and Audrey Hepburn in 1963 kitten heels to Halle Berry in 2000 strappy pink heeled sandals and Billy Porter in 2023 platforms, the traditional silhouette has gone through, and will continue to go through, distinguishable transformations as style cues progress and new aesthetics emerge. A 2021 report from FN commented on this very phenomenon with evidence to suggest high heels were regaining popularity post-pandemic due to major shifts in consumer buying habits. This is just one of the several ways in which the silhouette has held up over time.
Ahead, FN has compiled a selection of images that reflect how high heels, the way they are styled and those who style them have evolved over the past 10 decades.
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