Back-to-school...because it's almost that time again!

Whether you're heading back to high school or onto post-secondary education, I think we probably know one thing, you want to show up in style, am I right? Of course you do!! You want to make a great first impression on your teachers (of course!) & your fellow students...plus you want to feel good. Going back to school is the pits, summer is totally where it's at, but school is inevitable & let's be honest, back to school shopping is the best part! I sometimes participate in 'back to school' shopping because it's my favourite time of year & well, any excuse to shop!

So, let's get started...here's a list of some of our favourites for back to school & some outfit inspiration.

Keds have been a solid back-to-school must have for years, the reason being is that they're comfortable & easy to wear - which is exactly the laid-back vibe you want when you're headed back to school.

We like that they can be worn with pants, but just as easily with a skirt or dress!

Of course we also love Converse. If you've ever worn Cons before, you know how comfy they are, especially once you break them in. Most people I know who wear Cons, sometimes find it hard to wear anything else because they're just that rad. 

We have both low & hi-top Converse in store.

Toms are the perfect slip-on shoe to slide on when you're running late to class, because let's be honest they're the closest feeling to slippers that you're going to get without wearing actual slippers. 

We have lot's of classic Toms in store!

Hunter Boots are essential for Fall & for those wet days where you want to remain stylish but also dry.

We love boots here at S.O.S, in fact it might even be our absolute favourite thing about Fall!

The Troopa has been a staple for us for a few years now. A fashionable combat-style boot that comes in 3 fantastic colours (Black, Cognac Brown & Stone Grey) with endless styling possibilities! 

If you haven't started experimenting with ankle booties yet, now is the time! We have some really cute ones in store already & lot's more heading our way for Fall! We love them worn as shown above with a cuffed skinny jean, like so...

They are also great when worn with leggings or with a dress/shorts. This 10 ways to wear ankle boots article (with photos) is great for inspiration!

No matter what style of shoe you're looking for, we're here to help! We have a great Summer SALE happening right now as well, lot's of great deals in store; 50-70% OFF!! Our new Fall goods are arriving daily too so there's lot's of fresh cuteness for you to see! It's a great time of year & we love helping you achieve the look you want so pop by for a visit!

Summer Sale!

Ladies, it's that time of year again, Buy One Get The 2nd Half Off! If you've had your eyes on a pair, now's the time to treat yourself or bring a friend & share!

Here's some of our favourite shoes included in the sale...

'Spirit' by Matisse

'Pepper' by Miz Mooz

'Phoebe' by Miz Mooz

'Cinch' by Steve Madden

'Waylon' by Matisse

'Talon' by Matisse

GIFT GUIDE // Fathers Day

Father's Day is fast approaching, have you thought of a way to spoil Dad on his special day? I know I always struggle with what to get for my parents, the people who have everything! Father's Day is a great time to pick up something for Dad that he might not get himself, like maybe a new pair of shoes? 

If Dad has a funny side (whose Dad doesn't, really) this book is great! The 'Advice' included is hilarious & there are some delicious sounding drink recipes in there as well.

Make his morning coffee a touch more manly with a mustache mug. 

How about a fresh pair of leather Converse sneakers? These Jack Purcell's are perfect for the warmer months & versatile enough for him to throw on with jeans or shorts!

You can't go wrong with a classic pair of Sperrys and if your Dad wears them, chances are he might need a new pair as most Dad's wear these for years & years until they probably shouldn't be anymore! Whether you're looking to pick up the originals (shown) a loafer, or a sneaker - we've got lots to choose from & receive a FREE gift with purchase this week only!

These Steve Madden driving mocs have just been reduced from $100 to $80! These loafers come in grey (shown) or tan. Pair them with shorts & wear casually or with your suit for a summer wedding!  

Dad's love comfort, this much we know...why not grab him a pair of Sperry flips flops? Perfect for casual everyday wear, whether he's at home or the cottage!

We've got lots of great gifts with purchase to include in your present for Dad when you buy any pair of Sperry Top Siders. Sunglass packs, T-shirts & more!

HOW TO: Rocking an extreme style

Sometimes trends get extreme. Sometime's that can be insane & other times it can be awesome. We think these extra high gladiator sandals are on the awesome side. Usually with something that's a little 'off beat' you're left thinking "How am I going to style that?" so we're here to help!

We love them shown above, worn casually with a knotted tank & a pair of denim shorts. Simple & easy! The statement necklace & the sandal take the outfit to the next level.

They're just as awesome dressed up. The thing with an extreme style is that you can really keep the rest of the outfit simple & let the shoes do the talking. Paired with a plain black dress as shown above is my personal favourite way. 

PS: If you don't have a staple black tank dress I recommend you getting one...SO many different ways to wear it!

Here's a cross between dressy & casual. I love the look of the sheer blouse knotted at the front and worn with a shorter skirt. These sandals are tall so pairing with a shorter skirt is a killer combo!!

Another casual look but it's crazy how this outfit goes from 'meh' to WOW with the sandals! If she was wearing a flip flop, there'd be nothing too fun goin' on here.

OR rock them with a bikini...and only a bikini. Just kidding ;) I mean unless you're into that of course.

Trying new styles is fun! Shoes are supposed to be fun, why not try something a little bit out of your comfort zone this Summer? We think these are a great start! These ones are Steve Madden & run for $110, a totally reasonable price to take a stab at an awesome trend.

Check them out in store or online here

Toms // Mother's Day

We're proud to say that as a store, our customers have donated over 3,500 pairs of Toms shoes!! We're celebrating this weekend by giving away free Toms swag both Friday & Saturday in store so be sure to stop in.

Toms are a great Mother's Day present as well, and we've got a wide selection of their Classics, sandals, wedges & platforms; some fun new styles to carry her fashionably into Spring & Summer!

4 Must Have Sneakers!

A little bit of a history on the sneaker for you..."Sneakers go back a long way. In the late 18th century, people wore rubber soled shoes called plimsolls, but they were pretty crude—for one thing, there was no right foot or left foot. Around 1892, the U.S. Rubber Company came up with more comfortable rubber sneakers with canvas tops, called Keds. By 1917, these sneakers began to be mass produced. (They got the nickname sneakers because they were so quiet, a person wearing them could sneak up on someone.)"

Info from Fact Monster

Here at S.O.S, we love sneakers & what we love even more is that they're sneaking their way into the fashion world. Comfort + fashion is an A+ in our books!

A slip-on sneaker is great for a gal on the go! There is of course your classic slip-ons, like a Vans shoe (available across the street at Flavour) but we're loving the more fashion forward slip-on like these crocodile printed ones from Sam Edelman...

Buy online here

...or these leopard print ones from Steve Madden

Buy online here 

Converse are a tried & true classic and absolutely a staple for year-round wear. We especially like wearing our Converse in the Spring & Summer with a maxi dress or a pair of shorts for a bit of an unexpected look. Of course they look great with jeans too.

Also available in low top & other colours.

Nike is another company that has been around for years, traditionally for running or working out, we're now seeing women wearing them for a night out on the town with a dress! Nike Free's are the ultimate comfortable shoe so we're loooving this trend!

We also have some fun bright ones available in store as well!

Keds, as stated above, are basically the original sneaker. I'd say with over 100 years under their belt, they know what they're doing. We love a classic pair of Keds as they are fresh & versatile! 

We love sneakers, what about you?