They’re the shoes that seem to always pop up around this time of year in preparation for the spring and summer months. Tennis shoes. They’re simple, comfy and always look great with a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. They embody that summertime vibe that everyone in the great state of Ohio has been wishing for. Their lightweight canvas material leave your feet covered, without the suffocation issues most sneakers have during the summer heat waves. With a variety of colors and prints, one in each color and style is a must have, and if treated right they’ll even last you through the fall.

Keds.com has some of the best selections when it comes to style and durably. Let’s face it when it comes to running around during the summer we are not friendly to our sneakers. So if you want a pair of tennis shoes that will look good months after you buy them, invest in a pair of Keds. Their cheapest pair run at about $45. On the other hand if you just want a pair of cute, inexpensive tennis shoes that will be with you through the summer, Charlotte Russe has a great selection that’ll fit your budget. You can get them online at CharlotteRusse.com for about $10 or in store for $12.50.

So go out and get a pair before there’s none left, I know I am!

— Asia

Photo by Keds Handout | MCT

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Boots be gone with (hopefully) all that snow. Spring is the time to show off some fancy foot work with all sorts of new styles, colors and types of new kicks. A favorite spring shoe of mine is the loafer. They resemble a more classic, affordable Sperry that not every lady on campus has. Loafers aren’t just for grannies. With cool new updates like studs, tassels, and even cat faces there’s not doubt about it that loafers have taken a turn for the better.

Thrift stores have an abundance of quirky pairs, many brand new and never worn. It never hurts to check out the local Stow Goodwill or Unique Thrift in Akron for Hidden gems ♥

— Lauren Pfieffer —

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As spring rapidly approaches, it is time to forget everything you know about color blocking and adopt a new trend. Monochromatic styling is in for the season, and it is here to stay. Peaking through the pages of my spring magazine collection are pages of bright, yet singularly colored outfits. Being such a huge fan of color-blocking, it was hard for me to give it a chance. Here are some tips and tricks for pulling off the columns of color craze.

One of the keys to making this trend work is differentiating hues. Create your outfit around one piece, for example a bold teal pant. Pair with a pastel teal top and a statement with a blue color story, and you can’t go wrong.

Using all warm or cool colors is another great way to rock color uniformity. Pair pretty yellows and subtle oranges for a warm look. Lean closer to the cooler side? Purples and blues are the way to go.

An outfit of the same color may seem like a boring choice, but don’t fret! Incorporating fun patterns and accessories help this trend successfully present itself. Choose a patterned top or get creative with patterned pants. Adding a little bit of visual differentiation can help a mono-colored outfit from drab to fab!

You can also have fun from the top of your head to the tips of your toes with accessories, makeup and shoes!

Check out how Banana Republic utilizes the trend in their newest ad campaign here:
 — Stephanie

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