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Back- To-School Outfits.

  Back to school season is here. From college students to high school students, you always want to look your best, especially for the first couple weeks of classes. I am here to give you some ideas on what to wear as you start up classes. 

Massive Bell Sleeves

    Bell sleeves are back and bigger than ever before. Not only is this trend a back to school look, it is also a huge fall fashion trend for 2017.

Classic White Tee

  Classy, comfy, and oh so cute. The white tee never goes out of style. There are so many different ways that it can be worn. Add some statement accessories or add a fun colored sweater, be creative with it.

70’s Jeans

 While skinny jeans are still in style, flare jeans are making a comeback. Pairing them with anything instantly updates your current look.

Polka Dot Pants

  I love ankle-length skinny jeans in the polka dot print. I think they are adorable and so classy.

Checks

 The checkered print is definitely a fashion staple that you can rely on. It is always on trend and it looks good on everyone. The most popular checks are black&white, red&white, and blue&white. There is much more to checkered print then just these traditional colors though.

Athleisure Wear

   This is a fashion trend in which clothing that is designed for working out is worn every day. I personally love this style. It is so fashionable but also so comfy.

Sweaters

 Who doesn’t love sweaters?! They are comfy, stylish and timeless.

Leather Jacket

  I love a good leather jacket. In fact, I have like 5 of them. They are so versatile, you can literally wear them with anything. I believe everyone needs to incorporate a leather jacket into their look.

Remember to stop into J.Michael Shoes to shop all of your back to school fashion needs, including backpacks! IF IT’S HOT…IT’S HERE!

By: Paris Poppleton

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Velvet Trend

 Velvet, some love it and some hate it. No matter if you’re someone who loves it or hates it, this trend is hot and it’s here to stay through fall. Here at J. Michael Shoes we have plenty of crushed velvet merchandise. Crushed velvet is velvet that has been processed to have an uneven and sort of wrinkled look to it. Let’s talk about some of the velvet merchandise that we carry here at J, Michael Shoes and some of the do’s and don’ts of wearing velvet.

Tops

 We carry a couple of different style velvet tops, this one is by She+Sky. As of right now, we only sell this top in the pink color. I love this shirt, it is so trendy and the neck line is fabulous.

Bodysuit

    This bodysuit is great for a night out on the town. Pair it with anything from jeans to a skirt. It comes in black and olive and is made by very J.

Dress

 This dress is by She+Sky. We only have this dress in maroon as of now, but this color is amazing especially for velvet. This dress is pretty versatile, you can pair it with a long sleeve shirt underneath and wear it on chiller days and it still looks great. My favorite part of this dress is the criss cross in the back.

Shoes

Right now, we carry two different velvet shoes. One is by Steve Madden and the sneaker is by SUPERGA.

These Steve Madden shoes are so cute. You can literally pair them with anything.

These SUPERGA sneakers are so fun. We have them in blue and black.

Accessories

    How cute is this velvet mini backpack?! We have this bag in purple and black. Mini backpacks are so in right now, so why not mix that trend with the velvet trend.

These chokers are super stylish. And look at these colors, they are neutral and will go with anything and everything.

Now that I have showed you some of the velvet merchandise that we carry in store, let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts of wearing velvet.

·One thing to remember is that one velvet piece is enough. You don’t have to pair for example, velvet leggings with velvet shoes. One piece of velvet and you’re good to go.

·Another tip is that pulling off lighter velvet colors can be hard for some. If you want to play it safe, go with colors like black, maroon, and olive.

·The last tip is to accessorize. Add a couple statement bracelets or some earrings to make the velvet look more dressed up and classy.

  Remember, stop by J. Michael Shoes to see all of the latest trends.

 IF IT’S HOT… IT’S HERE!

By: Paris Poppleton 

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Back To School: Backpacks.

 If you haven’t already realized it, back to school season is here. It’s time to start preparing and buying all your back to school essentials. Today, I thought I’d talk about backpacks. Here at J. Michael Shoes we carry The North Face, Patagonia, Fjallraven, Doughnut, and Herschel brand backpacks.  

The North Face

    J. Michael Shoes carries a wide range of The North Face backpacks, from small to over-sized. All of The North Face backpacks are roomy and very comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. Most of these backpacks fit all frame types, from a 6 foot tall man to a 4 foot tall woman. These backpacks also come in a range of colors and styles. Overall, these are great backpacks.

Herschel

   These backpacks are so stylish, I love the look of them. They are durable and they are big enough to fit all of your school essentials. They come in many styles and colors. You just have to come into the store and take a look for yourself.

Patagonia

   These are great backpacks. They are comfortable, durable and come in different colors and styles.

Fjallraven

    These backpacks are durable and lightweight. Also, these backpacks are washable. You can stuff this backpack to the rim with your stuff and it will still be comfortable to wear. They come in a range of colors.

Doughnut

   These backpacks are stylish, water-resistant, and durable. The padded shoulder straps make this backpack easy to carry.

All of these backpacks have so many unique features to them that I did not talk about in this blog... you must come into J. Michael Shoes to see all of the unique features that each bag has to offer.  IF IT’S HOT…IT’S HERE!

By: Paris Poppleton 

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Fur Your Feet!

When I first found out about this trend I was a little stand offish. Truth is, some trends we love, and some trends we hate. The fur shoe trend I think is both love and hate. Love because they are comfy, fluffy, and some are actually pretty cute. Hate because some of them are just hideous. Now, every designer is coming out with their version of the fur shoe. This is because they are actually selling like hot cakes. The Fur Slide from the Fenty Puma by Rihanna collection sell out on the regular. Since these furry slides don't seem to be going anywhere, I figured I’d show you want we have to offer here at J.Michael Shoes. IF IT’S HOT…IT’S HERE. 

The first fur shoe that J. Michael Shoe has to offer is by UGG. It is the women’s ABELA, in natural. Pair with anything from jeans to a metallic skirt. These shoes are made of sheepskin and suede. 

The next pair of furry shoes are the Steven West fur sandals. These come in brown and black. Pair these with anything to make for a classy but yet fun look.

We also carry a pair of furry slides. These are Wild Diva Lounge and come in white and grey. These are great to just slip on and walk out the door, with literally anything…well maybe not office attire.

Lastly, these are Jeffrey Campbell Play fur slip on shoes. They come in an army green color. These would look great with a pair of ripped up jeans.

Love it or hate it, this fur footwear trend is here to stay. Stop by J. Michael Shoes and take a look at what we have to offer. IF IT’S HOT…IT’S HERE.

By: Paris Poppleton

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How To Style Palazzo Pants.

Palazzo pants are wide leg, loose, flowy pants. These pants were super popular in the 60’s and 70’s. Well guess what, they have made a comeback. Everyone is wearing them, from celebrities, to moms, to college students.

 It is understandable to be hesitant when thinking to buy a pair or not. But I am here to tell you that there is nothing to be scared about. In this blog, I’m going to be telling/showing you just how to style these pants. Then after you get done reading this, you can come into J.Michael Shoes and buy a pair.  IF IT’S HOT…IT’S HERE!

1.) Crop top, don’t stop…Pair these pants with a crop top. By wearing them this way, it gives your body a nice shape.

2.) A simple solid color flowy tank will look amazing with pants like these, perfect for an everyday summer outfit. 

3.) Add a blazer to make the palazzo pants dressy and professional.

4.) Clinch your waist with a belt. This makes for a clean classy look.

5.) Pair these stylish pants with a basic tee or basic tank. Maybe even add a statement necklace if you’d like.

6.) Make these pants look bad ass by pairing them with a leather jacket.

7.) Wear pants like these in the fall and winter by pairing them with a sweater.

8.) Wear a button-down blouse tucked in to the palazzo pant for a career driven look.

9.) Layer up with a denim jacket or vest.

10.) Lastly, you could always pair these lovely pants with another trend that’s popular right now, the bodysuit.

Now that you know how to style palazzo pants, come into J. Michael Shoes and buy a pair. They are super comfortable and can be worn year around. Also, as you now know, these pants are very versatile. 

IF IT’S HOT…IT’S HERE!

By: Paris Poppleton

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Blue Q Socks…You need a pair...Trust me.

   Blue Q is such an amazing company. They have been in business since 1988. If you browse through their website, you will see that they are a bad ass company. They believe the following; “LOVE is POWER”, “When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.”, and that “A cat is a lion to a mouse.”.  As you can tell this company has a fun vibe to them. On their website, if you look at the staffs pictures they all have a funny caption underneath them. In fact, the whole website is like that, unique and fun. Blue Q’s motto is “We just want you to be happy”.  In my opinion, that is a pretty good motto for a company top have.

  Blue Q sells a range of products, socks are going to be our focal point for now. According to Blue Q’s website, each sock is “Woven with luxurious combed cotton for softness, nylon for strength and a touch of spandex for long lasting fun”. One percent of the sales of these socks supports the humanitarian work of Doctors Without Borders also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Per MSF’s website, they are an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. J. Michael Shoes carries a wide range of Blue Q socks…IF IT’S HOT…IT’S HERE!

These socks are so comfortable. Also, just because the labels say women’s or men’s… don’t be afraid to switch it up a little. If the slogan on the sock fits…that’s all that matters.

Care Instructions:  When you wash these socks, you can machine was them cold and tumble dry them on medium heat. Do not use bleach.

By: Paris Poppleton

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Summer Fashion Must Haves!

       Summer is in full swing here in Syracuse, NY. So, what are the summer 2017 fashion must haves, I thought you’d never ask. I am going to be taking you through some of the must have clothing essentials. 

  Slogan/Graphic Tees

           On runways from New York to Paris to even Milan, the slogan/graphic tees are just about everywhere. While the graphic style shirt is not new to the fashion scene, celebrities have confirmed that this T-shirt style is officially the most versatile item in your closet. There are many ways to wear this trend. Below are some examples of the slogan/graphic tees that J.Michael Shoes has to offer. 

Ladies; I want my MTV.

Ladies; Pink Floyd

Mens; Puma.

Mens; Congress Beer

   Bra Top

         Sun’s Out, Bras Out is the slogan to live by this summer, or so it seems to be. The Bra top is in full bloom this summer. Pairing it with anything high waisted is the way to go. Here are some examples:

    Florals

         Flower Power, floral from head to toe this summer. I’m talking tops, bottoms, shoes, bags, you name it you put a flower on it. This trend has been popular for a couple of seasons now but I have never seen it like this. Here are examples of two ladies’ rompers, a dress, and a men’s shirt all associated with the floral trend.

  Stripes

        Adding stripes to your wardrobe is an effortless way to send a strong statement this summer. Here is a vineyard vines sweatshirt that is a must have for the cool summer nights.

  Flamin' Cheeto Orange

            If you want some attention, wear some neon orange this summer. This trend isn’t just for clothing. People are making this trend pop by using it for nail color and even lip color.

                                  Come Visit Us at J. Michael Shoes.

                                           If It’s HOT … It’s HERE!

By: Paris Poppleton

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Ray-Ban: A Perfect Pair of Glasses

It’s impossible to talk about glasses today without thinking about Ray-Ban, an American tradition in eyewear. Founded in 1934, pairs of Ray-Ban sunglasses were first used to help pilots fight glare during long flights. They quickly became a fan favorite in the 50s and 60s, popularizing the classic Wayfarers and Aviators.

Ray-Ban reached a new peak in 1983, when Tom Cruise wore a pair of Wayfarers in the film Risky Business. From there, the glasses became even more popular, and now you’re just as likely to see a pair on a Syracuse student as on a celebrity. Made to last, your pair of Ray-Bans will be your go-to for years to come, and J-Michael has exactly the right pair for you. If it’s hot, it’s here.

Wayfarer

One of the first Ray-Ban frames to become a classic, Wayfarers project timeless, down-to-earth style. Give your outfit an instant upgrade in these, which go with pretty much anything.

Aviator

Even though they’re meant for pilots, Aviators look much better on the beach. Everyone needs a pair to get them through vacation.

Clubround

A play on their Clubmaster style, the Clubround is perfect for music festivals and lazy pool days. Copper lenses are a tasteful touch to provide a little effortless elegance.

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Music Festival Essentials

With Mayfest and Block Party coming up this weekend, it’s time to upgrade your style and get into the festival spirit. Festivals showcase flowing fabrics and flowers, but don’t be afraid to experiment with something else this year. Try out some new looks this weekend, especially with 70s influences, muted colors, and statement accessories. For Mayfest and beyond, you can find all of these pieces and more in-store and online at J-Michael. If it’s hot, it’s here.

Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Outside festivals can get too bright really quickly, so fight the glare with style in Ray-Ban. This pair takes a classic shape and updates it with a great color for 2017.

Short Overalls

Add this throwback from childhood into your festival circuit wardrobe. Wear this pair from Blank NYC over a white t-shirt for a simple, no-fuss look.

Lace Bralette

It’s officially summer, so show a little skin in this bralette, which is perfect for warm outdoor music festivals.

Velvet Choker

Add an edge to any outfit instantly with this choker, a trendy way to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Vans Sk8-Hi

The white shoe trend shows no sign of stopping. If you’re over Adidas, try out this pair from Vans, the new “it” footwear brand.

Denim Shorts

Denim is a festival staple, so switch it up a bit with shorts from Blank NYC, which are hiding patches underneath rips.

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Birkenstocks Are Perfect for Spring

Now that winter is officially over in Syracuse, everyone on campus is updating their style for spring. In place of winter boots, students are soaking up the sun in sandals that are perfect for the changing weather. Birkenstock, the classic sandal brand, are by far the favorite, and it’s easy to see why.

Birkenstock traces its roots back to 1774, but its iconic sandal was created in 1964. Since then, they’ve become a symbol of summer, relaxation, and comfort. They’re perfect for the sunnier days of spring, and J-Michael has a bunch of them in stock. Birkenstocks look just as good in class as they do when you’re relaxing on the quad in the lazy last few days of the school year. If you want timeless design that will last for years to come, stock up in-store and online, and remember: if it’s hot, it’s here.

Arizona

The classic. Arizonas have been around since the beginning, and their adjustable straps and soft footbed make them just as comfortable as they are stylish. Pair with light boyfriend jeans for a cool, laid-back look.

Gizeh

A newer addition to the Birkenstock family, the Gizeh combines a preppy, one-strap construction with a different sandal design perfect for dressier summer events.

Mayari

The two-strap design gets an update in this pair, which allows you to stand out in your go-to Birks. Wear these with a concert tee for a look that shows off your unique style.

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The Spring Guide to Denim

This spring, denim is having a moment. It’s a versatile, timeless material that works for just about anything and anyone. Denim is going to be everywhere on campus and beyond in the next few months, and J-Michael has the perfect pieces to perk up your spring wardrobe. If it’s hot, it’s here.

The Denim Jacket

Denim was meant to be customized, so add something more to a closet staple with the colorful pins and patches. Whether you’re wearing it with a skirt or even jeans (denim on denim is coming back), you’ll easily stand out from the crowd in an on-trend piece that’s perfect for festival season.

The Dark Wash

7 For All Mankind has been putting out quality denim for years now, and if you need a new pair of jeans that work year-round and can be dressed up or down, try this pair. The dark wash is a bit more sophisticated, an easy and effortless way to add a touch of elegance to a casual outfit.

The Light Wash

For a look that’s a little less formal, try this light pair from Articles of Society. You’ll look just as good going to class as you will going to a party. Society’s jeans are made with durability in mind, so you’ll have them for years to come.

The Loose Cut

Tight denim is slowly being replaced by the rebellious, looser looks of the 60s and 70s. While you might not want to walk around in bootcut jeans just yet, get started in a timeless pair from Articles of Society.

The Wild Card

So you’ve already conquered the denim trend and you want to do something a little more adventurous. Look no further than cult favorite Cello with a skirt that lets you rock denim in a sexy and unexpected way. Pair this with the right top from J-Michael and you’ll be unstoppable on the summer festival circuit.

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Celebrate Spring With Vineyard Vines

We all like to escape the stress of the world every once in awhile, and the philosophy of Vineyard Vines is based around that lifestyle: a clothing brand to help regular people live happier lives. What started as a tiny tie company has grown massively over the past few years, transforming the way that people, and especially people at the beach, dress.

Even though there are college students right now who have been around longer than Vineyard Vines, the lifestyle brand is already internationally recognized. Founded in 1998 by a pair of brothers that wanted to escape desk jobs, Vineyard Vines is responsible for bringing back the preppy look that’s seen across campus and across the country today.

The classics include ties, baseball hats, and logo tees, but the brand doesn’t stop there. New additions include formal wear, dresses, shoes, and even golf balls. Now that spring is on the way, it’s time to celebrate warmer weather with timeless, colorful pieces from Vineyard Vines. It’s the best way to bring the beach to Syracuse. And remember, if it’s hot, it’s here.

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PUMA Reinvents its Image

Until recently, PUMA and Adidas were inseparable in the minds of shoppers. The footwear company was founded by brothers in Germany in 1924, but it split into the two brands in 1948 when the brothers had a falling out, becoming rivals in business and in their personal lives.

While we all know what Adidas has been up to, PUMA had a quieter impact on sports and shoe design. In the 1970s, their iconic shoes became indispensable on basketball courts and soccer fields. Over the years, dozens of influential athletes, including Serena Williams and Pelé, have become faces of PUMA.

The footwear giant’s storied past is best understood by looking at its current trajectory. It’s a brand that has been around since the ‘40s, but you would never know based on the moment it’s having. Rihanna was named a creative director in 2015, and her influence has made PUMA into a force in fashion to rival Nike and Adidas. One of her shoe designs, the Fenty x PUMA Creeper, was named 2016’s Shoe of the Year.

With a newly-defined edge and a relentless creative spirit, PUMA is poised to become even more of a statement in the months and years ahead. J-Michael has a huge stock of both PUMA’s classics and new styles, including Rihanna’s Fenty Creeper. If it’s hot, it’s here.

Mention this post to receive 15% off your in-store purchase of PUMA products this week.

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The Best Part of Spring Break

Life on the hill usually revolves around students, but for one week each March the population of Syracuse University skips town in search of warmer weather. While you not be able to take your own spring break, you get something much better: a parking spot on Marshall Street!

When else will you be able to park around here with no hassle or frustration? Any other week, you’d be fighting dozens of other cars for a space, and then once you finally get one (all the way on Comstock), you’d face crowds of students up and down Marshall. In the end, no one really wants that. So on your trip to J-Michael this week, enjoy a prime parking spot, a comfortable shopping experience, and 15% off your entire purchase this week when you mention this post.

Happy Spring Break! And remember, if it’s hot, it’s here.

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Spring Break Essentials

With Spring Break only a week away, you need to start looking for the perfect outfit to wear wherever you go, whether it’s back home or on the beach. Get ready for warmer weather and a week of relaxation with these essentials for guys and girls, all available in-store at J-Michael. If it’s hot, it’s here.

Vineyard Vines Classic Baseball Hat

No spring outfit is complete without a good dad hat. This one from Vineyard Vines is perfect for the sunnier days ahead.

Ray-Ban Aviator Classics

No one has ever looked bad in aviators, and Ray-Ban makes the best pair available right now. They’re perfect for any trip you have planned in your week off.

Blue Q Stop Talking Socks

You’ve wanted to tell your professors to stop talking since the beginning of the semester, and now you can send the message from your socks.

The North Face Flychute Jacket

As much as we all want it to be spring, it’s still March, so be ready for chilly nights and sudden downpours in this lightweight, military-inspired jacket.

Vans Sk8-Hi

Move over, Stan Smiths. While white Adidas aren’t going anywhere soon, the next cool sneaker is the Sk8-Hi, a style that’s been around forever that you can dress up or down for any kind of adventure you’re making.

Patagonia Synchilla Pullover

This iconic fleece from Patagonia is perfect for staying warm on chilly nights at the beach or around a fire.

Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe

Sperry Top-Siders are a staple of spring and summer, and for good reason. Your trip to the beach wouldn’t be the same without them.

Southern Tide Tee

You can finally wear short sleeves outside without freezing, so take advantage of the warm weather with this logo tee from Southern Tide.

Vineyard Vines Long-Sleeve Pocket Tee

Long-sleeve tees are pretty much the perfect piece of clothing. They work for whatever weather Spring Break throws at you, no matter where you travel.

Doughnut Backpack

Vacations require a good backpack, and this one from Doughnut is equally stylish and functional.

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Persol: Shades With Style

Founded in 1917, Persol was founded in Italy to provide performance glasses to pilots and sports drivers. A century later, the brand is still producing high-quality eyewear for athletes, but their frames are more likely to be seen on campus than on a racecar driver.

While it is one of the oldest eyewear brands in the world, Persol has been constantly innovating since its glasses first went into production. Now, Persol’s 70’s-style frames and classic aviators are everywhere in Syracuse and beyond. Even Angelina Jolie and Leonardo DiCaprio have been spotted in Persol shades.

The frames evoke effortless cool on anyone. With spring on the way, everyone needs a great pair of sunglasses to get them through the next few months. Persol fits seamlessly into any style, from athleisure to high fashion. They’re also perfect for festival season.

Whether you need a timeless pair of glasses to wear to Mayfest or on your daily run, J-Michael has a wide selection of Persol eyewear for you to choose from. If it’s hot, it’s here.

Mention this post for a 15% discount on all in-store Persol purchases.

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Your Guide to Patagonia

When Yvon Chouinard founded Patagonia over 40 years ago, he only wanted to create reliable, lasting clothes for mountain climbers. By focusing on quality materials and construction, Patagonia became a staple for hikers and college students alike over the years. 

These days, Patagonia is everywhere on campus. Their classic fleeces are most popular and are perfect for layering all year.

Whether you’re an explorer or more of a homebody, you can find something to appreciate about the brand. Patagonia focuses on sustainable business practices, so you don’t have to feel conflicted about wearing clothing made in an inhumane factory. Many of its products are also at least partially recycled, too. Need more motivation? Countless celebrities, from Reese Witherspoon to Drake, have been spotted sporting the Patagonia logo.

Whether you need a Torrentshell rain jacket for spring, a logo hat for walking to class, or a fleece sweater you’ll own for decades, Patagonia has you covered. Find all things Patagonia in-store or online at J-Michael. If it’s hot, it’s here.

Mention this post in-store for a 15% discount on all Patagonia merchandise.