While my life is dedicated to style, I have to say it: you can not pick running shoes based on color. Each shoe is designed with specific runner mechanics in mind. The prettiest colors may not always give you the right type of support or flexibility you need. Make up for it by buying fun running clothes or getting a great running buddy.

I recommend you go to a running shop and get fitted. A good place will analyze how your feet hit the ground, ask you about trouble spots (like knees), and recommend shoes based on these (and other) factors. The store should let you test the sneakers, and have a pretty good return/exchange policy. The fitting is free, and the time spent up front will avoid time spent at the doctor’s or physical therapy later.

After you get fitted, once you find the pair of your dreams, stock up! I now buy mine two at a time (yes, on Rue). My favorite pair of sneakers got an update after I bought them, and I was never able to find the older style again. I’m kicking myself as I write this for not buying four pairs when I had the chance. You can usually get 300-400 miles on a pair of shoes – once you start to feel old aches starting to resurface, you should already be breaking in a new pair.

Your running shoes should be about one size bigger than your street shoes. Feet swell when you’re running, and tight sneakers are a great way to lose toenails. Buy ’em bigger to avoid having to tip 50 percent on your next pedicure (and grossing out your friends and family).

To avoid blisters, wear a blended sock (cotton ones still rub) and break in sneakers a couples miles at a time. This will also help you avoid an awkward limp in your work shoes, or worse, a trip to the doctor’s. (I’ve been there. It ended with a lot of gauze.)

Our New Balance Boutique opened Thursday, August 25 at 11AM ET.

The Concierge knows all. From the best local spots to fulfilling your quirkiest requests - the person behind the desk is the one who makes it happen. And at the ultra luxe Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in southern California, Concierge Olga caters to the requests of le crème de la crème.

Rue La La: What’s the best thing about being a Concierge at the Ritz?
Concierge Olga: Definitely the relationships that we build – to connect with and engage our guests, find out who they are, what they like, and what they are interested in. It is fun to see the same people coming back year after year, depending on you to make their vacation unforgettable.

Rue La La: What’s the most unusual request you’ve ever received?
Concierge Olga: We have had some pretty crazy requests. A guest walked up to the Concierge desk around 11pm and ordered a masseuse into the hotel to rub his feet for an hour.

Rue La La: What’s something guests can do at or around The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel that they can’t do anywhere else in the world?
Concierge Olga: In the summer there is an art event called The Pageant of the Masters. It brings classic and contemporary artwork to life on stage. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime, must-see show.

Rue La La: What’s a must-pack for this trip?
Concierge Olga:  Swimsuit and sunscreen!

Rue La La: What do guests most frequently forget to pack?
Concierge Olga: A toothbrush and toothpaste.

Rue La La: What’s an undiscovered gem nearby that no one would know about without asking you?
Concierge Olga: San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful area to get lost in and explore. It is filled with great antique stores, unique restaurants, and in March at the Mission there are great festivities surrounding the return of the swallows.

Rue La La: Have you ever been asked anything as a Concierge that made you giggle?
Concierge Olga: Yes, probably best not to talk about it.

Olga is a Concierge at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.