The maker of everyone’s favorite canvas sneaker (and checkered slip-on, too) is back with its national art competition, Vans Custom Culture, which gives high school students the chance to harness their creative sides – while having some fun with it.

The competition works like this: Registered high schools are sent four different styles of Vans – or, palettes, if you will – for its students to customize in line with one of four themes. Students then submit photos of their designs (Instagrams welcome) to the competition website for all the world to see and for Vans staffers to review. The top five schools’ teams are flown out to New York for the final judging, and the winner receives $50,000 toward their school’s art program.

Naturally, this four-years-strong competition stretches far past the glory of having the coolest shoes in the nation. Vans’ aim is to bring the spotlight back onto high school art programs – an academic focus that, as we all know too well, sees less and less budget love as the years go on.

We’ll leave you with this FYI – the competition’s registration deadline is February 11. Meaning? There’s still more than enough time for your favorite high school to get involved.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

You’ve heard it before – new year, new fitness regimen. But before you hightail it to the treadmill, make sure you’re outfitted with kicks that fit with help from these quick tips.

Learn Your Foot Type. The best way to discover whether you have flat or high arches (or lie somewhere in between)? The wet test. Pour a layer of water onto a cookie sheet, step into the water with a bare foot, then step onto a piece of heavy paper. Decode your results and peep the full how-to here.

Then Outfit Accordingly:

High arches. This means you likely roll your feet out, or underpronate, when you run. Look for running sneakers that offer cushioning or flexibility.

Flat feet. Your feet probably roll inward (or overpronate), which means you’re best off with running sneakers that offer motion control and stability.

Normal (or medium) arches.  You can wear just about any shoe (jealous!), so take your pick of the litter – and have fun with colors, trends, and styles.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Have a fit tip you want answered? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions? Getting in shape (just check out all the Pinterest boards dedicated to it). Well I, for one, am determined to make it happen this year – and luckily I have a secret weapon. From fun sneaks and a cute duffel to flattering, lightweight workout clothes, resolving to get fit seems easier (and more stylish) than ever.

The Shoes
With a bright, breathable mesh exterior, these running sneaks double as oh-so-cute commuter shoes.

The Clothes
A tank with a built-in supportive bra and sleek running tights (the perfect alternative to baggy shorts or sweatpants) are the gym clothes you won’t mind being spotted in.

The Bag
Not too bulky but big enough to fit sneaks, makeup, and a change of clothes, this athletic bag makes it easy to get all your gear to the gym before or after clocking out.

Our PUMA Boutique opens Friday, December 28, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

With our New Balance Boutique just opened, we turned to our Corporate Concierge and three-time marathoner (soon to be five) for her insights into what it takes to find the perfect running shoe.

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.
Continue reading “Rue How-To: Choosing A Great Running Shoe” »