Say it with me me now, “Awwwwww!”

Who does not love Jennifer Garner and her elder daughter, Violet?

They look as if they are leaving a medical office, and Violet has apparently chosen to decorate her mother’s arm with the obligatory stickers they give out at pediatrician offices.

Violet’s sweater is adorable, and I can’t tell if that is a shirt with a bow underneath, but it looks good all the same. And, I love the hot pink shoes, which look to be the Supergas I pointed out here.

As far as Jennifer’s outfit goes, she is all about the comfort, people. Simple tee, simple jeans, and running shoes.

I have to say that I’m not a big fan of running shoes as part of this outfit. There are so many types of cute, comfortable shoes out there to where you don’t have to resort to the New Balances as daily wear.

Me, I’m so lazy that I hardly ever wear shoes that I have to tie, so running shoes are not an option. Because it’s all about just trying to get out the door in time for school, baby.  Give me a pair of slip-on mary janes and I’m good to go.

Oh yes, it’s that time of year. Again.

The thing is, it so much easier to not buy shoes for ourselves, because we can technically make do with what we’ve already got. But for kids? Unless they plan on going barefoot, there isn’t much of a choice. New footwear is a must at some point during the year. Here are some suggestions in time for the start of the new school year.

Vans Kids – Classic Slip-On Timeless styling that the kids of today just happen to love.

Converse Kids – Chuck Taylor All Star Slip and
Converse Kids – Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Whether they like the version with or without shoelaces, this classic is always in style.

Aster Kids – Aster USA This cute and well-made Mary Jane will probably outlast her ability to fit into it. Comes in lots of colors!

Roxy Kids – Princeton Fun and funky, this fashionable sneaker will be sure to make her happy.

Born Kids – Luna A well-constructed, sturdy shoe that doesn’t sacrifice on looks.

Jumping Jacks – Cheerleader III Who doesn’t love a saddle shoe? Goes perfectly with school uniforms!

Kenneth Cole Reaction Kids – Jump-Ster Comfortable, and goes with just about any outfit!

Puma Kids – Espera Glitter FS For the fashionista who isn’t averse to taking a little risk, these shoes have a big payoff.

Superga Kids – Genova Hook and Loop Available in some very cute prints, these canvas shoes are a favorite of Violet Affleck!

Roxy Kids – Bella I personally love these shoes, they were given unanimous five-star ratings from all reviewers!

Ecco Kids – Jade A bit spendy, but worth the price. On sale, too!

Sorry, but this one is for girls only.

You know, I have long been of the opinion that it’s easy to find good quality, expensive items.  Usually if you have one, you have the other.  But it takes lots of dedication to find good quality, relatively inexpensive items.  And my friends, I am one dedicated person.

I discovered these very adorable sandals on Zappos, and even better, they are under thirty dollars!  They have been given rave reviews, and I’m here to share the wealth.

Ragg Kids – Peaches

Ragg Kids – Rainbow

Today’s shoes are brought to you by Wham-O!  Yes, the same company that brought you hula hoops and frisbees now brings you the newest in shoe technology based on the Super Ball.

Yes, you read that right.

It seems that Stride Rite, not being content to let Nike and New Balance get the lion’s share of air-cushioning/levitating fame, is now featuring kid’s shoes with Super Balls in the heels.  Well, of course not really the actual balls, but the synthetic material dubbed Zectron by the inventor that was used in their making.

Original Super Balls from 1965-66 were able to be dropped from a building and would bounce almost all the way back up.   If thrown down, it would exceed the height of the building on the way back up.  I find that both awesome and scary.  Sadly, there are hardly any Super Balls left in the world, although there are many imitators.

But now, your kids can have that very same material on their feet! Imagine the damage they could do on the basketball court!

Do you think it’s just a bunch of hype, or might there be something to this Zectron stuff after all?

Stride Rite – SuperBall Zoom

Stride Rite – Superball Quick Close (Toddler/Youth)

Polliwalks “Fish Lips,” perfect for the kid with a Jonas complex.

Many of us are in the doldrums of winter, but I’ve got some of the newest spring shoes for girls ranging from dressy to casual that are sure to brighten your day. This season it’s all about floral details, metallic finishes, and even some bling.

And remember, spring isn’t really all that far away!

Lelli Kelly Kids – Primula Dolly Stretch (Toddler/Youth) (Pink Multi) – Footwear So cute! So very floral! This is actually one of the least exuberant of her designs for this spring.

Primigi Kids – Jessenia (Toddler) I really like the flowers on this one, as well as the delicate metallic bands which add visual interest.

Naturino – Nat. 7779 (Infant/Toddler) The color combinations this shoe comes in are superfantastic, and this sunny yellow is my favorite.

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Pampili – 39.122 (Toddler/Youth) I hate to see large, clunky shoes on young girls, and these strappy, delicate dress shoes are the perfect antidote.

Vincent – Blomma (Toddler/Youth) These well-priced, gorgeous rain boots remind me of a Japanese painting.

Primigi Kids – Blair-E (Toddler/Youth) A very cute take on the traditional mary jane, with patent leather and pretty floral details along the hook and loop closure.

Primigi Kids – Firas (Toddler)I’m always on the lookout for fun and unusual colors for girls’ shoes to balance out all the pink and white, and these vibrant orange ones fit the bill nicely.

Pampili – 188.001 (Infant/Toddler) Comes in a variety of colors, this pretty, whimsical shoe has details ranging from ruffles to a bit of sparkle.

KORS Michael Kors Kids – Miss Betti (Youth) Satisfy her wish for some bling with these sandals with crystal emellishments and metallic finish.

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Petit – 30626 (Toddler/Youth) Just a gorgeous shoe, accented with a jeweled flower centerpiece.

These are a few of my favorite shoes for girls, although I have to admit, it gets a lot harder to find nice shoes for them once they are out of the toddler years. I have some here for you, because I am just that awesome. I’ve got all price ranges, from some very cute shoes for under thirty, to quite pricey at over one hundred.

De Osu Kids – K-1032

De Osu Kids – K-1207

Gabriella Rocha – Laiken

Mootsies Tootsies Kids – Peaches

Stride Rite – Valerie MJ

Simonetta Kids – Isa Matelasse Ballerina

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Petit – 45124

And, my all time favorite:

De Osu Kids – K-1021

Look no further for a comprehensive list of girl’s winter boots! No need for you to slave over a hundred-plus pages of shoes, I’ve done all the hard work for you!

Some of these boots are for the snow, some for rain, and some just to keep those tootsies warm. With a few exceptions, I’ve looked for a nice combination of price, fashion, and functionality. Happy boot buying!

Kamik Kids – Stomp (Youth) These popular bright rainboots are sure to chase any rainy-day blues away! Also comes in Infant/Toddler sizes as well.

Columbia Kids – Bugabootoo (Youth) Waterproof, insulated for temps as low as -25/F, and seam-sealed construction makes this a great shoe for cold, wet weather.

Hatley Kids – Rain Boots (Toddler) Completely waterproof rubber rain boot with lots of cool prints to choose from!

Khombu Kids – Hannah (Toddler/Youth) She will love the faux fur trim, and you will love how durable these boots are!

Primigi Kids – Moon(Toddler) These very cute boots are expensive, but a reviewer states that if you are in a location that uses snow boots often, they are worth the price!

Sorel Kids – Powder Storm (Toddler/Youth) The most highly rated of all the snow boots I found, these are some high-tech, excellent boots at a good price.

Cougar Kids – Becky (Infant/Toddler) Great boots for infants and toddlers. Easy-on and off, as well as very good sole traction to keep them from slipping.

Cougar Kids – Velocity (Toddler/Youth) Another pair of easy-on boots that are a great value, these are stylish and lightweight.

Cherie Kids – 4403 (Toddler/Youth) At over three-hundred dollars, this is one set of pricey boots, especially for a kid that will grow out of them. But, they are so purty, I just had to put them up.

Richter – 61.1975 (Toddler) I like these warm, waterproof boots because their deep red color is a bit different than the normal pastel colors often seen in girl’s shoes.

Khombu Kids – Oslo (Toddler/Youth) Stylish winter shoes that avoid the “spaceboot” look. Lacing makes it easy to tuck in even the thickest pants.