Fashion That Gives: Join the TOMS One for One Movement with Zulily's Special Members-Only Pricing & Free Shipping

This post has been written as part of a sponsored campaign for the Zulily affiliate program.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I've shared many charitable programs that benefit children with 3G2S readers over the years.  I am a huge fan of purchasing gifts that give and the same goes for fashion that gives.  There's something about knowing that your purchase helped someone in need that makes you have a little extra spring in your step, especially when that purchase was a pair of TOMS shoes.

TOMS One for One movement gives one child in need a pair of shoes for every one pair you purchase.  As if that isn't incentive enough, Zulily has organized a special TOMS event that offers special members-only pricing plus free shipping with your TOMS order totaling more than $65.  So, if you are starting to shop for springtime footwear for your family or something comfortable to wear on vacation during Spring break, be sure to checkout the selection of TOMS shoes for men, women, and children on Zulily.  The special pricing will be gone after 2/22, so don't miss out on this chance to help a child in need (and to get some cute new shoes)!

Get Your 1992 Shaq Attaq Shoes from Reebok Starting on Friday, April 19th at 8:00AM!

I remember playing basketball nearly every single day from my early teens until I was 23 years old. Truth be told, it was all I could afford as a pastime. One thing I always made sure I had money for was a new pair of top end kicks. I owned everything at one time or another, even Dikembe Mutumbos! So when I heard that Reebok was re-releasing the Shaq Attaq shoes, I was excited!  Talk about a blast from my past. I loved my Shaq Attaqs!

Shaquille O'Neal has paired back up with Reebok to release his 1992 Shaq Attaq Shoes on Friday, April 19th at 8:00AM! These shoes are expected to sell out within 2 hours, so head over to Reebok and get a pair of Shaq Attaq Shoes before they're gone!

Sanuk Yoga Mat Sandals for Men

I love to be casual on my time off and that very much includes my footwear. When it's hot and humid the last thing I want to do is put on socks and shoes, so flip flops are usually my choice, but I am always on the lookout for a sandal that's a little nicer than your typical beach style pair. I want to be able to wear them to the same places I would wear a pair of sneakers.

The last couple of summers I have been using a pair that I enjoy and fit my requirements well, but they are getting old and very used and it was time for another choice. When Karen asked me if I wanted to try a pair of Sanuk sandals, I was ready and willing. I chose the Sanuk Men's Chubby.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

I chose the Chubby because, not only was the style just what I was looking for, but they are made out of recycled yoga mats! I was excited to try a product that was not only stylish but had a lower impact on the environment, something that Sanuk is known for especially with their signature biodegradable shoe bags.  Go here to learn more about The R.A.S.T.A. Project (Recycled and Sustainable Trade Alliance).

The Sanuk Chubby sandals are handsome and conservative in style, exactly my preference. The colors are multi-toned but well paired and earthy.  This shoe is well crafted and comfortable. The sizing was just about perfect and they are pretty easy to walk in. It did not take very long for my feet to adjust to the new thong. Although very high quality and comfortable, I did feel a little more of the ground through the footbed than with my previous pair. I would not call that a complaint, but rather just a notable difference. After walking a few hundred yards in them I didn't seem to notice the difference as much.

The very comfortable "Jersey Liner" took a little getting used to as it is smooth and leather-like. I couldn't help but feel like I was sticking to the flip flop. This also passed and I got used to it quickly.

Overall I am very happy with my Sanuk Mens Chubby flip flops. They look great and are very comfortable.  I know I will be enjoying them for a few seasons.

To view these sandals, the Little Chubby for Kids, the selection of women's Sanuk yoga mat sandals, and more, visit www.Sanuk.com and Sanuk on Facebook.


Thank you to Sanuk for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Shop 'n' Share: Hubby Goes Shopping at Marshalls

I don't know about you, but I think men are so much harder to shop for than women, especially if you are shopping on a budget.  I feel it is not difficult at all to buy for a man if you have a few hundred dollars to spend.  Most of my husband's wish list is comprised of tech and electronics items, all of which run from approximately $100 to $500.  As far as clothing goes, he is very brand-conscious.  Luckily, Marshalls and T.J.Maxx offer designer and brand name clothing, shoes, and accessories for men at a huge savings over upscale department stores.  To prove to me that it is easier to find a reasonably priced gift for men than I think, Marshalls sent my husband a gift card to shop . . .

When we walked into our local Marshalls, my husband was immediately drawn by the huge shoe department.  He is very hard on his shoes, so he always needs to replace his sneakers once or twice a year.  As I had previously mentioned, my husband associates specific brand names with quality based on past experience.  For athletic shoes, he mainly looks for New Balance or Nike.

One thing about shopping at Marshalls or T.J.Maxx is that you are usually treasure hunting.  For shoes, sometimes you may not find the size you are looking for.  There were about 8 or 9 pairs of sneakers my husband liked, but the size selection helped him narrow down his choices.  He ended up replacing his existing New Balance sneakers with this leather pair by the same brand.  They only cost $39.99 compared to a retail price of $59.00, which is what I would normally expect to pay for a decent pair of adult athletic shoes.  My husband was extremely happy to find a pair of New Balance sneakers that he liked and we were both more than pleased with the price for a pair of first quality brand name men's shoes.

Personally, I would not choose a pair of shoes on behalf of my husband as a gift since he is so particular.  I would buy him a gift card so he can shop for himself.  If you have not bought your significant other or your Dad a gift yet for Father's Day, I highly recommend a gift card to Marshalls or T.J.Maxx.  A gift card from either store will be accepted in both stores.  You can even order the gift cards online.  To learn more, visit MarshallsOnline.com and TJMaxx.com.


Thank you to Marshalls and T.J.Maxx for sending us a gift card to shop and share our experience with our readers, and also for providing a second gift card for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a $50 gift card valid at T.J.Maxx or Marshalls stores.

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Leave a comment telling me what you your favorite designer or brand name is for men's clothing, shoes, or accessories. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)  For 5 extra entries each, sign up to receive email updates from Marshalls (top right of homepage) and/or from T.J.Maxx (top right of homepage). Then come back here and leave FIVE separate comments telling me you did for each.

4)  For 1 extra entry each, Friend me on Facebook and/or "Like" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5)  For 1 extra entry each, follow T.J.Maxx on Twitter and/or follow Marshalls on Twitter and/or "Like" T.J.Maxx on Facebook and/or "Like" Marshalls on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, June 27th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Back To School 2010 Giveaway: Ryn Rocker Bottom Shoes (ARV Up To $300) [CLOSED]

Most back-to-school contests are for grade school children, so we are so pleased to be able to offer rocker bottom shoes from Ryn for all those high school students, collegiate scholars, and teachers who are on their feet for hours at a time. My husband recently had a chance to try a pair of Ryn rocker athletic shoes and now he wants to wear nothing else. If you are in the market for rocker sole shoes, I encourage you to read his Ryn shoe review.

No matter what part of the country you find yourself this fall, Ryn has a style of shoe fitting that climate. They offer athletic shoes, casual and dress shoes, outdoor shoes, and sandals all year round. You do not need to be a speed walker to benefit from Ryn shoes. They are perfect for anyone who is constantly on the go by helping to reduce stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and back, as well toning muscles at the body's core.

Ryn shoes are incredibly popular with doctors and nurses, but now the secret is out. To view the full line of Ryn Rocker Footwear, visit RynFootwearUSA.com .

Thank you to Ryn for providing the information shared in this article, as well as a pair of shoes for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive one pair of Ryn shoes in their choice of style, color, and size (subject to availability).

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of rocker shoes offered by Ryn. Then leave a comment telling me which style AND color shoe you would choose if you won this contest. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND RynFootwearUSA.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Ryn Shoes on Twitter and/or "Like" Ryn on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Review: Men's Rocker Bottom Shoes by Ryn

When I learned I was able to try out a pair of the new Ryn X-Run sneakers I was ecstatic. I had been looking at the various types of curved bottom shoes for a few months. I was not disappointed when my pair arrived.

The shoes come with additional set of insoles so you can customize the fit as well as some extra laces. The fit is excellent and the sizing was right on. So many sneaker manufacturers vary, so you never know. These were perfect.

When I first put them on I felt as if I was standing on something as you can rock a bit front to back and they increase your height by about 2 inches. They are fairly stylish and have an air pocket similar to a pair of Nike’s. They look so much like a regular pair of sneakers my neighbor didn’t realize I was wearing special shoes until I pointed them out.

After a very short learning curve I was up and going with confidence. Once you start walking you notice the difference immediately. Because the shape of the bottom of the shoe, I wasn’t hitting the pavement heel first like I do in my regular sneakers. I was hitting mid sole at the apex of the curve. This meant that my knee was still a little bent as I made contact putting all the stress on my muscles instead of my heel and knee joints. I started to feel my calves and outer thighs warming up right away.

After your foot hits the ground, the arc of the shoe propels you forward very naturally so it’s very easy to keep up a good pace. I would have no trouble walking a few miles in these every day.

I was expecting to feel some burn in other parts of my legs and glutes but I didn’t feel anything different than with a normal pair of sneakers. I imagine everybody feels the burn in different places as we all walk a little differently.

Overall I love my Ryn X-Run shoes. They perform almost exactly as I expected and are very high quality. I would recommend these shoes to anybody looking for an excuse to get out and walk or run as they make it easy and effective. Hardcore walkers and runners would gain the benefit of the reduced knee and joint stress as well.

I have not put enough mileage on the X-Runs to know how well they will wear, but my feeling is they will last long enough to be a good value for the money.

If you see a guy walking past you with a grin on his face and a good sweat worked up it may be me in my Ryns. Check out my calves and thighs after I pass!

You can view the full selection of Ryn rocker bottom shoes, which include sneakers, sandals, and oxfords for men and women, at RynFootwearUSA.com, where there is always Free Shipping to the U.S. and Canada. Keep up with the latest from Ryn by following RynShoes on Twitter and Ryn Shoes on Facebook.

Thank you to Ryn for providing us with a sample pair of shoes free of charge to base this review upon.

Review: Flojos Flip-Flop Sandals for Men

My husband pretty much lives in flip-flops outside of work once it hits 60 degrees or so. Since he is so rough on his shoes, we never thought to spend much time looking for the best men's sandals out there. According to my husband, these Xander flip-flops by Flojos are undoubtedly the most comfortable pair of sandals he has ever worn.

Done in a camel color, these men's flip-flops are not only attractive, but are designed to provide ultimate comfort. The sueded man-made straps are extremely soft. They are lined in a cushioned fabric that somehow manages to keep the foot from shifting and sliding within the shoe.

The egg crate-like inner sole and mid-sole are made of memory foam. This resilient pillowy foam plays a major role in making these shoes so comfortable.

The outer sole is made of a durable rubber. The bottom offers a non-slip tread for steady walking whether you are poolside or at the mall.

My husband usually wears a size 11.5, so we opted for a size 12 shoe since these are only offered in whole sizes. The Flojos Xander flip-flops appear to run true to size.

These particular shoes also come in black and brown. To view these and the full selection of Flojos sandals for the whole family, visit Flojos.com . Through May 10th, 2010 you can receive 30% off all orders of $60 or more when you use Code: MOM at checkout. To stay up-to-date with future promotions, follow Flojos Sandals on Twitter and Flojos on Facebook.

Thank you to Flojos for sending us a sample pair of shoes free of charge to base this review upon.

Giveaway: Famous Footwear & March for Babies ($25 GC) [CLOSED]

This year one of March of Dimes' March for Babies national sponsors is Famous Footwear. This popular shoe retailer is the only place where the Dr. Scholl's Inferno 2 walking shoes, the official shoe of March For Babies 2010, can be purchased. For every pair of Inferno walking shoes sold in-store and online, Famous Footwear will donate $5 to the March of Dimes up to $50,000.

The March of Dimes works towards reducing the number of premature births, infants born with birth defects, and cases of infant mortality. There are over 900 March for Babies events planned nationwide for 2010. To find an event near you, simply enter your zip code on the March of Dimes website.

For a limited time, the Dr. Scholl's Inferno 2 sneakers are on sale for just $39.99 in the color shown above.

If you would like to keep up to date on Famous Footwear's and March For Babies' progress, here are some useful links . . .

Famous Footwear on Facebook

Famous Footwear on Twitter

March of Dimes on Facebook

March For Babies on Twitter

Thank you to Famous Footwear for providing the prize for this contest and for sending me a gift card as a thank you for sharing this information with my readers.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a $25 gift card to Famous Footwear.

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of shoes available for the whole family on FamousFootwear.com . Then leave a comment telling me what you would use the gift card towards if you won this contest. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND FamousFootwear.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 2 extra entries, share the link to this contest post on Facebook. Then leave TWO separate comments with the link to your Facebook profile.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, May 10th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!