Skate On

Snow on Tuesday.  Snow tonight.  Ice everywhere.  Real winter is officially here (no more of that 65 degree fake winter from December).  Might as well make the most of it, right?  I say, go ice skating!

Most rinks around will rent you skates, but maybe you’re thinking, “This is the year I get my own skates.”  Then may I suggest a pair of these?

Can’t go wrong with a classic!  The Soft Skate by Jackson is a white figure skate lined with soft white (or blue, or pink, or purple) fleece.  Like cozy slippers that you can skate in!  Nice.  Yours for $70 from Hockey Monkey.

Ooh, me likey!  This pair of skates by American is a white figure skate adorned with swirls in icy blue.  (A little Elsa-esque, amirite?  I dare you to sing “Let It Go” while you skate around the rink.  I.  Dare.  You.)  They have a multi-layer ankle support system, a hollow ground (don’t know what that is), and nickel-plated blade… all important skate-type things, I’m guessing.  Find them at Shoebuy for $50.

The Supreme by Lake Placid has blue touches like the one from American, but in a sleeker form.  I’m kind of digging those boomerang shapes on the side, and the wavy shape in the heel.  They’re insulated to help keep your toesies warm, with a reinforced ankle and nickel plated, heat treated, edge hardened carbon steel blades.  Yours for $52 from Overstock.

Can’t go wrong with basic black!  The Zephyr by Bladerunner looks super cool with that blade shape, doesn’t it?  And just the touches of white floral by the arch.  They have extra ankle support and carbon steel blades, and are lined with brushed velvet (ooh, fancy!).  Pick up a pair from Sports Authority for $80.

Never pay for a skate rental again!  Beat the system, and maybe actually enjoy the cold weather at the same time!

Sales this weekend:
Bakers: Dress shoe sale! $15 off $75, $25 off $100, $45 off $150
Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and sale, and 20% off clearance with code FINAL
Macy's: Boot and shoe sale
Payless: Buy one, get one half off everything

Presidents Day on Ice

Three day weekend!!!  (...for some of you.  I’ll be working Monday.)  It’ll be lovely this weekend: sunny, 40s—why not spend some time outside?  This might be a good time to enjoy some outdoor skating before the rinks close for the season!

Ah, a classic.  The Glacier 120 by Jackson is a good entry-level skate: suede and felt on the inside, PVC on the outside, and a PVC sole.  Find yours on Amazon for $45.

An alternative to plain white!

The Women’s 401 Figure Skates by Lake Placid have soft, insulated boots, padded lining, reinforced ankle support, and a nickel-plated, heat-treated, edge-hardened carbon steel blade (ooh, fancy!).  Plus look at the cute silver detailing.  Find them at Dick’s Sporting Goods for $50—but they run big, so order down! 

These are so vintage!  I imagine them with long skirts and muffs.  The Tall Booted Fashion Ice Skates by Reebok is water-repellent synthetic suede on the outside and fur on the inside.  Find them at Sports Authority for $113.

The 540 Softboot Hockey Skate by American is made of cushy foam and has a fiber lining and speed lacing.  (Plus that purple print is super nice!)  When you order, get a size up—they run small, even for skates.  Find them on Shoebuy for $75.

These are my favorites!  I am a terrible skater (that's not modesty; ask any of the people I've skated with) and I would hit a rink just to wear these babies.  The Jackson Ultima SoftSkate is white on the outside, warm and fuzzy on the inside... and if you don't like the blue, it's also available in purple and pink (and the logo on the tongue matches too!).  Find them on  Amazon for $55.

Looking for a place to skate?  My pick is the Blue Cross River Rink.  It has extended hours this weekend and has a killer view!  It’s only open through March 4, so you’ll need to hurry or you’ll have to wait ‘til the fall! 

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: Web exclusive: an extra 20% off all boots
Lord & Taylor: An extra 20% off with code PRES (an extra 10% with Lord & Taylor card and code PRESPLUS)
Macy's: An extra 10% off with code PRES
Neiman Marcus: Free Ippolita earrings with regular-price apparal/jewelry/shoe/handbag purchase of $350 or more
Nordstrom: Shoe clearance up to 40% off