
{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
You’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid in how many weddings this season?! We know you want to be a supportive friend, but there’s a good chance you don’t want to buy shoes for each of these occasions. (You’re already shelling out for all of the dresses!) Here’s a roundup of shoes that can be worn with almost any bridesmaid’s dress and will also give you great mileage well beyond the big day…promise!
Keep it Classic
For a day occasion, the Humbie pumps from Badgley Mischka are a great pick. These pumps have a peep toe and are available in black and gold sequins, but the nude shade is our favorite. The bare shade will work best with a myriad of bridesmaid looks, from cocktail dresses to floor-length gowns. Read more »
Caring for patent leather shoes can be quite the challenge. Sometimes, I wonder if everyone has a special pair of patents lurking in the back of their closets, just waiting to be worn. A lot of people think that patent leather is tricky to wear, and they’re 100% correct: It scuffs easily and gets dull and dirty in a heartbeat. If you follow the tips below, however, you might just end up pulling out those patent leather shoes you love and showing them off this season.
Tip #1: Avoid Using Grease or Vaseline
This type of shoe shine is recommended by so many people (perhaps even by your parents), but the problem is that Vaseline and grease attracts dust and dirt. In other words, your shoes will look great until you hit the street. By mid-afternoon you’re likely to see a collection of dirt at your feet, which is not the type of fashion statement that you want to make. Read more »
When we’re on that shoe hunting adventure, so many of us reach for the sky-high platforms and crazy colors. But what about practicality? What about comfort? What about shoes that can go from day to night to work to weekend? Flats, my friends, are the answer. Here’s a look at the flat styles you need in your shoe wardrobe to ensure you have a comfy option for almost any occasion.
Work Flats
We all need flats to get us through the work week. We suggest that at the very least you purchase one pair that’s neutral enough to wear with almost anything, and one pair that packs a punch of color. When choosing a neutral color, black is always a favorite, (and the Bow style from Marc Joseph is a must) but shades of gray can be just as versatile. And when it’s time to get colorful, think hues of red or blue. These shades can add a pop of color to an otherwise drab outfit. Read more »
Vegan shoes are more popular than ever, and for a variety of reasons. Not only are more people making careful choices about what they eat, but they’re trying to select clothes and accessories that have less impact on the planet. Considering how many shoes some of us buy each year, we can make a real difference by supporting earth-friendly, animal-friendly labels. And by the way, have you seen some of the newest styles available? You’d never guess they were vegan.
Fuzzy At-Home Slippers
If you already have your career shoes figured out, then perhaps it’s time to shop for at-home gear instead. You can never have enough pairs of warm, comfortable shoes to wear around the house, and if they’re vegan…so much the better! Acorn has a wide variety of slippers and sandals for home wear that come in beautiful mint green and sky blue colors, along with the expected pink and white. Read more »
Bold colors can make many statements, but nothing says, “I’ve arrived” quite like a fabulous shade of red. Red shoes work for the office or for the weekend, as long as you know how to wear them. Red is a strong color for spring and works with the neutral shades that dominate most wardrobes. You can wear the color with camel, shades of gray, navy, and even denim. Check out our red shoe picks that will spruce up your look for spring:
Casual Chic
Woven leather is a must for that luxe summer outfit. The Audry platform sandal from Rockport works for looking chic, yet casual. They have an open toe, so you might not be able to wear them to the office (except for casual Fridays). Try the Audry platform sandals out as the focal point of your look. A simple wrap dress or a button-up shirt and capris create a chic look that can go from casual Friday to cocktail hour. Audry sandals are also great for traveling. You can wear them in the day with capris and switch to a dramatic maxi dress for evening. Read more »
The block heel is taking over for spring! It’s a bit of an edgier take on the kitten heel and is usually fairly low–measuring in at 2-3 inches. These heels will provide a bit more leverage and a more dressed-up look than your basic spring/summer flip-flops and ballet flats. There’s nothing better than being comfortable when it’s scorching hot outside, so a pair of block heels are a smart investment.
At the Office
The block heel is one of the most office-friendly trends we’ve seen in a long time. A wrap dress is instantly updated with block heels. Wide-leg pants and skinny trousers also work with the silhouette. Try a button-up shirt or fluid blouse with a silk scarf tied loosely at your neck for a modern ‘70s take when worn with the shoes. Skip black or chocolate block heels. It’s sunny outside, so work with neutral or bright shades that are versatile. Camel, bronze, red, or green are great options that work with neutral pieces in any office wardrobe.
On the Weekend
Block heels instantly add a chic element to your outfit, so feel free to wear them with classic summer pieces you probably already have in your closet. Dress up basics, like a tank top and jeans, with a lightweight tailored jacket, or opt for dressy shorts (another major trend for 2011). A print dress also works for brunch or a date. If you plan on buying more than one pair of block heels, look for pairs that can add some color or texture to your look. Textured fabrics, such as raffia and cork, embrace the warm weather and also work with a myriad of fabrics in your wardrobe. If you’re going for a pair of bold-colored block heels, look for a mix of a neutral color with bright or two-toned colors, such as green and navy. The mixture of bold and neutral will increase the block heel’s wardrobe versatility.
Samantha Cabrera