{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
June 24, 2011 
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Cinderella may have worn a glass slipper when she met her prince, and Kate Middleton, she wore a pair of Alexander McQueen’s when she tied the knot to the Duke, but we all know that you can’t wear your formal shoes for running all around the palace.
Kate Middleton has quickly become a fashion icon and she was recently spotted wearing a pair of black round-toe shoes with a natural-hued wedge. Purchased from upscale UK retailer LK Bennett for a tidy sum (which have subsequently sold out and are now being re-released by the store due to increased demand), these shoes are quickly becoming a fashion must have for this coming season. To get Kate’s look over here in the U.S., we recommend the following similar styles:
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For far less than the duchess paid, you can step out in the equally chic Mackenzie by Merona. At just $22, these shoes boast a shiny upper complete with cutout detailing, a flirty peep toe, and an approximate 2-inch cork wedge heel. Adorable!
A second option is the slightly more casual Kendal Knot by American Eagle, which features a beach-chic canvas upper complete with a peep toe and knot detailing. This shoe, which is also available in an ultra-summery white hue, boasts a slightly higher heel, at approximately 3 inches.
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If you’ve got a little more dough to spare, we recommend the Sparrow by Chinese Laundry, which features a leather upper complete with side cutout detailing and a dainty peep toe. This shoe is finished with a sexy sling-back strap with a buckle closure for a custom and comfortable fit.
We also love the Lexine by Anne Klein, which belies its $46 price tag with an ultra-glossy patent leather upper, a peep-toe opening, and a slender sling-back strap. This shoe is finished with an approximate 3-inch cork wedge heel for more than a hint of height.
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If money isn’t an object, you can step out in the Hazel by UGG Australia. This sandal, which is available in a host of other shades, boasts intersecting fabric straps that criss-cross to reveal a peep toe and daring side cutouts. A sling-back strap ensures a comfortable fit, while the approximate 4-inch wedge heel will keep you head and shoulders above the competition.
If you’re looking for something with a little more edge, we love the Quest by Dolce Vita, a classic leather shoe complete with peep toe and swooping side panels. The real interest, however, comes from the stud detailing that runs along the side where the leather meets the approximate 4-inch wood-look wedge heel.
We think you’ll agree–any of the above styles are fit for a Queen (or a Duchess!)
Lianne Woolley
Lianne Woolley writes for the healthcare industry by day, and blogs about fabulous fashion and shoes by night!
June 23, 2011 Comments (0)
During the hop-scotch playing and pigtail wearing days of yore, we ladies wore jelly shoes – flexible peep-toe sandals that boasted a plethora of cutouts and a versatile range of usages. This season, shoe designers embrace their inner child while adding a noticeably adult-like twist to this revamped warm weather favorite.
Best Wear About Town Sandal
If you desire a tastefully trendy shoe that promises to carry you from a business lunch to the grocery store across town, look no further than the Scapoli flat by Ivanka Trump. Perfect to dress up or down, this fun flat packs a punch with a metallic stud and buckle-detailed leather strap located right at the rounded toe. This outfit enhancer comes in your choice of hot pink, baby blue, or classic black.
Best Fancy Twist on the Jelly Sandal
Today’s modern woman recognizes the incomparable worth of a multipurpose fun, flirty flat. The Campana by Melissa Shoes can take you from your morning commute to your nighttime escapades for no more than $63. Available in glamorized shades of gold, silver, and reliable black, these sassy sandals sport a series of intersecting slender strings, a rounded ballet-flat toe, and tons of appreciated air conditioning.
Best Rubber Flat to Wear for a Fancy Event
Intent on elevating the rubber shoe to a formalwear alternative, designer Stuart Weitzman stops the presses with the Pellets. Complete with a muted rubber upper boasting just a hint of shimmer, this rubber sandal is a must have. Yet, the real show stopper is the metallic studded circular add-on at the rounded toe that elevates this shoe from stylish to sophisticated.
Best Barely-There Rubber Sandal
If you’re looking for a summer shoe with a little less coverage, rubber is still an option. The Luxe Honey by SM for Steve Madden features a covered heel and a simple strap at the toe, accented with a quirky oversized fabric flower. This light and airy sandal comes complete with a budget-friendly price tag of $35. This way, you won’t feel the slightest tinge of regret when you purchase a pair in each of the six summer-friendly shades.
Lianne Woolley
Lianne Woolley writes for the healthcare industry by day, and blogs about fabulous fashion and shoes by night!
June 22, 2011 Comments (0)
Buying trendy summer apparel can be so much fun…until you bring a look home, stare at it next to your shoe collection, and realize that you have nothing to go with it. We’ve condensed a handy list of some of the hottest summertime trends with a cheat sheet of shoes to match.
Shirts
Wear crocheted tops with espadrilles to continue the light and airy look. These shoes are great to bring on vacation, too, so if you’re going for a casual vibe this summer, this combination is a winner.
If you’re wearing a striped shirt, then your nautical vibe is best complemented by a pair of boat-appropriate canvas shoes. A canvas flat or boat shoe is breathable and simple, and it’s sturdy if you want to wear yours to the beach.
Pants
Wear wide-leg pants with chunky platform sandals. If you wear delicate shoes with slim toes, they’ll get positively devoured by the wide hems of your pants. A heavier sole and platform design will help balance the wideness of a pair of bell bottoms, and you can avoid the “no foot” effect that can happen with the wrong shoes.
Crepe soles are also a great option for wide-leg pants. They’re light for summer, and they have that retro appeal that works well with ‘70s designs. Try a pair in canvas and then wear a matching belt and hoop earrings as your accessories of choice.
Skirts
Lace skirts look fantastic with leather sandals. Lace skirts can be white and long or blush pink and short, for example, but leather helps tone them down for daytime. Medium brown sandals will complement light shades of lace.
A sheer skirt will need to be layered with a slip or another skirt underneath, and anchored with a pair of flats, visually speaking. Choose a color that matches with the skirt of your choice to elongate the body.
Now that you have the trends and their shoe combinations worked out, you’ll probably want to start shopping. Our suggestion: Pick out two separates to start, and then move on to the matching shoes.
Mei Sawyer
Mei Sawyer is an internationally published fashion journalist.
June 21, 2011 Comments (2)
Summer weather calls for easy, breezy outfits that won’t weigh you down, but every now and again it’s best to shake up the routine and give your outfit an unexpected twist. Clogs, which can sometimes look a bit heavy, are a simple way to add unusual flair to your outfit while maintaining that effortless cool we all long to obtain during the steamy summer months.
Think Light
Clogs can sometimes add a heaviness to your outfit, so when it comes to your apparel you want to keep it light. Lightweight fabrics and colors are key. Think cotton, crochet, thin knits, draped jersey, and denim. For colors, go for pale hues which are popular this season, along with an occasional shot of neon or other bright colors. Airy fabrics in these colors will create the light appeal that contrasts clogs beautifully.
Comfort is Key
There’s nothing wrong with sky-high clogs, but remember where your summer days are most likely to take you. Lounging by the pool or browsing local shops with friends usually doesn’t call for super high heels. Clogs are great because they have a platform, which gives you a boost but won’t strain your feet. Open-toe clogs are best for summer since they let you show off a trendy pedicure. Look for clogs with straps at the ankle if you aren’t used to a mule style, which can be tricky to wear if it’s very hot out and your feet begin to sweat (hey, it happens!).
Go Neutral
If it’s your first pair of clogs, go with a neutral color, like tan or whiskey. Black is also an option, but can come off as stark when worn with summer clothing. If you’re a fan of cool tones, go with gray or navy blue. The color of wood or faux wood makes a difference, too. Light wood works well for day or night, while brown wood works best for day. Taupe and dusty tones, like lilac or pale pink (that inch towards nude) are also versatile trendy colors.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
June 20, 2011 Comments (0)
With so many of my friends’ weddings coming up, I’ve had the chance to dive into great bridal shoes for the fanciest of weddings all the way down to your basic civil ceremony (like my own!). These beautiful bridal shoes will leave you spoilt for choice.
Satin Sling-Backs
Satin shoes make up some of the best wedding shoe choices out there. They are simple enough to match with sheath dresses and knee-length skirts, but they can also set off frothy gowns and princess dresses. Little to no decoration is just fine on your new heels, and the strappy back looks sophisticated.
Simple Slippers
Going for something simple on the big day, like a kimono-sleeved gown or a long, flowing skirt with minimal decoration? Simple slippers will add a casual touch to any dress. They can be mule-like with low heels, or they can be perfectly flat and look more like a shoe you would wear when entertaining at home. We love them paired with vintage-inspired dresses, too.
Open-Toe Heels
Summertime weddings often require open-toe heels. You can show off a pretty wedding pedicure easily enough with open-toe heels, and you can also wear these shoes to break up the effect of a long wedding dress and train. Open-toe heels are great for those of us who want to wear a high heel, but don’t like having our toes cramped into a pump.
Victorian Boots
This isn’t so much a trend as a suggestion, but Victorian boots are great to try beneath column-like gowns and Victorian-inspired items. Victorian boots might be worn at calf length, with buttons up the side, or they can be longer and have a hidden zipper. Look for yours in shades of cream and stark white.
D’Orsays with Lace
A lace overlay on a pair of d’orsay heels is wonderful, and it can make a plain dress appear dressier and more decorative. Cream over gray looks sophisticated; white over white is extremely subtle. For a true mark of elegance, try a pair of shoes with lace-covered buttons that run up the side.
Mei Sawyer
Mei Sawyer is an internationally published fashion journalist.
June 19, 2011 Comments (0)
Last month we spent some time discussing splurging versus spending when it comes to shoes. And if you’ve decided that now is your time to splurge, may we suggest the Stuart Weitzman Blog pumps. Coming in at around a cool $300, the versatile shoes are comfortable and will last in your work wardrobe for years to come.
Why We Love Them
The Stuart Weitzman Blog pumps are ideal for the working woman on the go. The pumps have a low 2 ½-inch heel and platform. This means even those who have zero experience walking in heels will be more than able to get around in these shoes with ease. If you’re tired of toting an extra pair of shoes with you to and from work (you know, in case your feet give out), the Blog pumps work from morning to night because they’re all about comfort.
Choosing a Color
The Blog pumps are available in an array of basic colors. Nude is ideal for spring and summer, and these shoes happen to be available in two nude shades. One is more of a peachy-pink while the other is a warm chestnut hue. If you have a medium or deep skin tone you may find the chestnut shade more suitable, while those with fair skin may opt for the peach. There’s also navy and black, plus a pair of patent gray for those who already have the basics in their wardrobe.
How to Wear Them
Sport the Blog pumps with any office duds you have. Sheath dresses, suits, and tailored jackets will all play nicely with these classic pumps. If you opt for a dark pair, you can wear opaque or printed tights with these shoes in the winter. The nude colors can work on the weekend or for casual events when worn with a blouse and trouser pants or a cardigan and straight-leg jeans. It’s a basic pump, only with a more wearable heel than most, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to styling these staple shoes.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
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