
{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
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.
We got a glimpse at clogs for summer, but the trend is set to take off for fall. Clogs are comfortable to wear and celebrities like Jessica Simpson wear them for casual outings when they want to feel at ease while looking put together. Here’s a rundown of how you can wear the trendiest shoes for fall.
Clogs work well for adding texture and an organic edge to your outfit. Many are made of suede, tweed or cableknit and often have a wood or faux wood platform and heel for a look that blends with your fall wardrobe. Experimenting with texture is always a great way to style yourself for fall. Pull out your staple sweaters in chunky knit, cashmere and cableknit and your skirts or pants in corduroy. Incorporating different textures in one look is ideal for fall because it gives the appearance of warm weather garb without having to layer pieces and add extra bulk to your frame.
The sexy shoe parade has begun! Are you going to rock the prettiest and the best this summer, or are you going to go for something more casual? Here are some options to get you thinking.
Sexy Shoe 1: Almond-toe sandals of summer.
Almond-toed shoes look fantastic all winter long, but you can’t forget that they look sexy in the summer, too. They are slimming, attractive, and sparing, and they make you look great, too. With a fresh pedicure, nothing is better than almond-toe shoes. Be sure to wear a pair that still fits your feet, though! Sometimes almond-toe shoes can be too narrow.
Sexy Shoe 2: Woven, substantial sandals with a sweet silhouette.
If you need a pair of sandals that really make your feet look great, hunt down woven sandals in a streamlined shape with a hidden wedge heel. Woven sandals can be found in so many complex designs that they almost look like macrame, and in our opinion, the more complex, the better! Hunt down a stylish pair just for you. Read more »
Cool trends for fall seem like they are so far away, but if you shop now for your shoes, you can avoid the rush on styles you really love! Here are a few suggestions for shoes that will satisfy your craving for the Fall 2010 season.
Wooden Stacked Heels: These shoes are all the rage for fall. Whether you scoop up wooden-sole platforms or boots with stacked heels, you can be confident that you are trendy for the fall. Wooden stacked heels are reportedly getting picked up by all the hottest buyers, and you will love shoes with wooden details when you wear knits, space-dyed turtlenecks, or thin thermal tops and jeans. Let that ’70s flavor burst forth. Read more »
Are you on the petite side? If you are, these shoes can give you the (taller) look that you’re going for, but without all the usual drama of the “short girl in stilettos” effect. If you want to keep your height-boosting dreams quiet, these are the right shoes to wear.
Hidden Wedges: These are one of the best ways to hide your use of height-boosters. You can find hidden platforms in pumps or sandals, particularly in the front to balance a skinnier, higher heels than you’re used to. You can also find hidden wedges inside flat shoes. Hidden wedges are great!
Great Labels to Try: Kelsie Dagger, Opening Ceremony
Smooth and Even Platforms: Platforms with a covered heel are a nice way to get a streamlined look, especially if your shoe is a lighter color or has straw accents for summer. Smooth platforms look wonderful in leather or in satin, and they can easily be incorporated into a summer combo for you to enjoy.
Clogs took over the SS10 fashion shows from New York to Paris. Over at Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld pushed the clog in a major way, resulting in a sea of affordable clogs. This allows you to try the trend with committing to the high price tag that comes with designer shoes. Check our list of affordable trendy clogs, which can add a new spin to your favorite summer pieces.
Work texture and a bevy of neutral colors into your look with the Chloe clogs from a.n.a. These clogs have a slingback, so they’re perfect for those who aren’t used to mules or open-back shoes. Neutral clogs are hot on the radar for summer, but incorporating a mix of neutral shades like beige, mustard and rust work well for every skin tone and also can be used into the fall months. For summer, wear these clogs with a dress or peasant-style top and skinny jeans. Once fall rolls around, add a knit cardigan to make the outfit appropriate for the season.
The Bresi clogs from Steve Madden are along the lines of traditional clogs, only with an exaggerated platform sole and stacked heel for a modern look. These clogs are available in black, but the pale brown create a stunning look with bright colors for summer. The traction rubber sole adds a cool element and tonal stitching adds texture to the top of the shoes. Try these clogs with a shirt dress or floral print dress for the ultimate take on 2010′s summer trends.
If you want to wear your clogs when going out for a night on the town, think high drama like you would for any other going-out shoe. Steve Madden’s Daynty clogs are a fierce spin on the classic shoe. The bold platform and saucy cone heel add a dramatic edge to the clogs, which boast stud detailing at the side.
The black are perfect for anchoring bright colors or ultra girlie prints, but the camel version are ideal for elongating your legs, especially if you have a deeper skin tone or treat your legs with a quick shot of self-tanner. The pale gray are also brilliant for contrasting a rich pedicure in bright red or neon pink. Remember, the Daynty clogs pack serious style so keep your outfit on the tame side to avoid a trashy look. Go with a dress with a relaxed feel or a blouse on top and tailored shorts to keep the shoes in check and look chic.
Samantha Cabrera