
{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
For all the ladies who are lucky enough to still be enjoying warm weather, there’s a fresh new shoe trend floating around Los Angeles. Trendsetting young ladies are rocking their embellished flat sandals to semi-formal events like dinners, evenings in the city, baby showers…you name it. But even though this trend sounds simple, there’s a method to making the style look sophisticated and fabulous.
Step 1: Stay Flat
There are so many times that we wind up doing so much more walking than we intended. Maybe the closest parking to your friend’s birthday dinner is a ½-mile trek from the restaurant, or you get a little lost exploring the city. Either way, this trend is for the ladies who prepare to strut their style comfortably.
Step 2: Put in Effort
To make this trend work, your sandals have to pair well with your overall look. For a basic sandal with a statement grab the ballenh in white from Sheik. The braided T-strap with a chain detail adds a stylish touch. The ballenh is also available in bold colors like blue and pink for your color-blocking needs.
Step 3: Go all the Way with Detail
Choose sandals with details that give them a semi-formal appeal. The multicolor Wheel of Fortune sandals by Seychelles boasts a sophisticated floral print on soft fabric that drapes around your ankle and across your toe. To get glittery, opt for the Anthology by Seychelles. A thick T-strap coated in beads and stones is semi-formal all on its own.
Final Thoughts
We’re big fans of budget-friendly shoe trends. And even though ankle breakers are still show stopping shoes for parties, when you’re meeting up with gal pals or heading to a community event there’s nothing wrong with a touch of California casual.
Naomi Kahlon
Naomi Kahlon is a frequent contributor to myShoes.com.
The autumn season is not only a chance to flex your favorite cold-weather fashions; it’s also a time to adhere to the season’s shoe do’s and don’ts. By abiding by these guideless you’ll all but ensure yourself a fabulous, fashionable fall.
Do Keep ‘em Clean: Nothing can cheapen a sleek, fabulous look faster than a pair of boots that are scuffed, beaten, and broke down. Before you strap on your favorite classic black boots and booties from last season, polish up the leather and give them a good shine.
Don’t Step out in Heels You Can’t Handle: Yes, high heels are perhaps the sexiest shoe style that the world has ever known, but if you can’t handle the height, then stick to shoes with lower heels (There’s nothing unsexier then hobbling and wobbling the night away as you struggle to maintain your balance.)
Do Listen to the Weatherman: If you’re going out for the evening and the forecast is for chilly temperatures, don’t think that you can get away with wearing stappy high heels or peep-toe booties. You’ll regret it the second you step out of the house and into the open air. Take the season as an opportunity to embrace fabulous close-toed options, such as the Caley knee high boot from isola or the Keats heeled oxfords from Miz Mooz.
Don’t Sit on the Sidelines: The whole point of fabulous party shoes is to look great while you dance the night away. So get out on the floor and strut your stuff!
Dana Robinson
Dana Robinson is the Editorial Manager of Myshoes.com
For the remaining days of summer you’ll want a light yet professional shoe look for the office. For those days when sandals just won’t do, you can always look to a pair of gray office shoes. Gray shoes are an easy way to make bright or printed dresses a little more summer friendly, and there’s nothing like a pair of gray pumps to make your outfit look on point. Here are a few of our favorite gray shoes for the office this season.
The Classics
For a classic pair of pumps with an exotic twist, try the Haya pumps from Pour La Victoire. These gray pumps are on the lighter side with a rounded toe and an easy-going 3 1/2-inch heel. The shoes are embossed for a lizard skin finish, which adds texture to your look. Summer is all about the luxe factor, from silk dresses to opulent jewels and exotic (or faux exotic) skins. You want to keep the lines clean and modern, but feel free to experiment with texture and bold color. The Haya pumps allow you to do that with ease since they’re luxe enough to garner attention, but don’t steal the show.
Just a Peep
Reach for a peep toe with the Ramonna pumps from Jessica Simpson. These smart pumps have a subtle peep toe and angular detail at the vamp. The 3 ½-inch heel is easy to get around in whether you’re going from meeting to meeting or spending the day in the office. Try the Ramonna pumps with a shrunken suit or any wrap dress in summer’s favorite colors, like red or orange. The subdued shoe brings the color down a notch, making intense hues far more wearable. Bonus points for the Ramonna pumps—you can wear them at night with a blouse and skinny jeans.
Wonderful Wedges
If you want something a little less conventional, look to the Edie wedges from Pour La Victoire. These are more of a taupe gray than a true gray, but fit into the neutral color family of shoes that are trendy this season. The Edie wedges have a pointed toe and covered wedge heel that measures in at 3 ½-inches. Wear them with your wide-leg trousers or skinny slacks, and don’t be afraid to sport them with a brightly colored full skirt. The Edie wedges can easily transition to the weekend. Just add rolled-up boyfriend jeans.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
Make a major style statement wearing these hot Besito platform sandals from BCBGeneration, which have an even hotter price (only $99.95 on myShoes.com). They’re an easy way to amp up your evening wardrobe without spending a bundle, and they’re available in two solid colors and one print style–so no matter which one you choose, you’re guaranteed to look fashion-forward and fabulous.
Black
The black Besito platform sandals are for the fashionista who wants a sultry look for summer. These sandals will look great with your favorite little black dress, but also work with skinny pants and leggings. Bold straps dart across the top of the foot and the contrasting faux wood platform and heel make these black sandals appropriate for summer.
White
Go for a white hot look with the light version of the Besito platform sandals. These sandals are ideal for a vacation when you’ll be living in bright sundresses, caftans, and white skirts and jeans. Choose any solid dress and add the Besito sandals in white with a matching white bag and you’ll have a chic summer look that’s sure to turn heads. We also love the Besito platform sandals with wide-leg trousers and jeans—the silhouette that’s commanding attention this season.
Croc Print
Get an exotic look with the Besito platform sandals in this stunning croc print. We love these sandals because they work with black, but also fit bright colors in your wardrobe. For an ultra pulled together look, try the croc print Besito platforms with a plain blouse and wide-leg jeans. This trendy look works day or night. For day, wear it with a structured tote, and for evening, trade out that big bag for a clutch. With a croc print shoe, let your shoes take center stage. Exotic prints are hot for summer and can also transition into fall with dark colors. Try these platform sandals with a tank top and skinny cargo pants for summer and add a blazer once the temperature cools down in September.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
For some of us, summer means dancing the night away with friends and family. Whether it’s at a casual wedding or just a night of salsa dancing with girlfriends, you need a pair of shoes that are saucy enough to get you noticed and comfy enough to get your groove on.
What to Look For
You want a platform that will help support your feet as you dance, plus a secure closure that won’t let your feet float around. Our pick are the Cain sandals from Via Spiga. These platform sandals have an adjustable buckle closure at the ankle, so you can customize the strap to sit snug as you bust a move on the dance floor. You don’t want the closure to be too tight, but it should be secure enough that your foot has minimal room to move around when you walk. The platform heel means there’s less stress on your feet than with a skimpy stiletto heel. If you want even more support (or you aren’t used to dancing in heels) look for a chunky or cone heel along with the platform.
How to Protect Your Feet
Any shoes that you wear out for a night of dancing will need to be broken in first. To properly break in your shoes, wear them around the house for a few hours in the days leading up to the event. We suggest open-toe sandals for dancing in the summer because they’ll give you extra space if your feet swell a bit after hours of standing up. If you’re finding friction at the ball of the foot, you can insert a shoe pad that’s specifically designed for this area of the foot. Many are clear and sit only at the ball of the foot, so you don’t have to worry about them peeking out. If you feel friction at the ankle straps, you can apply Vaseline or an anti-friction product (found in the foot care aisle at your local drugstore) to that area.
How to Wear Them
You’re going dancing, so have a little fun with your look. An ankle strap, bold color, or ribbon detail in conjunction with a platform may be just what you need. Try the Pippi from Lola Ramona, or if you really want to push the envelope, you can dance the night away in the Tribute from Yves Saint Laurent
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
I’m sure you’ve already purchased a fair number of sandals this season, but there may still be one or two pairs out there that can perfectly round out your collection. From color to embellishments, go for out-there sandals that make a statement and show off your personal style.
Consider Your Lifestyle
As with all shoe purchases, consider your lifestyle when deciding what sandals are right for you. Are you looking for flat sandals? Wedges? Both are smart options if you’re going to be chasing kids or darting around running errands. Are you considering a platform or cone heel? These silhouettes are on trend, but are best suited for those who have an ample sandal collection and have room for shoes that are less practical and more trend driven.
Reach for Color
Nude shoes are hot for summer, but color is the real star of the show. Why not choose a pair of bold sandals that play well with the prints and bright colors many of us don during warm weather? Grass green, true yellow, and cobalt blue are strong colors that make a statement and will work with many other colors in your wardrobe. Try a combination of grass green and earth tones, or cobalt blue with magenta and gray.
Remember the Price Point
If you want to have fun with your footwear this season, remember that inexpensive sandals can do the trick. Thanks to mild temperatures, sandals aren’t exposed to the same abuse as winter footwear, therefore paying a bit less for shoes that don’t need to stand up to the frigid cold isn’t a bad idea. There are many cute sandals on the market for $25 and under, so don’t be afraid to use the MyShoes.com price function to zero in on a pair of sandals that fit your budget and let you get trendy for summer.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.