The Summer of Shoes

Somehow, I have either lost a majority of my shoes from last summer or they have gone to shoe heaven via my Bassett mix. After taking stock of what shoes I have left, I put together this list of the shoes I'm really loving for the summer of 2013:

Navajo Sandal | These are the classic Jack Rogers Navajos that have been worn for decades. If I buy only one pair of shoes this summer it'll be these. I'm not sure what color to get, I'm leaning between the gold or platinum.

Espadrille Lace-Ups | I bought these the other weekend from Old Navy. They're only $20! They're comfortable and because they're espadrilles I doubt they'll last the rest of the summer. But for a pretty cheap price you get a lot of style.

Kilty Moccasin | I love moccasins, they're just so easy to put on and go while giving an extra bit of style that flats can't match. I'm debating between the classic brown or the gray.

Good as Gold Wedges| I bought these during the Lilly Pulitzer sale back in January. These low wedges just dress up an outfit effortlessly and I've been wearing them non-stop since May. The thong part that goes in between the toes was uncomfortable at first, but my mom found me some padded cushions to go around the thong part and they feel a lot better. Price have you down? They're easy to find for around $80 unused on Ebay.

Felucca Lace | I've been looking for a new pair of boat shoes that have a low vamp to wear with skinny jeans/pants. These fit the bill and they're made in America. I also love these Audrey flats from Sperry.

Hadley Espadrilles | Espadrille flats are hot this summer. All sorts of colors and prints are available on store shelves and you really just can't go wrong with any of 'em. I fell in love with the orange detailing on this pair from a collaboration between Sperry and one of the Queens of Prep, Milly. Isn't the bow on the back darling?

Alicia High Heel Sandal | Just a simple pair of strappy brown heels. I was going to get these, but ended up getting these from American Eagle:

They're cute, they're comfortable, they're cheaply made. I doubt these will last much longer. I'm going to wait a bit longer to see if the Lands' End version will go on sale a bit more before I buy. In the meantime, the AE version will suffice.

Sutton Wedges | I love the mixture of color and texture on these. I think these would be great to add interest to a rather simple outfit.

Peep Toe Cork Platform | After a knee injury about a year ago, I've had to nix wearing heels. Now that my knee is better I keep drooling over the highest heels I can find. I simply adore the shape on these Zara heels. Simple black peep-toes with a cork platform to help keep them summery is what made them jump over all other heels to make my list. Want to avoid knee injuries? Don't attempt to play hockey drunk.

LOOKBOOK: polka dot flats

Polina Bow Flat, Christian Siriano for Payless, $43

These flats are neutral and perfect for work, yet the detailing keeps them from being anything but boring.
The polka dot print is just darling, but my eye is drawn to the unusual bow on the toe.
I have no doubt that you'll get compliments everywhere you wear these.

$43 may seem like a lot for flats, especially for Payless flats, but make sure to join the store's Rewards program. I joined back in 201o, and ever since then about every other week I'm receiving texts with coupons codes, sometimes with as much as 30% off.

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 7

Sorry about the lack of posts for the past few days. I've had the project from hell at work.

It's been a long, hard week.  Thankfully it's done, but I'm still stressed out.

So here are a bunch of weird looking shoes I'd actually wear.

I really love the embroidered ones in the top lefthand corner.  There's something so Art Nouveau about them.

LOOKBOOK: August 23

 

Christian Siriano Arabella Pointed Toe Flats, Payless, $39

Christian Siriano's line for Payless has been pretty solid, and I own several pairs of his designs.  I've been busy on Pintrest lately, and bow details on heels has been noted in across designers and price points.  I'd wear these with skirts or skinnies.  The idea is to let people see the bows and bootcut or flares will hide them, which would be a shame.

P.S. Be sure to follow me on Pintrest!

LOOKBOOK: March 22

 

Michelle Ballet Flat, Christian Siriano Gold, $43, Payless Shoe Source

Perhaps named after our stylish First Lady, these classic keyhole flats are a wardrobe staple.  These are wearable on all but the coldest days of the year, and would go with anything.  Since I've been losing a lot of weight, I've dropped a shoe size and have to replace most of my shoes.  I've bought a couple pairs of cheap flats but I need something nicer, and I think these will fit the bill.

LOOKBOOK: Jan. 22

I've been trying in vain to find stuff to feature, but it's really hard.  I hate to show to spring collections because it's nowhere near spring yet, but it's the current offering right now.  It also makes no sense to me to feature winter clothing that has been designated to the clearance rack with only limited sizes available.  Sigh.  So I'm going to try to find pieces that you can wear now and into spring.

KensieGirl Galia Wedge, $69, PiperLime

Wear with gray or dark skinny jeans.  Gray and light denim look meh together.  If you're going to wear these with a skirt, make sure you wear gray opaque tights or tights that match your skirt. 

Charming Charlie Coming to the Huntington Mall

While at the Huntington Mall yesterday looking for luggage (which is SO EXPENSIVE), I ran across a facade where some construction work was going.  The signs proclaimed that Charming Charlie was getting ready to move in soon.  I've heard of Charming Charlie before, and I want to think I've been in one, but I'm not 100% sure.  Okay, I remember now.  It was when I was in Norfolk, VA, last summer. 

According to their website, Charming Charlie sells women's jewelry, handbags, and other accessories with most prices running from $4.97-$49.97.  In their stores, which are designed to look like a boutique, everything is grouped according to color.  I, for one, love this idea.  I can't count the amount of times I've looked for something to match an outfit and never find anything (until after I've worn said outfit), so this feature is wonderful. 

Like I said earlier, I'm pretty sure I was in the one located in Norfolk, VA, last summer.  I remember asking my friend what kind of store it was, but I didn't have a lot of time to really look because the store was getting ready to close.  The stuff I looked at was pretty (and sparkly!) but I can't vouch for quality.

I did some research on the Charming Charlie company online.   Last in year, it won several awards such as International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Hot Retailer of the Year 2010, which is an impressive award.   I also did some research on reviews for the store.  Most are very favorable, although some have pointed out that quality-wise, what you pay for is what you get.  To be honest, if I'm only paying, say, $9 for a necklace, if I get a year's use out of it, I'm satisfied. 

Overall, I'm very excited the addition of Charming Charlie to the Huntington Mall lineup.  I'll post opening information as soon as I know something.

WEBSITE: Charming Charlie.  unfortunately, it doesn't really showcase any of their wares, but the blog is entertaining.

Lookbook

One of my favorite color combos is gray and purple. I  already covered gray bags, now for some purple flats.

$$$

Tory Burch Prescot Flats, $245

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Roxy Bijou Flats, Endless, $45

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Mossimo Oona Twist  Toe Flats, Target, $9

BARGAIN:Nude Heels for Under $30!

Nude heels have become an essential shoe in the fashion world.  First and foremost, they make your legs look longer.  And seriously, if they can help make your legs look like Lara Stone's...how are these not sitting in your closet already?



What nude heels (flats don't give the same effect) do is give the leg a long line, meaning someone's eyes don't focus on the shoes and are instead drawn up to your dress.  This is the reason that ballet slippers are that soft pink color, to make the leg longer.  Nude heels are typically worn with dresses and skirts, and shorts if you're into that look.  You don't get the same long leg look when you pair them with pants or jeans.

I've been on the lookout for a pair of nude heels for quite some time, but haven't been able find some that are close to the Casper-equse shade of pale my legs are.  However, while out shopping with a friend the other day, I was pulled into the fashion wasteland that is Fashion Bug.  And lo and behold, guess what I found?

Beestow Heels, Fashion Bug, $27

According to the website, these are called "Tulip Pink."  They are more beige than they are pink.  I love the unique heel on these!  That's what originally drew me to them.  They're surprisingly comfortable, and seemingly decently made.  Since these are so nice, I'll give Fashion Bug a pass for the time being.  Or until I see the next horrorific polyester nightmare.