Fashion Blog » Shoes

With summer in full swing, its time to start wearing some sandals!  (If you haven’t been already.)  Whether they’re platform, flat, heeled or wedged, there are so many types of sandals to sport.  Flat sandals are probably my favorite, unfortunately these will kill your lower back after walking a few miles in them (I experienced this on one New York trip!).  I would say flat sandals are great with skinny jeans or pants, shorts, and dresses…really anything.  Here is a pair that I really like:

N.Y.L.A. Soriya Sandal $39.95

I of course love everything ethnic print…beading especially!  I liked these immediately.  They are one of the newest styles on Nordstrom’s website and are a total steal for just under forty bucks!  These would look great with jeans and a red patterned tank, or a white v-neck pocket tee.

Everyone needs a pair of flip flops as well…summer just wouldn’t be the same without them.  I like going cheap on flip flops, but often this results in blistered feet…ouch!  Havianas have been a trusted brand forever and when you wear them, the soles are super cushy and almost give you a bounce in each step.

Havianas High Light $38

This color and pattern is interesting, you really can’t go wrong with gold.  Gold is so neutral that you can probably wear these with just about anything!  These are truly proper beach footwear, nobody likes getting sand in their shoes anyway.  These would look fantastic with a white summer dress or earth toned knits including tanks and cotton shorts.

So far we have cute, beaded sandals, a pair of totally necessary flip flops…what’s next?  Perhaps a pair of hip, funky sandals.  The kind you can wear on a night out with the girls…or boys

These Jeffrey Campbell’s are fabulous! The metallic leather is perfect for a summer night out. You can be racy and sport these with a mini skirt and voluminous top, or wear them with your super tight skinny jeans and tank.

Marly Platforms: $128

Although these have an almost 3 inch heel, yes…they are still considered sandals! And by the looks of the stacked heel, they just might be pretty comfy.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop though all women’s sandals.

This week’s deals include not one, but two pairs of women’s sandals–both great for summer.  I don’t usually go for heavily embellished shoes.  Every once in a while, I like something with a big jewel on it, after all, a little flash never hurt anyone.  What I have found myself drawn to in-particularly are metallic gold shoes.  I picked up a pair a few months ago, they were wedges with a rounded closed toe and t-strap.  Very cute, very comfy.  I thought they’d really give just the right amount of dazzle to an old t-shirt and jean shorts…my idea of a funky, summery outfit–good for a night of bar hopping or seeing a band.  So once again, my eye went to the metallic gold, and these Sam Edelman ‘Luna’ Sandals are just my style with their chunky heel and snake embossed slingback strap.

These were originally $138.95, and are now on sale for $68.90.

These are my pick for nighttime footwear, and my pick for daytime sandals are these DV by Dolce Vita ‘Mercury’ Sandals - $89.95 originally, now on sale for $44.90.

These would look great with a dress or jeans…

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Sam Edelman sandals.
Discounts on DV by Dolce Vita sandals.

I love the convenience of finding great dresses and tunics for summer that are tough enough to fold up into an overnight bag or weekender.  As someone who is almost always on the go and hardly ever home, I often find myself needing to pack an overnight bag, when this is the case, I begin to appreciate durable clothing that I can take with me…and as much as I love wearing a t-shirt and jeans, I also love being able to bring cute dresses with pretty details, kind of like this Free People Alissa Lace Dress. This dress is really short, but I think it would look absolutely adorable with some short denim cut offs. The lace on it has beautiful detailing and there is a flirty little hem on bottom. This is my first favorite characteristic, the second is the T back with metal grommets. Another classic combination of feminine and rugged detailing.

Alissa’s Lace Dress: $148

This dress would be perfect for throwing into your overnight bag and going.  It would look great with some boyish looking oxford shoes…

I love these Sam Edelman Simona Oxfords ($97.17).  They’re slip on’s!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s dresses and women’s tunics.
Discounts on Sam Edelman shoes.

Max Azria, the designer behind BCBG, has been doing his own singular creations for a while now. Although much simpler and basic, much of Azria’s eponymous designs are reminiscent of the BCBG “look” that you will find on the racks on runways.  I like both but if I was forced to choose would probably opt for Azria and his designs.  The style in which he designs is just a bit more straightforward and grown up, feminine but not overly girly.  Below are my three favorite looks from his Resort 2009 Collection…

In this collection, Azria was inspired by the needs of one of his design staffers who had recently gotten married and was preparing for her honeymoon on a remote island which was only allowing her to take a single suitcase that weighed 20 pounds.  So Azria followed with featherlight silk and and separates in muted solids and in this grayish watercolor print. There were long dresses with floor dusting hemlines as well as plunging necklines. These items all seemed perfect for any honeymoon…gauze dresses

Monrow Stencil Knit Racerback Dress $187

This dress would fold up nicely in any suitcase without probably getting to wrinkled…

Sam Edelman Greco Sandal: $89.95

I love the mustard yellow leather on these gladiator sandals, these would work well with the dress.

Delicately layered necklaces like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Double Strand Petal Necklace ($44) always compliment long dresses.

Image Source: Style.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more racerback dresses and long dresses.
Discounts on women’s sandals and layered necklaces.

Swallow pin (the real thing in diamonds!) from Jewelry-Wholesalers.com: $2,900

Everyone out there who adores fashion but feels overwhelmed trying to sort through the blogs, shopping sights, online mags, print mags and books that chronicle planet fashion, please raise your hand.  Mmmhmm, I thought so.  Me, too.  So last week, I took an idea from one of my fashion icons, the great Dianna Vreeland, and started an inspiration board.  Gimme a sec, I am going somewhere with this.

It’s not just the time it takes to blast through all that fashion dicta that is a problem, it’s trying to make sense of what might work for you and what should just be left to recycle bin.  Physically sitting down, tearing out and pinning to a cork board any print image and that truly elicits a response is not only fun, but it illustrates what you might have been craving without realizing it.  (Note for iphone/laptop diehards: you could also do a computer version with downloaded pics, but the physical cut and pin is more decorative and more tactile, if less portable.)

Here’s what I found.  After sorting through images from four recent magazines and three catalogs, I narrowed it down to the usual eye candy I enjoy:  a heart charm from Roger Vivier, a cake with such outrageous flowers it looks like an Ungaro print, glittery Louboutins, a vintage-y swallow pin from Sonia Rykiel, inspirational pics of Michelle Obama and Dara Torres (that 6 pack!).  I also found a new trend… I love the new thick strapped/shoe bootie heels. What??

Rosebud Slingbacks:  $278.00

Friends, I am a true blue pointed toe, stiletto heeled, delicate Manolo/Prada/Gucci girl, so how did this chunky, strappy cone-heeled shoe sneak onto my radar?  No idea, but I love it with a floaty dress, tailored shorts and jackets, soft bubble hemmed skirts.  Thanks to my low tech inspiration board, I am clear on what trends make sense for summer and what is just white noise.

Guess I have some shopping to do.

Fabulous Sylvia Weinstock’s book on cakes, the flowers just kill me–found on Amazon.com.

Over the top Glitter Sling Back Heel Louboutins: $775

I recently found a pair of turquoise blue moccasins that happen to be the most comfortable pair of shoes that I own.  I haven’t wanted to wear anything else the last few weeks.  There was a moccasin trend explosion about a year ago and it seemed like every girl and guy had a cool pair of Minnetonka’s.  Moccasins are so comfortable, practical and look pretty cool with almost any outfit.  They last long and are made for some serious wearing.  I picked up a pair of Minnetonka ankle bootie moccasins two years ago and I still wear them.  They basically molded to the shape of my foot and broke in nicely.  Minnetonka has been making moccasins since 1946, they have the biggest and best selection of styles in my opinion.  Nordstrom was selling Minnetonkas last Christmas and had a few different styles, but the best choices are on the Minnetonka website.  To my dismay, you can’t order directly off of the website.  There are various other sites that carry them, but Zappos seems to have a good selection as well, they even have Minnetonka sandals!  So I picked up my first pair two years ago, and from that moment on I became obsessed with getting a pair of knee high lace up moccasins.  My best friend had a pair and I would always steal them from her closet and wear them with basically everything.  I loved them!  I finally got my very own pair a couple of months ago, and I totally wore them for a week straight.  Here are a few of my favorite styles…

Minnetonka Peace Sign Moccasin: $48.95

Minnetonka Calf Hi Fringe Boot: $72.50

Minnetonka Warwick Ankle Strap Sandals $55.95

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Minnetonka shoes.
Discounts on moccasins.

In the blogging past, I have thoroughly expressed my love affair with Dr. Martens.  Years ago when I was a young girl, I owned my first pair.  They were navy blue and laced up to my knees, very combatish/cute punk girl looking.  But alas, I was young and reckless and loan them to a friend who I now don’t see or stay in touch with anymore.  As far as the fate of the boots?  That’s something I wonder about from time to time.  Now, almost ten years later, I recently picked up a pair of barely worn ‘docs’ in black.  They were my perfect size and lace up right above my ankle.  It was love at first sight, and now they just need a good breaking in.  It was almost as though I had manifested them in some strange way.  One day I’m surfing sites looking for cute seasonal trends and see that Dr. Martens were coming back!  I was so excited and then, a few days later mine arrived at store I was working at, sold by someone who no longer wanted them.  This new generation of Dr. Martens are bright, colorful, happy-looking.

Dr. Martin’s White Floral: $128.00

Dr. Martens Black Floral: $119.95

Well, kind of…the floral prints are pretty fabulous.  These boots are totally iconic!  Leather made with the signature PVC “bouncing soles”.   And they really do bounce, I wore them out dancing two Friday’s ago and they were super comfy.  Any of you Gen X and Y’ers know what I’m talking about.  Drew Barrymore recently graced the cover of the L.A. Weekly (looking amazing as ever), but in her feature profile there is a shot of her in her black Dr. Martens…totally cute, totally her.

So, if you are going to invest in some boots this summer, these are the ones to go with.  The style is timeless, the comfort unbeatable, and you’ll have cool edge over all the other boot-clad peeps.  Plus, the height of this style in particular looks great with cut-off shorts and a pretty top.

Image Source: laweekly.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Dr. Marten boots.

I’ve noticed a definite trend in footwear lately which seems to be the rising popularity of open toed flat booties.  It’s interesting because I never noticed them much before but now seem to see this particular style of boots everywhere.   A co-worker of mine had a pair of black ankle booties with a wedge heel and small peep toe opening in the front, I disliked them at first glance thinking they were unflattering to the legs but then they grew on me.  Of course from that point on I would see them everywhere!  Weeding through the sale selection page on SaksFifthAvenue.com, I found several pairs of peep toe ankle booties on sale!  One of the better deals were these Candela Lora Mesh Booties.  Originally priced at $215, the boots are now on sale for $149.90.  Italian made with caged mesh, the booties have this really neat leather lace up back that make for an edgier look.

These booties were my top choice because I like that they are flat and the heel and toes would be exposed in a neat way.  The mesh is funky and gives the booties a vintage feel.  I think these shoes would look great with some cuffed jeans, kind of like the trendy “Boyfriend” cut with sloppily rolled up bottoms and some worn in wear and tear.  An oversized white v-neck t-shirt would be good with this as well and perhaps some dangly earrings or bright red lipstick…can’t get enough of it!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s ankle booties.
Discounts on Candela shoes.

Yes, she is a shining star, but long before First Lady Michelle Obama paired J. Crew gloves with Isabelle Toledo, I have lived and loved the high/low.  For me, the famous ‘80’s Vogue cover showing model Michaela in a Lacroix couture top and jeans was the “aha moment.”  It was beautiful, quirky and looked like she picked the outfit herself, even if she didn’t.  So readers, go on and mix your vintage with your discount with your designer.  Now you might ask, what is so great about that other than saving a bit of cash? It’s fun, creative and gives you a look that stays true to you. Let’s break it down.

Save the Green

Well recessionistas, not too many of us are looking to spend like its 1989 these days.  So how do you cut a corner or two without loosing your fashion tiara?  Just put your money where you will get the most bang for the buck.  A brilliant pair of fresh Prada platforms or always chic Tod’s mocs?  Either will raise the level of those basic, dark wash jeans, especially the $40 ones you scored at Marshalls.  Pick your favorite piece and spotlight it, that’s the trick.

Find the Fun

Putting together an outfit is a chance to be creative on a day to day basis.  It’s more than covering up, it’s showing the world who you are in shorthand.  A mix and match takes more time, but is more satisfying than a one note look.  In fact, I don’t think the fashion bibles have spent a single issue highlighting a top to toe look since conspicuous consumption went belly up along with the stock market.  Look for a similarity in weight of material, or color family, or feeling.  Other than that, mix it up!

Down to You

The beauty of mixing the high/low is that it can help you stay away from the “I’m a Dolce ad” look you get when you put the dress, with the shoes, with the bag, with the glasses from the same source.  Not all trends will work for you and mixing designers, retailers and even seasons will help you stay focused on what looks great on you, not on what the D&G boys have out right this second.

Take a look at these pics. I picked skinny jeans from Gap.com, a 60’s vintage halter from Rustyzipper.com, a bag from Jcrew.com and Costume National flats from Saks.com.  The jeans and halter are quite inexpensive and are made even more fabulous by the sharp but not over the top “Editor” bag from J. Crew and finished with the crazy fun flats.  With a mix like this you will look cute, chic and most importantly, like you.  And isn’t that what fashion is for?

Editor Tote: $395.00

Slightly Faded Straight Leg Jeans: $69.50

 1960’s Women’s Halter Shirt: $29.50

Costume National Slingbak Flats: $560

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more slingback flats and women’s halter tops.

Discounts on women’s straight leg jeans and handbags.

As far as trends go, makeup palettes weren’t the only thing boasting bright colors this season.  Accessories are coming in electric shades of pink, green, yellow and blue…hues that are all eye catching and playful.  If your first instinct is to play it safe and pair bright accessories with plain white dresses and tees, don’t listen to it.

This is a pretty cute and bright yellow bracelet from Banana Republic…this would be so easy to wear whether you are layering it with other bracelets for an eclectic look or just wearing it solo with shorts and a fun, graphic print tank.

Banana Republic Cabochon Bracelet $39

Birds in Flight Racerback: $10.80

I also really like the Falcon Wing Tank even though and even though its only black and white, the design on it is pretty cool.

Falcon Wing Tank: $15.80

I do love these bright blue sandals…made with snakeskin printed leather, and they have a zipper detail on them that is amazing!

Pour la Victoire ‘Ella’ T-Strap Sandal:  $225

The Sabina Leather Satchel is made with butter soft leather and comes in a wide range of colors, but I was drawn to the Emperor Purple…

Sabina Leather Satchel: $198

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more bracelets and women’s tanks.
Discounts on Pour la Victoire sandals and leather satchels.