Gap knotted suede flats welcome spring a little early
I have a deep and abiding love for flat shoes; a great flat can be sexy and practical all at once, which is what I’m always hoping for in my everyday shoes. Right now, the Gap what may very well be the BEST flats EVER.
These knotted suede flats come in eight colors, including bright springy green and a cheery red. The fairly low vamp (the part that covers the top of your foot) is balanced by the bow, which gives you enough coverage to make these completely office-appropriate. And the knot is a feminine touch that’s not TOO frilly.
But the BEST part is the price: $39.50. You might want to get a pair in EVERY color.
Think about it …
If you can get past the “Jessica Simpson” part, the shoes are really cute
I’m not a big Jessica Simpson fan; I like to think that it has less to do with her personally and more to do with the fact that I am nearly 40 and she’s a part of a culture that I am literally decades too old for. But I did watch a couple of episodes of her reality show, with ex-husband Nick Lachey, and I wasn’t entirely impressed by her.
And so when I heard that she was going to have her own line of shoes, I may have rolled my eyes and imagined dozens of pairs of platform pumps, which — sure enough — make up the bulk of the Jessica Simpson line. BUT! Then there are these totally cute and totally comfortable and totally un-slutty ballet flats! Who knew!
Levee by Jessica Simpson; available in various colors and prints, at Zappos and Heels.com (among other places).
Tribecca’s perfect pink shoe
I’m a flats girl, all the way, but there are times when I wish I were someone who could wear heels without falling on my ass. Because every so often, a girl really needs a great heel. Perhaps in pink! With a bow! And a sexy ankle strap!
Just like these.
I love the detailing on these shoes; I love that the wee bit of platform makes them higher without requiring that you ACTUALLY balance on the four inch heel. I love the pink satin, which is equally appropriate with jeans or your LBD. I love the bow, which is sweet and classic, and the ankle strap, which is a little bit S&M.
Tribecca Social Event platform pump, $59.99 at Heels.com.
Sneaker alternative for chic girls
This New Year, resolve to toss those horrible running shoes from five years ago (yes, I see you there!) and get some fabulous casual weekend shoes. And then feel free to wear them every day!
I’m currently all agog over these cute little pony hair Mary Janes by Poetic License. They are the perfect go-to shoe — comfortable, chic, and a little bit edgy. Wear with jeans or chinos or a skirt; dress them up or down. Perfect for the office (with wool trousers and a silk blouse) or weekends (with a denim skirt and a fitted tee).
Zebra Pony Mary Janes, $68.99 at Heels.com.
Warm toes are a fashion do
I’m not big on socks, but I hate cold feet, so I’m always on the lookout for winter shoe options that don’t require sheathing my toes in wool. Uggs are out (because really, who wants to pay THAT MUCH for boots that are just, well, ugly?) and while my L. L. Bean Maine Hunting boots are still functional, they are really lacking in style. And comfort, frankly.
Thank god for Privo’s uber-warm (and also cool) Kaley boots. Lined with faux fur, they are soft and cozy. Available in four colors, including a totally nifty white that looks just a bit Nancy Sinatra takes a snow day.
Privo Kaley boots, available at Zappos for $120.56 (and in white only at Piperlime for $103.99).
Shoe find: the perfect peep-toe pump
If you only buy ONE pair of shoes this winter, it should be a pair of embellished peep toe pumps. Peep toes are sexy enough for Saturday night out and still classic enough for the office. Pair with jeans and wool trousers and structured skirts of all fabrics; for winter, wear them over black tights for a funky, stylish look.
These Yellow Box pumps have just the right amount of bling; the combination of shiny patent leather and embellished vamp make them perfect for dressy occasions (how about silver with your wedding gown?) while the simple kitten heel and classic styling make them appropriate for everyday (picture them with your basic black suit). And because Yellow Box makes the universe’s most comfortable shoes, these can take you from day to night without a second thought.
Yellow Box Angelina pumps, available in four colors at Zappos, for $58.95.
No more ugly winter boots
Winter is here, at least where I live, and my cute ballet flats just aren’t cutting it in the ice and snow. But I can only wear snow boots for so long before I start to feel a little like a lumberjack. And believe me, I am NOT the lumberjack type.
Thank God for Merrill and their fashionable — and warm and practical — winter boots. This pair has a cute curvy shape, sturdy slip-proof soles, and a breatheable mesh lining, to keep your toes from sweating.
AND they are leather, which means that you can pair them with a skirt and some warm tights and still look great while you stay warm.
Merrell Plaza Peak boots, $199.95 at Nordstrom.