Tuesday Shoesday

I've had a slight obsession with the Miu Miu crystal heel pieces ever since I first saw them. However, with their prices nearing the thousand dollar range, they are out of the question for now. While there have been plenty of 'inspired-by' pieces since the Miu Miu version first emerged, I haven't found a pair that have done the original justice--until now. I stopped into Urban Outfitters last week and like a typical magpie, was immediately attracted to the jeweled heel version by one of Urban's brands, Cooperative. Comfortable, dainty--but sturdy enough, sleek, and obviously pretty, this pair had a much more budget-friendly price ($58) and would allow me to have a bit of that Miu Miu style, without the designer price. Bonus reason? This pair has a whole additional row of crystals. Sparkle much? I may need to venture to Urban and actually pick them up-they're definitely a great shoe for the upcoming holiday season!

What do you think about the Cooperative Jeweled Heel? Would you still save up for the original?

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. / 2. / 3. / 4. /

This week's Tuesday Shoesday feature is clearly themed for the Halloweek. Instead of plain orange or black footwear, with Halloween being all about whimsy and costume, I immedietly went to the queen of whimsical footwear in my opinion--Charlotte Dellal and her shoes for Charlotte Olympia. Everyone has their list of designers that they would purchase from if money was no option, and for me, Charlotte Olympia's shoes definitely find their way onto that list. Her shoes are works of art, expertly constructed, and have that amazing sense of whimsy that sometimes fashion forgets about. Her Halloween themed pieces above are perfect and are just as blatantly seasonal (#3) or as subdued (#4) as you would like. She even updated the classic 'kitty' flat to fit the holiday by adding fangs and reddish eyes to replace the typically sweet style of the original. Incredible pieces do come at a cost, however, and for wearability factor alone, I may shift more towards the boots (incredible!) or the spiderweb flats. Both are incredible versatile and perfect for fall and winter to add a bit of edge with the subtle web detailing that is the Charlotte Olympia signature. 

Which is your favorite? Would you update your footwear for Halloween?

Tuesday Shoesday

photo via Payless 

Let me tell you, kitten heels are so not my thing. I find them awkward, meant for older women, and while the name is cute, the style never really is. However, putting my feelings towards kitten heels aside, I absolutely fell in love with these Christian Siriano Galina Smoking Loafers. Leopard anything is one of my obsessions, and while I have a pair of leopard boots, I needed a style of footwear that was able to go with more dresses. These smoking loafers are perfect in so many ways. The leopard material is fabric, not printed, so the faux leopard hair creates a luxe appearance, the overall shape is delicate, and the velvet kitten heel gives you the feeling of heels, without all of the aching that comes with wearing them during the duration of a day. I've already paired these with everything from a head to toe denim look to pattern mixing with a bit of plaid. They have the ideal qualities to work with anything. While I may still be a little skeptical about completely devoting myself to kitten heels, these are certainly my new love for fall.

What are your thoughts on kitten heels? How would you style the Galina Smoking Loafers? 

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Zara Heels / 2. GoJane Heels / 3. River Island Boots / 4. Boohoo Boots / 5. Alexander Wang Flats

Although my toes are still painted a crisp white, this Labor Day weekend slowly ended yet another summer, and the same question of wearing white shoes after labor day presents itself. While there are certainly winter whites that can be a fresh alternative to dark colors in the upcoming months, there isn't much like a true bright white. When it comes to these bright whites, my personal rule is that sporting them until it is chill enough that you need to grab your coat is acceptable. Today, I chose five pairs of fabulous white footwear ranging in shades, brightness, texture, and style to fill your footwear fancy. Lately I have been really obsessed with the style on the Zara pair (1) where the front cap comes up a little higher than usual on the foot. They are a bit awkward, and I find that intriguing and unique.

Will you wear white shoes after labor day? I hope everyone had a great long weekend! 

Which is your favorite pair from the assortment above?

Tuesday Shoesday

So, remember how I have been ranting about how my beloved Steve Madden shoes don't fit anymore? What used to be my go-to pair of fancy casual shoes seems to have lately been replaced by my Zara metallic t-straps. Well, today I found a perfect alternative to ensure that I'll get back on that kind of footwear in no time. These 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Vincent Ankle Strap Mules' fit that description of 'fancy casual' in so many ways. With a heel height that is ideal for boyfriend jeans and flirty minis, open toe to show off your polished pedicure, and shiny golden straps and heels for an interesting add-on, my closet would surely be honored by the addition of these lust-worthy shoes.

Do you have a pair of shoes in your closet that need replacing? I'm also still on the hunt for an amazing pair of loafers. Any suggestions?

Tuesday Shoesday-Pointed Pumps

/ 1. Zara / 2. Asos / 3. NastyGal / 4. Valentino /

I used to avoid pointed shoes of any sort. Regardless of if they were flats, heels, sandals, or boots, they always seemed either too severe or mature for my taste. Over the past season or so, I have realized that I couldn't have been more wrong. Sure, there are always the styles that stay true to the look I had been avoiding, but lately, pointed toe shoes are the style that has been growing in my wardrobe. After all, I purchased three (!) pairs this summer. The Valentino 'Rockstud' is on my ultimate dream wish-list, and the luxe green pair above (4.) is unique and anything but severe and mature. Otherwise, the collage above is a compilation of four fairly affordable pointed pumps from around the web that I found inspiring for various qualities. Oddly, they all have a sort of fall and autumn feel to them. I guess my subconscious is craving fall just as much as I am.

What are your thoughts on pointed pumps? What about pointed shoes in general?

Tuesday Shoesday

If you for some reason haven't been up-to-date on fashion happenings, I am here to let you know that Club Monaco has finally created a shoe collection. Just like their incredible ability to "mix fashion must-haves with timeless classics" when it comes to their clothes, their shoes have a similar feel and style to them. If you're looking for statement-making shoes, though, these are not them. These pieces are designed to be those perfect staples in your wardrobe that you will go for time and time again. With my new-found love for ankle strapped shoes of any kind, it was these Casey Leopard Calf Hair Sandals  that are my favorite from the new collection. Sometimes, just a peek of leopard from the back or the ankles is enough to make all of the difference in a simple look.

What do you think of Club Monaco's new shoe collection? You can view each style and pair here

Tuesday Shoesday

I have long praised my love of a fabulous pair of blue shoes. When I came across the pair for this week's Tuesday Shoesday feature from Shop Sosie, I knew they were a winner. They are every bit summery like a classic checkered picnic blanket or table, and I love how geometric they are and all of the straps near the front. Oddly enough, they immediately reminded me of the Kate Spade Saturday dress on the left. With it's painterly abstract plaid and fun strappy back, this pairing is whimsically similar. I'd love to see what they would look like paired together. Too crazy or pattern perfection?

What do you think?

Tuesday Shoesday

With all of our classic leopard and edgy snakeskin prints, it's easy to overlook some other animal prints that are just as fabulous. Cue: The Dalmatian print. This print can appear like an abstract polka dot pattern at first, but the randomness of the spots is what makes it unique. And, in a print instead of a polka, makes it a bit more sophisticated than the playful dot. With my newfound obsession with delicate ankle strap shoes of all styles, the combination of this Dalmatian print with the ankle straps creates a fresh new style that will be interesting in pairing with not only solids, but figuring out complementary patterns to mix with, as well.

What do you think of the Dalmatian print? Aren't these pumps amazing?

Tuesday Shoesday

Remember when everything was inspired by Greece and Rome and the goddess style of dressing ruled all? While that trend has pretty much come and gone in the past few years, the gladiator style for shoes still seems to be a summer favorite. I don't think I have the legs to pull off the thigh-high version, but these strappy ankle boot versions seem like a style I might attempt. In the summer months, sometimes when reaching for heels, classic pumps may seem too stuffy and cork wedges may seem expected. A pair of strappy gladiator style heels like these amazing Jimmy Choo's will add that extra quality of fun into your footwear that may have been lacking previously. While these are nowhere near my budget, I will surely be searching favorites like H&M and Zara for similar styles.

Are you a fan of the gladiator style? If so, do you prefer flats or heels?

Tuesday Shoesday

Remember how in the past I had told you that I don't usually just go and buy shoes? Well, I promise, I really don't. However, with all of the amazing holiday sales that I have been seeing this summer, sometimes a good deal really is hard to resist. Zara seems to have been my most frequented location for a good sale lately, and these black and white combination heels were no exception. While I almost made it out of the store without them, their interesting slightly angular toes and backs, graphic little heel, and the fact that they made me feel a bit like Carrie Bradshaw after a Manolo trip--minus the crazy costs--finally got to me. As soon as I got home I began dreaming up what to pair them with, and it's safe to say that they are going to be a perfect go with anything pair of heels that manages to complete the rest of a look when you didn't even realize all of the potential. 

What do you think of these black and white Zara heels? Are you as big of a fan of them as I am?

Tuesday Shoesday

When I ventured out of my traditional comfort zone when it comes to nails a few months ago and went with bright white, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a color that went with much more than I thought it would, instantly brightened up any outfit, and -dare I say- even made me look tanner! That alone was a miracle. When it comes to white shoes, however, I was slightly more skeptical. Difficult to keep clean, easily crossing over to tacky, and short lived (no white shoes after Labor Day, remember--ha), they seem quite difficult to pull off. However, I spotted these adorable twisted patent leather sandals from Prada and remembered how much I loved that white manicure. These would make a great alternative to a tan or black neutral that can be paired with nearly everything and, with its subtle detailed braiding, makes it simple-not boring. 

Would you try out a pair of white shoes? What about nails? 

Tuesday Shoesday

One of my favorite places to visit while on vacation are the botanical gardens. It's always so quite and peaceful and the many varieties of plants and flowers create such a beautiful setting for fragrant smells and bright colors. These Kate Spade heels remind me of a perfect day strolling through the grounds. With florals being so effortlessly feminine, I like how these are slightly more abstract and create a bit more of a blurred image- easily allowing you to pair them with much more than just a dainty dress.

What do you think of these floral heels? 

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Steve Madden / 2. LuLu's / 3. Steve Madden / 4. Sam Edelman / 5. Zara /

Though the past few weeks may make it seem otherwise, I don't really buy shoes very often. I definitely love them, but for me, I would prefer to have many different outfits to wear with a similar pair of shoes. When I threw on my beloved Steve Madden wedges the other day, it appears that my foot has grown and they no longer fit as well as they used to. As such a go-to staple in my wardrobe, I figured what better to post for Tuesday Shoesday than a search for a replacement pair. Some qualifications: neutral (interpret that as you may), comfortable (but with a high wedge), and able to easily be dressed up or down.

Do you have a favorite from the five listed above? 

Tuesday Shoesday

When I was first introduced to Tory Burch in my middle school days, the "Reva" ballerina flat definitely grew to be the most popular shoe choice among the girls. While perusing the Tory Burch website I found that aside from being a master at preppy ballerina flats and classic, sophisticated riding boots (last seen here), Tory is also a genius when it comes to perfectly embellished sandals. Not too elaborate and screaming to be worn in the summer months, the Etta flat sandal is one that has a unique color pairing when it comes to footwear, but one that should definitely be used more often. With it's geometric pattern design balanced by its overall fairly simple shape, this sandal hits the perfect juxtaposition of dressy casual. Whether worn with denim cutoffs or adding a blazer to a flirty little white dress, these sandals are surely a reason to keep your "Reva's" away and trade these in, instead. 

What do you think about these eye-catching sandals?

Tuesday Shoesday

As much as I have been talking about iridescent/metallic shoes and accessories (and basically any fashion style), I finally purchased a pair of shoes like the ones I had been eyeing. When I got caught in a crazy rainstorm the other day, I found myself stopping into H&M to browse  stay dry. Lucky for me, these blue and silver metallic sandals were on sale for $10. For a trend that may or may not stick around for long--even though I must admit, I am obsessed-- this great price, and the gloomy weather, made this purchase an easy one to make. In the summer, sandals are an obvious staple. Since I have gotten rather tired of wearing my basic black flats as my go-to, I am excited to see how I can incorporate these into my outfits and making them work as a creative nod to neutrals. Stay tuned!

If you're loving these as much as I do, head over to H&M and pick up a pair. There is also a great style of metallic blue heels for $15 that are waiting for you, as well. 

Tuesday Shoesday

You know how some people lean towards a certain color when it comes to accessories? For me, I have a real obsession with blue shoes. There is something about the color that always feels unique and special to me when I wear them, and are fun to try and work into my outfit as if they were a neutral. When it comes to blue shoes, however, blue suede ones are my favorites. I used to have a pair of blue suede ankle boots that had little bows up the front. They were one of my first pair of 'adult' shoes, and they were the piece that always tied my outfit together. Since I have long outgrown those special shoes, this pair from Madewell comes pretty close. With their similar navy suede coloring, classic shape, and easy-to-wear heel, this is a shoe that not only has memories attached to it, but my eyes glued to them, as well. 

Tuesday Shoesday

When I was younger, I was an active ballet student for about seven years. While I dipped my toes in the many different areas of dance that were offered, ballet was always the one that really resonated with me for the movement, costumes, perfect buns, and beautiful music. When it came to shoes, however, I was quickly interested in the tapping of the tap shoes from the jazz  and tap dance classrooms and the noises that the students could make from a different movement or step on their feet. Though I was never really a tap dancer, the shoes are still some that I am drawn to. This week's Jeffrey Campbell "Melina" shoes remind me of the tap shoes that I used to admire. With their glossy appearance, sort of chunky style, and ankle strap, these are a pair of shoes that you definitely should wear out of the dance studio and onto a night out. 

Do you have any shoes that remind you of an activity from when you were younger?

Tuesday Shoesday

As long as it is cold here in Syracuse, "Tuesday Shoesday" will most likely be filled with boots. While I can't wait to bare my legs again in the Spring, these Tory 'Daniella' riding boots, made me remember why I can hold out a little longer. Although she used to be known for her 'Reva' ballet flats and tunics, Tory Burch, in my opinion, makes some of the best boots. Perfectly combining structure, style, and luxury, boots by Tory Burch are always lust-worthy and consistently flattering. And, with their rich brown coloring with gold hardware and a perforated logo, they have just enough details that complement the style without taking away from the success of the shoe itself. 

Who are some of your favorite boot designers?

Tuesday Shoesday

As much of a sucker I am for a leopard print on basically anything, since my leopard pieces have easily become my go-to's and pieces that I use the most, it has become a challenge to not become a full-on walking leopard print. These amazing Kurt Geiger stilettos, though they are leopard print, are in a color that is obviously not natural of the animal in a bright poppy red. For the more adventurous risk-takers, and obvious leopard lovers, I could see these being paired with a leopard coat and dark skinny jeans or with a traditional leopard colored blouse. However, if you're not feeling so fierce and up to a challenge, making these shoes the showstoppers of your ensemble by sticking to a solid and simple rest of your look would still do them justice, as well. 

How do you feel about red leopard print?