Tuesday Shoesday

In this seemingly never-ending hunt for the perfect ankle boot to replace my beloved pair from Target, I have realized a few qualities that I had in the back of my mind when determining whether or not a pair would make the cut. The first importance was that I realized that my foot looks best with an elongated and pointed toe instead of a short and round one. I love the look of a long toe and I had noticed that all of my favorite boots (ex: the leopard chelsea ones) have this feature. Aside from the length of the actual shoe, I appreciate a shoe that has a good quality to it when it comes to ankle boots and not one that is delicate. I like one that looks a little rugged and sort of worker-boot like. Enter, Gap's Chelsea booties. I had gone to the store a few weeks ago and there was the black pair. Someone had returned them and as soon as I tried them on I thought that my endless hunt for these perfect ankle boots had ended. While I didn't end up leaving the store with them in hand (or on my feet...), I know now that in addition to Gap being perfect for all of my go-to items, that their boots are on point, as well.

Also, even though I had been looking for black, I am really loving the grey and brown options, too! What are your favorites? 

Tuesday Shoesday : Golden Goose

I know I've mentioned Golden Goose Deluxe Brand before, but only recently have I began justifying the fact that outfits look cool with the reason being that these sneakers are in them. Golden Goose founded by designers Francesca and Alessandro Gallo's love of art and fashion. The Inverno 14/15 collection explains that these are styles for the confident woman who is running around the skatepark. While that explanation isn't so clearly me at first (you probably would never find me on a skatepark, let's be honest), I do however take a lot of inspiration from the styles worn in that type of environment sometimes. I love how these sneakers remind me of your rocker friends perfectly worn-in kicks and I like to say that if these were in my closet, I'd be instantly cooler. Don't you think? I love the star logo and and subtle gold type. Unfortunately, they're a bit pricey...so for now I'll keep dreaming. Gold star, Golden Goose!

Tuesday Shoesday : J. Crew Flats

Assorted J . Crew flats : 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 

I am not a big investor in shoes. While I love, appreciate, and 'dream pin' them, when it comes to actually purchasing shoes, I find them to be such an investment and a big deal. As a result of being on my feet a lot, I go through them quickly and as a result, purchasing good quality shoes always leaves me worrying how quickly they will be in need of repair. As a frequent shopper of Target and Old Navy when in need of a simple shoe for the season, my feet are often left in terrible shape and by the end of the summer, the shoes usually end up being thrown away instead of just a quick repair to keep them looking good for the next season. 

As the weather has already started shifting here in Syracuse with the start of September, I found myself thinking that it may be time to retire my summer gladiator sandals and look for a new fall staple that will actually work all year round--the classic ballerina flat. J. Crew's shoes are always extremely well-made and they are quality shoes that I can feel when I wear them--not to mention come in every pattern and color under the sun. With a gift card that has been in my wallet for a record amount of time, I can't think of a better investment to put them towards than this chic and classic style. I'm leaning toward the perfect milky nude. 

What are your favorite pair of ballerina flats?

Tuesday Shoesday

Nike Roshe Run with Python Skin

Although I have recently been loving tennis shoes outside of the gym (where lets face it, I never step foot in), I think that the start of a new school year has me thinking about and searching for unique styles more than I had before. In elementary school, a new pair of tennis shoes was always such the signifier of a new year of classes, and seeing so many sported around campus already reminded me to look for one of my favorite pairs at the moment.

My faux snakeskin H&M tennis shoes opened up my eyes to options aside from the neon, warn-out Nike's that I associated with tennis shoes of all kinds, and seeing these customized Nike Roshe Runs with python had me searching for retailers all over the Internet. With a 4-digit price tag, they are way out of budget, but with a buttery creme body, perfectly solid black swoosh and sleek shape, they are worth taking note of and keeping on file. 

Check out a few of my other favorite options below! Most are pretty average priced, but if you're looking for something a little luxe (but not quite the python Roshe's) Golden Goose (#6) makes some amazing options that have an original take on a classic. 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Tuesday Shoesday

Photos via Zara

Do you ever get surprised at pieces that you find yourself drawn to sometimes? For me, when I first  viewed the Chanel Autumn/Winter 2014 collection this past February, I was more interested in the supermarket set-up than I was the actual collection. However, as the months have gone by and the trends are beginning to creep in, I have definitely been affected and been drawn to the trainers with multiple fabric and texture combinations in the Chanel show that Zara has clearly been inspired from in these images. Using pink not so saccharinely has been seen for a while on the runways now, but I really love how these trainers are combined with such a dark black and almost tweed-like fabric so reminiscent of Chanel. And, with my new found love of sneakers, it looks like these may be finding themselves in my closet come fall.

Are you all still loving a fun tennis shoe or sticking to classic styles?

Tuesday Shoesday : Kitty & Co.

All kitty flats from Charlotte Olympia

Charlotte Olympia has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. The whimsical designs of her shoes and accessories always have the perfect combination of fantasy and luxurious sophistication. On my rather long lust-worthy shoes, Charlotte's 'kitty' flats are a favorite contestant. In visiting their site recently for a bit of inspiration, I came across their Kitty & Co. collection. Kitty & Co. is limited edition collection of theirs that bring their classic kitties to an animated style. From pouts to parties to love and hippies, there is a kitty for every attitude and girl who wears them. As cute as they are, though, I admit I still have my eye on the classic black velvet version.

Which is your favorite?

Tuesday Shoesday : Currently Coveting

1 / 2 / 3

I know that we are supposed to be living in the present, but with all of the fall fashions starting to creep into stores, it's hard not to think about dressing for fall--especially in the footwear department. The last time that I sported slip-ons was middle school with spotted Vans (black and white, of course). However, these slip-ons featuring luxe fabrics and materials such as leathers and faux fur, and with detailed stitch work, prove to be the much more stylish relative. Now, which to choose?

Tuesday Shoesday

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

If you've been following 85 Dresses for a while, you know that I am every bit a color and pattern type of gal. So, when it came to shoes, I noticed that most of my footwear is the same in that I have nearly every color and pattern present, but with great styles in neutrals, there weren't very many go-to options. For me, if it's going to be neutral, the shape has to be interesting and fun to wear--not to mention, look good in my closet, too! These four options above fit those requirements...even if one of them has a bit of a snakeskin pattern on it ;) (#4)

How are the neutrals in your closet? Stacked up or lacking?

*Sorry for the poor photoshop in the white heel!*

Tuesday Shoesday

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

Sadly, my beloved ankle boots from Target are soon going to need to be replaced. With a few holes, flattened heel, and faded suede, as much as I love them, it's time to step it up a notch with a pair that will last longer than a year. I am very particular when it comes to my black heeled ankle boots. They have to be tall enough to give a boost to any regular look, but comfortable enough to wear daily--as I often do with my current pair. Right now, I am really loving a chunky heel, as you can tell from the pieces I pulled above. 

Which are your favorite?

Tuesday Shoesday

Do you ever see advertisements that always make you happy, but never really think of the company or brand? For me, that brand is Clarks Originals. While I always thought of Clarks as 'sensible footwear',  the Clarks girl that I saw in the images was a girl that seemed fun, stylish, friendly, and smart. Out of all of their pieces, the Clarks Original desert boots are my favorite. "Inspired by the crepe-soled boots worn by British Officers in World War II", this style was first introduced to me by my mom who has been a fan since her high school days, and when I was scrolling through Asos I came across the two featured above. Clearly, this is a style that has stuck around, and intends to. In two perfect colors (oxblood and wine) and fabrics (patent leather and velvet) for fall and winter, these can serve as a different and equally stylish variation from your everyday ankle boots, and just as stylish as durable, will last forever. 

Which is your favorite from the two featured above? I think I'm leaning towards the velvet wine pair. These are also pretty fun.

Tuesday Shoesday

Loeffler Randall has been a brand that I always keep a watch on. I have always been particularly fond of their ankle boots and flats, but never really took notice of their heel selections until recently. The company defines its style as a "mix of refined sophistication and downtown cool" and if you're familiar with their products, I would say that their definition is pretty spot-on. I used to have a strong love of scalloped detailing. I thought that my love of the feminine curved edges had left but upon seeing these Loeffler Randall Reina Kitten Heel Sandals, I remember why I loved them. Mainly I appreciate how they seem to be a more sophisticated version of scalloped edges that I have worn in the past. With their slightly abstracted scallops (more wavy and spread out), perfect not- too-short kitten heels, and dainty ankle straps, these heel sandals can be great for a day when you want to get a bit more dressed than usual, but without killing your soles.

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

When I first took notice in iridescent footwear, they came in the form of this post. More recently, though, iridescent shoes have been popular in the form of heels, and I must say have absolutely stolen my heart. When it comes to shoes, though I love to appreciate intricately detailed pairs and those consumed with colors, I gravitate more towards practical pieces-- in colors, not styles-- iridescent options however, seem to create a happy medium- they are both whimsical enough that they feel a bit like playing dress-up, but practical enough that I could wear them on many different occasions from casual to cocktail. And, at about fifty dollars, they are a more understandable purchase than an expensive of-the-moment trendy version.

Heels from Zara

Tuesday Shoesday

J.Crew cites the 'Etta' pump perfectly as "heels for the girls who wear only flats." With it's chunky heel and all around enclosure, these pumps are just as comfortable as they are stylish. I love a fabulous snakeskin, and this shoe, in an untypical periwinkle-blue, combines that classic snakeskin texture in an updated version of itself. I have always had my eyes on a pair of the 'Etta' pump, and this particular pair would look amazing with a pair of army green boyfriend-style pants, to a patterned pencil skirt with a classic denim jacket in a medium wash. With the natural lady-like qualities of these pumps, I would find it best to pair them with pieces that have more tomboy characteristics to even it out, as well.

What do you think of the J.Crew 'Etta' pump?

Tuesday Shoesday

One of my favorite parts about summer are the shoes. There is always that one girl that you know who has the perfect collection of "go-with-anything" shoes that completes her outfit in the simplest but put-together way. While for me those have been my black Steve Madden heeled wedges that I have had for years, they have been loved greatly and my search for a new and improved version has begun. Though these Dolce Vita heeled sandals are not really anything like my beloved wedges (heels vs wedge, green vs black, strappy vs solid), I couldn't go through the page without admiring the rich color of the emerald and the way that they would perfectly pair with slouchy boyfriend jeans or a breezy mini dress.

Do you have a pair of summer heeled sandals that always finish your outfit amazingly?

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

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When i saw these Chloe "Susan" studded ankle boots, it is pretty obvious why I was obsessed. With their gold triple buckled hardware and studded design, as well as the perfect red coloring, and feeling of a slight rock and roll vibe to them, I instantly began pairing outfits in my head of how fabulous they would may anything I put with them look. Not so fabulous, though was their $1, 345 price tag. Quickly, like most fabulous fashions, knockoffs appeared quickly, first at Zara and later, where I scooped them up--Forever 21. For basically $1,300 less than the originals, I purchased a pair inspired by the great originators, and wear them with all of the same outfits that I had planned to when I first saw them.