Me saying that I have a thing for shoes is like a junkie saying they don’t mind snorting coke. Tis a blatant misrepresentation.
I feel that a good pair of shoes can instantly lend a hand to an otherwise simple outfit. And c’mon, when you’re fashioned in black, grey and white all the time, you need something to stand out. I chose shoes. I’ll wear a white tee to it’s last threads but pair it with 50 different styles of shoe. Instant revival.
When I’m watching my spending (I know – hilarious, but humour me here), I limit myself to a shoe purchase a month. I’m not talking Louboutin or Valentino, but a pair or two from Zara are what I like to call thrifty and right now, underhanded. Whatever.
Anyway, I have my eyes on these styles that are big for Spring. I’m one of those assholes that wears strappy sandals in the dead of winter so nothing is safe from my vice-like grasp. If you can get away with spending as little time as possible traipsing around outdoors then why not go HAM on an open toe? (I’m talking to you East Coast).
One of each please.
The Espadrille
The espadrille is timeless. It’s the perfect relaxed shoe to throw on with a springy dress, a pair of cutoffs or skinnies. It’s the close relative of the flat, one that resides in Southern California. I find that most are pretty comfortable too – so you don’t look like you’re enduring the highest form of torture while walking through the mall. The mall is a happy place, The two just don’t mesh well together.
Soludos Classic Leather Espadrille Sandals/65
Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Mara Espadrille/195
Shopbop

Valentino Rockstud Leather Espadrille Flats/895
Nordstrom

The Gladiator
I feel that this style makes an appearance every year during the warmer months. You can’t go wrong. It’s feminine, trendy, and will do up the simplest of outfits. Rebecca Minkoff vamped it up last year with her runway versions and I don’t see why you can’t take that same vision to the streets…
Free People Sunever Gladiator Slip on Sandals/85
Free People

Zara Leather Gladiators/159
Zara

Stuart Weitzman Caged Up Suede Gladiator Sandal/535
Neiman Marcus

The Flatform
Calling all former lovers of Baby Spice and asian women who are known to pair them with fanny packs and sun visors. I’m only kidding. Kind of. I owned a few pairs of these in the late 90’s for sure. Now long gone, along with my smiley face jewellery and Sailor Moon memorabilia, these b*tches have found their way back from the depths of your high school wardrobe. I’ve picked the ones that I wouldn’t mind wearing. I’ve purposely left out the 5 inch sandals made of scuba material. I really didn’t think I could stand mentally transporting myself back to Grade 10.
Shoe Cult Frequency Flatform/29
Nasty Gal

Jeffrey Campbell Aurelia Flatforms/110
Shopbop

Stella McCartney Lindsey Wedges/368
Stella McCartney

The Slide
The slide is probably one of the easiest shoes to slip on (duh) and pair with just about anything. Grasshopper legged girls are clasping their hands with glee while ones with half the height may be a little weary with this particular type of footwear. Either way – there’s a style that’ll be easy to work with. I’ve pulled a few designs that give off a nice range…these aren’t your typical slip on sports sandals.
TopShop Pool Sliders/15
TopShop

Kaanas Susu Two Band Slides/79
Shopbop

Vince Orion Flat Leather Slides/195
Intermix

The Nude
For me, “send me nudes” refers to shoes. If I could only pick one shade of shoe to wear it would be nude. It’s flattering, natural yet chic, and goes with absolutely everything. Nude is definitely my go to when black is feeling too vampy for me. Spring 2015 agrees….
Mary Janes with Bows/39
Zara

Schutz Cadey Lee Sandals/180
Shopbop

Barbara Bui Fringe Suede Heels/945
Forward by Elyse Walker

The Mule
The mule came back this fall and is still on trend for the Spring/Summer months. If you don’t like teetering in a pointy toe then a mule is your match. They’re easier to walk in and versatile enough to take from day to night. It’s a nice transition shoe when you’re just getting familiar with a heel (what are you? 12?) Kidding, kidding.
Truffle Ely Peep Toe Mule/53
ASOS

Michael Kors Burnett Leather Mule Slides/395
Neiman Marcus

Maison Martin Margiela Open Toe Leather Sandal/424 on sale from 865
Forward by Elyse Walker

Laces
One of my favourite styles. A lace up heel is a shoe and accessory all in one. I like pairing mine with basic wardrobe choices otherwise the whole ensemble ends up being a little too trendy and busy looking. Whether they’re in flat or heel form, these are perfect for accentuating a pair of skinnies, a flowy midi skirt or fluttery shorts ad skin tight leather leggings.
Jeffrey Campbell Shay Lace Up Flats/165
Free People

Soles x Skin SJP Heel/204
Revolve Clothing

Christian Louboutin Impera Laser Cut & PVC Lace Up Heels/1295
Barneys

Detailed Flats
Flats can honestly never go out of style. There is always a requirement for a flat shoe. Ballet, menswear inspired, laced, or an intricate pointy toe. You can pair a flat with anything. Keep them clean – that’s my one pet peeve when it comes to flats. They shouldn’t be falling apart, scuffed up or flopping around your foot. A well worn, proper fit will always make you look polished whereas a sh*tty looking, banged up flat will always make you look like you robbed someone on skid row.
Kimchi Blue Elastic Cross Strap Flats/39
Urban Outfitters

Valentino Intrigate Mesh Flats/428
Forward by Elyse Walker

Isabel Marant Leo Snake effect Leather Ballet Flats/650
Net A Porter

I’m eyeing a couple of these for purchase once Spring is in full on beast mode. Use them as a guide line and your #ootd will be on point.
xo
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