After the last 5 posts I thought I’d go through a rewind like I did with the Bridal Shoe Series a while back. Here’s the recap of the styles that I fell in love with when I was traveling through the UK, Germany, Italy, and Austria this past May.

Here goes…

The traditional ballet flat: these will never go out of style. Invest in a quality pair that comfortable and don’t be afraid to get them in different colors. I know it may seem kind of outrageous to buy such a simple looking shoe for what seems like an inflated price, but when you’ve been wearing the shoe for the next 4+ years, you’ll be glad you bought them “way back when.” The French Sole Sloop is a perfect example of the everlasting ballet flat.

Get Them: French Sole Sloop

Related Post: European Flats I: French Sole Sloop

The sling-back flat: A properly fit sling-back can add comfort to your feet if you have been walking all day and provide some much needed air that the closed in flat doesn’t. Once you have your traditional ballet flat the sling-back flat the Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling is a worthy next purchase. Keep things interesting by choosing one that has different colors, or like the Aiden has texture.

Get Them: Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling

Related Post: European Flats II: Cole Haan Air Aiden Sling

The in-between season flat sandal: Nowadays with weather being as unpredictable as it is these days, the end of Spring doesn’t always mean that the barely there strappy sandal is weather appropriate. That’s what the in-between season flat sandal is for. This Frye Cameron Skimmer is enough of a shoe to keep your feet from freezing when the temperatures are a bit chilly and/or rainy and enough of a sandal to keep you from being disgruntled about not being able to wear the tank top and shorts near Summer. Go for different colors and a basket weave look to keep the style fresh and light. Then, when the weather does become that perfect sunny and 75, you’ll be able to pair the shoe with summer wear.

Get Them: Frye Cameron Skimmer

Related Post: European Flats III: Frye Cameron Skimmer

The Embellished Flat: if you already have your traditional ballet flat (or think that they are too simple for your style), try the ballet flat with added detail like this Corso Como Drew Flat. A flower at the top, bow, or buckle are all welcome details to the flat. Keep in mind that a gigantic bronze cut-out at the top of the shoe may not necessarily look bad as long as it goes along with the theme of the shoe. On the flip side, a big ol’ mess of small embellishment are just as likely to make the flat look too busy and unbalanced, so be sure that the shoe is not overwhelmed with added details. And remember, colors are your friend so feel free to look for contrasting colors in the different textures and materials of the flat.

Get Them: Corso Como Drew Flat

Related Post: European Flats IV: Corso Como Drew Flat

The tennis shoe style fabric flat: It’s a mouthful to say, but this shoe style is great for everyday. I love that we can wear this more casual shoes style (with or without socks) without having to resort to wearing actual tennis shoes. The other great thing about these tennis shoe style fabric flat is that you can find them almost anywhere and they tend to be a bit less pricey than their leather counterparts and don’t have to worry about keeping them super clean because they are more like tennis shoes. The Tommy Hilfiger Katie Slip-On here is a great example of this type of shoe with the rubber sole to keep you from slipping and the fun patchwork/leather material combo. It’s also cute enough to wear with a denim skirt or casual summer cotton dress.

Get Them: Tommy Hilfiger Katie Slip-On

Related Post: European Flats V: Tommy Hilfiger Katie Slip-On

Posted in Cole Haan, Corso Como, Flat, French Sole, Frye, Sandal, Slingback, Tommy Hilfiger | No Comments

Once again I’ve come across a trend that I’m just not altogether sure I’m on board with. A little bird at Zappo’s told me that these Slingy’s are one of the hottest selling shoes online right now. I get the slingback comfort strap on the back, what I’m not sold on yet is the overall shape of the shoe. Aesthetics aside, I’ve had a chance to wear these puppies and they are super comfy. So if you’re looking for a little bit of heaven for your feet this summer I’d give the Slingy’s a shot.

Get Them: Puma Slingy

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Steve Madden has come out with a great sandal heel that will take you throughout the seasons (pending any rain of course) in this great worn blue leather. I’ve seen this color all over the place it will go great with any type of dress and with any color Hobo International bag or wallet! If you haven’t noticed, Hobo loves to use the same type of material, wear, and colors as this Annetta. Also, I love the tortoise buckle that is a great alternative to the fabric covered and metal buckles that are currently out there on the market. Another great aspect is that it’s still a wonderfully strappy sandal that closes off just a bit in the front to give a peep-toe.

Ok, and here ends the my Bridal shoe series. But! I will be giving a little recap on each part of the series; Bride Shoes, Bridesmaid Shoes, Mother of the Bride shoes, and of course the Wedding Guest shoes. If you can’t wait for that…by all means please check out the previous few weeks posts. =)

And as a little treat…somewhere in the middle of it all we’ll be throwing in a Bridal shoe giveaway. So continue to check back in and stay posted to enter!
Get Them: Steve Madden Annetta

Posted in Heel, Sandal, Slingback, Special Occasion, Steve Madden, Weddings | Comments (3)

As a guest, I’d say you have the most flexibility in outfit and therefore..shoes! So with that, these next several posts will be dedicated to all the different personalities and styles of the fabulous lady guests privileging the groom and bride with their presence.

OK, allow me my soapbox for these next few sentences. Let’s be honest with each other, it’s just not right to wear a bright red dress to a wedding. You know it, I know it. A wedding is supposed to be about the marriage between a man and wife and, of course, how stunning the Bride looks. It’s not about the woman in the bright red dress (or..gasp! all white dress) grabbing the attention of everyone wherever she walks and being the first thing people look at in wedding photos. But…red shoes? Go for it! Stuart Weitzman’s “Archie” is fabulous shoe. They may not look the trendiest at first, but for some reason they look very chic vintage to me, I think it’s because it’s in an almost lipstick red snakeskin print that makes it a great shoe for the season. Or maybe it’s the cute little heal at the bottom and interlocking straps that perfectly fit together. Regardless, the Archie is a great looking shoe that has nothing wanting. Paired with a block colored peasant type dress and loosely flowing hair pulled back slightly, you will have the understated “I didn’t try too hard” (but I really did) look that is bound to get you noticed without offending.

Get Them: Stuart Weitzman ‘Archie’ Sandal

Posted in Bridal, Sandal, Slingback, Special Occasion, Stuart Weitzman, Weddings | Comment (1)

Here’s a shoe that will add a fresh breezy feel to a hot summer wedding. You mothers will look trendy and fabulous in this Cole Haan ‘Wanda Air’ sling. This shoe will go perfect if you are wearing lighter knit weight fabric (and colors) such as a lavendar linen, or a brightly colored cotton/silk pleated or sheath dress. And like the ‘Desire’ thong from a few days ago, it will look great with any body type because of its structure. It has a stacked heel for extra support and Nike Air (a Cole Haan to-die-for signature feature) for comfort. The contrasting tan colored heel and piping along the straps updates the pump to give you that “straight out of the Hamptons” timeless look. And with that so long and farewell Mama as we move on to the next part of the Bridal Party

Get Them: Cole Haan ‘Wanda Air’ Pump

Posted in Bridal, Cole Haan, Pumps, Slingback, Special Occasion, Weddings | Comment (1)

Naturalizers are know for being comfy shoes, so the ‘Prissy’ is a safe bet if you want elegance in a shoe that will let you Mothers stay standing the entire day (I have yet to see a Mother sitting back and relaxing during much her child’s wedding). I can guarantee my mom will be running around from this place to that when my brother gets married this September. The soft upper materials and flexible sling-back strap will provide give since feet tend to swell a bit in warm weather and as the day wears on. An added bonus, you have a heel to add class, but it’s barely higher than a kitten heel so you can still have maximum comfort. =) Also, as seen here in, the Cosmic Metallic Dust color makes the shoe more ‘fancy’ and will go great with more formal wedding wear.

Get Them: Naturalizer ‘Prissy’ Sandal

Posted in Bridal, Heel, Pumps, Sandal, Slingback, Special Occasion, Weddings | No Comments

Spring and summer are prime wedding seasons which means you will need great wedding shoes. The ‘Daina’ pump comes in a lot of pretty colors…so no panicking when it comes to matching your dress! One less thing to worry about…all that is left is practicing your jump when you catch that bouquet.

Get Them: RSVP ‘Daina’ Pump

Posted in Pumps, RSVP, Slingback | No Comments