Oh my Ms Gwen Stefani, though I liked you much better during your No Doubt days, I still love you because dang! you’ve got amazing style. This ‘Giulianna’ peep toe sling back is definitely proof of the bring chunky back for summer style that I had mentioned earlier with the ‘

Bombay’ Sandal. And that brings me to another one of my chunky shoe rules, if you’re going to wear a shoe like this with a thick heel, platform and more substantial foot covering in the summer – again try to keep things simple and look for an open toe and an open heel (i.e. like this slingback). If you had a closed toe and heel it you will run the risk of looking too covered up (yes, that can happen, even on your feet) for what is supposed to be a light-hearted affair and season. The Giulianna definitely keeps things fresh because it’s open at the front and heel and has great weaving at the front. This color also totally makes me think of warmer weather. However, beware, you better have a killer outfit in bright colors to pull off this shoe! (or just get the black ;o) )

Get Them: L.A.M.B. ‘Giulianna’ Peep Toe Slingback

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So chunky is back in style and giving the traditionally more delicate looking stiletto pump a run for its money. Now the challenge is…how do we make chunky look good without it completely overwhelming your whole foot, leg, and overall light summer outfit? On of my rules is that if you are going to go for a bit more of a thicker platform and straps, do so sparingly so that a good portion of your foot still shows and make sure the shoe isn’t too “busy”. That’s why I really like Maxstudio’s ‘

Bombay’ sandal. The variety in the materials used from the snakeskin toe and the contracting slightly distressed leather straps melds effortlessly together with the alternating tan and beige stacked platform and heel to keep things simple and stylish. Also, while the straps are a bit thicker (as in; wider than a fettuccini noodle) they are nicely spread apart to show off you great looking foot. This spring, go ahead and binge – be chunky.

Get Them: MAXSTUDIO ‘Bombay’ Sandal

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With the ‘Fresh’ Franco Sarto you can take this shoe from the Spring wedding right on through to the Fall before the rains come because of the contrasting colors and materials. I’ve owned some Franco Sarto’s and have always been comfortable in them and based on the reviews, this wedge is super comfy as well. The peep-toe front is just wide enough so that your toes don’t get squished uncomfortably from the pressure of the heel and the wedge keeps you a bit more stable then a thing stiletto (though I still love the stiletto too). Oh, and if you haven’t noticed; when you wear any kind of slightly substantial heel, a nice little sway is unknowingly and effortless added to your walk that’ll look great in whatever dress or skirt you wear. All you have to do is change the color of your outfit to fit the season! The dark bluebell patent color is given a sunny day look with the woven wedge and can be made completely Summer wedding appropriate with a light and fresh colored poplin cotton dress. Try it with an updated short-sleeved t-shirt wrap dress and a wide tan leather belt – you’ll be sure to draw some appreciative looks.

Get Them: Franco Sarto ‘Fresh’

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For a man who got started in the US, Charles David has definitely done wonders in the past 25 years since his first boutique opened in Hollywood next to Betsey Johnson. The ‘Starbright’ is comfort and style all in one from the label on the insole to the metal sheen of the stiletto that gives the shoe some edge. Charles D. also gets successfully creative by adding something extra to the t-strap by inlaying various sizes and types of stones into the strap. Can you see the filigree on some of them? It’s those fabulous details that give the Starbright a wonderfully ethnic look that will go with almost any dress ranging from a deep purple to even colors that aren’t on the shoe like a mint green or rose color.

Get Them: Charles David ‘Starbright’

Next up: Get Fresh

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French Sole (and counterpart London Sole) has been popular in France and London (duh!) and now I want to bring them to ya’ll. Thankfully, they have slowly started making their way over to our side of the world. French Sole gives you the classic ballet flat, but also creates unique new looks without trying hard like we see in the French Sole “Single.” The blue is a soft nubuck leather and the piping and bow detail is a subdued metallic silver to give the shoe some bite and variety. The Single is perfect because the color is a fresh blue to spruce up your outfit and look great with loads of different colors while the cut-outs, silver and understated bow give it unexpected charm.

Get Them: French Sole “Single”

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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

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For the sake of completeness and because these baby/toddler shoes are so incredibly cute, I had to include a post (albeit a bit longer than my others) for our little man the ring bearer and flower girl(s).
You may not have heard of ‘See Kai Run’, and that wouldn’t be a surprise. See Kai Run hasn’t been around that long (est. 2004), but they have definitely made their mark in the baby/toddler shoe world for comfort and urban style.

Ring Bearer

‘Radik’ in this slightly shiny black leather is the perfect for the little man. It will go great with his mini-tux, and the star shaped cut-outs on each side keeps the shoe youthful and will make him look like the rock star he is.

Flower Girl

Indria

Kathryn

For the little princess, the “Indria” in the soft white with silver star cut-outs will help her make a ridiculously cute entrance as she flounces down the aisle to introduce all ya’ll brides. Plus, the opening at the front of the shoes gives the little girl a chance to feel glamorous and “grown-up” by painting her tiny tot toes. If you’d like something a bit more traditional but still equally cute with great details also check out the Kathryn (being sold exclusively at Zappos)

All shoes are made of soft flexible materials and are padded to keep these kids walking or running comfortably for what will most likely be a very long day for them. The soles are made of flexible rubber with traction to help keep them on course down the aisle, and while they make mayhem at all other times. The velcro top straps also help do their job to make sure the shoes don’t fall off. Seen in magazines and gracing the feet of Brangelina’s little Zahara and TomKat’s Suri, you know you’ll be making a smart choice to choose to have the little tikes wear these shoes

Get Them: See Kai Run ‘Radik’

Get Them: See Kai Run ‘Indria’

Get Them: See Kai Run ‘Kathryn’

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