Shoe Boxers

I first saw J. Reneé Butterfly-Print Fabric Flats on the Home Shopping Network when I was laying in bed watching TV one night. I was in a mad hunt to find something or a shoe brand to post on Shoe Boxers and just by chance the print flats flashed across the screen. As I laid there watching this, all the while my husband grumbling for me to switch the channel, it got me to thinking. Print flats have gone out of style in a way. Only people that are seen in print flats anymore are woman considered to be “stuck in the 80s”. So I did some research to find out more about why print flats have become more scarce within a classy woman’s shoe collection and this is what I found.

It’s not that they have disappeared completely, even the Jessica Simpson Collection has their own style of print flats, it’s the fact that more and more woman, since the 80s have downsized their wardrobe collection and this means even their shoes took a hit. I am a bargain hunter, aren’t we all at times, see a sale, have to check it out type of attitude, but the print flat has gotten a bad rep lately. Or maybe even a bad rep for the last 20 years. Most think they can’t pair a style of print flats with any outfit without it clashing and looking like they own 15 cats and have come out of the basement to buy green apples in a rush only to disappear back into their home with their hideous shoes. Not true. If you have looked at print flats lately, the styles have gotten to be some of the cutest styles lately and can go with just about anything. So if you are in the market to add to your ever growing shoe collection, consider adding some print flats to that collection. There are some super cute styles under some super star names anymore.

Here’s to great shoes!

I finally figured out that I’m pretty basic when it comes to fashion. I love fine details, good quality, impressive fabrics and leathers. But what I don’t like is a bunch of frou frou. You know, bows, frills, excess. To that end, the bulk of my wardrobe is black and white, with a spot of color here and there. So therefore most of my shoes are non other that your basic black. Well, I’ll regress a moment. I do have a few pair of animal print, red patent, pink lacy stiletos, metallic sandals, snakeskin wedges in an odd color. But alas, I’m your basic black girl.

So when I saw InStyle’s feature on Floral footwear, I was prepared to be disgusted. But, I’m pleasantly surprised. I actually think I could stomach a pair of these shoes with a cute little summer frock. Or paired with capris while I’m cruising Santorini. Ok, wake up Tracey.

Here is InStyle’s picks for perfect floral footwear:
Stunning Wedges
THE FIND Fabric-and-leather wedges by Delman
THE PRICE $365
BUY ONLINE delmanshoes.com
WHY YOU WANT IT The flirty floral print is a perfect compliment to a little white dress; a trompe l’oeil stripe down the heel gives the walkable wedge a delicate look.

Sweet Slip-Ons
THE FIND Fabric slingback flats by Report
THE PRICE $45
BUY ONLINE piperlime.com
WHY YOU WANT IT The white-and-bright pattern adds sass to a casual spring look, and you’ll love how the comfy rubber soles cradle your feet

THE FIND Betsey Johnson sandals with bow accent
THE PRICE $160
BUY ONLINE zappos.com
WHY YOU WANT IT The Holly Hobby blue-and-yellow print will remind you of pinafores past; the braided straps and blue bows will set off a sexy pair of stems.

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Get great brand name shoes at Zappos.com!

Are you ever confused about getting your shoe look right with your dress choice? No need to worry. Piperlime has made it easy to make fashion sense when it comes to your shoe selection.

Dress type: Mini
Despite the numerous women you see wearing stilettos, platforms and other towering shoes with their minis, this look spells HOOCHIE! Don’t do it. Keep your look feminine and flirty, in particular for day. Try a look like this:

Dress type: Wrap

My all time favorite dress style. So complimentary for the hour glass figure and ideal for faking one. Diane Von Furstenburg continues to design the wrap like noone else. Shoes to wear? Classic and elegant. Piperlime recommends a refined city sandal.

Wedges and chunky heel peep toes are the perfect companion to wrap dresss for day.

Now, no need to look out of style with your dress or your shoes.

Happy shopping!

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Okay, I’m not a flats girl. I much prefer a well sculpted, hand-made, fine leather Italian, stiletto heeled shoe. But, given that I do have a modicum of commen sense, I realize that flats have their place. And of late, I’m seeing some pretty darn cute ones. All I can summize from this is that flats must be part of the spring shoe look. And I suppose that fits when we consider that Spring 2007 is diverse with romantic and sporty style leading the pack. Both of those style are suited to a flat shoe.

I have gotten emails from Nordstrom.com featuring flats — very pretty ones I might add. Bonus right now is free shipping with any shoe purchase. (Go for it!) I picked out a couple pair at Nordies that I think I could wear quite well. Not only are they cute and reasonably priced, they incorporate the looks for spring. The silver metallic flats by Linea Paolo are $89.95. If you aren’t in for the metallic look, there are other color options.

This Dolce Vita flat is a great price at $59.95. In black patent it works with dresses, pants, jeans — casual or dress up. Very cute.

For sheer comfort and a tad bit of style, check out Aerosoles. They are featuring dozens of flats plus the bonus of a Swarovski pendant and earriangs with any $75 purchase.

Happy shoe shopping!

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White shoes used to be a taboo after labor day. They were worn strictly in summer only. But now white is the new black, and white shoes are popping up as the color (or non-color) to wear for not only spring and summer, but for winter as well.

Now, I wear a large size shoe; I am admittedly a big foot girl, so I have avoided white shoes like the plague all my life. It’s kind of like that optical illusion of wearing black — you look slimmer. So most of my shoes are that ever-so-fashionable black. But I’m really rethinking the propostion of white shoes. I’m seeing sooo many that are white hot!

Check out Nine West – always fashionable and always reasonable. They have a white shoe in every category — flats, wedges, platforms, sandals. I like this cute little flat. I just wonder how big my foot will look in them…

Nordstrom always has up-to-the-minute fashionable shoes. I found a few pair of whites that I might actually have the nerve to wear. This absolutely cute wedge by Michael Kors is Vanilla with Navy stripes. I suppose when I’m feeling nautical this might be the appropriate shoe. Not only is it white hot, it’s in patent and a wedge heel. 3 trends in one shoe. If you are the trendinista, this is the shoe for you. And priced right under $100, it’s a no-brainer.
I think this open toe slingback pump by Vince Camuto is perfect for me. With the cut out leather which reminds me of eyelet, it’s not too much of a good thing. And and ideal choice for me with my phobia of my feet looking like giant submarines in white shoes. Mind you, no decent designer would call their shoes “white”. Notice Michael Kors, his are Vanilla. And this one by Caumto is Cream. It too is available at Nordstrom for $119.95.

Now I have to give this one bit of fashion advice. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT wear black hoisery with white shoes. That is just plain ugly. Remember, your hoisery matches your shoes. Now in the rare case you are an avant garde type of chick, that may work for you, but for the rest of us, stick with the program of basic fashion sense.

So step out of your comfort zone. Try on a pair of white shoes for size.

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I’m not a fan of flats. I much prefer heels to those flat shoes that give no shape to the leg and help with a graceful walk. However, I realize that flats are a necessary evil. To that end, Nordstrom has some pretty new cute flats on it’s site. Since I work on my feet on occasion, a stylish pair of flats with good cushioning and support are of utmost necessity. I found a couple pair that I could live with.
This Via Spiga black patent slingback flat with a bow across the toe would look chic with either pants or skirt. A nice office shoe, or a good shoe for someone who has to stand for long periods. I love this brand, their shoes wear well and last for years if properly cared for.

I love Stuart Weitzman shoes. His shoes are usually sexy and glamorous. These patent flats, also with a bow come in brown or black.

One last pair that I am definitely going to purchase are by Cole Haan with the Air technology from Nike. Black patent, with a twist on the Mary Jane and extremely cute. Nordstrom’s descriptions:
Patent leather trims a quilted calfskin mary jane, designed with a fully padded sock liner, ultimate Nike Air cushioning and a lightweight rubber nub sole. Leather upper and lining/rubber sole.
By Cole Haan; imported. $165
Salon Shoes.

With flat out gorgeous shoes like these, a devoted stiletto diva like me can have a change of heart.

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For all my pump loving, stiletto styling ways, I have to admit that flats to have their place in the universe. Like when you partied just a little too hard the night before in 4 inchers. Or you splurged on a too small pair of Jimmy Choo’s, and you’re paying price for glamour the next day. That’s when a trusty pair of flats comes in handy. Not just any old flat, cute flats. Nordstrom sent an email out about their fall flats and I spied some decent ones. Lots of variety for all style types. But of course the first one to catch my eye has a price tag of $325. But they are beautiful. Sigerson Morrison ‘6725′ Flat. Sleek pointed flat in soft patent leather has an updated style with two small triangular cutouts on the top. Handmade in Italy. Need I say more?
I also spied a nice Chanel style Ballet Slipper. Quilting, patent toe, bow and all. French Sole ‘Passport’ Flat. At $195 it does beat Chanel prices. But what about resale value? Hmmmm.

In the under $100 range there were some adorable choices from Hype, Jeffrey Campbell, Me Too and Linea Paolo.

Go ahead and flat line. Your feet will thank you.

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