My Mother has a thing for shoes. I’m not sure you would call it a love affair, so much as an obsession that borders on stalking. If their quarterly earnings didn’t depend on her, the gentleman at the Nordstrom’s shoe department would certainly have restraining orders bearing her name.
Because I’m a good daughter, I try to ensure that her need for shoes is filled. A few years back, I convinced my Father to purchase a pair of red Stuart Weitzman high heels for their anniversary. The heels were the perfect shade of red, somewhere between garnet and fire engine, with just the right amount of toe cleavage. (Don’t laugh, that’s what it’s called.) But sadly, at $298, they were a bit of my Hill Staffer price range.
Stuart Weitzman Platswoon Pump ($298)
Then, last week, I spotted my beloved heels for half-price on the sample sale site, Rue la la. With store credit, they would be just $75. One debit card transaction later, the heels were mine all mine.
As for how I plan to wear them, I think these heels are perfect for both work and play. To see how I intend to wear them at the office and on the town, head over to my Polyvore page.
I have these in nude and a brighter red than pictured here. I love them!!! I have tried supposedly comfortable heels like Cole Haan, but nothing has been more comfortable for my narrow feet than these.
This SW heel is the BEST!!!! In every color and texture the best investment you can make in terms of classy professional footwear. Now I think I will go and watch a scene or two from Happy Feet.
I hate this trend of wearing red (or green or purple) shoes with monochromatic or neutral toned outfits. At least throw in a belt or a scarf or a blouse with a hint of the same color as your shoes. Otherwise it just looks trendy and ridiculous. (Also, don't get me started on the “statement necklace” or the flower pin. I'm sure there are a few nice, bold necklaces to be worn every once and a while. But they just look cheap most of the time.)
I feel about the above the way that Belle feels about uggs and crocs.
Belle, I love the STW shoes but couldn't afford them also (and apparently completely missed the rue la la sale). I did however get these at ann taylor online, in “red lacquer.” https://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=26582&defaultColorNameFromCrosell=Black
I have them in black as well and they are hands down the most comfortable and work-friendly pumps I own…just don't step in a sidewalk grate.
The shoes are beautiful…. I can totally see how one could mix these with a variety of outfits… But remember, if it is a daytime sort of look; “…when you go nuts in one area (depending on just how 'nuts') you simply need to tone down the rest… you don't want to look nutty or God forbid sl—tty…. hmmm
On the other hand, evening wear… I say sky's the limit… Whatever your personality can carry off – I say go for it with no apologies….
RED on the feet…. now we are talkin' power from the bottom up….
I'm just sayin'…. AWashingtonWoman
I purchased a pair of red shoes about a month ago, and I've been trying to wear them to work ever since. They always seem so…BAM.. red right at the feet like clown shoes, and that's all you can see. I don't know what to wear with them 🙁
Meiqi- Surprisingly, the Cole Haan Air shoes make my feet fall asleep and are not comfy. But the regular Cole Haan's that I own are very comfy.
Trendspotter- That's why I mixed in a red ring and why the dress had red in it. I don't like straight B&W with color either.
R, I though the same thing at first, because the bright red suede (5 inch) pumps I bought a long time ago were definitely NOT work friendly.
I feel like it's a combination of what you style it with and the construction of the shoe. Both the SW and the Ann Taylor pumps look like regular pumps with a bit of color thrown in (the AT is more of a darker currant red, making it slightly more work-appropriate in my opinion). As long as you keep the rest of the outfit less bright than the shoes, it works for work (e.g., black or camel trouser pants, black pencil skirt in a work-appropriate length, etc.). They don't need to be “monochromatic” as Trendsetter doesn't like, just less flashy than the shoes and not in a clashing tone (like a teal dress with the red pumps, unless you're Betsey Johnson and she can wear whatever the hell she wants). I'd say if you want them to work in a conservative environment, long black trousers that slightly cover the shoe have been my safest bet.
Red heels have a “working girl” vibe to them….not to mention patent leather in general. No thanks.
Belle, these are awesome shoes and I love both of the outfits you put together for them. I hope people can follow your example and realize that black and brown (or gray or navy) are not the only options for footwear, even for the office. Loosen up, ladies. And to Judge Learned Hand, I say “red pumps have a working girl vibe” only if you totally lack imagination, or if you're my grandmother, who actually said to my mother once “only whores straighten their hair.” (really!)
Red shoes are my go to item when I'm having a blah morning. It's pretty hard to feel down when wearing a pair of red shoes.
I love my red heels. And my purple heels.
Sorry, Trendspotter, but I love a bright shoe with a neutral outfit. Sometimes one punchy, perfect accessory is just right. I have a pair of cranberry heels that I will wear until they fall apart. I also love it when women wear red (or other bright) shoes with their wedding gowns – I know it's not to everyone's taste, but I think it's bold and fun.
And…Lovin the Polyvore. What a fabulous visual aid for “put together”. A nice addition indeed.
These are amazing and will last you for years to come.
Amen to everything VA wrote! I love to pair neutrals & basics with one bold, bright accessory. One of my favorite go-to outfits is a gray sheath dress with pearl studs, a long pearl-and-gold necklace, and plum-colored peep-toe heels. With a blazer, it's perfect for daytime; because the dress is fitted, I can ditch the blazer, throw on some eyeliner, and be ready for a night out. Doesn't get much easier than that!
I have THREE pairs of red shoes and I wear them regularly… for those who dont know how to wear them start adding them to your black and white outfits… or get a red necklace which will instantly help you figure out when to wear your red shoes… if you can wear the red necklace with your outfit- you can wear the red shoes…
Love the shoes! It would be great to have a red heels 10th Commandment – most of the less expensive ones are too high or too glittery for work. Also, love the links to your polyvore sets!
I love the outfits and the shoes. I have a pair of very similar-looking (though probably not as high quality) red pumps from Steve Madden. I wear them to work regularly and no one bats an eye; I really don't understand people who think red shoes give off a “working girl” vibe. To each her own, I suppose!
I LOVE my Steve Madden red pumps. A perfect blend between ruby and bright red. And a perfect accessory to any outfit for a republican girl like me 🙂