Two Ways: Zara Gold Heeled Pumps

Shoe: Metal Heel Court Shoe (Zara, $80)

From Left, Sunglasses: Cole Haan Square Logo Sunnies ($98) Bracelet: BCBG Metal Bracelet ($$98) Bag: Big Buddha Satchel ($95) Top: Paul & Joe Etretat Top ($95, limited sizes) Skirt: Moschino Silk Crepe Skirt ($247)

From Right, Earrings: Kate Spade Desert Earrings ($78) Ring: Gold Saddle Ring ($137) Bag: Red Bonbon Clutch ($107) Dress: Unilateral Dress ($178)

Polyvore Set Here.

For the Office.  Yesterday, there were some comments about this shoe being too much for the office.  While I wouldn’t wear it to court, to an important meeting or to meet a VIP, I would and could wear it on less formal days.  The key to making a bold shoe like this one work is twofold: 1) you need to make it look intentional and 2) you need to wear it with confidence.  

You can’t, even for one moment, allow someone to believe that you threw on this shoe because you had no other choice. This shoe is business in the front, party in the back.  So wear it loud, wear it proud.

The easiest way to make this shoe work for work is to pair it with black and white separates.  Here, I chose a white skirt banded with black and a black organza blouse.  Make sure the blouse is fitted but glides over the body.  And if you need to add a blazer, make it a black one, optimally, a one-button.

Also, white skirts need Spanx, no exceptions.  The reason is that in natural light, white is revealing.  Just yesterday, I saw a lovely girl in a white skirt whose white pencil skirt was showing every lump and bump on her backside.  So buy a pair of Spanx and stop yourself from sharing more of your secrets than you should.

Because the shoes are a statement accessory, let’s not overdo it with the rest of the additions.  A cool snakeskin cuff and dramatic sunglasses should be enough.  Also, this bag is a total Marc Jacobs knock-off, but I have to admit, they did a pretty good job.

The hair for this outfit should be sophisticated and done.  That, for me, means an updo of some type, probably a French twist.  The makeup should be subtle on the face with a bit of eyeliner and lipgloss (whatever you wear on a normal day) and red paint on your nails.

For the Opera.  How great is this dress?  You really can’t beat a column dress for easy elegance.  And while the one shoulder is a little done, this style with the wider shoulder and and straight style is really timeless.

The dress with the shoes is a sleek look that’s probably best saved for the fall.  It’s a bit too dark for summer, in my opinion.  I love the ring and the tube clutch (just the right amount of red to pull the shoe together).  I’m not as crazy about the earrings, but after my first 30-minutes of searching for a black and gold pair that didn’t say New Jersey wedding, I decided on these.  

For the hair, I would probably keep it sleek.  I’d style a low-bun or low-ponytail to one side, preferably the right side.  I like an exposed collarbone for just the right hint of sex appeal.  Again, for the makeup, red nails.  But this time, add a red lip and winged eyeliner.