Quick Fashion Queries: Vol III, No. Three

Jul 7, 2016

Belle,

I wanted to send a thank you for recommending the B.P Moreover flats; these flats are by far my favorite now. Quick question – do you wear the no-show socks with flats, or do you go barefoot? Now that I have some nicer flats instead of a $15 pair from Target, any care tips would be appreciated!

Love the blog, Meg

I don’t wear no-show socks.  They tend to slip off of my feet, and cause more problems than they solve.

As for care tips, because the shoes are patent leather, I remove scuffs with acetone (nail polish remover).  I clean the inside with a mild detergent from time to time.  And if they start to smell, I spritz them with vodka diluted with water to kill bacteria.

Hi Belle,

Can you help me find some cool clutches?  All my girlfriends seem to own the same black one.  I don’t want to spend more than $50 if I can help it, but I need something else to carry on dates.

xx, Flynn

While a black clutch is a good place to start, I prefer colored, printed, and textured clutches.

This Westbrook Oversized Clutch looks like a vintage handbag.  Sole Society makes a great foldover clutch that comes in lipstick red.  This gold-foil clutch from ASOS is also a stunner.

For prints, I like a subtle animal print clutch, like this one from Banana Republic.  You might also try a floral print for summer.  And if you need an all-purpose clutch for weddings try cork or a pale tan.

If you only need something small, go sleek and chic with this H&M charcoal grey and gold frame clutch.

Hello,

Do you have a favorite casual shoe for summer?  By that I mean a sneaker or just something with laces?  Sandals aren’t practical for me, but I want something that feels summery and casual.  NOT a ballet flat.

Thank you for your time, Misa

If you are sure about the laces, I like old school Keds.  You can go classic white or weathered-navy jersey.  If you’re not married to the laces, slip-ons are always an option.  I like these metallic canvas ones or these perforated, white canvas shoe.

For a sandal alternative, I like Huaraches.  They’re like a sandal and ballet flat had a boho baby.  I like these gold Qupid ones and these classic cognac leather ones from American Outfitters.

Hi Belle,

I love a good deal.  How do you keep track of all the sales?  And where do you find the best bargains? 

Ashley

I keep track of sales thanks to the Alterations Needed blog.  She regularly posts the sales for the upcoming week.  Ebates also keeps track of sales and the cash back for each store.

As for bargains, I love Nordstrom Rack and The Outnet.  I also find stylish and affordable pieces at ASOS. I stay on top of the new arrivals to get the best selection.

Style

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  1. Nonymouse says:

    For a no-show sock replacement (because I can’t deal with them either), I like washable inserts:

    https://www.amazon.com/Pedag-196-Washable-Barefoot-Womens/dp/B001G0NSV6/

  2. Anna says:

    I second the washable inserts. For nicer flats, I’m obsessed with the Geox Lola ballet flats. The upper and footbed are leather, and they have vents on the bottom that allow your feet to breathe. They also have flexible rubber soles. I bought mine over a year ago and wear them several times a week, and they’re in great shape. For summer shoes, I just ordered a pair of Roxy Malibu IIs for $20 on Amazon. Tried them on in store and they were super comfy. I also really like Superga laceups.

  3. mkbrod2 says:

    They make a wonderful spray bottle for smelly summer-time feet or your whole body, shoes, life, etc:

    https://store.thecrystal.com/crystal-foot-deodorant-spray—unscented-8-oz-p5.aspx

    Mainly I want to scream from the mountain-tops – use salt deodorant!! It’s incredibly effective and cheap; just try it.

  4. jen says:

    Over time acetone will ruin your shoes. You can use a “magic eraser” to remove scuffs without ruining the clearcoat on your patent leather.

  5. SoCal Gal says:

    Meg,
    I like wearing toe covers with flats. I found mine via this post https://www.alterationsneeded.com/2011/04/how-to-make-high-heels-comfortable.html
    I usually cut off the sling back plastic part and just slip the cover over my toes.

  6. saramel says:

    For the person looking for casual non-sandals, what about espadrilles? I also love my nude/light tan sneakers. Just like a nude heel, they help elongate the leg.
    https://www.toms.com/featured-shops/oxford-tan-suede-mens-hensleys?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=US%20-%20Shopping%20-%20Generic&utm_content={ifsearch:s}{ifcontent:c}TctOWZfd_dmpcrid90658603255pkwpmt&gclid=CjwKEAjwqpK8BRD7ua-U0orrgkESJADlN3YBoYmz6Ah_wKQerx0uo35Ys4HpazF8fJGgiGjTVqvb_RoCyMPw_wcB

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