Pick Six: Shoes, Nothing But Shoes

Apr 6, 2017

Three weeks ago, I resolved that it was time to makeover my shoe wardrobe.  I stood in my closet, looked around, and thought, “How did it come to this?”  Several pairs looked a bit worn, a little tired.  A few others were no longer suitable to my lifestyle.The good news is, I get to go shoe shopping.  The bad news

The good news is, I get to go shoe shopping.  The bad news is, this cuts into my clothes budget.  But alas, if you don’t have the right shoes, you don’t have the right outfit.  Here are six pair of shoes that I’ve either bought, am considering, or am lusting after.

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I found these Coach loafers at Nordstrom Rack.  They are a dream.  A dream, I say.

They feel like you’re walking on a cloud.  The rubber sole, the buttery leather, from the first step, all I could think was, “Yes, these.”  And since they’re cognac leather, they go with everything.

The only thing I’m not crazy about is the Coach plaque on the vamp.  But, in an age where the Tory Burch Revas come with a brand-themed hubcap on the toe, it qualifies as subtle.

These shoes are the ‘Coach Frederica’.  They are no longer available in stores (unless you live near a Nordstrom Rack), but you can find them for a good price on eBay.  If you don’t like the cognac, I saw black, silver, grey and tan.  If you don’t find your size, I have it on good authority that these Old Navy drivers are comfortable.

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I was searching for a casual shoe that was not a workout shoe.  I considered a pair of Keds (too 80s’ country club), a pair of Vans-like loafers in blush (my feet looked like boats), and an Adidas Gazelle (I don’t have the street cred to pull these off).  I was just about to give up when I spotted these geometric-print Converse.  (If these hadn’t worked out, I would have gone to the Comme des Garcons Play sneakers next.)

They’re a nice mix of old-school and unique.  The print is grey and black, so they’re versatile.  No word yet on whether I’ll wear them with baby doll dresses and chokers to relive my junior high years.

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Colored sandals are a nice addition to any wardrobe.  These orange-red slides from Banana Republic are a nice addition to a summer wardrobe based on navy, white, and grey.  If you’d like something brighter, you should definitely take a gander at these…

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These Adrienne Vittadini Lace-Ups will sell out quickly.  So if you love them, grab them.  They’re ideal for sprucing up a much-loved, oft-worn summer dress.  They’d be perfect for baby showers, graduation, and rehearsal dinners.  The fringe and the lace up are trendy, and the block heel will keep it on the right side of comfortable.

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From the moment I spotted these Sophia Webster flats, I was captivated by them.  The butterfly accents are whimsical, but not so on the nose as to be childish.  The neutral palette is right up my alley (more on my wardrobe’s black-and-white foundations next week), and the sleek look is on point.  I adore them.  I’ve decided they will be my bar passage gift to myself…you know, if I pass.

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I rolled my ankle playing tennis last fall (I was pouting about a bad lob; I deserved it.), and my stilettos have been a bit tougher to wear since.  Not painful, but tiresome over long periods.  I wore block heel boots all winter, and those were fine, so I’m hoping a pair of block heel pumps help.

These Marc Fisher Zala pumps look nicer on than the photo gives them credit for.  From the front, they look like a sleek work shoe.  From the side, a hint clunky, but also on-trend.  They also come in a wide variety of colors.  If you’re looking for something a bit sleeker, these Cole Haans are a bit more feminine.  If you prefer a wedge, several readers recommend these Nine Wests.

It is the season for new shoes.  Any you ladies are loving or lusting after?

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  1. Kim says:

    I loveeee those sliders! I’m looking for new sandals for a trip in a few weeks so thank you!

    Kim

    https://trendkeeper.me .. blogger tips from a pro!

  2. Jennifer says:

    I had a very similar pair of Coach loafers a few years back that were so comfortable…until they literally developed a hole in the two three months in. Very disappointing since I commuted via car and really only wore them around a tech office with minimal walking. When I reached out to Coach, they basically said that was normal wear-and-tear.

  3. Becky says:

    Great round-up! Next time you’re looking for casual (but non-workout) sneakers, check out Toms. They make some really cute sneakers in fun fabrics/patterns. I have a couple pairs and they’re really comfortable and durable.

    • Sharon says:

      I have such a Toms problem. I have 6 pairs… but it’s hard to resist when Nordstrom Rack has great patterns for 30-40% off their retail price!

  4. Caitlin says:

    How are you styling your driving loafers? Something about them by themselves reads old granny, but I have confidence that you can make them chic.

  5. Chelsea says:

    Now I NEED those butterfly flats!

  6. Lauren Lewow says:

    Definately echo Caitlin’s comment – how can I wear the loaders in a feminine way? They look comfy enough to be go-to shoes for a Europe trek

  7. lemkam says:

    You need way more street cred to wear the Commes des Garcons than the Adidas Gazelle. I have both and you need an attitude to pull off the Commes des Garcons.

  8. Sharon says:

    For casual, non-workout shoes, I love the Roxy Bayshore sneaker: https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/roxy-bayshore-sneaker/348079. They’re incredibly comfortable and come in a variety of prints. The only downside is they don’t provide any arch support, if that’s a concern for you.

  9. Robin says:

    For casual sneakers I cannot recommend enough the ED Ellen DeGeneres Casie knit (https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ed-ellen-degeneres-casie-knit-sneaker-women/4540638?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK%20FABRIC). I LOVE THEM. I have black and am thinking whether to buy another color. In full disclosure, this is my 3rd pair of ED shoes – I love them in general. I have the Langston ballet flats and the Karlin flat. And now that I pulled up the casie knit link, I see a pair of sandals I may “need”.

  10. Lee says:

    I have those Coach loafers & really like them! They were at my local Marshall’s last month. I like wearing them with ankle length pants–seems like showing a little skin keeps the grandma look away! I actually wore them all day today & they were so comfortable.

  11. Sarah says:

    I have the coach shoes too! Love them! Wore them frequently while walking around Paris and on my commute. Most comfortable shoes and they hold up well.

  12. Kelly says:

    I read everyone’s shoe recs for Europe and was ready to order a pair of Rothy’s, but they sold out. While waiting for the restock I’m checking out sneakers for my visit to DC next month (Saucony Bullets and some Nikes). And I’m thinking about these for a summer wedding/casual Fridays: https://bit.ly/2nJah3m

  13. Pam says:

    love the converse sneakers!

  14. Blue says:

    Are people wearing the loafers with no show socks or no socks or what?

  15. Valerie says:

    Belle, I share your frustration with the Vans loafers (or any sneaker slides). They look adorable on size 6-7 feet, but at a size 9 they definitely start to resemble very chic boats.

    I can’t remember if you had already posted these, but several friends have bought the Ann Taylor “Emeline” block heel pumps and find them a lot more comfortable for the workday. https://www.anntaylor.com/emeline-suede-block-heel-pumps/428893

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