Spring Trend: Flatforms

I remember my first pair of flatforms.  I was about 14 or 15 years old, and they were black velvet with two thick, embossed straps.  We bought them in the shoe store in the Sears shopping center in Commack, NY.  I was still learning my way around shoes and thought they were very stylish.

Years later I’d chuckle at those shoes, since they were really quite ugly when you got down to it.  Ugh, the flatform.  There’s nothing elegant about it.  What was the shoe world thinking?  It was the late 90s; there was so much wonky fashion there.

Today I am sad to report that the flatform is back in a big way.  I will be passing this time around, but if you missed it in the 90s and feel left out, now’s your chance!

The Hectic is a white faux leather sandal on a three-inch platform.  It’s got a wide strap over the toes, and a thick strap around the ankle with a silver buckle.  The white is very refreshing for summer, anyway!  Also available in black; your choice for $50 from ASOS.

This is the Original Flatform Sandal by Teva, which, sadly, combines all the best (worst?) parts of both Teva and the flatform.  (Sigh.)  The two-tone flatform is 1.5 inches at the toe and 1.75 at the heel, and the straps are made of traditional Teva textile in blue and black, thong-style at the toe.  Also available with white straps and an orange and black platform; find them at Nordstrom for $50.

The Strappy D’Orsay Flatform by Qupid is part espadrille and part flatform: a two-inch platform wrapped in braided jute, topped with a black faux leather sandal and ankle strap with golden buckle.  Yours for $40 from Charlotte Russe.

For the office, perhaps?  The Lace-Up Flatform by Kisser is a classic black Oxford atop a 2.5-inch white flatform.  Yours for $85 from Topshop.

Whether you try them or not, flatforms are here.  Hmm, I don’t see any velvet sandals here…

Father's Day

A little girl needs Daddy

For many, many things:

Like holding her high off the ground

Where the sunlight sings!

The Trench-89 by Qupid is sunshine in shoe form, all right!  This faux-suede Mary Jane has a 4.25-inch heel and one-inch hidden platform, and a feminine lace bow on the strap.  Also available in a lovely pink; your choice for $40 from DSW.

Like being the deep music

That tells her all is right

When she awakens frantic with

The terrors of the night.

No terrors here!  The Star Flat Thong Sandal by Giuseppe Zanotti is simple and elegant and beautiful—just three black leather straps and a faceted gold star sitting pretty front and center.  The sole and footbed are mirrored leather, too!  Yours for $625 from Neiman Marcus.

Like being the great mountain

That rises in her heart

And shows her how she might get home

When all else falls apart.

This pair of hand-painted TOMS has purple mountains majesty, a sunny day, a field of flowers, and a little red car off on an adventure!  The chorus of the song "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line is on the sides too.  Find them from Etsy seller Purple Lizard Studio for $104.

Like giving her the love

That is her sea and air,

So diving deep or soaring high

She'll always find him there.

The Crystal Winged Heart Boot by Roper is a faux leather cowgirl boot that gives off the impression of “soaring love” with the winged, studded heart on the front and the back!  And those studs are crystals, too.  It has a two-inch heel, 13-inch shaft, 14.5-inch circumference, and can be yours for $71 from 6pm.

Poem’s author is unknown, but it sums it up—love you, Dad!  Happy Father’s Day.

Sales this weekend:
Bakers: 20% off two items; 30% off three items
Lord & Taylor: Save 20% with promo code SUMMER
Macy's: 15% off one pair, 20% off two pairs, and 30% off three or more pairs
Nine West: Buy two pairs, get 20% off
Payless: Up to half off all sandals
Saks: Save up to 30% on designer shoes
Steve Madden: Free shipping on $75 with code SMFREESHIP

Clear Shoes

Of all the trends out for spring, I find none more interesting (with more potential for disaster) than clear shoes.  There are so many ways clear shoes can look trashy, or cheap—but really beautiful?  I think I may have been misguided before, because look at what designers are putting out now:

The Tiger Lily by ABS by Allen Schwartz is aqua suede at the heel, aqua lace at the toe, and clear in between!  It’s so ladylike—there’s no mistaking these for stripper heels, for sure.  The four-inch heel is silver, and it also comes in black or a really nice berry color—your choice for $116 from Macy’s.

The Larisa by Penny Loves Kenny sort of reminds me of those watches where you can see the movement—it’s the classic oxford, but you can see inside!  The eyelets on the clear parts are a nice touch, but the punch detailing on the silver and the contrasting laces steal the show.  Also available in all black or a rather clown-shoe-looking yellow/blue/pink combo; find them at 6pm for $63.

SO glamorous!  The Metallic Leather Clear Vamp Pump by Oscar de la Renta is very much like a regular, beautiful dress sandal, what with the gold leather around the back and down the three-inch heel and the beaded rhinestone feature at the peep toe—but the lower part of the vamp is clear!  Love.  Yours for $695 from Bergdorf Goodman.

Sexy secretary, anybody?  The Potion-44 by Qupid is a cap-toe (trend alert!) pump in bright pink (or white, but the pink is cooler), with a 4.5-inch heel, ankle strap, and clear vamp.  Find them at DSW for $40.

There is a lot to love on the Crystal Cap Toe Clear Pump by Lanvin: the black and tan combo, the sturdy 4.75-inch heel and platform, the clear vamp, and the cap toe encrusted in sparkling crystals! Professional, fun, sexy, unexpected, classic… this shoe has it all.  Yours from Neiman Marcus for $1590.

The Ogen by Type Z is such a springy little flat, with yellow at the cap toe, around the foot, and down the back of the heel, and clear everywhere else!  Also available in red, blue, and pink; your choice for $59 on Zappos.

Clear shoes, I have misjudged you.  May the world learn from my mistake!

Back to School

Labor Day is over, and you know what that means: back to school!  I always looked forward to the first day of school (nerd alert!): new subjects to learn, a new lunchbox, a new outfit, the traditional first-day-of-school photo on the front lawn with my brother.  When this time of year rolls around, I still feel the urge to buy a new outfit.  How about a new pair of shoes, in the school colors of some of the area’s colleges?

Perhaps the red and white of Chestnut Hill College:

The Cerise Wedge by Envy is so summery!  (What?  It still feels like summer out there.)  Red and white stripes at the toe, toebed, and heel; red lacing around the ankle and at the toe.  It also has a three-inch braided rope wedge and one-inch cork platform, and is available in gray or navy if the red isn’t to your liking.  Find them at DSW for $50.

Or the yellow and white of Bryn Mawr:

The Benz by FLY London is so interesting and classy.  A buckle around the ankle and one around the foot as well; white looping details and a yellow upper.  A peep toe and heel (maybe three inches?  three and a half?) complete the look.  Also available in brown/brown and black/brown; your choice from Endless for $173.

Maybe you’ll be found in the scarlet and black of Haverford College:

The Savana by Qupid is a striking little flat—a red (or blue, or yellow) suede upper, and black heel covered in studs.  I like the swoopiness where the two parts meet!  Find them at DSW for $30.

Perhaps the blue and gold of Widener:

The Angelic by Restricted is a beautiful little flat—a yellow fabric upper with blue trim around the foot and across the round toe, under a light blue fabric rose.  Also available in black/neutral, pink/black polka dots, and natural, but I just love the yellow and blue!  Find them at Endless for between $22 and $55 (but the yellow will run you $32).

Or the garnet and gray of Swarthmore:

The Harlie II by L.A.M.B. are just so cool!  It has a grey snakeskin upper with touches of red at the inside of the toe, and a red heel too—4.5 inches!  (There’s a quarter-inch platform too.)  So sleek.  Also available in black snake with shiny silver, black with silver polka dots and black, and neutral snakeskin with shiny silver—all equally lovely.  Yours for $265 on Zappos.

Whatever your affiliation, it’s a good time of year to start anew.  Grab a new pair and bring back the best part of the first day of school!

Brighten Up!

I had a special request from my lovely future sister-in-law for some neon heels, which you must’ve seen in stores lately—neon is back!  And what better way to do this trend and not look too ‘80s than with a beautiful pair of shoes?  Caveat: many of these shoes are on heels four inches or higher.  Meg charged me to find neon pumps that were three inches or under, and while this one was a bit of a challenge, I am happy to report that I was able to find some!

We’ll start with a yellow:

The Indulge by Qupid is a yellow velvet peep-toe pump with a three-inch, cone-shaped stack heel.  I like the silver on the inside!  Also available in a lime green; yours for $20 from Sears.

Maybe a turquoise?

The Ariana by Sacha London is a bright blue suede upper, pointed toe, slingback with gold buckle, and dainty 2.75-inch heel.  It’s also available in olive, beige, black, and fuchsia suedes, or nude or black patent leathers.  Find them at Endless for $115.

Pink, of course:

The MK Flex Low Pump by Michael Michael Kors is a pointed toe, patent leather pump with a little sliver detail at the back.  It has a two-inch heel, also comes in black or nude, and is currently on sale at Zappos for $88 (or on sale at 6pm for $55 if you’re a 6-9).

Though I prefer my pink with a bow:

LOVE!  The Janice by Via Spiga is another pointed toe, patent leather pump, but the toe of this one has a little cut out and a bow!  This is on a 2.25-inch heel, and can be found at Zappos for $139.

Perhaps a bright green:

This satin beauty is the Criana by Nina.  It has diagonal pleats around its almond-shaped peep-toe, and a 2.5-inch heel, and comes in ivory, black, navy, and canary in addition to the apple green shown here.  Yours for $71 from Endless.

A rainbow of pink, orange, yellow, and green!  On 3.5-inch silver stilettos.  Yes, that’s a half-inch taller than I was looking for, but they’re cheap: only $30 for the color of your choice from Light in the Box.

And really, how better to enjoy the nice weather than in a pair of bright, happy shoes?  Smile on, ladies!

Sales this weekend: 
Bus Stop Boutique: Designer of the Month: J Shoes!  Take 15% off
Lord & Taylor: Friends and family sale: extra 25% off with code FRIENDS
Macy's: 15% off one pair, 20% off two pairs, 30% off three or more pairs with code GREAT
Nine West: Buy one, get one half off
Payless: Summer sandal sale

Shoe Fairy in Orlando!

I’m in the middle of a business trip this week, but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about you, deputy shoe fairies!  In fact, I’m sending a little Orlando your way. 

Minnie Mouse:

The Penelope by Qupid is Minnie on a girls’ night out with Daisy!  I love the big dots on the shoe body and the smaller dots on the 1.75-inch platform.  And that trim on the platform and the 5.5-inch heel is pink patent leather!  Find them at LuLu’s for $34.

Alligators:

The Get by Kate Spade is a metallic crocodile print (I know, not the same as alligator) sandal—all sleek and slinky and silver.  Find them on Zappos Couture for $350.

And blooming flowers:

To die for!  Look at that floral print and jewel feature at the peep-toe on the Stasy by Nina.  A 1.75-inch platform and 4.75-inch heel complete the look.  I want these on my feet right now!  Find them at Dillard’s for $99.

Keep an eye on Philly for me while I’m away—don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!  ;-)

Go Red for Women

February is Go Red for Women month.  I know it might be a little early for most of to think about heart disease, but our hearts are too important to ignore.  (The American Heart Association has put together a guide to heart health for each stage in your life, by the way.)

While Wear Red Day was last Friday, that doesn’t mean you can’t paint the town red for the rest of February.  In the spirit of Go Red for Women, I give you a batch of saucy red shoes!

The Kennyya is a hot little bootie: five-inch wedge, 1.5-inch platform, almond-shaped peep toe, wide ankle strap and silver buckle... all in bright red suede!  (If you don’t like the red it’s also available in purple or black, or in blue, tan, or orange fabric.)  Find them at Steve Madden for $100.

So sweet!  The Odiana by Qupid is a red satin pump with a five-inch heel and ruffles up the back and snaking around the round toe.  Pick up a pair for $24 at your nearest Kmart.

The Mimosa by Not Rated has everything!  Polka dots!  Stripes!  Beautiful scalloped trim!  They have a 4.25-inch heel and a three-quarter-inch hidden platform, and also come in nude, blue, and black.  Yours from Zappos for $45.

The Chiffon Heel by ZiGiny is a cascade of chiffon leaves on a 4.75-inch heel and half-inch platform.  A leather sole and silk-satin upper round it out.  Available in red or black on Amazon for $90.

Love!  The Hunter by Bamboo is a faux-suede flat with a statement bow of shiny silver beads!  How adorable would these be under jeans?  And for $30 at Bare Feet Shoes, they’re a steal!

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, so take care of yourselves, okay girls?  I mean it!  Check out Go Red for Women for more information and how to support this worthy cause.

Sales this weekend:

Bloomingdales: $50 off a purchase of $200-$299.99; $100 off $300-$499.99; $150 off $500 or more
Call it Spring: An extra 50% off all reduced boots; an extra 50% off all clearance
Lord & Taylor: 50% off already-reduced shoes; 50% off boots; an extra 20% off everything!
Macy's: 10% off and free shipping with code LOVE

Hanukkah 2011

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah!  Time for candles, dreidels, gelt, and my personal favorite: latkes!  (How I love latkes.  Some year I will get to Latkepalooza.)  In honor of the holiday, here are eight shoes for the eight nights of the Festival of Lights.

First, blue and white for the candles:

 The Musa by Michael Antonio have a blue fabric upper, five-inch heel, and fabulous white one-inch platform.  Also available in tan from Zappos for $48.

Second, yellow for the flames:

This bright beauty from Qupid has a velvet body that waves around your foot, glossy five-inch cone heel, and 1.25-inch platform.  Yours for $23 from Room of Fashion.

Third, bright pink for the plastic dreidel I always picked out in middle school from the bowl of dreidels during our multi-cultural holiday celebration:

(It should not surprise you that I always picked the pink ones.  I believe I still may have one somewhere.)  The Partyy-R is fuchsia satin with a jewelled five-inch heel, one-inch platform, and girly attitude to spare!  Also available in black, champagne, and a really lovely blue from Steve Madden for $130.

Fourth, gold for the gelt:

The Ashland by Gomax is a vision of gold glitter on a four-inch heel.  Also available in black; find them at DSW for $30.

Fifth, golden brown for tasty, tasty latkes:

Golden brown indeed!  The Sacchi by Levity is a saucy little Oxford with grosgrain ribbon laces and a 3.5-inch stacked heel.  Also available in black; pick them up at DSW for $70.

Sixth, black for the starry nights through which the menorah shines:

Perfect!  The Hafen have a 5.38-inch heel, 1.5-inch platform, and beautifully sequined outer.  Find them at Aldo for $70.

Seventh, white for the snow of a winter holiday:

The ToeTied by Beverly Feldman is as pretty as a present—it even has a rhinestone bow on the toe!  It has a 4.75-inch heel, half-inch platform, satin upper, and leather sole.  Find them at DSW for $150.

And eighth, red for the love of your family and friends:

All wrapped up in love!  (Or chiffon, as the case may be.)  The Selene by Paris Hilton has chiffon straps tied in a bow, a 4.5-inch gold heel, and a zipper up the back to let you in.  Also available in black; find them at Macy’s for $89.

Happy Hanukkah, my Jewish friends!  Happiness and latkes for all!

Veterans Day

If you still have to go to work today you may forget that it’s Veterans Day, but it is! A day to honor all of our veterans who have kept and continue to keep us safe. I thought I would honor them the best way I know: shoes.

Over hill, over dale, we have hit the dusty trail, and the Caissons go rolling along. In and out, hear them shout, counter marching and right about, and those Caissons go rolling along. For it’s hi! hi! hee! In the field artillery, count out your numbers loud and strong (two three four, hut two three). And where e’er you go, you will always know that the Caissons go rolling along.

If you’re army, how about the Green Camo Boot by Ellie? A 4.5-inch heel, lace-up front, and pointed faux leather toe... this boot kicks ass and takes names. Like the Army. Yours for just under $62 from Beston.

Anchors aweigh, my boys, anchors aweigh! Farewell to foreign shores, we sail at break of day (‘ay, ‘ay, ‘ay). O’er our last night ashore, drink to the foam until we meet once more. Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home! If the Navy is more your thing, the Anchor by Ellie is for you! An adorable peep-toe pump with a five-inch heel, bow on the toe, and anchor on the heel... and don’t you just love the polka dots on the inside? Pick them up from Shoebuy.com for $72.

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,climbing high into the sun; here they come zooming to meet our thunder, at ‘em boys, give ‘er the gun! (Give ‘er the gun!) Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, off with one helluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey! Nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force! I sort of love the Wing Invader by Irregular Choice for the Air Force: not only the wings on the heel, but the snarling face on the front reminds me of those shark faces painted on the noses of WWII aircraft. These fierce beauties can be yours for $127 from Wayfair.

From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, we fight our country’s battles in the air, on land, and sea. First to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean: we are proud to claim the title of United States Marine. Nothing’s tougher than a Marine; you’d be hard-pressed to find a tougher heel than the Jamma by Vince Camuto. A thick 4.75-inch heel with spikes up the back, rockin’ snakeskin, a hidden 1.25-inch platform—oh, and a bow with spikes on it. Yours for $139 from Zappos.

We’re always ready for the call; we place our trust in Thee. Through surf and storm and howling gale, high shall our purpose be. “Semper Paratus” is our guide, our fame, our glory, too. To fight to save or fight and die! Aye! Coast Guard, we are for you.

All the straps on the Politic by Qupid remind me of the harnesses on helicopter rescue suits and diving suits—perfect for the Coast Guard. Plus they’re the blue of the ocean! (Though they also come in purple.) A four-inch heel, a zipper up the back... this is a beautiful boot, and a pair can be yours for $45 from DSW.

But seriously, thank you to all our veterans. A special thank you to my grandfathers (Papa Jim, army; Grandpa Chuck, Coast Guard; Grandpa Charles, army). You are a special generation, and I thank you for your selfless service. 


Sales this weekend: 
Aerosoles: all boots up to 50% off
Bakers: boots up to 40% off, plus 25% off any item when you buy a boot!
Bus Stop Boutique: Designer of the month: NICOLE! Pick up a pair of NICOLE boots or shoes & enjoy $20 OFF
Macy’s: 10% off plus free shipping using promo code VET15
Nordstrom: Half-yearly sale for women and kids
Payless: BOGO!
Steve Madden: free shipping on any order (no minimum) using code HOLIDAY
Lord & Taylor: 25% off boots, and an extra 20% off regular and sale prices with code NOV
Saks: Free shipping on all orders using code HOLIDAY