Sandals to Wear with Vintage Summer Dresses

Recently I have become obsessed with buying vintage, or vintage inspired, dresses. All of my free time seems to be consumed by trolling thrift stores, boutiques, and online shopping sites. Now that I have a healthy collection of vintage dresses, I need sandals that complement the vintage aesthetic I’m working. Rising to this challenge, I’ve selected some of my favorite summertime sandals.

As a fan of Kork-Ease shoes (I already own a pair of their Ava sandals – and they are so comfortable!), I’ve been thinking about buying a pair with a cork wedge.

Kork-Ease Myrna II Wedge in red (also available in black, white, green, and yellow) for $129 at Zappos

Since I’m a devotee of comfortable shoes, I love Dansko’s. They have a great selection of sandals with a heel, and heels do look great with summer dresses.

Dansko Sissy Sandal in brown (also available in black, white, red, and green) for $109.95 at The Walking Company

If you’re working a 70′s vibe with a vintage dress, clogs are a must have shoe.

Swedish Hasbeens Braided High Clog in white (also available in brown, red, and blue) for $199 at Endless

During and after college I lived in Spain, and during my time there I fell in love with Campers. I still turn to Campers for a European mix of style and comfort.

Camper Laura Wedge Sandal in black/white (also available in all black, all white, brown, and blue) on sale for $142.45 (regularly $149.99) at Endless

I am always drawn to perfectly flat shoes. These sandals by Proenza Schouler are a great reinterpretation of the gladiator sandal trend (something I never got into).

Proenza Schoular Lace-Up Cutout Sandals on sale for $415.99 (regularly $595) at Saks

Ask the Shoebloggers: What Shoes Go With Trouser Jeans?

This issue of Ask the Shoebloggers comes from a friend of mine with a dilemma that’s got to do with a very of the moment trend.

What kind of (hopefully comfy) shoes look best with the now-trendy
wide-trouser-leg pants? I have a pair of nice wide jeans/slacks, and
I’m always worried I look a little Saturday Night Fever-ish if I wear
close-toed shoes or platforms–but I can’t wear flats because they’re
too long.

First off, I have to say that I support the trouser jean trend. Sure, you have to be careful about the high-waisted aspect, but it’s so much more flattering on so many more people than the horrible skinny jeans that are still unfortunately making the rounds on many more legs than they should be.

I, too, have bought a pair of trouser jeans, which I love, and I specifically had them tailored with a little extra length, so when I wear them, it’s got to be with heels or platforms of some sort.

Here are a few solutions I go for, illustrated with shoes that are close to (if not exactly) ones that are sitting in my closet.

First off, there’s the dainty look with a low wedge (which, for me, means 2″ or less). Or really any wedge, since if you want to go for more height, a wedge is a fairly comfy way to do it.

To avoid Saturday Night Fever, stick to something that doesn’t have a platform. Here are two pairs that have just been/are about to be added to my collection that I’m already planning on pairing with the trouser jeans.

Ecco Durango ($140), which is a good option to transition from one season to another.

or

Taryn Rose Kaelyn ($445), which is a more warm-weather choice, particularly if you opt for the leafy green color.

I’ve been pairing my trouser jeans with boots for the past few months while the weather’s still been cold. Everything from a 2″/2.5″ heel, sleek sort of boot like the Kenneth Cole Kiss Hello ($110)

to the classic cowboy boot (a good sturdy, comfy way to get a couple inches of height). Mine are Lucchese, similar to the N4540 pictured here, and on sale right now for $263 at Shoes.com.

Also fun would be sticking a pair of Camper Twins under your trouser jeans. Since just the toes will peek out from under the wide legs, I’m all in favor of those toes being interesting and different. I’m all about these Peacock heels ($165), which also come in another color combo that you can get directly from the Camper website.

Pretty much, I’d say almost anything goes. Just stay away from platforms, yes, because the 70s are over. Closed-toe shoes should be fine, as long as there’s something interesting going on with the toe (see above examples: stitching, buttons, open-toe, multi-color appliques). That should keep your inner disco diva confined to her proper place where she can keep you going all night on the dance floor instead of looking like you’re missing your John Travolta.

Narrowly Avoided Shoe Purchasing

Yes, even though it seems to fly in the face of our shared obsession here at Shoeblog, I avoided purchasing shoes this glorious Memorial Day weekend while shopping on Newbury St in Boston.

Which shoes did I narrowly avoid, might you ask? Several. Here, I’ll illustrate.

First up: the Dansko Nyla ($124)

It’s even cuter in person. The patent leather (all the black parts) is shinier, and the whole thing has a delicious summer vibe. It also comes in an adorable coral color, which is even more tempting to me.

Next temptation: Cole Haan G Series Keegan slip-on ($165)

I’m a sucker for G Series shoes, and this one has a removable insole, so I could put my orthotics in it. Plus the gold and the maroon patent leather… mmmm. It was a close call.

And finally, the last temptation (not of Christ, but of me): these Camper Twins slip ons ($139)

I’ve blogged about these before, but I saw them in the Camper store and had to try them on. And you know what… they look cheaper in person. Yes, they were comfy, but the leather didn’t look all that great, and the ”sunglasses” appliques looked none too classy, either. They didn’t have quite the sense of whimsy and fun I thought they would have.

So, the Campers ended up being less tempting, but the other two pairs… well, let’s just say I’m now scouring the internet to try and find them on sale anywhere. Anyone who has luck on that front, let me know. The temptation might prove too much for me.

Here’s Why I Love Camper

When I shop for shoes, I’m usually looking for something that’s a little off the beaten path.  I like my shoes to be a little funky… conversation starters… the kind of shoes that get noticed on the street or spice up a neutral outfit.  That’s why I have a tendency to love Campers.  I’ve got a great pair of patchwork boots from the Twins line that always get comments from strangers.  And boy, do they fit my calves perfectly, too!

So, it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest that I’m drooling over these Twins ($139 at Zappos):

They’re still basic enough that you could wear them with a polished outfit.  Individually, they look like they’re just an interesting design on a d’Orsay flat, b when you look at them together?  What could be more perfect for spring/summer fun but a little pair of sunglasses on your shoes?! 

spring fever!

The birds are chirping!  The crocuses are blooming!  Gloves are being put away in drawers!  It’s springtime!

I’m a nut about spring fever.  Warm weather makes me want to dance and shout and run in circles like an over-excited puppy.

In a desperate attempt to channel some of that energy into something halfway productive (and to keep myself sitting still at my desk), I present a few springtime delicious pairs of shoes in bright, sunny, daffodil yellow!

Two things you need to catch everyone’s eye sitting at outdoor cafe tables: 1. A great pedicure.  2. A great pair of shoes to show it off.  Try these wedges from Madison Harding ($220 at Shopbop.com).

To handle those April showers in style, here’s a pair of waterproof Tretorn wedges (only $75 at Shoes.com).

Go gather those flowers in the field, and wear shoes to match.  I’ve posted these Marc by Marc Jacobs ankle strap sandals before, I know, but this is just the absolute ultimate springtime shoe, in my book, and now they’re 50% off!

And the winner of the unofficial springtime daffodil shoe contest has got to be these tie-up espadrilles.  It’s the stem, leaves, and flower all in one!  Nobody makes playful, irreverent, rascally shoes like Camper, and these are no exception, and on sale for just $78.