Kenneth Cole must have really loved this color-blocked shoe from last season:

Kenneth Cole “Oh Bell” $89.99 at Shoes.com.

Prefer a rounder, conical heel? Get this season’s recyled version:

Kenneth Cole “Workspace” in Black/Red from Zappos $83.00.

I like the color combination and relatively manageable heel height. I am also tickled that these bring back 80’s color combinations with the bold black and red blocking; now, if we can only avoid shoulder pads and women’s “Power Suits”, I’ll be happy.

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Now that summer is officially upon us, I’ve noticed lots and lots of women wearing variations of essentially one model, which looks more or less like this:

For easy mental reference, I call this “the bib sandal,” a thong sans décolletage, if you will, all naked at the toes and all business up at the ankle. The one pictured above is the Kenneth Cole New York “Hampton Beach,” $129 at Zappos; there are plenty more, of course. They create the illusion of pointedness without the aggravation of pointy shoes: a win-win situation, if you ask me. The women I’ve seen in this type of gladiator-light sandal looked spiffy and put together (not to mention comfortable) in their breezy linen capris or summer-weight jeans, or gauzy flowing skirts. Here are a few more for your browsing pleasure:

A classic look that will go well with just about anything, but especially with flowers in your hair and a big smile, the K. Jacques “Cyrus” sandal is $178 at Shopbop.

The Frye “Mary” beaded edge thong comes in four colors (black, white, gray, and wine) and is $158 at Shopbop. A truly classy look with lots of fun details (buckle, beads, heel cutout) which makes this sandal a winner in my book.

If you want more of an evening look, there’s this Pelle Moda “Arion” model with loads of rhinestones and pearlized leather, coming in four color combos (black, silver, bronze, and platinum gold); it’s $116.10 at Zappos, or if you’re just looking for the gold version, $62.48 at Endless. (And for those of you who live and sleep in high heels, they also have a high-heeled version of this sandal for $133 at Zappos). Oh, while you’re at it: check out this identical twin (IDENTICAL IN EVERY WAY, people!): the RSVP Adrianne sandal (available for $70). My mind is officially boggled!

For the Marc Jacobs fans, here’s a simple and sleek version in a low wedge, in green or tan, on sale for $206.50 (down from $$295) at Shopbop.

This Unisa “Camera” sandal offers a cute embellished variation, plus a thicker molded footbed (mmm, my favorite!) for $79 at Piperlime.

The Kate Spade “Kip” sandals, in red, green, or black, are positively dreamy–though, at $264, they’re kind of pricy. Still, I love the print, the skinny-bib effect, and the strategically placed studs. (Very similar concept but different execution here, in this Lauren by Ralph Lauren “Edie” sandal in Kelly-green patent, $89 at Endless:

.) I’m sure you can find your own favorite versions with a little bit of prodding–Happy Sandal Shopping, shoe lovers!

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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.

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Yellow is a hard color to pull off, especially when it’s on your shoes. I never owned yellow shoes, and I’m pretty sure that since the time I turned 12 I never wore anything yellow.

This spring, however, things are going to change. Yellow is big, and some of yellow shoes proposed by the designers are positively delightful. Every year I make one big shoe resolution–a couple of years ago it was throwing out my high heels; last year was buying more peep-toes; and this year, I think I’m going to make the leap to yellow.

I’m not sure what to choose though, especially when the choices are so varied!

Cynthia Vincent Sophie in black and yellow, 270 at Piperlime.

Kenneth Cole Button Up yellow suede flat, $120 at Piperlime.

Rafe Irina bow flat, $220 at Piperlime.

Dolce Vita Moritz peep-toe Mary Jane, $100 at Piperlime.

Frye Cameron skimmer, $148 at Piperlime.

AK Anne Klein Foxie, $89 at Piperlime.

Paul Green Vienna thong sandal, $219 at Zappos.

Kate Spade satin and crystals sandal, $299 at Zappos.

Gabriella Rocha Studio Cota, $109 at Zappos.

Franco Sarto Fancy, $89 at Piperlime.

Tory Burch Reva2, $195 at Plaza Too.

Chie Mihara Quake flat, $310 at Nordstrom.

…I’ll tell you what, I’m going to go and mull over this for a while…

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