Reader NYNY writes in from a mysterious location and asks: Hi TCFKAG! I've been on a quest for some time with no success: I'm looking for red pumps in leather that isn't patent. I don't know why, but all I can find is patent, which always gives me blisters. Add in that I fear red patent tends to look strippery - but that may be my office, where several staff members wear stripper shoes all the time (like these Qupid Neutral Platform Pump). I wear a 7.5 or 8, prefer closed toe for year-round wear, like a 3 inch heel but would go up or down an inch, and want no or minimal platform. I'm willing to spend up to $150ish for the right pair. I frequently wear a lot of black, grey, and navy, and I've long loved wearing red shoes with a fairly neutral outfit. But I just can't find them lately. Can you help? So - I'm going to start by addressing one issue in your letter - I'm fairly uncomfortable with the declaration that all patent leather shoes are "strippery" (or actually that any shoes are "stripper" shoes unless a woman is wearing them to dance on stage while taking off her clothes - but that's another matter entirely.) But, what I'm not uncomfortable with is saying that certain shoes aren't necessarily work appropriate and are best saved for going out to clubs or bars or wherever else you want to wear them, and I think the platform pumps you linked to fall firmly into that category. Here's why - I think work shoes can have one (or even two) of the following things: high heel, platform, bright color, patent leather, embellishment, or peep toe (know your office) - but if there are more than two of those on a given pair of shoes, you should think long and hard about whether the shoes you are holding are work appropriate. But, moving on, I don't have to agree with you that patent is non-work appropriate by nature to understand that it may not be your style or preference - so I'm happy to help you find a nice, non-patent red pump (and I agree, they can be a real bitch to find.) So let's give it a try, okay? And now for my tradition of a couple of less rule bound options: Tahari Zoe Patent Leather Pointed-Toe Pumps in coral at Lord & Taylor ($59.99 - I *love* the shape on these and thought the color is called coral it looks like its a reddish coral. Even though its called patent leather, it looks like these would be beautiful for the office in the spring and summer.) Frye Regina High Heels in vintage red at Zappos ($188 - I love the shape and color of these - for a high heel these would be amazingly comfortable I bet. Seriously. There's a lower version too.) EDITOR'S NOTE: Have you entered the promotional contest yet? HAVE YOU? And if you have, did you remember to send me the email documenting your entry? Without the email I won't know how many people to enter in the raffle!! So promote away dear readers - and then send me an e-mail at [email protected] with a screenshot or link showing your awesome efforts. :-) You are all awesome. Thumbs up!
So yesterday we did black and white, but today I'm going to do my personal favorite color combo from the last couple of seasons, black and gold. The above dress, the Starlight Hearted Dress from ModCloth ($202.99) inspired the post. I think its lovely and would be great for a New Year's party or an evening wedding...or for vacuuming around the house in heels. But there are SO MANY great black and gold stuff out there right now - lets check some of it out, shall we? I first fell in love with black and gold this past fall because of the most beautiful pair of black and gold Ralph Lauren Black Collection Mary Jane pumps I have ever seen - I saw them on Marion Cotillard in the August 2012 and I fell deeply and irretrievably in love with them. But they were strictly out of budget then and now I can't find them anywhere on-line. Alas...the one's that got away. But that doesn't mean we can't find some pretty alternatives. So - has black and gold worked its way into your wardrobe? Or does it give you too many flashbacks to earlier eras? Share your favorite black and gold items in the comments.
Is there any single item that the working woman spends more time hunting for than the perfect pair of commuter/work flats? Seriously - they are the holy grail of shoes. Everyone has their own preferences, their own style desires, and no one wants to be wearing their grandma's shoes. So here's a post with a *few* options. These aren't all of the flats out there, but I'm trying to get a bunch that have good reviews and look cute. Make more recommendations in the comments! Softwalk Napa Flat at Nordstroms ($98.95 - black, white, pewter) - reviews are good! Trotters Liz Pewter Calf Loafers ($85.00 - comes in many colors and widths) - the reviews on these are amazing. Clarks Artisan Collection Dumure Flare Flat ($94.95 - comes in wide) - good for the peep toe crowd. Softspots Posie Jewel Red Velvet Flats at Zappos ($63.99 - other colors and all widths) - again good revies. Aravon Yvonne Flat at Nordstroms ($124.95 - comes in several widths) - I like the slight wedge/lift. Corso Como Famenka Flat in Royal ($58.95 - comes in other colors) - don't normally recommend true ballet flats, but these get stellar reviews. Finally - since I know some people prefer to commute in low wedges to flats - here are a few low but still stylish (at least sort of stylish) wedges that might interest you. Trotters Lauren Pump in dark grey at Nordstroms ($92.95 - available in narrow and wide) - won't front, it isn't the sexiest shoe in the world. But anyone who follows me knows I like a good pewter pump and this one has a subtle pattern to add some interest. Plus it has 4.5 stars after 25 reviews. A good sign. Anne Klein Raylene wedge in Seafoam at Zappos ($57.99 - available in other colors) - for those more adventurous in color palette. Also has surprisingly good reviews. Rockport Nelsina Wedge Pump in tawny port (purple for Kat) ($26.44-$114.95 - other colors and widths available) - though its a higher wedge, the reviews are good and I know some prefer that height. I've always been very happy with the quality of Rockport items I've purchased. Okay - that's all she wrote for today folks. Got a specific commuter shoe question? You know what to do (and if you don't, well click on the lick for Vicarious Shopping Questions and it should become apparent.) Hope you find something here you like!
Reader HC queries:I am desperately seeking a pair of pale tan/cognac driving shoes/loafers for commuting to work and maybe wearing on non-heels days. The office is biz formal. Here is the pair I am currently obsessed with: Acne Kyra Loafer That is the PERFECT color. Complicating factors: 99% of stiff loafery shoes give me blisters at the back of the heel, so I generally need to wear shoes with flexible "driving" soles or which are otherwise from "comfortable shoe" brands. I'd like to spend under $200, preferably under $150. Oh, and they don't necessarily need to be as plain as the ones linked-- it's the color more than anything that calls to me. Thank youuu!So - as anyone who has ever shopped on-line knows, the hardest thing to do...ever is match colors. Depending on screen color, picture quality, whatever - colors can appear really different in pictures and in person (just look at any shirt that has been called "tomato" but looks coral in a picture or vice versa.) I love the color of the shoes you picked, a nice warm toasted almond color (if I had to describe it) and I'll endeavor to match it as closely as possible. For those shopping along at home, here are the shoes in question. Keeping in mind that color is more important than shape and the requirements for a soft bottom and/or comfort brand, here are a few options I found for you.
Reader ML inquires: TCFKAG, Love the blog and submitting yet another shoe question. I am getting married and want to wear a wedge. The only thing I've seen that appealed to me is the Jimmy Choo Tweak or the Steven Tippsy you just posted (it's a little low). I really would love a non cork heel and not to spend $700 on a pair of shoes. xoxoWell, Reader ML, if there is one thing that will always get me interested, it is wedding shopping challenges. I love wedding shopping (especially for other people, I didn't enjoy shopping for my own wedding nearly as much...though actually...shoes and the dress were pretty fun). So - the Steven Tippsy's ARE pretty fun (but I understand the desire for a non-cork wedge ... though the tapered wedges are a bit more discreet). I actually HAD Jimmy Choo sparkle shoes for my wedding (not wedges but a kitten heel) and though my beloved fiancé nearly blew a vein about the price, I have never really regretted the expenditure (though mine did not cost $700). The Jimmy Choo Tweak wedges are lovely, though I'd worry they'd get uncomfortable by the end of the day. For those shopping along at home, here are the two shoes in question. So - I think I see some definite trends here. You like sparkly, silver ankle strap or t-strap sandles with a wedge (preferably covered). Higher the better. And under $700. That gives me some room to work with. Here are a few options.
Reader S asks: Hi TCFKAG! I've been searching for colorful spring shoes and keep coming up short. Loved some of the Ann Taylor "perfect" pumps (great corals and greens), but they've sold out in my size. Most of the cute colorful shoes I've found are in suede, but I'm just not a big fan of suede. Here's what I'm looking for: Pumps/peeptoes/slingbacks Heel height: 3.5-4" (Not wedge) Size: 7.5 Colors: Spring-y yellow, orange, green, maybe blue? Under $200. Thank you
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