Tag: Shoes

A Dissenting Opinion

SadieLeave a comment

Like many ladies with an urban commute, I always have a pair of lightweight slip on shoes/sneakers so I can commute in comfort and preserve my pretty work shoes. I’ve tried a couple brands and a few styles over the years but I’ve settled on Toms Avalon shoes for a last couple years. I get a pair, wear them into the ground in about six months, then replace them.

Recently I’ve seen the hype around Allbirds and they have a slip on style comparable to my Tom’s so I decided to give them a try. While they’re lightweight and very soft, I have mixed opinions. Here’s my pro/con list:

Pro

  • lightweight
  • breathable (I got the “tree material” version)
  • machine washable
  • no break in required

Con

  • run small (they only have whole sizes so I don’t want to size up)
  • no instep support
  • upper has a lot more coverage than my Toms (my friends said they look like water shoes)
  • limited color options
  • price point- $100 (every alternative is about $50)

I think the main issue for my is the size issue. I have been a size 10 forever, and I think if I sized up to an 11 they would be huge on me and my feet would look really large. Also the lack of support is not great. I want to use them for walking, but my Toms have much better support. Lastly, if I can get Toms or Skechers that are cuter, more supportive, and $50 cheaper, I think the choice is obvious.

So the plan is that I’ll wear this pair into the ground. We’ll see how they last. Then I’ll go back to Toms or I did see a cute new version of Skechers Go Walks in the store the other day.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer…

Shopping for Summer: A Hunt for Sandals

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It’s just about sandal time, and I realized that when I cleaned out my shoes this winter, I tossed most of my sandals because they were just plain worn out. Now I’m trying to figure out what kind of sandals I need this summer. I have my standard Rainbows and Havanans that I wear running around on the weekends, but I need a couple nicer options for social occasions. I should caveat that most of these options are very neutral because I tend to only get a couple options and just wear them into the ground with every outfit, so I prefer a versatile color.

Here are some of the styles I’m contemplating:

Flats

Slides are so trendy this year, so I think I need at least one slide option. I love Toms in general, and these seems like a really neutral and comfortable option. They also come in plenty of color options, and several brands are doing this style this year.

Everyone is doing a version of these Grecian inspired slides. These are Sam Edelman but Steve Madden does a good version too. Getting them in brown or a metallic would work with everything.

I think this option from Sam Edelman is the perfect marriage of fashion and function. They seem comfortable to walk in, but a little more feminine than some of the chunkier options out there.

I love a metallic, and I love the asymmetry of these slides from Nine West. These are a little more day to night than the other options above.

Another from Nine West. I love a stud accent, and the back strap would be helpful for a long day. I love these in black and they have a slightly more substantial footbed than some other options.

Heels

Starting with Toms again, I think these are great for dressing up or down on the weekend. And they look really comfortable which is a big bonus.

Ann Taylor has surprised me lately with their shoe options. I think these would be perfect for a summer dinner out because they are a little more polished but still not really formal. The heel looks kind of high but I think it’s only three inches.

I saw a friend wearing these the other day, and I loved them. They might not quite be sandals but I think they’re perfect for brunch with the girls when you’ll be in the air conditioning. They also would be great almost year ’round- perfect with jeans.

These from JCrew scream wedding guest to me. They are dressy but a little more interesting than the standard simple strappy heel. It’s also great that the heel is chunky because you’ll last long in these. I’m seeing ruffles on a lot of shoes these days. I guess that trend worked it’s way to the ground.

What’s on your wish list right now?

Spring Shopping!

SadieLeave a comment

So I’m not sure about where you live, but winter didn’t really happen in DC this year. I’m glad I didn’t go overboard on the sweater shopping…

I’m itching to start shopping for spring and first on my list a transitional shoe for the weekends that can go from spring through fall. I have my eye on a tan shoe with a decent chunky heel in the bootie/slide/wedge realm. I want something that can work with jeans but not too out of place with shorts.

Which ones should I get?

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

This is by 1.State and goes for $138. I like the perforated texture, the heel is perfect at 3 inches. I’m not sure if the color is too blush rather than tan. Would that limit it’s versatility?

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

This one by Steve Madden is another solid option at $109. The heel is 3.5 inches which is good but borderline high for a casual weekend heel. I’m also not sure how the peep toe and the open back will work for early spring and late fall. That said, I think it will work really will for summer styles.

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

I really like this shoe by Vince Camuto at $149. I think the style is really cool, and it’s a great color. The cons are that the heel is on the higher side at 4 inches, which, again, is do-able but high for a casual shoe. Also the price tag is one the higher end in comparison to the other options.

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

These Sam Edelman’s are really cute on sale at $77. I think they’re really cool, but I wonder if the mule style will be as transitional as some of the other styles, and I don’t know if the color is perfect.

Sadie Dishes- Spring Shopping

This Dolce Vita slide goes for $129. I really like the style, but, again, I’m not sure if it’s three seasons. I like the color and the perforated texture though.

So the question is- which will be my Goldilocks option? What do you think?