Shoe Sleuth: 5 Flats for Work AND Weekend Barcrawls

Get Low

Dear Shoe Sleuth,

Last weekend, I was part of the Brown Girls Bar Crawl in Jersey City. I loved the drinks and appetizers at Park and Sixth, Roman Nose, LITM and The Draper, by the way. I was talking to a few of the other attendees, and we realized we all had the same problem trying while we were getting ready for the crawl- the shoes. We wanted to be fly, but we also wanted to be comfortable. (I loved your black and white Keds, by the way.) Now that it's nice out, I'm sure I'll be doing more crawls and outdoor activities... But I don't want to buy shoes to wear JUST for that. Got any suggestions for shoes I can wear to work AND during the weekend that won't break the bank? Also, where can I get mismatched Keds like yours? I think they'd be great for vacations.

-P.B.

Dear P.B.,

First, thanks for joining us on the crawl! I had an amazing time with all of you! Second, the Keds in question- I actually mismatched two pairs I received for hosting an event last spring. I'm glad you liked the mismatched look. I may have to wear them again :-).

Now, to your question. It can definitely be tough to find shoes that are both functional and fly, especially on a budget. The good news is that animal prints and metallics are considered neutrals these days, and brands are incorporating them more into flats. If you're going to be on your feet a lot, a simple lack of a heel won't keep you comfy. You need to consider support and cushioning. Here are a few versatile options that are sophisticated enough for the office AND Saturday-approved — plus they're all under $300.

Sleek Slides

Menswear inspirations and the mule trend had a baby. It's Pour la Victoire's Felix flat. In snake-embossed leather with staple detailing that invokes the feeling of clogs, it's a great mix of uptown polish and downtown edge. During the week, it's the perfect support system for slacks and a slick button-down. Come saturday, it adds edgy sophistication to cropped jeans and a tee. ($295 at Pourlavictoire.com)

Wrap Stars 

The ballet flat's more complicated cousin, the ankle-tie flat is the shoe of the season. It's almond toe and simple silhouette have ingenue appeal, while the leg-elongating ankle ties add a coquettish kick. The Deandra from Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn features a playful rope tie that works well with pencil skirts at work and then complements cut-offs on the weekend. If your office is more conservative, consider buying this style in black. ($110 at kelsidagger.com)

Points of Interest

Few things exude polish like a pointed toe, especially when you add shiny patent leather and metallic gold. Add the sophistication of an oxford, plus the simplicity of a slip-on, and and you've got the perfect wherever flat. From skirts to skinnies, dresses to joggers and everywhere in-between this Treasure flat from Nine West will scores intra-office style points AND street cred. ($31.52- $101 at amazon.com)

Rain or Shine

You know those days where it's supposed to sprinkle off and on... but you refuse to let it put a damper on your plans? This snake pattern wingtip shoe from Biion is made entirely of EVA, so it won't get mesed up in the rain. It's also constructed with special comfort features and a nonslip sole that's great whether you're boating, playing golf or kicking a$$ in beer pong. It looks great with skirts and midi dresses, too. I received a pair in white with blue trim, and I get compliments every time I wear them. ($109.99 at shop-usa.biionfootwear.com)

Daring Dimensions

The Wanna Be Rio oxford from Melissa Shoes goes seamlessly from the office (with wide leg pants or a streamlined maxi skirt) to out and about (same wide legs, maxi or virtually anything). This Star of Melissa's collab collection with Wanna Be Carioca features an edgy open toe, and the cut-out flatform sole makes it a prime choice for events that require walking in grass (ahem, music festivals). You do know that all Melissa shoes are rubber, right? When you pour out a little for the homies, don't worry about splashing. ($180 at shopmelissa.com)

P.B., I hope one of these options works for you, and if not, I hope you at least have some new ideas. As always, feel free to reach out for further guidance. 

-The Shoe Sleuth

Can you see yourself in these styles? Do you have a go-to go-everywhere shoe? Let us know in the comments!

*Shoes N Booze is an affiliate of Pour La Victoire, Kelsi Dagger and Amazon.com. If you make a purchase, we earn a little change. Thanks!

Much Ado about Shoes: FFANY June 2011

 

For shoe lovers such as moi, the FFANY Shoe Expo is like a style-savvy friend with whom we only chat every few months. When we do get together, however, it’s always a blast. Plus, she’s in the know and shares the inside scoop (but only if she trusts you). This year, many brands were wary of letting people take pictures (thanks to style thieves). However, I thoroughly enjoyed checking out some of my favorite brands’ interpretations of shoe trends for this and upcoming seasons. Here’s what I spied with my shoe-lusting eye (WARNING: Long post ahead):

Demure for Sure

In the coming season, things will stay pretty prim. With their bows, ankle straps and dainty details, ladylike looks balance out the rock-glam and menswear inspired looks that have dominated lately.(Clockwise: C-Label’s Arnie-2 (blue) and Peyton-12 (pink), ankle strap print sandal by Candela, Sandal with sparkly strap by Schutz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twinkle Toes

The sparkly shoe trend also seems to be sticking around for a while. You may remember a past post featuring Bordello Teeze  pump… Well lately, lots of brands have been offering slightly toned-down and smoothed out alternatives, and glam gals like me can’t get enough. (Left to right: Miss Me Vibe-2 pump, Charles David ankle strap glitter pump)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fringe Binge

We’ve seen fringed footwear here and there lately, but for Fall 2011, it’s going to be in full force. (left to right: C-Label Dainty-5, Luichiny High Life.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stepping it Up

We’ve been walking tall for quite some time in platform peep toes, pumps and other styles. In the last couple of seasons, designers have kicked it up a notch with double platforms and semi-strippertastic styles. Shoe Fairy, I’ll take these, please! (Clockwise: Leopard lace up bootie by N.Y.L.A., Brea T-strap by Francheska, Tara tan tied sandal by Fever Shoes, Green Suede pump by Pour la Victoire, Tasha fuchsia sandal by Fever Shoes.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Block Party

Color blocking is HUGE for Summer 2011 and will continue to keep things fun in the coming seasons. (Clockwise: Color block ankle boot and multi-color sandal by Luichiny, Color block pumps, blue/ black platforms, pink/ red platforms from Charles by Charles David, pink/ orange pumps from Kelsi Dagger, blue/ green pumps by Schutz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horse Play

The perfect luxe touch for fall, pony hair adds extra personality and texture to some of the upcoming season’s most chic styles. (Clockwise: black ankle boot by Luichiny, lace up booties by Pour la Victoire, splatter-look bootie by Plomo, Leopard print d’orsay pump by Charles David.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had enough? Want more? (I’ve still got a few waiting in the wings.. Think crazy wedges, snakeskin and ultra brights by brands like Jefferey Campbell, Schutz and Butter shoes.) Have a question about when/ where you can buy a pair you’ve seen here? Let me know!

Technorati Tags: FFANY,Shoe trends,shoe trade shows,double platform shoes,pony hair shoes

Shoe News: Pour la Victoire & Kelsi Dagger Facebook Giveaways

Friendship has its Benefits

Two of my fave shoe brands, Pour la Victoire and Kelsi Dagger, are doing shoe giveaways via Facebook! See the images below for details (clicking them will take you to the brands' Facebook pages so you can "Like" them and enter). I'll be submitting my entries as soon as I can select a favorite pair (tough decision...). Good luck!