Do you LOVE shoes more than chocolate, Brad Pitt, and gelato combined? If so, you're in luck! This spring, there were lots of fabulous footwear trends spotted on the runways, from the menswear inspired looks at Cynthia Steffe to the see-through sandals dripping in lucite gems at Prada. Much to my own surprise, my favorite looks were the high-end clogs featured in nearly every look at the Chanel runway show (see below). Making something old new again is always in style, and Karl Lagerfeld and co. breathed a breath of fresh and seriously unexpected air into the clog-laden footwear of Chanel's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection.
Find clogs a bit intimidating or too Netherlands-inspired for your taste? Spring offered plenty of looks that are a bit easier to pull off for those who like to keep their look a bit more classic. From nude strappy heeled sandals to the comfy but cute gladiator sandals, spring is all about fantastic footwear!
To glam up a pair of shorts (remember to keep length age and figure appropriate, please), try a towering heel in a flesh-toned color to lengthen your legs and add a nightime edge to a typically daytime separate. Not crazy about stilettos? (I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't be!...Hmm,come to think of it, I actually have a few heel-averse women in my own family aka everyone but yours truly...) For night or day and a look that is as comfortable as it is chic, try a still-hot gladiator sandal in a flat style.
For today's blog, I've featured only shoes available at one of my favorite shopping websites, ZAPPOS. If you haven't yet heard of Zappos, you're probably the only person in America who can stake that claim! (I'm only slightly joking...). For those who are perhaps a bit less online-shopping and/or shoe-obsessed than yours truly, Zappos is a fantastic online retailer that began selling nothing but shoes and more shoes several years ago (Zappos was chosen as the company name as a derivative of "zapatos," which is Spanish for shoes) but has since forayed into clothing, accessories, and much more. Best of all, SHIPPING IS FREE AND FAST ON ALL ORDERS (including returns!) and customer service is definitely above average.
For the fresh-take-on-clogs trend, try one of looks below from Stuart Weitzman, Biviel, or Steve Madden. What I love about these styles are the studded embellishments that add an unexpected toughness to what can be an otherwise country-esque shape. Afraid of trying the clog trend? Try the sexy Greta shoe by Elizabeth and James (MaryKate and Ashley Olsen's footwear line)--the closed toe and platform shape resembles a clog while the slingback and stiletto heel keep this stlye from becoming a literal translation. Also, the metallic color is gorgeous and versatile--pair with everything from a denim shirtdress to cropped city shorts and a ruffled tee.
Looks from Left: Stuart Weitzman Stud Clogs, $345.00; Biviel BV2605,$190.00; Steven by Steve Madden Barc, $139.00. (All styles available at http://www.zappos.com/)
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Elizabeth and James Greta,$429.00.
For a day-to-night shoe that works with everything from spring's denim leggings and baggy cargos to hot-again miniskirts and work-appropriate sheaths, try a nude sandal in a sophisticated leather with a substantial heel to add height and drama to otherwise tired looks. Want to let a new spring frock steal the spotlight? The flesh colored tones make these looks perfect for completing an otherwise busy printed wrap-dress or toning down a sequin top with a refreshing minimalist air.
Looks from Left: BCBG Max Azria Haze, $250.00; Max Studio Xema, $143.00; Calvin Klein Prima $125.00, Sale $112.50; Jessica Simpson Clonise, $79.20, Sale $71.00. (All styles available at http://www.zappos.com/)
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Lastly, and most likely to be embraced by your tootsies, is the gladiator sandal. While this trend has been around for a few seasons, it's as hot as ever and has been spotted in a variety of styles, from sky-high heels and wedges to feet-friendly flats. For a casual-cool look, pair studded flat gladiator sandals in neutrals, metallics, or embellished black hues to add some tough-girl edge to your go-to weekend looks. I love these sandals just as much with the season's on-trend cropped cargo pants as with an airy sundress--they are versatile and so easy to wear. Thinking about rocking these styles for work? Remember to keep your office dresscode policy in mind--for some, these looks are too casual for the office, while for others, these looks will breeze through 9-5 with ease. Whether for work or weekend, choose from one of the many styles and colors available at Zappos; some of my favorites include these looks by Pour La Victoire, Daniblack, and the foot-and-wallet-friendly styles by Report.
Lastly, and most likely to be embraced by your tootsies, is the gladiator sandal. While this trend has been around for a few seasons, it's as hot as ever and has been spotted in a variety of styles, from sky-high heels and wedges to feet-friendly flats. For a casual-cool look, pair studded flat gladiator sandals in neutrals, metallics, or embellished black hues to add some tough-girl edge to your go-to weekend looks. I love these sandals just as much with the season's on-trend cropped cargo pants as with an airy sundress--they are versatile and so easy to wear. Thinking about rocking these styles for work? Remember to keep your office dresscode policy in mind--for some, these looks are too casual for the office, while for others, these looks will breeze through 9-5 with ease. Whether for work or weekend, choose from one of the many styles and colors available at Zappos; some of my favorites include these looks by Pour La Victoire, Daniblack, and the foot-and-wallet-friendly styles by Report.
Looks from Left: Pour La Victoire Adrianna $314.00, Sale $251.20; Daniblack Becks, $139.00; Report Jilly, $80.00, Sale $72.00. (All styles available at www.zappos.com)
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Spotted a footwear trend you're loving for spring that should be featured here? Something you'd like to see explored on Dress to Express? Comments and topic suggestions are welcome!
Until then, here's to warm weather and pedicured toes, please. :o) Happy Shopping and Don't Forget to Dress to Express (Yourself)!
Fashionably yours,
Samantha
