YouLookFab » Footwear

Fab Find: Clarks Diamond Heart sandal

Angie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:43:22 +0000

Clarks is doing great things this season. Comfortable and good looking sandal styles like the Raasas, Country Meadow and Smooch are great buys, and now there’s also a sweet little peep-toed number called the “Diamond Heart”. Its oversized button and chunky stacked heel are deliciously retro in flavour. The top stitching adds a nice casual element to the look. The broad ankle strap is not for everyone, but if that’s not an issue, it’s soft and buttery like most leather uppers on Clarks footwear.

It is available in US sizes 5 to 12 across three colours that I find equally appealing. The black is urban and strong, the metallic is pretty and versatile, the beige is unique and probably the most retro looking of them all. Which colour do you like best?

Fab Find: Clarks Smooch sandal

Angie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:59:30 +0000

If you loved the Brulees I posted last year, you might like the Smooch in this season’s Clarks collection. I find them even more comfortable and the studs are an edgy cherry on top. Soft footbed, buttery leather, roomy toebox and an ever so slightly raised wedge heel. No buckle digging or strap rubbing.

The Smooch is superior quality to the fabulous $40 Voyage sandal I blogged about earlier this week. It also comes in wonderful colours and the red, champagne and black get my top vote. Great with skirts and dresses, or under leggings and jeans.

I won’t be getting these sandals because I have enough pairs to see me through our short hot weather season. But I highly recommend the style if you need a comfortable flat Summer walking shoe. These probably would have been 8-hour city shoes for my fussy feet.

Fabulous 8-hour, $40 sandals

Angie — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:24:54 +0000

These “Voyage” sandals might not knock your socks off right now, but wait till you pop them onto your feet. Absolutely heavenly. They are lightweight, soft, fairly structured, feminine and hands down the most comfortable pair of sandals I have EVER had on my extremely fussy feet.

The elastic ankle strap is genius because it hits below the ankle, which is a flattering position for all ankle types. It also stretches as you stride. The toe strap isn’t quite as stretchy but it’s also forgiving, which means that wider feet and feet with bunions should also try this style. And the fabulously low wedge heel adds just enough height, while the balls of your feet rejoice with relief. No strap digging, rubbing or clucking noises.

These sandals are available in equally versatile metallic and black. I bought the metallic and needed to size down half a size. They are a no-brainer paired with skirts, dresses and walk shorts, but I like them even better with leggings, cigarette pants and skinnies.

I was so, so, so smitten with the comfort level of these inexpensive sandals that I almost bought two pairs right away. Then I remembered that I live in Seattle. It’s going to be months before it’s warm enough to wear these out around here, but when temperatures start to soar I’ll have very happy feet.

Fab Find: Clarks country meadow wedge sandal

Angie — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:38:05 +0000

Today is sandal day on YLF! This strappy sandal style is less trendy and more casual than the styles I posted earlier this morning, but just as fab. If, like me, you prefer less strain on the balls of your feet when you wear heels, the two and half inch on this little darling might be the answer.

It’s no secret that I’m a Clarks fan. The British brand holds my attention because it usually offers great foot bed comfort, a sturdy sole and heel, and pretty good arch support. At times, the styles can look quite dowdy. But there are always hip and cool options within each collection, with this season being no exception.

The Country Meadow Wedge Sandal is simple, casual, versatile and delicious. Soft leather and a walkable two and a half inch wedge heel make it a practical and comfortable hot weather solution for skirts, walk shorts and dresses. I’ve seen all the colours and they are equally lovely, but the raspberry probably gets my top vote. At $90 the wedge sandal isn’t cheap, but Clarks make a long-lasting, good quality shoe and unfortunately that comes at a price. Available in sizes 5 to 12, do yourself a favor and try them on. There is no substitute for happy feet.

Strappy high heeled sandals can be comfy

Angie — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:20:36 +0000

Comfy is relative here, because you will still need to arch your foot fairly severely in these three to four inch heeled sandals. If heels of this magnitude are not an option, then look away. But if you’re happy sporting this heel height, then get your feet into these strappy sandals as soon as possible. Arched feet aside, I was much impressed with the comfort levels around the foot. The sandals are soft, supple, fairly stable and cushioning. Surprisingly, no strap digging or rubbing as I walked them through their paces in stores.

Here are some detailed impressions. From left to right:

Sofft “Vanessa”: This cage heeled style is not to be confused with the “Rachelle”, which looks very similar. The Rachelle isn’t nearly as comfortable because the patent leather is hard and it immediately started rubbing against my skin. The ankle strap on the Vanessa is also below the ankle bone, which added to my comfort levels.
Clarks “Raasas”: I adore the chunky stacked heel and wider straps of this style. It’s my favourite of the three because it’s the most comfortable and stable. Love the steel blue shade you see above, but the burnt orange is just as fab. I really like seeing chunky strappy shoes under shorter hemlines – this sandal fits the bill perfectly.
Franco Sarto “Tazer”: This sandal is exclusive to Nordstrom and is especially pretty in earthy stone. In my opinion, it’s the most elegant and feminine of the three styles.

These heels are too high for my my fussy feet, but in all other respects the comfort is quite exceptional. Which of the styles above appeals to you?

Boots and heel slippage

Angie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:26:27 +0000

I’ve noticed that my heels slip inside some of my ankle boots and knee-high boots as I walk. More specifically, my heel lifts away from the foot bed as I step onto the balls of my feet. If the shoes were ballet flats, this foot action would probably cause them to slip off my feet. But since my foot is enclosed, the boots stay put.

Strangely, I really like the fact that my heels slip as I stride in my roomier cowboy and slouch boots. I find the walking motion very comfortable because there’s excess room around my entire foot when this happens. But, I also enjoy the comfort of a snug fit if the boots are soft. This is the case for my Dr. Martens.

It seems that I’m not the only one whose heels slip in boots. Roomier boot styles this Winter season have caused lots of heel slippage talk with my clients. Some enjoy the walking motion as I do, whereas others prefer their heels to stay flush against the footbed.

Do your heels slip inside boots too? If so, do you find this foot motion comfortable or uncomfortable?

New York Fashion Week: shoes glorious shoes

Angie — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:18:36 +0000

The shoes worn by the attendants of Fashion Week deserved a runway show of their own. In fact, if you kept your head down and focused on the floors of the tents throughout the week, you’d be suitably entertained. We’ve seen it all around here: from ballet flats, strappy cage heels, peep-toes, mary janes, over the knee-high boots and uggs, to wellies, pumps, riding boots, booties, sneakers, Docs, spectators and oxfords.

Because it’s Winter, neutrally toned boots and booties are the most popular form of footwear: from the sleekest flat equestrian styles, to the highest of platform wedges. Pumps were the next most popular form of footwear, with no shortage of red soled Christian Louboutins. There are definitely more heels than flats making their rounds here at fashion week, with three inch heels being the average height. There are also loads of women sporting five and six inch heels. I don’t know HOW they do it, but they can include their high heel walking skills in their resumes.

If I had to pick to most common shoe worn here at Fashion Week, it would be a four inch black stiletto bootie. Next would be a four inch black stiletto pump worn with hose. Some of the shoes are so pretty and beautifully made that I would gladly display them as works of art at home — a much better idea than using them for walking.

You’ve seen what I’ve been wearing on my feet to fashion week and I’ve felt just as fab. We love, love, love to walk extensively in cities, so my extra comfy one to two inch heeled boots suit me just fine as we charge through the streets of Manhattan in rain, snow and shine. What would you wear on your feet if you were here at New York Fashion Week?

Fab Find: Me Too Essex low heeled pumps

Angie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:32:42 +0000

This is such an 80’s inspired shoe. And true to the low heel footwear trend for 2010 it has a one and ¾ inch heel. Wooohooo!

To say that these pumps are comfortable is an understatement. While I haven’t yet put them through their paces, they have the potential to be 8-hour city shoes. The cushioning foot bed is sublime, and the balls of your feet are in heaven because the foot is only slightly arched. The toe box is cut quite low and wide which will make it work for a broader foot too. There will probably be enough space for a bunion to breathe on the side of the shoe.

While the Essex pump might look a little more conservative than the funkier wedge styles that Me Too has in their range at the moment, it truly is the more comfortable shoe because it’s softer and roomier. I like it’s retro flare and wholeheartedly believe that this pump can look sassy and hip if you want it to. Remember that it’s HOW you wear it that counts. They are already on sale for $72 at the moment. Please indulge your feet!

Newsflash: Low heels to trend for 2010

Angie — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:15:35 +0000

Woohooo!!! Three cheers and hallelujah — one of my fashion prayers has been answered. I never thought I’d see the day, but it’s right there in black and white in Vogue’s Accessory Guide for Spring 2010. Move over sky high stilettos and platform wedges, you’ve got low heel competition. KILLER.

I’m giddy with excitement at the prospect of seeing a flood of one to two and half inch heeled shoes in stores. No flood yet, but I’m hopeful that Jeffery Campbell and Donald Pliner’s Spring collections are the start of good things to come.

Frye comfortable, casual boots are forever fab

Angie — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:44:30 +0000

I’m into bold statements this year. First, moto jackets are a must and now Fryes. Every gal needs a pair of fabulous Frye boots, and once again, I don’t make these statements lightly. Frye boots are a versatile, timeless, casual classic. Their appeal cuts across all ages, body types and fashion personas, depending on the style you choose and HOW you wear them.

I’ve been wanting a pair of Fryes for years but comfort was always a challenge. Time and time again I’d give them a whirl, but my fussy feet would complain. But I swear, Frye fairies intervened with this season’s collection as they have never looked better or been more comfortable. There are lots of style options for all sorts of feet and calf widths so don’t give up.

After deciding on the Rory Slouch boots last year, they became an instant favourite. Super soft, extra support, sassy edge and fabulous rugged flair. Very happy feet. That’s them on the right (excuse the gratuitous use of my favourite bag in the picture).

The six styles below have been winners among my clients this Winter. The harness style is very biker-inspired and quite the acquired taste. The billy shorties are more cowboy inspired and especially nice in light distressed hues. The Paige riding style is great for tall lasses with wide calves, while the Veronica Slouch boots are fab for both narrow and wide calf widths. I personally like them best scrunched.

The Melissa Button’s are refined and more sophisticated. My uber sassy 69 year old client almost went home with these in Bordeaux because they fit the bill of sophisticated, classy and edgy all at once. But she opted for the grey Carson shorties instead because they’re a no-brainer easy option with jeans. As she was trying them on in stores with me, my client wore denim bootcuts, a black button down shirt, black trench coat, peacock scarf and pewter handbag. The grey of the boots picked up the grey streak in her hair. A killer outfit. She’ll be wearing her Fryes well into her 70’s. What an inspiration.

The downside? Fryes are expensive, even on sale. If you can’t afford them just yet, try to find a pair of boots that are Frye-like. But if and when your budget allows, don’t think twice. Fryes are an investment piece.