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70 Days...

Nicole

Veteran

til Spring!!!

I got a clearance email from a shoe store and they had a bunch of flip flops and sandals from last season on clearance. This made me yearn for Spring and Summer--hence the math!

Does anyone have any wish lists for spring footwear? I may be putting my boot search aside (which of course, will result in the perfect boots finding their way into my life!)

Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

Anonymous

I'm surprised and happy to hear that the gladiator sandals will be back this spring since I did not get a pair last year. I really thought they would be a one season wonder.
I also did not find a pair of ballet flats last year. I didn't try very hard ofcourse, the Me Too's didn't stay on my foot so I gave up. I have been looking at flats that are more substansial this year hoping they will stay on when I walk.

Tanya

Veteran

What an interesting topic Nicole. Well, I already have a wish list indeed ( I always have plenty of various wish lists and lists in general, I love making lists).

So here's what's on it so far:

1. Two pairs of Converse, in maroon and purple, to go with my casual pants.

2. Closed-toe leather wedges in nude/tan ( my go-to summer shoe), to replace my current 4-year old pair that is dying.

3. A pair of gladiator sandals with a smallish wedge heel, like these (but more affordable):

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st.....16101431-2

4. These sandals in gunmetal, just because I think they are cool:

http://www.smartbargains.com/g.....8;t=Search...prod.1

Nicole

Veteran

Oooh great ideas so far. I love the wedged heeled gladiators, Tanya. I hadn't seen any heeled gladiators--and to be honest, I hadn't fully appreciated the gladiators as flats. Now seeing them with a wedge--makes ALL the difference in the world to me!!

Maya

Veteran

Thinking about warm weather footwear makes me very anxious

I don't know if I'm alone on this, but my feet hurt a LOT in the beginning of the warmer months when I'm transitioning between footwear. I guess my feet get so used to the cushiony warmth and excellent fit of my boots that when I go to wear flats again, it's a bit of a shock. My heels hurt like crazy from the lack of padding and I miss being able to wear socks. My feet get blistered and irritated easily. I got my Boden flats in the mail and they are about as comfortable as my other flats, but still not 8 hour shoes. I own no 8 hour summer shoes, other than my Converse, which are limited in their versatility.

I'm particularly concerned about it this summer because I'm hoping to wear more dresses, and I can't wear Cons with dresses.

I have started looking and I'm not feeling optimistic so far. I feel like I have tried just about everything there is to try and it might be time to just grit my teeth and bear it =\

Tanya

Veteran

Maya, I also have similar transitioning issues when I switch to warm weather footwear. I use tons of Band-Aids, moleskin and Blister stick; and have to keep using them throughout the summer, but to the smaller extent.

Nicole

Veteran

Maya, Do you have a brand of shoe that you wear comfortably in the winter? Have you tried searching by brand of shoe? I didn't realize that La Canadienne made sandals (or that Me Too made boots, for that matter).

I just spotted these: http://zeta.zappos.com/product.....lor/174736 and love the color--and they look SO comfortable!!

Nicole

Veteran

For Maya: These look really comfy....

http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7507006/color/405

http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7371547/color/3094

Maya

Veteran

I know LC makes sandals, but I think sandals in general are just not for me. I think if I were to wear sandals, they would have to have adjustable straps at the front of the foot as well as the back. Even thick straps dig too much. It has more to do with how stiff the leather is than how thin the straps are.

I have this pair of thong sandals from Born but they give be blisters on the inside of my toes:

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7314217/c/7991.html

I hadn't expected that since I wear flipflops around the house. Maybe it's that specific type of sandal, where the strap is attached to the ankle strap. Something like this might be better.

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7211157/c/4082.html

I'm not sure though. I only wear my flipflops around the house. Maybe they weren't meant to be worn when I'm doing any "real" walking.

Those shoes you linked to are very cute and the colors are lovely.

I just saw your second post. The Privos are probably closer to what I need. I actually really wanted to get the GR shoes but they are just not 8 hour shoes for me. For me, 8 hour shoes have to stand up to hours of me pounding pavement in NYC. I'm going to be walking more than ever now that a monthly subway pass is $100.

Tanya, what's a blister stick? I have not heard of that.

taylor

Veteran

70 days!!! That sounds so nice...hope for warmer weather...and I live in California...You poor girls with snow. Don't give up your boot search though...now is the time they go on sale!! You can find some great buys.

Maya

Veteran

For those more experienced with sandal-wearing, do these look comfortable?

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/.....lides.html

I'm mostly concerned about the patent, since it's stiffer than regular leather. Boden puts extra padding in the heel, which is what drew me to look there.

Tanya

Veteran

Maya, this the blister stick I use:

https://www.bandaid.com/couponBlisterBlock.jsp

It's a stick you put on your feet on places where you expect your shoes to rub and cause blisters, It works pretty well, I mean not 100%, but it is certainly much better than without. I beleive I went through 3 last summer, since I carry it with me and reapply whenever necessary. It is not slippery, feels very nice. I think it's a newer version of some stick that serious runners use to prevent thigh chaffing when running.

Nicole

Veteran

Maya, I have very unfussy feet and I can tell you that I could never in a million years wear those Boden slides for more than 1o minutes. Something about a sandal that only has a band across the widest part of my foot is very uncomfortable. First all, the band will dig into my foot, and second of all (and more importantly) the band is too far down on my foot to keep the shoe on my foot. It's worse if the shoe has a heel (which I don't think these do) but even as a flat sandal, the band is awkward and walking in a shoe that wants to fall off my foot is awkward.

The white leather sandals that are listed right before the green slides would be far more comfortable for me, personally. But 8 hour walking in the city shoes? Probably not. I really don't think sandals are going to give you 8 hours of walking the streets of NYC comfort.

Maya

Veteran

That's what I thought. I think the Privos are the closest I can get to what I need.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Does anyone else have a hard time dressing for spring/summer in general?

I have always preferred fall/winter clothing and footwear, and our warm weather season only runs from mid-June to mid-September, three or four months absolute max, so I also have a hard time justifying a lot of purchases. On top of that, I didn't join in here until September, so I am completely clueless about what is YLF-approved wear for the warmer months!

Were clamdiggers worn with flats the substitute for full-length jeans? Where did everyone buy theirs?

shana

Veteran

Aaahhhh, Spring! With the big snowstorm we are expecting tonight/tomorrow morning, it seems to far away!!! I LOVE wearing sandals - me feet feel like prisoners who are finally set free in the spring & summer. If I could get away with it, I would wear sandals year round....maybe I should move back to CA! Oh, Laura, but I'm with you on the fall clothing though - it is definitely my favorite season for clothing.

Yes, if I recall, the summer flop-proof outfit consisted of clamdiggers or skirts on the bottom. Alot of people bought clamdiggers at J. Crew (matchstick clamdiggers) Here are some of Angie's blog posts on summer outfits:

http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/.....-outfit-1/
http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/.....-outfit-2/
http://youlookfab.com/2008/08/.....-outfit-3/

Laura

(website)

Veteran

As I mentioned in my New Year's resolutions, I am going to try to wear more dresses, in winter with tights, boots and cardis, and in spring/summer with ballet flats. Don't you think dresses are the coolest (temperature-wise) thing you can wear when it gets really hot and sticky outside?

I don't know how I feel about sandals anymore. I think I am going in the ballet flat direction instead. It is so hard to find sandals that don't cause huge blisters and by the time I break them in, it's fall!

Shana, I am going to read up on clamdiggers and Angie's other flop-proof spring/summer outfits. Thanks!

Nicole

Veteran

I do prefer the clothing options for colder weather--but our winters are so long that I get sick of wearing the same "uniform" over and over.

My summer staples last year were a pair of jeans and a white denim skirt and walking shorts. I didn't have much luck finding clam diggers--but I'm going to try to find some this year. I don't think I was used to tight pant legs last year, but I'm there this year. I had all my Pre-YLF capri pants shortened to knee length--either just above, at or just below depending on the pant. I love skirts and wore a lot of skirts last summer.

Laura, a lot of YLFabbers had skinnies shortened to clam digger length, but I bet there will be a lot more clam digger length to choose from this year.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Nicole - where did you find that white denim skirt? It is one of my favorite pieces on you.

I had a really great pair of white Levi 501s that lasted two seasons but need to be replaced. That's #1 on my list for spring. Actually, Levis are inexpensive enough that I could cut off a pair to make clamdiggers. With two little boys around, I don't like to pay too much for white clothing

Kyle

Veteran

I fear I am on the opposite end of the spectrum. For me, spring means hot weather, and our climate is perfect right now. I am not in a hurry to see the spring fashions, but I certainly understand that long, cold winters can make you yearn for a flowery frock.

Patience

Veteran

Kyle, I'm with you. When you have winters that see at least one 75 degree day a week, you're not missing spring.

Maya, I agree with Nicole,. The Boden slides are the shoes Il iike best of the shoes posted so far (they are CUTE) but they are NOT walking shoes. For me the probalem would be keeping them on my feet. You kind of have to shuffle and they probably flop; I have a similar pair from last year.

My summer sandal wish list thus far only includes a 1=2" wedge gladiator. I'll just wait and see what else turns up. These are completely impractical but I like:

http://www.piperlime.com/brows.....=645736002

I nearly always buy a pair of born shoes because they are usually comfortable. Maya, I think you should visit a store where you can just try on every style of born and sofft shoes.

I have the opposite problem of changing season. It's usually in the fall that I don't like abandoning my sandals because it's still warm and my feet feel confined. In the spring it does take some adjustment to straps though. I'm going to try your blister stick, Tanya.

Tanya

Veteran

Well, I am Nicole on the weather preferences, but then again we do live in the same climate. It is 20 degrees outside right now and I should go the mall spend an Express gift card&coupons, but the weather is making me hesitate.

Patience, I will be also looking for wedges gladiators, so let's tell each other if we spot some cute ones. I love those MJ ones I posted above, but they are too pricey.

I love those shoes you posted. Oh, here's my pair of shoes that's completely impractical but I like very, very much:

http://www.shopbop.com/luella-.....shopbysize

I hope that the blister stick will work for you.

Patience

Veteran

Oh, Tanya, I just saw those in a store window when shopping with Ana and Sarah the other day. I liked them too ;). The heel is probably too high for me and I'm resolved to stick with 3" or less for everyday shoes.

Antje

Veteran

Chiming in very late... Tanya, I love the gunmetal sandals you linked to in your earlier post in this thread. Did you see they are on clearance for just $39? I'd be tempted myself if the heels weren't quite so high. Super cool.

Tanya

Veteran

I am glad you like those sandals Antje, so do I. Yep, I saw that they are on clearance, and I do plan to get them, but I am still waiting for couple of reasons:

* I have already spent my clothing budget for this month

*I wouldn't be able to wear them till May anyway, and by that time they might go on even further clearance. They currently have 5 pairs left in my size and I am watching them like a hawk If they end up having only two pairs left, even if they don't have a further sale I'll snap them up.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lovely lists ladies and I’m glad you’re excited about Spring footwear!

I’m with Maya. The thought of warm weather shoes leaves me feeling a little ill. I can manage a fab ballet flat, or low pump and that’s it. And even that’s a tall order. Everything else cuts into skin no matter what I do. I don’t think I’m going to get any Spring and Summer shoes this year. That being said, I love, LOVE gladiators and might need to get a flat “sitting pair” that look pretty when I go out. Getting a walking pair is impossible.

Laura, quite right. There is nothing cooler than a dress (temperature wise). I have been encouraging our Austin gang to wear more frocks and Ana is gung ho on dresses at the moment! This is probably the reason why I have few dresses. It has to 80 plus degrees for me to wear one and Seattle stays chilly for a long time. But make no mistake, I ADORE frocks! This might explain my skirt kick. I can keep warmer with a skirt somehow.

But, I’m always excited when the new season hits stores. I like looking at all shoes, even though I personally have fewer wearable possibilities. Nice that I can enjoy “wearing” them through you and my clients

Maya

Veteran

Here is a new possibility:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/49387955/c/15.html

I am drawn to them because of the adjustable strap at the toe area. That is something I have long been searching for, but they usually don't come like that on cute shoes.

Do they look comfortable? I don't generally have problems with ankle straps.

shiny

Veteran

I've been yearning for weather warm enough to wear pumps.

Boots are comfy, but I am getting bored of the "skinnies plus boots" look already (especially since the ice has req'd flat boots and I'd probably break my neck wearing heels). I yearn to jazz things up with pretty, interesting pumps - peep toes, t-straps, etc - in a punch of color.

That's not to say I will buy more pumps this spring. On my spring footwear wishlist: silver ballet flats. Probably Me-too's, or Cole Haan, since I find them comfortable and 8-hour walkable. And possibly silver pumps or wedges - something with a heel. If I can find those two shoes, I'd done and anything else is icing on the cake.

The pair of sandals I bought last year still look good as new and are surprisingly comfy - though I'm not sure I could pound the city streets all day long, day after day, in them. They have no arch support or anything. But, they are strappy and yet the straps are soft and don't dig in anywhere.

My opinion about comfy sandals: you just can't order over the web. What works for me, may not work for you. It's highly, HIGHLY individual. It's those darn straps!!! Everyone's foot is different. Strappy sandals that are comfy for me, may rub in all the wrong places for someone else, and vice versa. (How many bones are in the human foot?)

Maya - I would definetly recommend trying out the Privo's. You may also want to check out Cole Haan - their Air Nike sandals. It's hit or miss for me - my feet are rather wide, and many of their strappier styles will dig in annoyingly right where my feet are wide. However, when I can find a pair that is wide enough, my feet thank me because of the Air Nike sole.

I have one pair of CH black sandals, which I rarely wear anymore because YLF convinced me black sandals weren't all that fashionable.... BUT, if they were metallic or white.... I'd still be wearing them!! I wore them three seasons in a row, and while they did show wear, I took them to a cobbler and they came back good as new. I've worn them all over in our travels and walking in the city, and they are true 8-hour shoes. I just wish they weren't black... because I'd still be wearing them.

Maya

Veteran

It's always hard for me to tell if a pair of shoes will be comfortable or not. The only way for me to tell is to do a lot of walking in them. I got these last year:

http://www.shoes.com/Shop/prod.....=173372579

(in silver)

And they were very comfortable around the store, and very comfortable for a few hours of walking...and then they very abruptly they started KILLING my feet. The sole was cushioned enough, but even after lining the straps with a moleskin, they began to dig like crazy. Eventually I popped my pinky toe out of the side between the two front straps, but it was obviously a ghastly-looking solution. It's a real shame because they are so pretty and they do seem to wear well for a few hours, but I was clearly clueless about what constitutes a "walking" sandal. Now that I know better, I realize that most walking sandals are ugly so I might as well lay that dream to rest.

I have these shoes, which would probably work if I could just get them to stay on my right foot. The heel slips though.

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7334080/c/1141.html

And I can't add a heel insert because of all the holes. I kept them anyway because they look amazing on and at $33, I figured they were worth holding onto in case I ever found a solution. So far I think the only solution I came up with was to use an xacto knife to cut out the hole pattern in the heel inserts. Or if I could somehow keep my foot from slipping to the front. I think foot petals makes a product like that to prevent toe overhang in open-toe shoes, but I haven't tried it yet.

Maya

Veteran

Also, I tried Sofft shoes before and I just haven't had much luck with them. I was so excited for these sandals because they seemed perfect, but they would not stay on my foot:

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7385628/c/134884.html

I was so disappointed I think I actually CRIED.

I also tried these and they were unbelievably painful:

http://www.6pm.com/n/p/p/7337760/c/89.html

I might just have to move to a cold climate where I can wear boots all year...

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