square toes - YouLookFab Forum

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square toes

mayapple

OK, I have narrowed down my shoe shopping experiment, but there is one pair I'm not sure about.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7356590/c/5736.html

I have heard a lot of things about square toes, mostly bad (they make you look stumpy and are matronly and unflattering). However, I have also heard that they are good for wide feet. This specific style doesn't strike me as matronly, but I don't know about the stumpy part. i guess it makes sense since pointy toes supposedly have the opposite effect, and they are basically the opposite shape. My feet are so fussy that if they're comfortable enough I guess it won't even matter how they look, but is there a way I can offset the stumpy-ness?

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

AnaElizabeth

I think those are really cute and not matronly at all. The "stumpiness" comes from the vertical line you're trying to create being sort of cut off abruptly by the square toe. You might look a bit taller if you wore a pointy toe, but I don't know that it would make THAT big a difference--as long as the rest of what you wear works to create the long lean look (correct length pants, flattering tops, etc.).

I personally sympathize with you because I love rounded toe shoes, which have the same effect. Pointy just seems so....pointy to me, I like round things (sounds weird, I know). They are more my personality, so I wear them regardless. I just make sure my pants/shorts/skirts, etc are the correct length to create a sense of height (since I'm short).

I think you should try them and see how comfortable they are. I think they are really stylish (I like the buckle detail), and as someone with finicky feet, I think there comes a point when we need to find something we can actually walk in, that still looks good, even if maybe it's not the ideal.

Nicole

Veteran

I have a pair of boots from that same company. They are comfy and have worn well (though I've only had them for one season).

I think you should embrace the fact that you have fussy feat and can't wear pointed toes. You will drive yourself crazy if you keep comparing round and square toe shoes with pointed toe shoes that you can't wear.

mayapple

Oh, I've never worn pointy toes before in my life. I'm actually not even really sold on the idea that they elongate the leg, or whatever. To my eyes, they just elongate the foot and it looks weird and distorted, like some form of modern day footbinding. I actually prefer the look of round toes. I was just making the comparison to illustrate what I mean. I just find square toes strict and severe somehow, but I think the giant shiny buckle on these helps with that.

I wonder why shoes aren't shaped more like an actual foot. There's a novel idea!

Nicole

Veteran

That would be too simple!

Personally, I like all kinds of shoe shapes. I like the dressy sexy look of a pointy toe, I like the classic style of a round toe, and I like the funky chunky square toe. They all have a place in my heart (and closet!)

AnaElizabeth

You'll have to let us know how they look Maya!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wear square toes! I differ in opinion to Stacey London and her crew. Those flats are adorable. I like pointy toes too, but do not see how round toes and square toes necessarily look stumpy. It’s more about the pant length.

mayapple

I plan to give a shoe update as soon as they arrive (which should be Tuesday :D). I also ordered some black patent loafers with white piping and a buckle, pink flats, and a few mary janes. I felt sick spending that much money even though I know I won't be keeping all of these shoes, but hopefully I'll get something out of it.

I actually have a pair of Taryn Rose flats that I got on ebay a while back that are foot-shaped. They seem a bit goofy, but I think that's mainly because I'm not used to seeing shoes like that. They are relatively comfy though, but not worth $425. I got them for only $60! I don't know what I would do without ebay.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/26235327/c/82.html

AnaElizabeth

Maya, those TR flats are so cute! Nice score. I <3 ebay.

mayapple

I have also found myself disagreeing with Ms London lately, Angie. I adore her (and Clinton even more so), but she has some absolute opinions on certain things, and her fixation on painful footwear makes me cringe. I saw a special episode of WNTW where she spent a segment of the show focusing on why 4" heels are more comfortable than ever (that certainly says a lot, right?). She went to visit a podiatrist, who told her she was developing hammertoes and bunions, and then injected the balls of her feet with these pillows that would last 9 months and cost $500 each. I also read a number of articles recently about women getting their feet surgically altered to fit their shoes better.

At least it's understandable when Clinton recommends super high heels--he probably never had the extreme displeasure of actually having to walk in them.

...in conclusion, I think I'd rather stick with the square toes.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

VERY interesting. I'd have loved to see that segment. The American version of WNTW is entertaining and there is great chemistry between London & Clinton. They are quick witted and fairly knowledgeable. Truth be known that they have a whole slew of stylists that put the clothing for the show together – did you see that segment?

However, I find myself disagreeing with about 30% of what goes down with London & Clinton. They do not deal with REAL issues like I do. For example, you can’t get someone to wear dresses and heels everyday if they run after children or commute on foot. You can’t pile on the layers to camouflage belly and back fat if people live in hot climates. Most of my clients won’t go past a 2 inch heel and WNTW participants can’t be all that different. Most people have some sort of footwear requirement but this is not addressed on WNTW. So you are not alone Maya.

AnaElizabeth

Maya, I saw some sort of television program about the foot surgery to fit shoes as well. There are some actresses that get bones removed from their feet so they can fit into tiny stilettos. That's insane! All I could think was, "Why don't they just design shoes to fit real feet? To alter your feet to fit into a shoe doesn't even make sense!" The highest heel I own is 3" and those are plain black pumps that I only wear on special occasions (when I get to sit down for most of it). Other than that, I don't wear a heel higher than 2" and I wouldn't dream of wearing something that's 4" (I know you wouldn't either). What's the point of "looking tall" when you're hunched over in pain anyway?

Angie, I also noticed that about WNTW--it seems like they always recommend layering, which I love doing (don't get me wrong). Given my druthers, I'd layer all the time. But how do you look fabulous when it's 95 degrees outside and 90% humidity, so all you can stand to do is pull your hair back into a sweaty bun and throw on a tank top? I'd say that's my biggest fashion challenge. I definitely don't have the body of a supermodel (I have arm fat, some back fat, etc.). How do you work with that in the summer anyway? I'd be interested in seeing a show with solutions to real problems, like you said.

mayapple

Sometimes I feel like getting rid of my little toe would solve all my problems, since it's always the part of my foot that gets irritated. I heard they're not even functional! But I am not insane enough to actually have that done, or any other kind of foot remodeling. Foot surgery is awful, especially for such a stupid reason.

I saw the episode where they showed the stylists picking out the mannequin's clothing. I agree the pieces they choose aren't always practical, even though they are always very chic. I havce seen a few outfits I didn't like, but they are a slim minority. But the other week, for example, they showed a woman from Boston a 4" yellow cone heel pump. You can't wear heels in Boston! At least not that shape and height. I have seen them show flats and fashion sneakers as options, but there never seems to be anything in between.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hear you Ana. Layering does not work in hot and humid weather. However, the challenge comes in when the air-conditioning is set so low inside that you actually need your layers. This was my struggle when I worked in a hot and humid environment. Is this your experience?

In Summer, you’ll need to find one layer pieces that float away from your body but are still tailored. Woven blouses, dresses and skirts are your best bet. They do not cling but offer enough structure.

And I saw those 4 inch yellow heels Maya. The fact that they were defended is a scream.

AnaElizabeth

I have this exact problem Angie! I freeze in grocery stores or at school because the AC is cranked really high, but the second I step outside I get really hot. I've been looking for a dress or two that is cotton or mostly cotton (is this the best choice for summer?) and machine washable, since it will probably have to be washed a lot. So far I mostly have found rayon or polyester. I will probably see more options as summer gets closer. I did find this one from Boden in the brown color and I was going to ask you about it:

http://www.bodenusa.com/col.as.....38;col=DBR

I really like how it actually has a shape and isn't just a sac (I need to keep dresses pretty tailored--no pleats or extra fabric because they overwhelm me). Plus I think I could still wear it in the fall with a jacket, boots, and a scarf. The only drawback is that it's hand wash, but I have other things I hand wash as well, so it's just a little inconvenient. I was wondering about the neckline, since it's not a V or low scoop. I have an average size chest, and I wasn't sure it would be flattering. Other than that I really like it. Do you think it would work?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lovely dress! Pop your new ivory jacket over that for chilly interiors and you are set. I like poly blend dresses because they wash and wear well – no ironing. But You’ll last about a day in them before they need the wash.

mayapple

Got my shoes today. I'm keeping two of them but truthfully I can never tell how comfortable shoes are just by wearing them around my house, so we'll see. The square toes are among the keepers. After this I'm planning to get some sandals and that's it. I'll be glad to never shop for shoes again.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Glad that things worked out. Which other style did you keep?

I've got a flat up my sleeve that might entice you (sorry!), so stay tuned.

mayapple

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/33867290/c/1697.html

The ribbon seems to be a bit scratchy though, so I'm not sure if they are really a keeper yet. I will have to spend a day indoors in them. I might end up just keeping the square ones, in which case I'll gladly take a peek at the shoes you have in mind.

AntjeH

I just wanted to add a belated comment, about square toe shoes. The effect might vary dependent on your shoe size. But in my case (big feet in proportion to body height) they actually have a very flattering effect; pointy shoes make my feet look even longer. And square toe shoes are certainly not matronly by nature; that really depends only on the overall style. I have square toe flats in a bright red suede; they are more stylish than they would be with a more traditional round (or pointy) toe box, as the square front makes the whole shoe look more interesting and unique. Just a thought... If you have very short feet, though, this might indeed shorten your feet more than you'd like.

Nicole

Veteran

Boy I have a lot of catching up to do!

First of all, Ana, I love that brown dress from Boden, and I can totally picture you in it.

Secondly, I think What Not to Wear has a fool proof recipe. But not because they pick stylish, yet realistic clothing. It works so well because the people they are working with are so poorly dressed that ANYTHING is an improvement. They do LOVE jackets and a properly fitted one will make boobs, shoulders, and stomachs look smaller. But as you say, jackets are not realistic in Texas in August. The same thing goes for the makeup....I'm sure Carmendie has to put alot of make up on these people so it can be seen on TV, but even though, she needs to lighten up--even her own makeup can be clownish. But I LOVE Nick the hair guy. He always seems to know what is best for people. How come they don't do men on the show anymore?

And lastly, Maya, glad you are finding some happiness with the shoes. Too bad they don't come with a protector on the sole so you can wear them in the real world and the remove the protector to return them.

Nicole

Veteran

Oh, and about the square toe...I think they are fun and funky and I wore a pair today and thought I looked fab!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good points everyone!

That chorded piping on the edge of ballet flats is a disaster for my foot Maya. It rubs after 45 minutes. I bought this flat instead. I walked SF flat in these WITHOUT footies and they were a dream. I am posting a blog entry about this incredible ballet flat tomorrow. It’s the best flat I have ever owned and it passed the 8-hour mark with flying colours. Sorry to spring this on you now, but I had to put the shoe through its motions first in order to recommend it!

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7354273/c/11415.html

AnaElizabeth

Oh my goodness! The contrasting black/white and tan/white ones are SO CUTE! I'm looking forward to the blog tomorrow!

mayapple

I was thinking of getting those in black and white, Angie. I think with your recommendation, I will send those pink shoes in for an exchange.

Nicole

Veteran

I was just coming to post these flats at BR. I thought they looked alot like the ones you were debating whether or not to keep.

http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....=546633052

But Angie's come with a recommendation for comfort.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I bought the black, but I love the colour blocks too. Very Chanel. I might need to give the black and white a go myself. Shoes as comfy and as good looking as these do not come along often. These shoes make Taryn Rose shoes a joke. I shall be surprised if you are disappointed with this choice.

BTW, what size did you end up getting Maya? Were the shoes wide enough?

mayapple

I always try a 6.5 first. My feet are two different sizes so I have to size up to the bigger one, which is why the other shoe often slips off my heel.

The only shoe I got in a 6 was this one:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/30379563/c/3.html

because it was adorable and exactly what I waned, but I knew it would probably be too tight. I just had to give it a try just to make sure (they ran out of my size and the next size up is a 7.5, which is way too big).

I'm going to order the Swann flat and see how it goes. I don't think the piping on those pink shoes is going to work out, unless I feel like parting with the top layer of my skin.

I think something is messed up about the little toe on my right foot because the shoes all felt fine on my left foot, but pinched a bit on the right. One of my friends recommended a shoe stretcher to me though, which sounds like it could be my ticket to shoe heaven.

Nicole

Veteran

Maya, Is your right foot the bigger foot? Maybe there's some connection between one foot being half a size bigger if that's teh same foot w/the pinky toe problem?

I'm sad, but not surprised, to hear that you have two different size feet. My son is a full size different in each foot and I was hoping he'd grow out of it.

mayapple

I had surgery on my right foot last year to have my bunions removed. The surgery took care of the pain from the bunions, but now the pain seems to have relocated to my little toe. They told me ahead of time that the surgery will involve shortening the bones a bit and that I might notice my foot is slightly shorter, so it's not the natural mechanics of my foot. I wouldn't worry too much about it in your son's case. Men's shoes seem to be far more forgiving as well, so even if he didn't grow out of it, it will probably not be too hard to remedy. I can wear laceups and boots just fine because they are more secure on my foot, but I run into trouble with slip-on shoes.

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