I recently spent a morning at Seattle’s biggest shopping centre, and was pleasantly surprised at how well stocked the retailers were. Delayed shipments seem to be coming through, and Spring fashions are aplenty. In fact, some stores looked overstocked for a change. I’ve also been tenacious and very picky about replacing some of my very worn Spring and Summer footwear. Slowly but surely, I’m finding options that I hope will work out in the long run. On to the top picks.
1. Fitflop Kinbey Croc Embossed Bootie
These are cute, comfy, and can work for a higher volume foot. They are very lightweight, and have a futuristic and fashion-forward vibe. They make a big statement on the foot so consider yourself warned. Relatively supportive and soft. Currently deeply discounted.
2. Trotters Gracie Loafer
These have a modern classic Italian vibe, and look “Bottega Veneta” at a fraction of the price. Well made too. The red loafers fit my feet perfectly, did not slide off, and were flattering. There was plenty of room for my long toes. I didn’t keep them because I’d have preferred them in white or cream. They also weren’t as super soft as I’d have liked. Soft, but not soft enough for my fussy feet. That said, still comfortable, polished, and very neat on the foot. Available in three widths.
3. Bella Vita Holden Sandal
If you like to wear cage sandals with very low and stable block heels, keep these modern classics on your radar. They are soft for sandals with lots of straps, have a cushioning footbed, and create a tidy fit on the foot. They come in FOUR widths. My regular size in a narrow width fit very well in white. I’ve decided to keep them, and HOPE they will be comfortable enough for my walking lifestyle, and working with clients. I like how they are open yet covered, and look quite dressy.
4. Vionic Zinah Slip-On Sneaker
These come highly recommended by a forum member who bought them in black as a replacement for a similar pair of ECCO sneakers that bit the dust. They are comfortable, supportive, polished, easy to slip on and off, and might run a little small.
I tried them in the blue for $65. Unfortunately they were short in the toe box and I slipped out of them. They also weren’t as soft as my assortment of ECCOs. Super cute though, can fit an orthortic, and looks polished on the foot. I simply do better with lace-up sneakers.
5. Banana Republic Ramie Blouse
This is a very pretty bubble sleeve blouse if you like that type of statement puffy sleeve. The fabric is ramie, which is like a much softer, prettier, silkier, refined, and sheer linen NATURAL fibre. You have to make peace with the crease, and be okay with the sheerness. I loved the architectural vibe of the sleeves and the white buttons on the navy, which earned a place in my wardrobe. It’s dressy and pretty, yet casual. It’s super thin, breezy, roomy, and has a trapeze effect when worn untucked because of a fun back pleat. I will wear it over a navy cotton camisole, and buttoned all the way to the top.
6. Cristina Martinez Collection
Cristina Martinez is a Seattle visual artist who is inspired by her community. As Martinez puts it, “I create for freedom. I create for peace. I create for change. I create for self-love”. She loaned her artwork to Nordstrom for an exclusive clothing and homeware collaboration, and here are some of the results. Nordstrom has this collection centre stage as you enter the store, and it made a fab impression on me. Interesting, current, easy to wear, cheerful, meaningful, Seattle-based, won’t break the bank, and unique. Some of the styles are gender fluid, and sizing is on the roomy side. Sizes run from XXS to XXL on the women’s clothing. I particularly like some of the scatter cushions, and have ordered some for our home.
7. Treasure & Bond Smocked Sleeveless Midi Dress
An amazing high Summer dress. If the pattern came in my colours or solid white, it would be mine. It fits beautifully if you like high necklines, sleeveless dresses, and fit & flare silhouettes. It’s 100% viscose, which I usually stay away from, but would give the fabric another chance because the dress is amazing. Super soft, comfortable, and has pockets!
