Help updating footwear for spring/summer - casual lifestyle

Hello, YLF!

Looking at my closet, footwear is an area that needs dire attention for spring/summer this year. I also know footwear is a place that can really help "make" outfits. I'm seeking the collective wisdom of YLF.

My requirements:
1. Comfort. I walk a lot in an urban environment. Walkability is critical.
2. I love metallics but am open to colors (cognac, black, etc)
3. Heel - can be up to 1 inch
4. Dressing - I WFH and have a MOTG lifestyle, so I don't need super dressy
5. Styles -

I am not a small or dainty person so I tend toward more solid shoes for lack of a better word.
Not a huge fan of Birkes (for fit reasons - slightly wide, flat foot - and 90s flashbacks) but the style has grown on me slightly. May consider in white, black or metallic (high five, Angie). Not sure of open back either (for walkability/safety reasons)
Slip ons don't usually fit my foot but I'm open to try them.

6. Open vs closed toe - open to both but really need open toes at this point, closed toe shoes are in better shape than open (gaping wardrobe hole).

I've been looking at these (pic below) for ages, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. They ticked all of the boxes yet I am holding back. Don't know why.

If anyone has the patience to make suggestions, I would really appreciate it.

Also feedback in general on how you are using your shoes to keep your look current this year would be great.

And please share how you are updating your shoe wardrobe for spring/summer 2015, maybe I can find some inspiration in your finds!!

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9 years ago

Author Linda

Veteran

I'm in the same situation, turns out. My spring/summer shoes needs are top to bottom. The only things I have on hand are sparkly dress shoes and classic pumps. I need casual shoes. So I've been shopping.

I bought the cute navy with gold stripe shoes a couple weeks ago and really love them. Because of below freezing temps where I live, I haven't worn them except for a few hours around the house to make sure I would keep them. I'm keeping them! Comfy and cute, especially with white pants, jeans, crops. I tried them on with my whole closet. Spring wardrobe planning!

I own the Taos pewter tennies already, so am waffling on the Paul Green perforated leather loafers. I know they'll fit, because PG. But I'm weakening...

The red Pliner loafer may be better for me in terms of not repeating a color I already have. Not sure I can wear red shoes, though. They'd be the brightest thing in my usually understated style. I only wear red at Christmas. Still, they're cute. Haven't bought them yet, but... yeah. Might.

Just bought the floral Birks a few hours ago. Angie posted them this morning and I have no willpower when I think something is adorable for me. I'll know more when they arrive and I find out if my creaky knees like them. Or if I look more like a wannabe-young-again old lady instead of hip, fun grandma.

I'm always watching to see what shoes other people post. I never would have tried booties but for fashion bloggers, and now I live in the things. Hope you get some good casual inspirations!

Nordstrom

Toni Pons 'Nantes' Silk Stripe Sandal

$114.95

View Info

Top Pick

Zappos

Taos Footwear Freedom

$140.00

Paul Green 'Carmel' Perforated Leather Loafer (Women)

$259.00 $155.40

Sale

Donald J Pliner 'Beliz' Loafer (Women)

$198.00 $118.80

Birkenstock 'Arizona' Floral Print Sandal (Women)

$89.95

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

I also have bought some updated shoes this spring. My sneakers were in pretty decent shape, although I'd still like to add a pair of slip-ons with a fun color or print. I did get these navy slip-on espadrilles from LL Bean on sale which are pretty decent, if basic.

I just bought the white sandals from Target, only $25 and a fun way to try out the Birk trend without breaking the bank. Asos had some cute silver versions last summer but they were sold out in my size before I discovered them.

I also have the Franco Sarto sandals on order - the trends seem to be moving away from strict gladiator sandals, although I still plan to wear mine, but sticking with ankle straps and flat to low heels, which is good for wearability.

L.L.Bean

Bean's Espadrille Shoes

Target

Women‘s Bailey Two Buckle Footbed Sandals

DSW

Franco Sarto Utility Wedge Sandal

abc

Thanks, Author Linda. Seems like we are in the same situation in terms of shoes. I really appreciate you sharing your finds, I'm a visual person so this makes it super easy (shout out to Angie and Greg for the site functionality!)

In terms of the ones you've chosen, the Taos ones are most up my alley. But I have two pairs of a very similar style (Josef Siebel Caspian - in cream/grey snake print and also in camel). I guess I am torn. This style works great for my walking lifestyle, but I'm also craving some open toe sandals. The Taos would probably work well in terms of fit, style and even color (love me some metallics!) - BUT the question is do I want to add more sneakers at this point. Hmm.

I also adore the red ones you linked to, I say go for it, red shoes are in according to Angie and the recent blog post I've always had red shoes in my wardrobe it seems.

I hear you on PG price wise but if the comfort is there all bets are off Personally I'm not really into loafers for myself but i can see the draw to these.

I'm also eyeing my ballet flats. They work function wise but (A) aren't the most supportive, I'm noticing as I walk in them and compare to the Caspians support, (B) are looking quite worn as most are several years old and (C) are all round toe (slightly dated perhaps?) -- BUT I don't think I can revamp (no pun intended) the entire shoe wardrobe at the same time, so these may have to make due until fall.

I also struggle with the leg lengthening effect I love of ballet flats vs the function of the sporty sneakers like the Caspians/Taos.

I didn't realize I had that much work to do on my shoe wardrobe until now! I guess I had been focusing on the clothes themselves so far, haha.

Anyway, thanks again Author Linda and please keep me posted on your shoe updates for spring as well.

Hey Laura, thanks for chiming in. I like all 3 options you present here. I really need to think about how they're going to be worn and try to buy the "right" pair(s). Sometimes I go for "it fits and it's cheap" but then get shoe orphans. I really like the 3rd pair (gladiator-esque) but sometimes struggle with that back piece, maybe my ankles are large bc many times I can't get shoes designed that way to close and/or they gap in the back (maybe I am short-ankled kinda like short-waisted?) haha

Also I should preface all of these comments with the fact that I don't know when I'll be in the US again, a lot of this is probably just wishful online shopping, but hopefully I can translate the IDEAS into locally sourced options. I don't wanna show up to the store and not have a clue what I'm after. I can get in trouble that way

Suz

abc, I can strongly recommend the Bernia that was an Angie pick last year if you want a sandal. Those were an absolute workhorse for me and I wore them out. This year they have a slightly different version. I am probably going to buy them even though I don't like the tops of them as much as the Bernia.

Söfft 'Bernia' Sandal

Söfft 'Breeze' Sandal (Women)

$99.95 $69.90

Thistle

I have Birks I adore - silver ones.

I also have Borns in a pale gold Angie recommendef that were wrkhorses, as well as a pair of Naturalizers. I have the shoes below on my wish list. Not sure comfort, but I loved them when I first saw them and then Angie recommended them

Jeffrey Campbell 'Serlin' Studded Laser Cut Suede Loafer (Women)

$169.95 $101.96

rebekahphoto

hi abc,
these are a few shoes that have made it into my wardrobe recently, Id
love some higher heels, or pointier toes, but my feet disagree...all of
these have good arch support

I took the birks and taos sandals to europe & walked everywhere with no problems. (and a pair of nike) the back strap kept the birks on

I just purchased the fly london boots & they are super comfortable,many
rave reviews, so if you like an artsy/bolder shoe you might take a look. They have other open toe shoe/sandal styles as with the walkable sole

Birkenstock Milano - Leather Soft Footbed (Unisex)

Aetrex Women's Alyssa Adjustable Quarter Strap Pewter Sandal 11 M (B)

FLY London Women's Yip Boot

FLY London 'Yala' Perforated Leather Sandal

$159.94

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