Semi-imaginary lifestyle sandals: thoughts?

Here's what happens when you just cruise the shoe shelf in a discount store: you try things on and are amazed when something actually fits and looks fun, but you're not sure that's a good thing!

These sandals caught my eye because they have all the features that make a dressier "sandal" wearable for me: the shape of the front part covers foot issues and supports, the suede front material is soft and forgiving, the peep-toe can be worn with sheer hose ( well, I would) or not, because not much is peeping, and the block heel is very walkable (for special occasions, still). The color is great, though maybe I wouldn't have insisted on Cinderella Silver for the heel, but it works better for me than gold, and for my semi-imaginary lifestyle, semi-silver (meaning the mixed media) may be better than a full-on metallic, in this more casual style.

I could wear these with a dressy midi skirt or dress or with a dressy trouser (i.e., not so much leg showing as here) . I think I have a couple of possible items in closet now that could make outfits--including an nearly-orphaned skirt waiting for the right shoes--but it's not like I would wear these every month.

Also, I honestly have no idea whether these have any current style appeal (to the at-large fashion crowd), or look like a tap-dancing Minnie Mouse, or whether they are trendy fun/retro (block heels back in), or are on the downside of a trend, or whether they would have some longevity because, hey, Minnie Mouse is classic. Because, my feet have the same needs despite fashion changes, and I generally gravitate toward various sorts of nude or silver/gray for spring-summer nude leg look.

Kind of as an aside, for a "dressy shoe capsule", I always have issues of CPW and getting enough wears from something before it's time to go on to the next new thing, because either I have no shoes to wear when a wedding or semiformal occasion arises, or I snap up a few things that are wearable and keep a small capsule. Right now I have a black pump and a tan/nude pump, both sort of a suede finish.

Thoughts? Run away? Keep only if I can find 5 ways to wear right now? Please fire away at flaws, pros, cons.

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11 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

They look and sound like a good find for you, unfrumped. They are pretty, and I like that they can serve for special occasions as well as with a dress for daytime. I wonder about the suede, though--whether it is as dressy as you would need/want for the occasional dressy affair. That's the only hesitation I would have.

unfrumped

Thanks, Firecracker! I agree, "dressy" would actually mean "festive" or fun, could include summer weddings but not actual metallic-shoe cocktail-attire type events.

always trying

As far as I have been looking into heels for this season, as I too like a lower walkable heel, I am finding block heels around a lot. These look sort of like what they call city sandals and these are the sort that goes with everything from jeans to cocktail attire. They are cute,and if they fit your foot comfort level, not too expensive if you don't wear them frequently, then I would definitely keep them! Of course, for me, when it comes to footwear comfort and fitting my shoe needs surpasses being currently the latest trend.

Also just read a quote fro a designer that trends are OVER. People just wear what they want to -ANd with the variety in footwear these days, this seems to be somewhat true.

I hear that , always trying. I think I am doing better about updating, but still I want to feel I can wear items until I get tired of them myself, or feel odd, and some of those things will be things I like because they fit my shape (or foot shape).

rachylou

These look versatile. Just don't do a pink poly elastic waist skirt with big tropical flowers, fuschia poly silky tee, and short sleeve jacket that goes to mid-thigh with big plastic buttons.

Of course, if you do this, it's not really about the shoes... hehe.

krishnidoux

I'll be a dissident voice here...

These sandals are certainly cute, and you say they don't hurt your feet. They are in a neutral color. Good.

But are they really what you want? See, what happens when we try to fill a closet hole with something that is the least-bad-next-best-thing (instead of the actual thing), is that later you go on with the false impression that that hole is filled, so you stop looking. And when what you really needed comes along, you pass, because you don't feel justified spending the money. However, you still live with the hole that the "next-best-thing" could not fill.
So it means frustration ahead.

Unless, of course, these are something you only are adding to your wardrobe with no strings attached. By this, I mean high CPW. Stay aware that they will absolutely not replace a trendier, current pair of summer footwear (those might be full price, but the CPW will certainly be much lower).

Krishnidoux, that's the crux.
I haven't really had a chance to play with oufits yet. So I think that's the key. I like how these work on my feet, and the idea they could be fun, but I haven't seen whether I like the whole effect. Sort of rachy's point. If they will be just shoes and not outfit- makers , there is no point.

texstyle

(website)

Try them on with the intended outfits first. And make sure they are really comfortable enough for a few hours wear in the house. Then it will be easier to decide.

Thistle

I think you need to try them with outfits.

1. Do you need a dressy only shoe? if so, for what known events?

2. Can these work into your regular life? If not, see #1 above.

Honestly, I like them, but I am not sure they are right for a more casual lifestyle. I would pair these with skirts for work, but I wouldn't wear them on the weekend.

trekkiegirl

These have some pros and cons in my mind: the toes have a bit of a vintage feel to them, and I could see them being very cute with a skirt suit or floral cocktail dress and victory rolls (but I don't think that's your style)
On the other hand, something about the ankle straps and side profile reads "sweet but clueless aunt who loves church bake sales and hasn't changed her style in 30 years" I'm really not sure why.

I'd skip them.

I am enjoying these most interesting analyses!
I do like how they add something to my VC midi-dress and a silk skirt I would like to dress up--they do something more than flats. So, my first impression is/was, these do help make the outfits seem more special (church, weddings, bridal shower type of style).
OTOH I can see where tr3kkie9rl is coming from and wonder if I might have a backlash impression like that later.
What it is, is, it is very hard to add some heel height for that bit of dressed-up feeling, and for proportions with longer skirts, while being stable and without too much pressure on toes, and so this style really works for that. But, that may not be enough.
Really appreciate the help with noodling.

If stability is the issue, have you considered wedge espadrilles? There are tons coming out, some with plenty of foot coverage, and I've seen some quite dressy options too. They are a classic summer shoe to me, so unless you choose something completely offbeat they should last you a while.

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