Shoe dilemma - can you help me? ETA: Decision Made

As you know, I've recently purchased the Clarks ankle strap Sage Glamour pump http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....strap-pump. Beautiful and comfortable shoe.

But...

I think they are almost a little too dainty and ladylike for my style. I have a love of a more substantial shoe and something with a bit of hard edge.

I'm crazy in love with my Steve Madden nude peep toe sandal booties (that I'm wearing in today's WIW post) and am thinking of purchasing them in black. The comfort level is a solid 10 out of 10 for these and I adore the style and substantial heel.

So here's my dilemma - the budget will not allow me to keep both the Clarks and buy the SM's in black so I need to choose. And if I'm honest with myself, the SM's are a bit more comfy than the Clarks.

Yay - keep the Clarks
Nay - return Clarks and buy black SM's

DECISION: Are you ready for this? I'm going to keep/purchase NEITHER! I think until I get my slight tweaks to my style completely figured out, any purchase right now has the potential to become a poor choice. So unless something is positively obviously right and perfect, I'm going to back off of it for now. Besides I have enough to love and wear until I'm sure of my style direction for spring/summer.

Amazon

Clarks Women's Sage Glamor

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Top Pick

Amazon

Steve Madden Women's Nonstp Bootie

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Top Pick

9 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Get the black SMs. I think you answered your own question in your post. And the SMs look absolutely perfect on you.

Sara L.

It sounds like from both a comfort and style factor that you should get the SM's. They're both great looking shoes but if you think you'll get more wear out of the SM's, I would go for those.

Susie

I would choose the booties for you (and for myself!)

lyn67

Yes, nr 1 is a bit too dainty for your style and if budget urges, I would rather enable you to duplicate the SM in black!:-)

Suz

My only (minor) hesitation is that the booties are not quite as trans-seasonal. But you have a fun pair of kitten heel pumps, no? In that case, the SMs are a better bet. You need a shoe with some presence in addition to a daintier one, and if the "dainty" niche is already filled, there's your answer.

Dana

Definitely the SM's! Even though I don't chime in often, I can see they're more your style...edgier!

AviaMariah

SM's for sure.

catseye

I am surprised you find the SM's so comfortable. They look so high.

Transcona Shannon

Ahhhh...such wisdom

Suz - I definitely hear you. There are times when a daintier shoe is required and yes, my kitten heels can fill that spot when needed. And although not as trans-seasonal (quite right again!), I can wear my Clarks black sandals for full blown heat.

Catseye - I actually have the lower heeled version of the SM's I linked to. I couldn't find the lower heeled ones to illustrate. Mine are only 2 inches high.

Looks like I'll be making a return/purchase this weekend - you gals are awesome!

Joyce B

I agree with what Suz said.
Do you have another pair of black pumps that can fill-in for formal occasions? If you do, the decision is easier.
Of course, you need to see what you will get the most wear of.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I agree that you might prefer a chunkier - less dainty shoe with broader ankle straps. But a second pair of peep toed in a high heel might not be the way to go. Although that style in black was made for your look.

Angie - I'd be curious to know what sort of shoe you'd choose for me...

ETA: And isn't it funny how when you get the item you've been after and you think is perfect, it turns out maybe it's not quite your style after all?

cheryle (Dianthus)

I am a bit relieved by this post because I felt the shoe was a wee bit too conservative for me and you have a much edgier look than I could ever even aspire to have. They are lovely shoes though so if you keep them, I am sure you will make them work to add the ladylike element you mix with your edge.

I think perhaps what Angie means is that a chunkier shoe in black that is a bit different from the SM in nude would afford you more versatility than another shoe in a neutral (albeit black) that is a duplicate.

Are these the ones you have? http://www.stevemadden.com/pro.....4&
I've been wanting to try the lower heeled ones but I can only find them on the Steve Madden website. Now I'm wondering if I should given your comment about the sizing. I usually wear a size 6 and that's as low as they go. I think you and I have some of the same foot issues so I'm hopefully they would work for me and it's hard finding lower heeled, edgy shoes. Hmmm...work possibly paying the return shipping??

catgirl

Shannon, notice I didn't comment on your other thread? Maybe I should have because I felt the same - the Clarks are more of the old retro Shannon than the new simpler edge Shannon. Not that both of you can't coexist, but which one are you shopping for?

Cheryle - it is a beautiful shoe isn't it? But the more I try it on the more it feels like it isn't the direction I'm wanting to go anymore. And thank you for your description of what might be a better option. I see what you mean.

AviaMariah - yes, those are the ones. I have found they fit a half size big. I normally wear a 6.5 but bought these in a 6 and they fit perfectly. The 6.5 was huge on me. They are extremely comfortable.

Una - oh honey...please don't hold back your comments! I know you "get" me and will speak the truth with wisdom. So if you don't think something works for the direction I'm going in, please say so And I'm definitely shopping for Simple With Edge Shannon.

Greyscale

I just got the Steve Madden ones in black (haven't picked up the box yet to try them on) - for me, the Clarks would also be a little too dainty. So I know which one I'm voting for! But the duplication with your nude version does make me pause a bit.

Gigi

This is a tough question. I guess I would ask myself whether I wanted something different. Do you like to change up your style and go a little more feminine every now and then? In that case, perhaps the Clarks are the way to go, for variety's sake. If it were me, I would probably try the Clarks on with various outfits to see how the daintier shoe changes the overall look of the outfits. It would be ideal if you could order the black SMs and try them on with the outfits at the same time to see which you like better and then return the shoe you don't want, if your budget can handle it.

rachylou

I was already to say go with the peep toe, but the heel height gives me pause...

Thank you all so much for your feedback. See my decision at the top

Brilliant thinking, Shannon. Always look for the third way!

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