footwear

Stepping Out – Bridal Shoes for the Romantic Bride

Wedding

Photo (above) by Sweetheart Empire. For more work by Kate O’Connor, check out her website here.

One of the most crucial parts of your wedding day is allowing yourself to enjoy it. This isn’t one of those ‘suck it up’ and suffer-the-heels days. Shoes are one of the most important, practical decisions you’ll have to make. You want to look and feel amazing. Yes, you will be photographed more in one day than ever before in your life, but you should be able to last, comfortably, on this (of all days) through the prep, the walk down the aisle, the photos and the dance party. That was key for me; will I be able to dance… all night long? Yes. So, while some folks opt for two dresses, for me it was the shoes. And I have to mention, that while I took lots of inspiration from the expensive items I sourced online and in boutiques, my TWO pairs of shoes cost me less than $100 … together. For the aisle and ceremony, I wore rose-gold t-strap heels (at a conservative 2.5 inches), and for the party, I put on some delicate rose-gold ballerina flats. I made sure that my dress was fitted to skim the floor (which is why a conservative heel was the best choice). At 5’10, I didn’t need to be more statuesque, but feeling comfy (and elegant) was top of the priority list. Here are some of the heels that stole my heart, though not my pay cheque.

Some of my favourite images feature unusual, vintage-inspired picks. Quirky, feminine pairs, with a sturdy heel were good contenders. The top right pair (below) were more of a wear-anywhere shoe, but the other three could easily have been the peep of colour beneath the kick of my hem.

A little something blue? Blue-green, maybe? Liebling makes a wide array of cool, retro shapes.

These beautiful, embellished flats (below) were, by far, one of the best choices I made. They were a hit on the dance floor. I found a pair from Nine West and still wear them today. Pretty-up a pair of simple flats by adding a shoe clip!
The luxe factor really came into play once I started perusing the feed (and website) of Anthropologie’s BHLDN wedding collection. These shoes are drool-inducing. See for yourself. What shoes helped you put your best foot forward on your wedding day? Or, what pair(s) are you still dreaming of?  


  
  

Step up and tell me what shoes you’d rock down the aisle in. 🙂

Spring In My Step

style

There is a shoe wish-list for Spring. It’s mine. It is actually called “Wish List” on my Pinterest page. Knowing that I’ll be travelling to Greece this summer, for a friend’s wedding, I want to maximize my suitcase space, but also have shoes that look beautiful as I walk to island of Santorini. And I do walk.  I am an explore-the-world-on-foot kinda girl.

That means that the footwear must stand the test of time, no blisters and definitely no afterthoughts like, ‘wow, let’s crop all our trip photos at ankle length.

Here’s what I’m hankering for. All shoes are linked from my Pinterest Page. https://www.pinterest.com/alisonjc/wish-list/

And please, please do share if you’ve had success in finding a pair that travels well, looks breezy and lets you stay out all day, and up all night.

Platform slingback. Great for adding height, without the heel ache, for floaty skirts and cobblestone streets.

Platform slingback. Great for adding height, without the heel ache, for floaty skirts and cobblestone streets.

Casual, soft and pretty, the vented sides allow for cool feet and the flat sole keeps ankle turns to a minimum.

Casual, soft and pretty, the vented sides allow for cool feet and the flat sole keeps ankle turns to a minimum.

On those hot stone beaches, these waterproof jellies are perfect for dipping your toes in the water and dry in an instant.

On those hot stone beaches, these waterproof jellies are perfect for dipping your toes in the water and dry in an instant.

Something softer than my usual black ankle-boot, with pretty detailing makes them prime for pairing with skirts and dresses as well as pants.

Something softer than my usual black ankle-boot, with pretty detailing makes them prime for pairing with skirts and dresses as well as pants.

Shellys of London has it going on with this white patent flatform. Long, long legs with a boyish twist, perfect with culottes, skirts or cropped trousers. And the cork bottom is soft on your feet for a day full of walking.

Shellys of London has it going on with this white patent flatform. Long, long legs with a boyish twist, perfect with culottes, skirts or cropped trousers. And the cork bottom is soft on your feet for a day full of walking.

House of Harlow, Nicole Ritchie's design baby, puts the right foot forward with a simple, practical shoe that cushions and supports without detracting from the ensemble.

House of Harlow, Nicole Ritchie’s design baby, puts the right foot forward with a simple, practical shoe that cushions and supports without detracting from the ensemble.

My love affair with Frye shoes is longstanding. They make shoes that endure and their style is timeless. They add an element of tough to most of my work outfits and you can stand in them ALL DAY LONG. Great for concerts!

My love affair with Frye shoes is longstanding. They make shoes that endure and their style is timeless. They add an element of tough to most of my work outfits and you can stand in them ALL DAY LONG. Great for concerts!

The espadrille; great concept. However, I've never managed to find one that was both attractive and comfortable. This one looks like it might fit the bill.

The espadrille; great concept. However, I’ve never managed to find one that was both attractive and comfortable. This one looks like it might fit the bill.

Ankle strap detail. Two-tone and flat. Perfect for a day of market strolling and eating (olives, I imagine).

Ankle strap detail. Two-tone and flat. Perfect for a day of market strolling and eating (olives, I imagine).

My go-to shoe. A wedge with toe and ankle strap. I have this shoe, and have had this shoe, in so many variations. There's a reason: with jeans and a pretty top, this shoe adds height without sacrificing walk-ability, and with a skirt these babies make your calves look toned - all while allowing you to move without the fear of catching your heel in a grate (or location specific pitfall).

My go-to shoe. A wedge with toe and ankle strap. I have this shoe, and have had this shoe, in so many variations. There’s a reason: with jeans and a pretty top, this shoe adds height without sacrificing walk-ability, and with a skirt these babies make your calves look toned – all while allowing you to move without the fear of catching your heel in a grate (or location specific pitfall).

Tell me what shoes you’ll be packing for that summer vacay, or for the time you stay close to home and want to enjoy the heat.