As part of our Winter Shoe Essentials for Moms post, we stated that all moms must have in her closet one sexy, go-to shoe for all events formal, for all date-nights hot, and for all parties wild. (And by wild, I mean any party that lasts past 10PM.) This is the shoe that can both elevate jeans and a sweater to something eye-popping, as well as add a spark to your standby little black dress.
There are so many amazing pairs to choose from that I had trouble narrowing it down to just ten. So I enlisted the help of my husband. He has a good eye, and while he'll never be able to explain WHY something does or doesn't work, he can answer simply "Yes" or "Nope" with surprisingly good insight. Below are the ten shoes that we both find drool-worthy (although for different reasons).
As most of you know by now, I tend to like my footwear all complicated and strappy. So I'm completely in love with this whole crazy-ruffles-everywhere trend. I think these pairs would all look amazing with opaque black tights and lots of leg. Or peeking out from below cuffed boyfriend jeans and a sexy little top. Or yes – with a fantastic party dress. But that last idea seems obvious.
The black pair (my favorite pick of the bunch) is Nina's Elga, $89 at piperlime.com. It's like a sexy tux for your feet. The red pair is Jeffrey Campbell's Charo Slingback Sandal, $114.95 at Nordstrom's (also available in black). Also from Nordstroms is Glint's Anita Sandal, currently on sale for $50! Sizes are very limited, so snap it up quickly if your size is still available. I'm loving the gray, but this sandal also comes in black or a bright, bright fuchsia.
I love jewel-toned heels, especially in shades of blue or purple. This color is surprisingly versatile, it pops out even against black, looks gorgeous with gray, and makes brown tones look dressed up. These shoes also look amazing against a black-and-white motif, and will carry you well into Spring. For this holiday season, these heels would be stunning with a little black dress and a sparkly clutch or cuff bracelet. I also like pairing bright shoe colors like these with dark-wash denim and a brightly colored top. A rich emerald green would look festive. Or try a silky bright orange or pink top to stand out from the normal holiday black. You get the idea.
The first pair are the Hilary's by Lillybee. They are a bright blue patent leather with very cool stitching detail on the toe. These shoes are exclusive to SimplySoles.com, and retail for $195. I'm also loving Butter's Chara shoe – the navy patent, the twisted peep-toe, the sexy heel shape – what's not to love? These retail for $245 at plazatoo.com.
If all out glitz is your thing, these are your shoes. Or, if your current date night look is extremely boring or typically all-black, these are your shoes. Throw these sparkly little party shoes on with virtually anything, add a shiny little clutch and you are ready to go! The best way to handle these shoes is to not take them too seriously. Don't over-think it.
The first shoes are Betsey Johnson's Law Pump. There is something about these shoes…..they almost fall into the "so tacky they are cute" category. But cute they are. And fun. And sexy. And sassy. Cha cha cha. These shoes retail at Nordstroms for $149.95. NOTE – Bestey Johnson heels tend to be fairly comfortable. Surprising, but true. Next up are the Donatella Glitter Peep Toe, $22.80 at Forever21. Super trendy, super cheap, super fun. Obviously not real leather. Pairing these with a dark navy or dark forest green pedicure would look really, really cool.
Lastly, if you are looking for something that's a little less girly, glam or glizty, try one of these shoes.
I personally think that everyone should have a sexy little ankle bootie in their closet. And Aldo's Seace is one of the best. It's totally hot, would look amazing with opaque tights or jeans, and is a dead-ringer for the much more pricey Stuart Weitzman booties. These retail for $140.
The next shoe, was, surprisingly, one of my husban
d's favorites. He loved the drop-dead-sexy shape toned done in a casual-yet-edgy studded suede. (Of course, that's my translation of his "Yes! Super hot but not like a whore" comment). For a holiday party, these would look completely amazing paired with cream colored cords (one of the easiest ways to be both dressy and cozy at holiday parties), or with jeans and a sparkley silver top, or a white shirt with sparkly silver jewelry. This shoe is Dolce Vita's Trinity Studded Pumps, $210 at Bloomingdales.
Lastly, J. Crew's Molly Allover Printed Platform Peep Toe, currently on sale for $200, is another great choice for dressing up jeans and a blazer, or adding a pop of color to an LBD. I would actually wear this shoe with cute little gray socks and dark cropped denim. This shoe has an internal hidden platform, which makes it feel like you are wearing a low-heeled shoe. Love that!
Now the tough part is deciding on one….
xo,
S
Super fun! I need to go shopping…