This post is sponsored by Saks.
Come spring, I can’t wait to get out of my must-wear-winter-boots-all-the-time rut. My spring uniform usually consists of a favorite pair of jeans, a pretty top and some fabulous shoes.
An amazing pair of shoes just brings me joy (and bags too to be honest, but I’ll get to that later), and right now I’m obsessing over all of the platform shoes that are everywhere this spring.
My Spring Uniform: Platform Shoes With Cute Jeans, A Flowy Top & A Tote Bag
I’ve always loved platforms… (I’m pretty sure I wore a pair exactly like these Larroudé heels to my junior prom.) I mean, let’s be honest, I love the extra height they give my 5’4″ frame (without killing my feet at some crazy heel angle) and the fact that I don’t even have to hem my jeans when I wear them. When worn with my favorite wide-leg jeans from Good American, the heels have a leg-lengthening effect that makes me look taller than I actually am.
Add a pretty top, a splurge-worthy tote bag, and you’ve got a pretty fabulous spring uniform. And with the exception of this worth-every-penny Marc Jacobs tote bag, everything I’m wearing is under $150.
top | mules | jeans | tote bag | cami
One of my current favorite shoe brands — especially when it comes to platforms — is Schutz. I’ve been drooling over its styles for a while now, but only recently learned that the designer behind the brand is Alexandre Birman…creator of some of the most gorgeous shoes ever (they’ve been worn by Gisele and a bunch of other celebrities). Birman created Schutz in 1995 as an attainable luxury brand — which means that those of us who want to wear his beautiful shoes without spending $500+ can do so.
Which brings me to these platform mules from Schutz that go with absolutely everything. The heel height is 4.25 inches, but with a 2.25-inch platform, the heel only feels like 2 inches. I love the way they look with wide-leg and flare-leg jeans, and they’ll be perfect with dresses and shorts and all the things.
Now, someone had mentioned these are comfortable… I have to admit I was confused when I took them out of the box because the plastic seemed too stiff to be comfortable in any way. Here’s the thing, though: These platform mules run a half size small (I’m almost always a 7.5 in sandals and had to size up to the 8), and the plastic needs time to mold to your foot. And then…they actually are comfortable. I was shocked.
Here’s a tip: After Googling the best way to break in PVC shoes, I found a quick shot with a hot hair dryer makes them soft and pliable and easier to slide on. I then wore them around the house to break them in (some people suggest with thick socks), and now I love them. But if the transparent PVC isn’t for you, they also come in this fun bright-orange color or this snake print.
And since Schutz has such beautiful shoes, I couldn’t resist these gorgeous lace-up platform sandals. True to Schutz sizing, they run half a size small, but the straps can also be tightened or loosened from the toe to the heel and up the ankle for the perfect fit (no hair dryer required).
The detail on these sandals is perfection…from the braided toe strap down to the little square tabs on the end of the metallic ties. They have the same height as the mules above (4.25 inches), but with the feel of a 2-inch heel.
Cute + Practical: THIS Marc Jacobs Tote Bag, Tho…
And speaking of gorgeous things that bring joy…The Tote Bag from Marc Jacobs, you guys…
I’m in love. I had no idea how much use I would actually get out of this bag, but suffice it to say it has gone everywhere with me since the moment I got it. It has an adjustable, detachable crossbody strap that I just throw into the large interior when I’m not using it — which is big enough to hold everything I could possibly need (food, jacket, water bottle, hair brush, whatever).
There’s a large zippered pocket on the side for smaller items like lip gloss or cash, as well as two open pockets (my wallet fits perfectly inside one of them) and a card slot so everything has a place. It is perfect for travel and comes in five colors (the one I have is Cotton, but I’m also loving Rose for spring).
A Leg-Lengthening Moment: Platform Shoes + Wide-Leg Jeans
top | mules | jeans | tote bag | cami
OK, so, back to my spring uniform! I mentioned these Good American jeans are my favorite wide-legs, and for good reason. Wide-leg jeans are typically hard for me to wear, but these actually define the waist and are slim enough through the hips that they accentuate curves instead of hiding them. The 11-inch rise is on the higher end of mid-rise, so it defines the waist and booty without feeling too high or low.
top | mules | jeans | tote bag | cami
There’s a little bit of stretch to the fabric (2% elastane), so they’re comfortable and form to the body. And I love the slightly flared leg so much that I didn’t want to hem any of the length…which makes these platform mules the perfect way to keep that length and shape.
Show Off The Heels: Platform Shoes + Cropped Jeans
top | sandals | jeans | tote bag | cami
Of course, sometimes you just want to show off beautiful shoes, and cropped jeans are the perfect way to do that. I’ve been a huge fan of MOTHER’s cropped jeans for years, and this particular style (the Insider) is one of my favorites.
The 26-inch inseam is perfect for my shorter frame, but they also come in a longer length and are also available without distressing. The 10-inch rise is a true mid-rise, and the elastane gives just a bit of stretch so they’re comfortable to wear.
top | sandals | jeans | tote bag | cami
Spring Outfit-Makers: Pretty + Flowy Blouses
Finally, pretty tops top the whole thing off (see what I did there?). They’re like the icing on the cake, the cherry on the sundae, the…OK, you get it. I love all of the flowy tops in pretty patterns that make the ultimate spring outfit. Free People always has the best ones…like this slightly cropped, sheer blouse that works great with mid- to high-rise jeans. I love the details like the jewel neck and keyhole back. (I layered it over my favorite bra cami that adds coverage and works even with the open back.) I rounded up a few other pretty tops since this one is almost sold out!
Happy spring, everyone!!
XOXO,
Scotti
Photo credit: Daniele Carol
A huge thank you to Saks for sponsoring this post! Saks is our go-to for the best jeans and has an awesome collection of outfit-making statement shoes and bags. As always, all product choices and opinions are my own. Daniele, thank you for the pictures — always a pleasure to work with you! And readers, thank you SO so much for your continued support. It’s so very much appreciated!
, a flowy blouse, & a practical tote bag. My go-to look, inside.){kind=link}
You should be modelling that top for Saks!! You make it look stunning!! When I checked it out on the website I couldn’t believe how unappealing it looked.