which shoes to choose

Every Spring, for over a decade, I have bought a new pair of neutral wedge sandals. I go for an open toe, high heel, natural textures (cork, wood, rope, cotton and leather), minimal embellishment, no excessive straps and try to get the closest color to nude that I can find. Every Fall the shoes are totally trashed from the beach, pool water, parties, etc., therefore, continuing the cycle of needing a new, similar pair in the warmer months.

This year, however, is a little different! Last Summer, my beloved shoes met an early demise, and I bought a great replacement pair in August. Those shoes managed to survive for a few weeks and will still be my go-to pair this Spring and Summer. Now, I feel like my annual neutral sandal purchase be a little more fun since I already have a trusted pair. I want to stick with my basic guidelines but go with a different shade, some interesting detailing or maybe a t-strap or ankle strap. I'm even considering going with a thick, platformed heel.

I know I seem crazy and all the sandals above may look alike, but I will literally be wearing these shoes every day for the next four months. I need them to be cute and versatile. Which pair do you like best?

Vince Camuto Duval // Kors by Michael Kors Windsor // Chinese Laundry Major Crush // Cole Haan Air Minka // ALDO Lovin // Aldo Milius // Luxury Rebel Carol // Nine West Allaccess // Nine West Intuitive // Ivanka Trump Halyn // Frye Corrinna Cross Stitch // Ivanka Trump Keira // Fergie Indie // Ivanka Trump Halina // Alice and Olivia Thelma // DV by Dolce Vita Tulle // Stuart Weitzman Wraptor // Tory Burch Adonis // Madison Harding Norma // Ras Open Toe Wedge Espadrille // Kork-Ease Samantha // Steve Madden Wyliee // Vince Camuto Hattie // DV by Dolce Vita Shellie // Tommy Hilfiger Faye // Steve Madden Oaklee // Steve Madden Larrissa // Kork-Ease Hailey // Sam Edelman Leroy // Michael by Michael Kors Palm Beach // Seychelles Good Intentions // Kenneth Cole Reaction Real Deal // Steve Madden Magestee // Tommy Hilfiger Daisie // Steve Madden Syren // Jessica Simpson Casie

for meghan

While it's starting to feel like Spring here in D.C., other areas aren't so lucky. My sister goes to school up north and, as college students do, is starting to feel sick of her wardrobe. Unfortunately for her, though, the seasons haven't really changed, so she's pretty much stuck with the same outfits for a few more weeks. When she asked me how she could remix her closet, I thought of something she could buy that would work with her cold-weather clothes, but carry over into the Spring and even Summer.

I love the hippie-chic look of suede ankle booties. They're diverse enough to work in any weather. While it's still cold, a perfect look is skinny jeans, a silk cami and an oversized fatigue jacket. To keep the look from being too military, add a polished bag and a floral scarf. When it warms up, these boots just scream to be worn with a festival-inspired look. I can't wait to pair some with jean shorts, a boxy tank and silk kimono jacket. The look is completed with a fringe bag and friendship bracelets.

Steve Madden Pembrook Boots
Sass & Bide Out of Focus Bird Print Silk Kimono
3.1 Philip Lim Boxy Tank
Current/Elliot The Girlfriend Jean Shorts
ASOS Retro Skulls Friendship Bracelets
Carlos Santana Spirit Tour Bag
7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Skinny Jeans
Aritzia Trooper Jacket
Zadig & Voltaire Nude Camel Caraco Cami Top
Michael Kors Saddle Bag School Satchel
Epice Floral Print Scarf
ASOS Monochrome Cross Bracelets

a new point of view

Often what the audience is wearing at fashion shows can be as influential as what's shown on the runway. While looking through pictures from Paris Fashion Week, I noticed that most of the celebrities were eschewing the platform, sky-high heels that have been so popular in the past few years in favor of pointed pumps. Louis Vuitton's metallic cap-toe pumps were the most popular option.

As I talked about a few months ago, I totally prefer this ladylike look. As a short girl, I was a big fan of the chunkier style because of the added height of the platform. However, I think it's time for a new footwear trend, and I love this return to a prettier, dainty shoe.

twinkle toes

A few months ago I sustained a high heel injury. Yep... After wearing pumps and wedges so often, my feet and ankles were so tight and out of whack, I got tendinitis when I tried to wear flat shoes. Ever since then, I've incorporated more flats into my wardrobe.

It's become sort of an addiction. I've amassed quite the collection of ballet flats, loafers, smoking shoes, slip-ons and sneakers. Apparently I'm not alone in my new found love affair with more practical footwear. Taylor, of the fabulous Sterling Style, recently started a fun new Tumblr, Chic in Flats.

For me, the key to rocking flats regularly is to keep the shoes fun and the rest of the ensemble young and fresh. I'm pretty sure I would never wear a pair with a pencil skirt or floor-length slacks. I'm particularly drawn to printed or textured pairs, like calf hair or glitter, and I love using them as a juxtaposition to the other patterns or vibe of the rest of my outfit.

The latest pair of heelless shoes I'm lusting over are the J. Crew Darby Glitter Loafers. Available in silver and gold, they're the perfect way to make flats look stylish and avoid looking stale and boring. They're currently more than 50% off and available in almost every size. I'm usually partial to gold, but I may mix it up and add a cool metallic to my shoe collection.

wait, wait, wait... what?!

Guys, is this true? This can't be true. Refinery 29 is reporting that Zappos is ending their free overnight shipping. This has been a lifesaver for me for years. If online deliveries don't come overnight, it seems like they take weeks. In a pinch, there's nothing like Zappos free overnight shipping. You don't have to dig through malls and department stores and don't have to worry about not having your shoes by the weekend. I know I could just pay for overnight shipping, but tacking on $12 to my purchase just seems like overkill.

I looked on Zappos website and there's no sign of any change. In fact, they have a note at the top of the page about their free overnight shipping (and returns... Zappos is the best).

Does anybody know what's happening? This is an emergency, people!

winter formal: bow pumps

I love bows. In my hair, on my clothes, I'm never one to shy away from this girly embellishment. For a high school formal, a high pump with a bow is the perfect shoe to add to a festive dress.

As a petite lady, I don't believe I ever removed my shoes at a dance. Why would I? I love my shoes, and they're a part of my outfit... I just never got that whole thing. I guess it helps with the dancing, but the last thing I want when I'm dancing is to have my bare foot pierced by someone's stiletto! Therefore, the shoes should be comfortable. This doesn't mean a kitten heel. Please, never a kitten heel with a party dress. Ankle straps, platforms and high quality shoes can help with this.

Don't be afraid to let your shoes shine, either. Just because a dress has sparkle, or print, doesn't mean the shoes have to be dull. Just don't contrast with the dress (unless you're a master fashionista and want to do like, a polka dress with a leopard shoe or something, in which case... do it!).

knee jerk reaction

I already alluded to my attraction to over-the-knee socks with knee high boots when I thought about wearing them with a plaid mini.

The latest trend I've been noticing, and loving, is high boots with higher socks over jeans, pants, leggings or tights. It's a cool way to layer without adding bulk or being uncomfortable. I think the outdoorsy/preppy look is darling and it's practical for the cold weather.

The easiest way to emulate this look seems to be gray socks with brown riding boots. I also love the more risky versions, like black boots and pants with white or gray socks, mixing in colorful Hunter boots and playing with neutrals.

a thriftier theory

I'm seriously lusting over the Theyskens' Theory ankle strap wedge I've been seeing all over the web. I don't know about you, but I'm not really in the position to spend almost $500 on such a trendy shoe, no matter how amazing it may be.

These suede wedge platform pumps by Boutique 9 are a pretty undeniable replacement. Sure, the toe is more almond than it is pointy, but they've got the same funky look, and are definitely the right height. I can't believe they're only $150. I love the plum color, but think the orange would look fabulous on some of my tanner, brunette friends.

get to the point

As someone on the short side, I can use all the height I can get. So when I started seeing pumps with shoebox platforms on every single red carpet, I ran out and got myself a pair. They give me those much needed extra inches, and they're certainly sexy, but I think I'm on my way to being over the Kim-Kardashian-shoe look.

My most significant issue with this popular trend is that it's simply over saturated. I mean, it's everywhere. I love me some Kathie Lee Gifford, but once my favorite boozed-up morning broadcaster starts wearing a once-trendy look, I start to question it.

Another problem is that you can't wear them with long pants without seeing the platform. I'm all about this bell bottom revival, and I need my hems to skim the floor to give me the illusion of long legs.

I have big plans to replace my clunky platform heels with pointy toe pumps. I just think the elongated sole and flat shoebox is so much more elegant and classic.

In addition to being vertically challenged, I've also been cursed with tiny feet. I know many girls like the look of dainty feet and loathe their sailboat shoes, but mine are a little ridiculous. My friend Claire once dubbed me "Baby Shoes." My boyfriend says I have hooves. I wear a 5.5. Basically, the smallest adult size.

I've convinced myself that my small feet make my legs look stubbier. One of the best parts about these pointy toe shoes is that they make your feet look a little bigger and streamline your leg. When I'm wearing my beloved bell bottoms they poke out just a hint to ensure I actually have feet and not tiny deer-like stubs.