Don't fret, friends. Just because I haven't written about shoes in a while doesn't mean I haven't been stomping all over this city (and others). I'm trying (trying, trying) not to make too many shoe purchases this summer, especially in adding yet another pair of black patent peep toe platforms to the collection. That means I am really putting some miles (ok, minutes, let's be honest...no one is walking very far in these bad grrrls) on the shoes that I have. It also means that I chose to invest in some cobbling to get one more season out of my favorite wedge sandals from last summer and that I gave some good thought to the pairs I did purchase (that is, well past the "OH! On sale! And in my size!" five-second process).
Here are one new pair of lovelies I'm wearing often in the warm weather -- nude patent peep toes with bow embellishment by Unisa.
I've tried on many, many pairs of nude pumps over the years (why does that sound so dirty?) and have always talked myself out of buying them because I don't require very many pairs of professional heels since I work from home and the FedEx guy is not nearly as impressed with my get-ups as I'd like him to be. Still, the draw of beautiful nude-colored heels is that they are sleek, sexy and still look put-together. Perhaps it is that the color is just a few shades darker than my freakishly pale...I mean, porcelain skin, but the barely-there-ness of nude heels continually lures me in. Plus, they elongate they leg and class up all kinds of hookerish outfits.
When I bought a bright pink dress to wear to a wedding and then found another black and nude jersey dress to add to the closet full of "in case I ever go to..." wears, I felt I finally could justify making a pair of nude heels my own. I was seeking a pair of Cole Haans I spotted at Marshall's months ago (I know, laughable), but I found these by Unisa, and I think I fall a little more in love with them every time I wear them.
I turned a simple black shift dress (similar to this one) into an on-air outfit I will be very happy to wear on a TV segment next week by adding these shoes, a coordinating patent leather skinny belt I got on a fabulous J. Crew clearance, and then wrapping a necklace (also clearance, this time from Target) full of big beads in many flesh tones around my wrist to make a bauble-y bracelet. Three little details that stared with the shoes took the shift dress from simple and pretty to professional and even prettier.
I've hunted online and can't find this particular style by Unisa anywhere (sorry, sweets, that is the nature of the discount store beast). But nude heels (hello, Louboutin) are all over and I do highly recommend inviting a pair into your closet. These six are all stellar choices in the Sassafrass book of flesh/taupe/bone/natural/neutral footwear.
These adorned peep toes would be perfect with your favorite party dress. Champagne by Nina, on sale for $59.99 on Piperlime. (Also check out this much-simplified, much-more-manageable pair on Target.com at a steal for those with pared-down tastes, $22.99)
Pair these with a pencil skirt, sexy summer top and those fabulous white linen pants that fit you like a glove, or to give a little understated sexpot look to your Sunday best. They are by RSVP Freida in bone (shush it) are $84 on Zappos.
Get your (ahem) nude in a bootie from Target (Target!) for just under 70 bones (I can't help myself). I adore the laser-cut rosettes. I'd pair them with my very best good-ass jeans and a simple boobalicious tee. These will take you into fall, past the dreaded "no more white after Labor Day" ridiculousness.
If you need to keep your look a little more buttoned-up, you can still go for the nude look. The bow detail makes these 3-1/2 inch-heel pump a sassier version of your best "I'm giving a preso to the big bosses" work shoes. $78 on Zappos, you simply have to order these because they are the BooBoo style by Nine West.
Keep it a bit more casual with these wedges (oh, how I love wedges) by Steve Madden (oh, how I love Steve Madden). If you can rock the super-short shorts (and more power to you if you can), these will keep your fabulous gams looking even longer. Wear these with your maxi dress and skip the hemming. Or just put them on with every single summer outfit you own -- they will probably look adorable every damn day. Just be prepared to scrub that canvas clean. $78 on Zappos.
I rarely choose flats for myself, but even I'm contemplating this beautifully embellished pair clearly created for a princessa. They're certainly not simple and would dress up your everyday uni of a tee and A-line skirt or stay on while you flail around the dance floor at a summer wedding. Gisenna flats by Chinese Laundry are on DSW.com for just under $50.
is a single mama in the city, super-savvy editor, writer, video host and shameless shoe whore.
Thursday, July 1, 2010 
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