A Shoe Conversation

Dear Blog Readers,

I think it's about time we had a serious convo about, yes, you guessed it… shoes.  You see, around two or three years ago, I was a new-ish fashion follower.  I wasn't fashionably challenged, I had some cute shoes, don't get me wrong... but they were just the basics. As a Southern California girl, I wore sandals, and sandals, and more… sandals!  I literally felt overwhelmed [and severely underprepared] as far as my shoe closet was concerned.  So, I've got a few helpful tips, with pictures! to help ease your pain, and get you feeling fashionably fearless for all seasons!

1. Start off simple by purchasing a nude flat, but make sure it's got a feminine detail to it (aka, bows, flowers, or frills) just to give it personality, and not feel so plain.

2. Keep going: After the nude flat you're ready to graduate to a 2 inch heel! Super comfortable and easy on your feet, but still fashionably forward enough [especially in a vibrant color like red, pink, or yellow!]

3. Comfort: Styling shoe with a chunky heel or wedge with platforms are definitely easy to walk in, and much more comfortable as well. Make sure you own a nude and black pair of wedges for long nights out! They'll go with everything.

4. Styling boots:  Boots can be tricky.  The safest place to start is with some cognac brown or black riding boots.  These are easily styled with denim or leggings in the fall and winter, or even in early summer with a dress.  The next step is booties, and it took me a good while to warm up to them.  I don't wear them often, but with the right dress they look fabulous!  Lastly, is the combat boot.  Any girly girl would naturally hesitate when thinking about styling combat boots. I sure did.  As a woman who styles mostly dresses I could not think of how or when I would wear these hideous lacy things, but honestly, I styled them SO much especially in Fall and Winter. [My favorite way to wear them was with dark wash denim and a flannel top…lumberjack chic!]

5. Shoes with personality:  Some shoes are just completely random and you'll feel like there isn't a way in the world to style them.  Don't worry, it's not as bad as it seems, because all you have to do is think outside of the box! Shoes with studs or edgy embellishments look great with grungy jeans and a tee or they are also fabulous paired with a flirty dress.  Same goes for heels in bold colors.  I used to get super discouraged if my shoes didn't match the colors I was wearing in my outfit, but that is NOT what fashion is about anymore! It's about breaking all the rules and making it your own.

p.s. make sure to come link-up on Thursday! Jacqueline and I are styling leopard/animal print this week!

(Linking up with FundayMondays, The GFC Collective Blog Hop, Watch What I'm Wearing, My Style Monday, and Monday Mingling.)