Shoe suggestions?

Gatorbaby · #1 03-26-2010, 03:02 PM

I live in FL so flip-flop are a big deal. However, it's a pain to get my toes done (and I don't feel comfortable wearing flip-flops without pretty toes..am I just paranoid?

) so I swear by my boat shoes. However, I need ideas to alternative nice shoe ideas because the wallabies are getting a bit old.
Any place to get low, casual heels? I found some cute and comfortable ones (and on sale, no less!) at Payless a few weeks back.
Any shoe brands/types you ladies swear by? (has to look cute/be reasonably comfortable..you know the age old struggle, haha)

SydneyK · #2 03-26-2010, 03:32 PM

I never met a Dansko I didn't love. Seriously, they're incredibly comfortable (especially if you're standing/walking a lot). They're a bit pricey, but definitely worth it. Most of my summer Danskos are sandals, but when I want to cover my toenails, I really like the Kiera.

txpacer · #3 03-26-2010, 03:39 PM

I love every pair of Seychelles, Enzo Angiolini, and MaxStudio shoes I have ever owned. I just got a new pair of wedges from Seychelles that I didn't have time to break in before a wedding, and had no blisters or pain after wearing them for 6-7 hours. In fact, I've never really felt pain after wearing any shoes from these brands.

As an alternative to boat shoes, I really like Toms. They are super comfy and last forever. As an added bonus, when you buy a pair of shoes, the company gives a pair to children in Africa. It is a great program.

annabella · #4 03-26-2010, 04:08 PM

Tory Burch has some nice comfy ballet flats on their site right now—go for the driving mocs or skimmers to avoid the obnoxious logo. I've been finding this brand on a lot on Gilt/Hautelook/etc lately

Edit: Simple is on Ruelala right now http://www.ruelala.com/event/all/21000

FSUZeta · #5 03-26-2010, 05:36 PM

j crew and talbots have some cute flats now. most people think of talbots for the middle aged woman, but some of their shoes could be worn by college aged girls.

jdrama · #6 03-27-2010, 05:33 AM

JCREW is a great place but you have to catch them on a sale. I work at JCREW's call center and it is pricey all the time but when they have sales, its the best {especially with my discount lol). If you join the Facebook group, you'll get coupon codes every few days I believe. The shoes are GORGEOUS!

annabella · #7 03-27-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSUZeta

most people think of talbots for the middle aged woman, but some of their shoes could be worn by college aged girls.

The clothing doesn't have the fit most 20somethings are looking for, but I do well with their shoes and accessories.

OP: also, a lower-cost "younger" version of Ann Taylor is Ann Taylor LOFT. I don't know if the quality is quite the same. Also if you're really worried about cost... aren't you in Florida? Land of the outlet mall?

purpleparrot · #8 03-27-2010, 01:03 PM

I am absolutely addicted to Jack Rogers Navajo sandals:
http://jackrogersusa.com/
You can dress them up or dress them down and they have a million colors. They are on the expensive side so if you can't afford them, target makes some knock offs that look exactly like them!
http://www.target.com/Merona-Enid-Wh.../dp/B002Q18R6A

Alumiyum · #9 03-29-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annabella

The clothing doesn't have the fit most 20somethings are looking for, but I do well with their shoes and accessories.

OP: also, a lower-cost "younger" version of Ann Taylor is Ann Taylor LOFT. I don't know if the quality is quite the same. Also if you're really worried about cost... aren't you in Florida? Land of the outlet mall?

It's just as good...I have bought a few nice dresses from LOFT including all the dresses I wore for recruitment five years ago.

They're still in comission and they still look new so I'm pretty happy with them.

I'm all about Chacos and Toms for shoes (and Uggs in winter....I don't care that they aren't cool anymore, they are the most comfortable things you'll ever put on your feet), but when I bother to look like an adult I've found many knock offs of popular expensive shoes at Target every season. They aren't going to last forever, but $30 for a pair of boots is great. I've lived in a pair of riding style boots I found there this fall, and unlike a lot of shoes made to look like leather, they're actually close enough to real that few of my friends could tell they weren't a $300 pair. I do have a few pairs of "going out" heels that I've had for three years that still look great. I don't wear them often, but for around $25 for every pair 3 years isn't bad. Lovelovelove Target.

Unless you're looking for shoes that are "the thing" at the moment, just go to department stores and buy out of season shoes. You'll have to spend some time looking through all the clearance boxes, but I've always gotten high end shoes at ridiculously good prices this way, so it's worth the annoyance.

FSUZeta · #10 03-29-2010, 09:57 AM

glad you mentioned jack rogers. their sandals are still very big during the first round of recruitment at UF and FSU.

jdrama, my daughter is graduating from college and is looking for a nice suit. i will tell her about the jcrew facebook page-thanks!!

annabella · #11 03-29-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alumiyum

It's just as good...I have bought a few nice dresses from LOFT including all the dresses I wore for recruitment five years ago.

They're still in comission and they still look new so I'm pretty happy with them.

Oooh, good. They keep sending me coupons. I don't have one near me, but the stuff on the website looks really cute so I'm always tempted to order. Does sizing run the same as Ann Taylor (I find I size down 1-2 sizes)?

FSUZeta: Do you have Dillard's near you? I know that's one of those stores where some are markedly nicer than others, but I've found I really like one of their store lines, Antonio Melani. It's relatively inexpensive and you can easily find a nice social or business suit for under $200. The quality and cut are nicer than you'd get at most places, as well.

FSUZeta · #12 03-29-2010, 01:28 PM

thanks for the tip. there is a dillards near me, but i don't know if they have one where my daughter goes to school. do you happen to know how small the melani suits come? she wears a 00 petite-not easy to find!

Alumiyum · #13 03-29-2010, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annabella

Oooh, good. They keep sending me coupons. I don't have one near me, but the stuff on the website looks really cute so I'm always tempted to order. Does sizing run the same as Ann Taylor (I find I size down 1-2 sizes)?

FSUZeta: Do you have Dillard's near you? I know that's one of those stores where some are markedly nicer than others, but I've found I really like one of their store lines, Antonio Melani. It's relatively inexpensive and you can easily find a nice social or business suit for under $200. The quality and cut are nicer than you'd get at most places, as well.

I haven't bought anything there in about a year but I was a small 4/large 2 as a freshman and those size 4 dresses still fit me (a little tighter, but not tight yet

...I wear a 4 or 6 now, no 2's) so they might be a little bigger. When I order online though I always find the site's measuring guide and find the size that matches my measurements. I definitely recommend them...obviously I'm really happy to have nice looking dresses that can still look as good as they do years later.