The Ballet Flat Ballot Giveaway

I need some help, lovely readers! I've found myself walking in circles inside my closet each morning looking for the perfect pair of shoes to complete my ensemble. Not only is this awkward because my closet is 20 square feet, but it really confuses Cooper, who likes to follow me around when I'm home. 

It was easy to figure out that I was missing some nude flats, but I'm having trouble deciding on which pair I should ultimately purchase:

Me Too "Patty" Flats 

(also seen here)

Price: $89

Why?: Great on-trend piece for this spring and summer

[Photo source: zappos.com]

TOM'S Rose "Natalia" Linen Ballet Flats

Price: $74

Why?: Helps a child in need

[Photo source: toms.com]

Tory Burch "Caroline" Ballet Flat

Price: $225

Why?: Great quality

[Photo source: jildor.com]

Which one should I choose? Leave a comment by Wednesday, April 4, at 5:00 p.m. CST. I'll pick one commenter afterward to receive a surprise giveaway!

Spring for Shoes that Last 'til Winter: Three Rules for Three Shades (Part 2 of 2)

Hey chickadees! It's been awhile, but I'm ready to finish my rant on spring shoes. By now, hopefully you have noticed that you can go glitzy or casual in each shade and spend as much or as little as you like. If you're a gal like me, you're looking to be as economical as possible so you can make BIG purchases with ease, such as signing up for a marathon training program (!!!). True story. I'm officially nuts.  

1) Keep It Classic with White

If you're going to go white this year, keep in mind that you're only going to be wearing them for a few more months. So, forego the ultratrendy styles and look for something that's going to be relevant next year.

If casual is the name of your game, my recommendation is buying something in canvas, specifically the Chuck Taylor All Star from Converse. They are playful, inexpensive, and something you can throw in the washer to keep clean for next spring. 

Photo source: converse.com

  

If you want to put a bit more bling in your step, go for statement jeweled sandals. (Editor's note: When I say, "jewels," I do not mean "rhinestones." The last time I bought shoes with rhinestones, I was shopping for senior prom, and it's going to stay that way.)

Photo source: target.com

What I'm Wearing

I'm going the casual route, so I'm throwing on a pair of Chucks with my chambray shirt from J.Crew, a liberty floral skirt, and that gold watch you all know I love.

2) Hide Those Toes in Metallics and Nudes

Because these colors aren't super light or dark, metallic- and nude-colored shoes are  the best transition shoe to get you from spring to fall. (And if you live in Texas like moi, they'll probably carry you into winter, also.) With that in mind, my advice is to skip open-toed anything in these shades and purchase simple flats or pumps. You'll survive the summer, because neither flats nor heels require tights (but both look great with them when the weather is finally right).

Photo source: toryburch.com

Photo source: zappos.com

(brand: rsvp)

What I'm Wearing

Despite only being 5'0'', I gravitate toward flats, so I'd pair a pretty nude or light gold pair with my denim leggings and a breezy top for the next few months. When it gets cooler, I'll swap the top for a vintage men's oxford shirt.

3) Add Socks and Knee-Highs to Camel

How adorable are ankle socks and knee-highs? Umm, sooo adorable. Whether you purchase chunky sandals like these Chinese Laundry Bellflower sandals I featured in my last post or something close-toed like the Steve Maddens pictured below, you can't go wrong with adding colorful ankle socks or knee-highs (although I recommend solid colors only) when you're frollicking in a cute skirt that hits above the knee.

Photo source: stevemadden.com

What I'm Wearing

My plan is to pair a pair of Oxford shoes in camel with my J.Crew knee highs (any color would look fab) and a black slightly pleated skirt (that's right, chickadees, I'm pairing brown and black) with a white men's Hanes tank and a grey men's cardigan.

The "100-50-25" Where to Buy

• Less than $25 -- Payless
• Less than $50 -- Piperlime (brand: Wanted)
• Less than $100 -- Steve Madden

Whew! OK, I'm exhausted. Off to run, but not in any of these shoes. ;)

Spring for Shoes that Last 'til Winter: Good, Better, Best (Part 1 of 2)

I've been getting a few questions about shoes lately (thank you for asking!) and wanted to address them with a two-part blog series, starting first with colors. (In fact, I'm not going to mention anything specific about styles or include a "Where to Buy" section until the next post.)

Good

With Easter past us, we are now allowed by The Fashion Gods to wear white shoes. But this doesn't mean we should ... at least not in the traditional sense. The days of stark white shoes are behind us. This year, we are seeing a lot more embellishment going on, with jewels and bows attached to shoes of all shapes and sizes.

Photo source: ninewest.com

Better

Metallic tints and nude tones are colors that will easily translate into your fall wardrobe. And with these palletes, subtlety is key. For example, look for shoes that are lightly brushed with a metallic finish. After all, chickadees, ghetto gold is best left to costume jewelry.

Photo source: stevemadden.com

Best
Have you noticed a pattern yet? If white is good, and nude tones are better, then it makes sense why camel might be the best color to accesorize with this season and the following ones. And shoes will be no exception. If I can't convice you, check out one Vogue article written earlier this month.

Photo source: chineselaundry.com

My hope is that visions of leather and suede are now dancing in your head, but before you open your wallet, spend the next few days simply looking around. Pay attention to the shoe styles you find in white versus the ones you spot in camel. And start to consider your budget, as that will help determine whether or not you purchase a style in each shade or save your pennies for the ultimate pair you can wear into 2011.

Happy Tuesday, and I'll blog ya' soon! In the meantime, feel free to post comments or questions!