ballet flats

It’s easy for moms to get in a style rut. After all, you have to worry about changing the baby, getting the kids off to school, cooking, cleaning, soccer practice, dance lessons…and the list goes on and on. With everything going on in your world, there’s not much time left to worry about your wardrobe.

And though no one expects you to dress to the nines, if you find yourself in sweat pants, a t-shirt and sneakers every day, it may be time to update your mom style. One of the easiest ways to change your look is with shoes. Sneakers can make anything look sloppy. So instead of pulling out your Keds or Nikes every morning, change things up a bit.

When it comes to footwear, comfort is probably high on your priority list. So eliminate high heels (particularly stilettos) from your everyday shoe possibilities. Fortunately, flats can be not only comfortable but also quite stylish. In the summer, you can wear flat sandals. But if you are looking for a comfortable, flat shoe that you can wear year round, consider ballet flats.

Ballet flats come in every fabric and color imaginable. They can be worn with everything from pencils skirts or trousers to leggings or jeans. They slip-on easily and keep your feet looking (and feeling) fabulous all day long.

When shopping for ballet flats, avoid light colors, which can get dirty very easily. Also steer clear of patent, which can get scuffed quickly. Charcoal grey, chocolate brown and, of course, basic black flats are terrific options. If you want to infuse a little color into your wardrobe, consider red, hot pink or turquoise blue.

The Graduate flat from Dr. Scholl’s features a round toe and oversized buckle accent. Its padded footbed and arch support will keep your feet comfy all day long. This shoe comes in a variety of materials (suede, leather or fabric) and over a dozen colors. Priced at $49.00 or less at Endless.com, these shoes are a fantastic choice for moms or anyone looking for a comfy-chic pair of flats.

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Very Prive Patent Pump

Christian Louboutin shoes are loved by women around the world. With their signature red soles and amazing styles, these shoes make a statement wherever you go.

Designer Christian Louboutin began sketching shoes in middle school and his interest in footwear design has never waned. Celebrities from Angelina Jolie to Madonna and Britney Spears to Jennifer Aniston have been spotted on the red carpet and the city streets donning Louboutin’s shoes.

How did the red lacquer soles come about? The designer was reviewing one of his fashion shows and felt something was missing from his product. While contemplating, he caught sight of the red fingernail polish on one of his employees. He thought to himself, “That’s it!” And so it was. Every single pair of Louboutin shoes now has the bold red soles.
You can find Christian Louboutin shoes and boots at the designers boutiques in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas and New York City, as well as London and Hong Kong. They are also available in top department stores around the globe including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

As with most beautiful, high-end things, Christian Louboutin shoes have a price tag to match. Simple black leather pumps are priced at $595, while exotic skins, unique designs and elaborate boots can run well over $1000.

If you are going to invest in one pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, consider the Very Prive Patent Pumps. These gorgeous pumps feature black patent leather and sweet peep toe. They have a hidden platform sole and sky-high heel that’s nearly five inches.

Sure, they’ll cost you a pretty penny, but they look like a million bucks. You can get these Christian Louboutin pumps at Neiman Marcus and other retailers for $795.

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High Heel Boot

Some of the best things about cold weather are the clothes! And when you talk about fall and winter apparel, you have to talk about boots. Every woman should have a pair (or two) of boots in her closet. Knee-high boots not only keep your feet warm and dry, they are stylish too. You can wear them with everything from a business suit to a minidress and tights to skinny jeans (tucked in).

For those who live in a cold, wet climate, stick with flat or very low heeled boots for walking on icy sidewalks and streets. If you really want to wear heels, make them wedges rather than stacked heels or stilettos. Wedges distribute your weight over a larger surface area, making them more sturdy and comfortable.

You can choose waterproof winter boots with furry trim, leather riding boots with a square toe and buckle details, or sexy heeled boots in rich colors. Slouchy suede knee-high boots are also very popular. If they are your only pair of boots, make them black or brown, so you can wear them with just about anything. If you have multiple pairs of boots, you can pick fun colors such as vibrant purple, burnt orange or racy red.

Edgy boots that are accented by studs, rivets, zippers, buckles and other embellishments are also on-trend. Though these boots embody the rocker-chic look, they can be worn with almost anything in your closet. For example, you can partner studded leather boots with a frilly, ruffled dress for a unique contrast in style. The REPORT ‘Pineola’ Boot is a fun choice with its nail-head studs, multiple buckles and harnessed rings. These boots sit atop a super skinny 4-inch heel. You can get these utilitarian boots at Nordstrom for just under $200.

In the past few years, over-the-knee boots have stormed onto the fashion as well. These boots are ultra sexy and definitely eye-catching. Some go just above the knee, while others don’t stop until they hit mid-thigh. You can find these attention-getting boots at most department stores and many online shoe retailers.

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Heeled Oxford Booties

If you are looking to purchase one new pair of shoes this season, high heel oxford booties are a fantastic option. You can wear them just about anywhere – the office, a special date, dinner with the folks.

In the past few years, women’s fashion has been infused by menswear-inspired trends. From slouchy cardigans to pinstriped trousers and funky fedoras to military jackets, it appears women have been invading their husband’s closets.
Though this look is very popular, it’s definitely not for everyone. If menswear is a little too masculine for your personal taste, you can still get into the trend by choosing the right pieces. Look for clothes that, though inspired by men’s apparel, still maintain feminine touches.

Oxford shoes are classics that have crossed over from men to women. If you like these lace-up shoes, you have plenty of options from which to choose. The low-heeled variety is usually created from leather and often has the perforated wingtips or captoes. Though these shoes are nice, they are definitely masculine.

Many designers have taken the oxford silhouette and dressed it up with a high heel and other feminine accents, such as grosgrain ribbon laces. These ladylike oxfords can be worn with just about anything, from pencil skirts and ruffled blouses to tailored shorts with tights.

If you want to splurge, check out the Ralph Lauren Pilar ($650 at Zappos) in bordeaux suede. These oxfords have a 4-inch heel, ribbon laces, and pretty pleats over the peep-toe. Though they are pricey, with their rich color, texture and style, they look like these are worth every penny.

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Here are a few of my favorite boots for fall.

Christian Louboutin Trotte Buckled Suede Boot

These fabulous suede boots feature a high, high heel (almost 5 inches) and thick belted detail. If you are looking to splurge on a pair of designer boots, these suede botos from Christian Louboutin are a fabulous choice. Get them at Neiman Marcus for $1,445.

Cole Haan Air Mica Boot

With a classic shape and a silvertone studs for some extra pizazz, these Cole Haan boots are a nice choice for fall. These black boots feature a 3 1/2 inch heel and Nike Air cushioning for maximum comfort and wearability. You can get these boots from Nordstrom for $550.

BCBGirls Chill Boot

For a different flavor, check out these grey leather boots, which are trimmed in glossy black patent leather on the top shaft and cap toe. These boots are definitely unique! They aren’t only cute, but also affordable at $228.95 from Nordstrom. These BCBGirls Chill boots feature a 3 3/4-inch heel and full side zip.

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Chloe Irinia Round Toe Booties
This bootie features distressed leather and a cut out front. The skinny 4-inch heel keeps these shoes from looking too rough, but they are still edgy. You can pre-order these right now from Saks Fifth Avenue for $550.

Manolo Blahnik Cutout Patent Bootie
These glossy black patent leather booties from Manolo Blahnik are very hot. They feature peep-toe, perforated trim and a red lining. These booties are available at Neiman Marcus for $765.

Christian Louboutin Lace-Up Bootie
For something unique, Christian Louboutin offers these black suede lace-up booties with tonal leather stripes. The result is a fabulous looking shoe that will certainly garner a lot of attention. You can order these now at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,120.

Dolce & Gabbana Lace-Up Bootie
For a menswear look in brown leather, check out these oxford style lace-up, high heel booties. They feature gold contrast stitching and lots of fine details. Also at Bergdorf Goodman, these booties are priced at $795.

Prada Suede Bootie
To add a little color in your fall wardrobe, Prada offers these plum suede booties with ruching on the sides for a feminine look and comfortable fit. You can get these booties from Neiman Marcus for just $595.

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The rules for buying heels are the same for buying any shoes: Do wear the right size. Don’t cram your feet into too small, too narrow or too big shoes. But they also come with their own set of rules: Don’t wear super high heels more than 12 hours at a time. Do stretch your calves after wearing heels; high heels can cause your achilles tendon to shorten over time.

Here are some other things to look out for when buying high heels:

BCBGirls Lora

Platforms make it easier to wear high heels since they reduce the angle of the heel and balance the foot better.

Christian Louboutin pumps

Pointy toed shoes make your legs look longer, which makes you look thinner. When trying on these shoes, remember that the point is ornamental, not functional. You’re not supposed to squeeze your foot into the point, there should be plenty of room in there. And don’t do anything stupid like having cosmetic surgery on your feet. Shoes come and go, but your feet have to last a lifetime. Since ultra high heels push your feet forward, you may even want to go a half-size larger when selecting pointy shoes. But make sure the shoes don’t flop off your heel when you walk. You could break your ankle, or get a blister.

Alexander McQueen ankle straps

Spotlight a slim ankle with a strap. Ankle straps also help hold the shoe on your foot–helpful if you have narrow heels.

Cole Haan lemon patent peep toes

Pair peep toes with tights–opaque or textured–not sheer panty hose. Matching your tights to your skirt or your shoes creates a long leg line. For a subtle look match neutral shoes with tights of the same color. If you’re wearing bright shoes and a neutral dress or skirt, match the tights to the garment. If you’re young, slim and daring you can opt for bright tights and neutral shoes, but this isn’t a look everyone can wear.

Missy Sixty strappy sandals

Do not wear sheer hose with open-toed strappy sandals. In fact, do not wear sheer hosiery at all. If you want to protect your foot from straps that rub or bite, use a product like Blister Block to protect your feet. It really does work, but you have to remember to reapply it if you’re wearing the shoes for any length of time. Do make sure your feet are sandal worthy before donning strappy shoes. Chipped polish, unsightly callouses or rough soles will detract from your look. A pedicure is worth the investment.

Betsey Johnson Adair

If you’re under five feet tall, don’t wear sky high heels. Everyone wants to look taller, but jumbo heels and big platforms can make you look like a little girl playing dress up. Stick to shoes three inches and under that are more slim than chunky. Slingbacks, which help give the illusion of height, are another good option.

Christin Michaels pump

As we grow older, we lose some of the fat on the bottom of our feet–fat that cushions our heels and the balls of our feet. Look for built-in comfort features such as gel insoles or padded footbeds. You can also buy inserts specially devised for high heels.

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Floral sandals are very trendy this season. Whether you are talking about floral prints, floral appliques or jeweled floral embellishments, you will find flowers everywhere. Floral sandals are feminine shoes that are versatile enough that they can be worn for a variety of occasions. Here are a couple of my favorite floral sandals from Nordstrom in various price ranges.

Cheap Treat

Franco Sarto Nile Flower Print Sandal
This cute sandal features a floral print and patent leather trim. The espadrille wedge makes it a comfortable choice that is also stylish. Right now, this sandal is on sale for under $35.

Mid-Range Buy

Athena Alexander Toast Sandal
This cute orange sandal features a flower on the T-strap for a touch of femininity. You can get these shoes in black, white or bronze as well. The Athena Alexander sandal is priced at $89.95.

Luxury Choice

Kate Spade Liberty Sandal
This sandal features two floral ornaments created with black faceted stones. The strappy style and stiletto heel make these a great choice for evening. Get these Kate Spade sandals for $375.

Floral sandals can be worn with everything from shorts and a cute top to a cocktail dress. These sandals are all fun choices that are inspired by flowers and nature. No matter what your budget, you can find a floral sandal that you will really love.

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Everybody is wearing gladiator sandals. From celebrities on the red carpet to average Janes like me and you. Though, I have never been thrilled with the flat gladiator sandals, in recent months I’ve grown to love some of the high heel gladiator-inspired sandals.

Here are a few of my personal favorites, which are affordable too. You shouldn’t spend a bundle on gladiator sandals because the trend might fade away anytime.

Mia “Godiva” Sandal
These platform sandals feature bronze leather and a 4 1/2-inch stacked heel. You can grab these at Macy’s for just $79. These shoes would look great with everything from a white summer dresses to a safari jacket and skirt.

Colin Stuart High Heel Gladiator Sandal
These are definitely not your typical gladiator sandals at all. These shoes feature clear and black straps in an interesting design. These sexy shoes are available online from Victoria’s Secret. You may choose to wear these just in the bedroom … or not. Order them right now for under $50.

Steve Madden Togga Sandal
These high, high heels have a chunky wooden platform combined with a white leather upper. You can get these Steve Madden sandals for just under $100 at Nordstrom. These sandals would look hot with a cool white summer dress. Add some wooden beads or bamboo bangles and you’ll be set.

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So the latest trend in shoes is bright patent finishes. The patent look has been popular for spring shoes for a couple of years but the added touch this year which gives it more eye popping appeal is the bright colors. I love this trend and just picked up a pair of turquoise stiletto heels. I wore them out with my girlfriends one night and received a ton of compliments and then I realized I didn’t really have another occasion to wear them. Sure, I’ll find a couple other occasions but I just dumped a ton of money on what basically amounts to a handful of compliments from my friends who don’t need to be impressed, they already like me.

Lesson learned, right? Not exactly, there is a red pair of heels I really want and then there was that orange pair of wedges

I saw and I would love to add a flowered pair of shoes to my collection. So yes, I have a serious shoe problem BUT I do think I took something away from the turquoise shoe experience. I am going to purchase my shoes more wisely and cost effectively. I could have bought the turquoise heels somewhere else for about $30 and that would have been a reasonable amount to pay for a pair of shoes that will only be cool for one season.

The other pairs I want, I think I’m going to look for sales on the designer ones (because they just fit so much better) or I’ll keep my eyes out for deals at discount stores. But, no matter what, I’ll continue following the shoe trends like the slave to fashion I am.

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