Shoes » Feather Factor

Coral Bows

Apr 292013

This weekend was wonderful though seemed way too short! I saw a few good friends I haven’t seen in awhile and wore this out to dinner. This white blazer is a few years old now, from Zara and I’m probably due for a replacement soon.

Floral Dress 2

Zara blazer (similar)
Joie dress (similar via Milly)
Hermes bag (similar in dark emerald)
Steve Madden shoes (more colors here)

A close up of the shoes – I had the hardest time finding the right representation of the color online, I think these are pretty close.

Steven Ravesh

Bows

I honestly haven’t purchased a pair of Steve Madden shoes for almost ten years, since a disastrous experience with a pair of boots in college. I basically gave up on the brand since so many shoes I tried were uncomfortable on me, but I saw these at Nordstrom and had to give them a go. I was surprised that they were actually quite comfortable! Maybe it’s the “Steven” brand but either way I am a fan. The coral color matches with much more than I thought, though I was also very tempted by the other colors.

I bought my pair at Nordstrom where the green and black are available, as well as the blush patent – though coral appears to be out right now. You can find the coral pair at Zappos.

Packing Shoes for Travel

Apr 152013

One of my biggest conundrums when thinking about packing a travel wardrobe has always centered around shoes. What shoes to wear, and what to pack? I’ve made quite a few mistakes over the years – been stuck with only closed toed shoes in the stifling humidity and heat of summertime Asia, worn both heels and thin soles in excruciating discomfort over the cobblestones of Europe, and more. Over time I’ve drilled down to a few basic pairs which I always bring when traveling for pleasure and know I’ll be walking around a bit, exploring the sights.

I have never been the type of person who can walk around for hours in even 3 + inch heels. On a trip, I’ll usually have at least one or two pairs of comfortable shoes packed away, and also a pair of heels tucked in for evening/formal dress events. Here are some of my favorite traveling shoes, and some suggestions for qualities to look for when shopping for similar ones.

Shoes

Low wedge sandals. The espadrilles below were the most comfortable pair of shoes that I brought with me on my trip to Tokyo, and I walked miles in them. The slight wedge actually made them even a little more comfortable than completely flat shoes, and the fact that they were open toed were great, since Tokyo can be quite hot in May and my feet expanded a bit in the heat.

I’d suggest looking for a low wedge (below 2 inches) in espadrilles or cork material to keep sandals lightweight. I would also look for sturdy straps in either leather or suede, to keep your foot in. My suggestion: this pair of low sandals, available in black and tan, under $90 here.

Ballet flats. After a bit of a breaking in period, my Chanel flats are now some of the most comfortable I own. They are completely molded to my feet and I love that they have a sturdy construction. I’m all for soft floppy ballet flats that you can keep in your bag, but these often don’t provide support for long walks – especially in places like Europe where there are often deep cobblestone streets. These flats have also been reinforced with Vibram soles on the bottom which give them an extra layer when walking bumpy streets. Continue reading »

Closet Care – Bags and Shoes

Oct 012012

My leather care collection

Recently I’ve had a few requests for posts around how I take care of my wardrobe – clothes and accessories.

I am far from an expert in these areas but since I do try and have my items last as long as possible, I wanted to share some of my learnings. Today’s post will focus on leather accessories – clothing and jewelry will be next!

Here are my top three tips for taking care of bags and shoes. Continue reading »

Spring Shoes: Miu Miu and Stuart Weitzman

Jun 182012

For the last month or so I’ve been feeling particularly smug because I’ve managed to prevent myself from falling into any of the major pre-sale madness going on – only to find myself purchasing two pairs of shoes in the same amount of days last week. Oy! But these were both pairs that qualified under my “emergency sale purchase” plan and yes, I actually do have an ING Savings account labeled that. Anyway, here they are!

On the left: Stuart Weitzman sandals (sold here, here, here)
On the right: Miu Miu gingham heels (sold here, here, here)

I’d been watching the Stuart Weitzmans for a while and thought they’d be a great casual, nude sandal. I love my YSL Tributes but sometimes they are too high for certain occasions and I also have a fear of walking down steep hills in them.

The Weitzmans have a subtle platform and are incredibly comfortable. They are partially cork (but all leather lined) which makes them quite light. I do believe that Stuart Weitzman is sometimes underrated though his new line may change that.

My next pair are not nearly as practical but cute enough that I couldn’t resist. I love gingham! Plus these shoes were actually really comfortable for the height, I usually have bad luck with pointier heels. Please excuse my veiny feet, standing for a while in front of the self timer trying to take a photo in various flamingo-like stances can do that to you!

One more shot of shoe details just because I love them…

Miu Miu gingham heels (sold here, here, here) Stuart Weitzman sandals (sold here, here, here)

Here are the links again to the shoes above – the Stuart Weitzmans have random sizes in stock and the Miu Mius are largely sold out, but sizes do sporadically appear.

Over the years I’ve tried to become better and better at sale shopping and now try to only buy items that I’d be willing to pay full price for – but isn’t that kind of a weird logic? Why didn’t I just buy them full price then? Anyway, while I’m mulling that over…I’d love to hear – have any of you indulged in any spring sale scores? If not, I to hear so too, I need some examples of good behavior!

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