Spring Shoe Guide
What a relentless winter we had that buried Boston, dried up California, and froze the rest of us! When the magazines and stores are trumpeting Spring Fashion, we’re barely warm enough to put our gloves and hats away for storage.
We seemed to have turned the corner, weather wise, but I don’t know too many busy Moms who are anxious to don a Floral Dress and Caged Heels to the playground. So other than losing the parka and changing from ankle length yoga pants to capri, what’s a girl to do?
My motto is, when in doubt, start with the shoes! My favorite rite of Spring might be putting aside all manner of hoisery. Tights and socks, good riddance!
We’ve got your Spring shoe survival guide right here.
We love these wrap style ballet flats from Boden, in zippy Orange, or go-with-everything Silver. Don’t like the price? Try these from Kohl’s. They look great with ankle length jeans, and can even make your yoga pants look gamine.
Espadrilles have been staging a slow and steady comeback thanks in part to the philanthropic Tom’s, and the key to having fun with this style is pattern and texture. We love this multi-colored pair with black leggings or a denim dress, and this metallic pair from Franco Sarto with boyfriend khakis or shorts.
Another hot style for flats this season is a sling back. A little more skin, and an easier fit for those of you who find some flats uncomfortable (that back strap typically has some elastic in it), check out the sweet bow back slingbacks from Lucky Brand, versus the sexy sparklers from Sam Edelman. Dress up a pair of black capris, and why not have some bling at Play Group?
Lastly, nothing takes last year’s duds and makes them new like a classic red ballet flat. I love these two from Sole Society and Sam Edelman. Wear them with anything denim, a crisp white shirt, and a khaki trench coat for instant style.
While you’re waiting for sandal season to really kick in, take care of your feet with my new best friend, Dr. Scholl’s Blister Defense. Borrowed from athelte’s chafing sticks, this little balm actually prevents blisters before they happen. And who doesnt feel like they’ve run a marathon by the end of the day? Got a favorite pair of flats in your closet need of some love? Check out Cobbler Concierge, a fabulous new service that gives your shoes (and handbags!) a full tune up or repair for one flat fee ($40 for shoes, $100 for bags). You can mail them back and forth and in no time you’ll have plenty of Spring in your Step!
About Gina:
A fashion junkie since the tender age of 3, I spent the first part of my career at Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic designing stores. In 1998, I started my own Interior Design business, By Design Interiors. After having many clients ask me, “do you do wardrobes?” By Design Interiors became By Design Style. I believe strongly that style should be accessible, joyful, and life affirming. And funny. Sometimes it’s really really funny.
