Style Dilemma: The Shoe Challenge

WebMama wrote last week: I'm writing to hit you up for some fashion advice. I'm going to a wedding Saturday and am wearing this navy dress.

I also bought blue tights. Question is, what color shoes should I wear? I could go black patent - but like the idea of a lighter heel. What do you think of these? Or I could go even lighter like in the attached picture. Just curious what your gut reaction is. Thanks in advance!!

I messaged back (after letting it go too long because I was under a RealJob rock. Sorry, WebMama!): Yes - love the idea of lighter heel - pewter v pretty. but i would personally go with a rounder toe (though have had these pumps before and they're great).

ok, have a couple of suggestions.

on simplysoles.com, there's a blush-colored lillybee wedge that'd be darling, and a chie mihara round toe pump in tan (might be a bit casual)

on zappos.com, there's a sofft pump (fiorella) in a grey (darker) suede, and a vigotti ulinda in a pale grey.

are you going to wear tights, like the pic? LOVE the look

And in fact, I have had the pumps linked above. Nine West has absolutely reliable pumps/stillettos. Keep them in mind as a fallback plan for any shoe dilemma.

And the conversation continued...

WebMama: Awesome, thanks!! I did order the pewter pumps. I'll see how they look. I LOVE the pale grey pumps you recommended more though. Maybe I'll see if I can get them for Saturday delivery. If not, I'll order them for another time. Thank you so much! Of course, it's okay for you to post. I did get blue tights like the picture. My friend, Liz, said "yuck yuck" to the look but my sister really liked it. You're the deciding vote and I'm happy you tipped the scales in favor of "yes" :)

Now we're all just waiting for pictures!

Style Dilemma: It's That Time Again

Time to buy new black pumps.





Depending on which style tomes you read, the black pump is a staple. Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, for example, reinforces the idea of wearing monochromatic shoes and stockings to elongate the figure: "It's always a good idea to wear beige shoes, the same shade as your stockings, with a very pale dress." She's right, absolutely, except that, as the Infintessimal Readership well knows, I'm only a proponent of "stockings" if they're actually tights, worn in the colder weather. Her concept holds, true, though, even with bare legs.



On the subject of black shoes, though, she supports the patent leather choice, as they "harmonize with the colour of every outfit." Amen, Madam Dariaux. She's silent on matte black shoes.


With that in mind, and my own style principles in hand, I'm off in search of a black pump to replace my reliable kitten-heeled Katarras (which I've had reheeled about 3 times, already - enough is enough). The requirements:

• Black
• Mid-height heel (so I can wear to drive without having to keep other shoes in the car)
• No pinching, rubbing, or other types of hurtfulness
• Preferably under $100
• Well-made - leather, reliable brand
• Versatile, but absolutely not boring, staid, or otherwise "old ladyish"

I started my search on zappos.com. Great selection, and if I see something I love but don't know, I can track it down in a store, try it on, and then order it online if the price is better. Their return policy is fabulous, and ridiculously easy, so no worries on the fit/return front.

I haven't yet gotten H's opinion - which is valuable. But I'm opening up to the Infintessimal Readership. Here are my choices so far. Tell me what you think, especially if you've worn or tried a pair.









Nine West Nuncio - hooray for black patent, and the pointed toe is good with trousers or skirts













Sofft Gabriela - black patent, flirty 40s platform, and Sofft is reputed to be amazingly comfortable












Bronx Shoes Flore - another 40s throwback, interesting cutouts - but I don't know the brand at all

Nine West Bradeton - more black patent, pretty peep toe