I’ll be the first to admit, when I read a trendy fashion blog post about the hottest thing this season (aka lace-up ballet flats) I turn into Cookie Monster (“me WANT!”). But so often what’s ‘in’ turns out to be uncomfortable, forgettable the next year, incompatible with most of our wardrobe, or worst of all – guilt inducing to wear out (I think this is because deep in our hearts we know shopping should be more of a thoughtful ritual and less of a hasty catharsis).

One thing I have been hasty with is SHOES. So this year I did something different. Instead of vacant online perusing and clicking, I decided to visit stores in person A LOT. I did my research and took mental notes. I read four fashion books, yes, FOUR (I will share at the end of this article). I journaled about my personal style and asked myself what makes me unique.

I’m nowhere near done with this process; even the fashion gurus say finding your own style takes time. But I did gather a nice assortment of summer shoes that I’m happy with so far! Here’s the lineup:

Navy Print Keds: SO unbelievably cute, casual, and COMFORTABLE. These will go with just about anything in your wardrobe. And you don’t even have to wear socks, for crying out loud (as long as you’ve got foot powder)!  I like them so much because I can take the dog for a walk and my feet still feel adorable.

Vintage Cowboy Boots: These warm my heart because they were purchased at a local music store next to a bar that I used to play music at frequently. There’s nothing like a pair of cowboy boots to hold all of those Kentucky memories of summer nights in the dive bar with no A/C, sharing crappy beer and original songs!

Kitten Heels: Sometimes you find the best things when you’re not looking. These sexy kitten heels peeked out at me from the size 10s and 11 section (I wear a size 7 1/2 or 8!). Somehow they got misplaced and how on earth I was able to spot the tiny size 8 tag I will never know. I guess their magnetism just drew me to them!

 

Green Goddess Sandals: Ha, well that’s what I call them. They represent everything about me that’s ME. They aren’t really trendy at all. They’re well worn (bought from a local used clothing store). They are bright green (one of my favorite colors!). And most of all, my feet feel good in them. I especially love that they add a little pop of color and make a basic outfit chic!

Jewel Encrusted Sandals: I have had my eye on this style for years…it started when I read about them in a Paris Street Style book. Mystical as they were, to wear anything with gems, sparkles, or jewels felt foreign to me. Could I pull it off? Now I realize it’s less about ‘pulling it off’ and more about having fun. Go ahead and feel fancy from time to time – we all deserve that! FYI, you’ll be delighted to know that they did not cost a fortune – these babies were thrifted for six bucks!

Thanks so much for reading. Click here for a lil’ freebie (it was a grad school project that involves fashion and I now give it away on my site). Cheers!

^^^ LOVE IT! I can’t thank Tara enough for creating such an amazing post for lifewithlilred. It was so much fun being able to see her gorgeous pics and what she thought about each shoe and I’m very thankful to be able to host such brilliance on my page! Please be sure to check out Tara’s blog if you’re interested in more posts like this one! What is your favorite type of shoe to wear? How about least favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah