Shoe Hunt!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here's a letter from a reader looking for green wedding shoes (how fun!):

I need your help!

I'm looking for some green flats. Something totally adorable to wear at my wedding. Something more fun than a plain ballet flat, with a fun flower, embellishment, bow or something... Any advice on where to look? I have 7 months, so there isn't a rush, maybe the spring will bring what I need?

We're going to have green flowers, so something along those lines, but definitely something bright enough to pop (though lighter than a St. Patrick's Day green).

Any advice would be much appreciated! Love your blog (and shoes!).

Liz

You all know what that means; it's time for another Shoe Hunt! As always, the Style Bard is happy to oblige. I know the ins and outs of shoe shopping websites, such as where to find the best shoe sales and free shipping. So if you ever need help locating special or hard-to-find shoes, don't hesitate to shoot me an e-mail and I'll try my very best.

First of all, one caveat. Liz, I hope that you mean to wear these flats at your reception and not for walking down the aisle or in photographs! Naturally, you want to be comfortable on what is not only the most memorable but often the longest day of a woman's life. But choosing shoes with a little oomph will change how you stand up straight as you stride to meet your groom, as well as your posture in photographs. Just some general, flexible tips for a little head's up! But assuming that you'll be wearing these at the appropriate times, here are a few examples of what you're looking for (from lowest to highest price). I hope you find what you need!

Kerry by Kate Spade @ 6PM A simple, understated flat lets everyone's attention stay on the bride, her dress and her radiant smile. Trimmed in white to match the gown, this option may make for the perfect green wedding shoe. Plus, you get your bow! $44.00

Acrobat by BC Footwear @ Piperlime These are a simple flat with a slightly pointed toe to peek out from under your gown. They don't offer any embellishments, but the pleating on the upper does add visual interest. $50.00


Chime by Kate Spade @ Zappos You wanted flowers? You've got flowers! Two pom-poms adore the toes on these comfy, slip-on shoes. Perfect for changing out of your formal shoes after the reception and relaxing without resorting to flip-flops! $60.00


Monica by Via Spiga @ 6PM The ornamentation on these shoes is reminiscent of flowers and offers a bit of bling for aesthetic appeal. They're lightly padded and perforated for breathability while you're on your feet for long hours, celebrating and dancing the night away! $61.60

Pause by Ciao Bella @ Piperlime These are definitely bright, fun and unique flats that tie into your green flower theme perfectly. $79.00





Flipper by Apepazza @ Zappos These shoes are certainly not for everyone, but I find them delightful and unique. They're definitely bright and flashy enough to stand on their own under a wedding gown, and I promise they'll get your guests talking. $109.00


Hilla by Robert Clergerie @ 6PM I'm not sure if slip-ons with a slight kitten heel meet the bill, nor do I know if you want to show your toes. But! If these details do appeal to you, I just love these understated yet entirely eye-catching shoes. $145.60


Kelly Green Leather Covered Stud Flats by Balenciaga @ Bluefly These flats are hardly dressy, but they're anything but boring! I certainly like the shade and the fact that they're not too formal to wear again with cute day and evening outfits. $436.00

Moss Sequined Bow Detail Flats by Giuseppe Zanotti @ Bluefly Did someone call for a green, flat wedding shoe? These are the ideal look that comes to mind. They offer you both a bow and sparkling sequins to make your shoes stand out. The white will tie into your gown and the shimmery moss color will pick up green from all of your themed decor. $440.00

And here are three additional, similar options from Zappos. They all have ruffles, bows or flowers adorning various shades of green flats, all at very affordable price points:

Sweet Caroline by Chinese Laundry $38.95

Shimmy by Blowfish $45.90

Florale by Steve Madden $79.90

Ask Style Bard

Hi,

I fell in love with a shoe when I was only 12 years old. That was a very long time ago, and have never seen this shoe or one like it until Donna Karan came out with my updated shoe a couple of years ago. I couldn't believe it. Only one BIG catch. It was almost $600, way too much for my pocketbook. It has since been reduced to under $300, still pricey for me, but I may have no choice. Again, a problem. I am a size 6 and I can't find it smaller than an 8. This is a one-of-a-kind shoe. It is named black patent xenon oxide 1/4 strap mary jane. #874870. Can you help me?

Thank you
B. Murray

Ms. Murray,

Unfortunately I've been unable to find this exact shoe for you in your size--and believe me, I tried! Nothing touches my heart the same way as a story of lost or unattainable love...especially when it's a shoe. We've all been there. Here are a few options you might also like (though I know it's not the same):


Danby Wine Patent by Vaneli for Jildor

Tania by Claudia Ciuti

Saphire by Calvin Klein

The first ones are my personal faves. Readers--if you come upon this shoe in a size 6 (or if you fine more similar shoes), would you be so kind as to leave a comment?

Appreciatively,
~SB

Ask Style Bard

An anonymous reader left the following comment on this post:

Hello i do love this pair of shoes i've been looking EVERYWHERE for them, but i'm in Singapore do you have any idea how i could get these here! they're just mmm :)

The Style Bard is always dedicated to helping you find the shoes you're looking for at the best price on the web. But especially when they make you go 'mmm'!

Dear Anon.:

You can find the Stella McCartney for Adidas 'Amyrina' ballet shoe style at Overstock.com for SGD 71.31 (approximately $37.99 USD). They do ship to Singapore. Very similar styles are also available if they don't carry your size. Try this link to start browsing.

Hope that helps!
~SB

Shoe Hunt!

I received this email from a reader the other day:

I am trying to locate (online, preferably) some comfortable/cute winter boots in size 11. I know you can point me in the right direction help meee I need to buy some asap all I seem to have at the moment are Champion sneakers.

If they don't exist I wouldn't be surprised but I am hoping you know a site or two with big foot sizes. Brown or black just something I can wear a lot.......I'm flexible on prices

Pretty please
B

You all know what that means; it's time for another Shoe Hunt! As always, the Style Bard is happy to oblige. I know the ins and outs of shoe shopping websites, where to find the best shoe sales, free shipping and special requests. But what good is all that useful knowledge if its not helping anyone? So if you ever need help finding affordable, hard-to-find shoes, don't hesitate to shoot me an email and I'll try my very best.

Here are some cute all-weather winter boots in size 11:

Polar, Black Quilted by Soft Style @ Designer Shoes These are a great traditional choice with insulated quilting and patent bottoms, with non-slip tread at the bottom. And they're quite affordable! $65.00

Elise, Black Stretch by Soft Style @ Designer Shoes For a dressier version of a winter boot. $65.00

Nadia by Crocs @ 6PM The Style Bard suggesting Crocs? Indeed I am. If you're just trying to make it to the car and back, I see no reason why these wouldn't do the trick. Besides, they're now 37% off for only $40.25!

Cerro Trail Boot by Adidas These are my top recommendation for a heavy-duty winter boot. These are for when you're not messing around. A great value for the price, from a well-known athletic brand. $100.00

New Silverthorne Boot by Minnetonka @ 6PM Stylish, comfortable, warm. Available in Black, Sand, and Brown. What more can you ask for? Oh, what if these are a whopping 51% off, now pricing at a reasonable $48.88

Cascadian Snowflake by Columbia @ 6PM Who says winter boots have to be boring? These ankle boots are available in powder blue and pale pink as well as traditional brown and black. These are 44% off at $41.40


Snowbunny by Kamik @ 6PM And while we're talking about colorful and creative, how about these?? I mean, these aren't for the wallflowers, but if you like a big kick of color to lighten up your cloudiest, snowiest of days, these are just the thing to cheer up your frigid days. They're also available in Blue, Camo, Metallic, Silver, Brown and Black. Another cheery factory? They're 49% off at a mere $28.75

Downtown by Kamik @ 6PM Another classic faux-fur lined version of the mid-calf winter boot, available in Black or Brown. Now 43% off at $57.50

Bellino 2 by Khombu @ 6PM These are a great combination of cute and practical, with a suede cover and fur trim, but also comfortable insoles with non-slip soles. Available in Black, Tan, Olive and Brown. 44% off at $71.88

Snowpeak by Ugg Australia @ The Walking Company If you're looking for comfort and quality, you have to try Uggs. Waterproof, insulated and renowned for their comfort and durability, Ugg also has a wide variety of styles and colors. 'Snowpeak' comes in White, Brown and Black. And they come with Free Shipping! $199.00

Upside by Ugg Austalia @ The Walking Company This more classic-looking style of Ugg Austalia, available in Suede or Leather, comes with sheepskin lining, and you can get them in five shades of Brown, Black and Gray. These also come with Free Shipping. $229.95

Brookfield Tall by Ugg Australia @ The Walking Company These are another favorite of mine. I like the trendy riding-style appearance blended with the standard Ugg durability, warmth and comfort. Unfortunately, these only come in size 10 or 12, but if you're the type who can go either way, these are definitely worth a try due to Free Shipping and easy returns. $199.95

Shoe Hunt!

This next hunt is helping a Mother of the Bride find the perfect shoes to wear to her daughter's wedding, awww.

I'm especially pleased to help because my very first Shoe Hunt! was for a friend's wedding shoes. I sent her thirty options and she ended up liking two so much that she ordered both styles and did a costume change (shoe-wise) midway through the wedding!

Here're the details:

"My dress is dark purple with layers of chiffon. The bodice is a close to the body fit, full length evening gown. I am 48 yrs old and 5'9" size 16, I would prefer a heel that is 2in. I was thinking silver or if the perfect purple was out there that would be good too. Comfort is most important. One more important thing to know is that I am NOT a natural on high heels, so a skinny heel might not be the best choice for me. I'm willing to spend $100.00 or so, maybe more if I can't resist."

I like a woman who can admit that shoes can be irresistible enough make us push our budgets! So true, so true. But this Shoe Hunt! contains a surprise twist, which is that this MotB is a size 11. Once upon a time this would have been a challenge. Maybe not to locate size 11 shoes, but to find a selection of formal shoes from which to choose? Ouch. Nowadays though, thanks to the internet, there's plenty of accessible in plus-sized footwear. Leave it to the Style Bard.

Personally, I would find it hard to match a purple exactly without seeing the shoe and dress together in person, but that's all right because being matchy-matchy with shoes/dress/accessories isn't necessary in 2008. I think a silver heel would be beautiful with a dark purple, however, especially with some silver jewelry. Here are my suggestions (pictures denote the Style Bard's faves):

Hala by Christin Michaels ($130.00)
(How about a pointed flat?)

Cameron by Frye ($152.00)
(Worth the splurge if they're not too informal. Frye is undeniably comfortable.)

Lia #2 by Lifestride ($51.00)

Jaslene by rsvp ($79.00)
(These come with built-in foot petals cushioning!)

Lola by Annie ($51.00)

Bangle by Onex ($99.99)

Mirelys by VANELi ($93.00)

Sunshine by Me Too ($74.70)
(10% Off! Plus great reviews.)

Havana by Pelle Moda ($142.00)
(So glittery! Plus quality construction.)

Divine by Touch Ups ($53.99)

Whirl by J. Renee ($84.00)
(These should be easy to dance in.)

Giada by Special Occasions ($75.00)

Tennille by Touch Ups ($56.99)

Allison by Touch Ups ($70.99)
(Don't worry; the heel is actually shorter than it looks!)

Glamour by Bouquets ($60.00)

Alana by Touch Ups ($52.99)
(These are something a little different.)

Gemini by Touch Ups ($58.99)
(I love these! So classy.)

Antigua by Sizzle by Coloriffics ($60.00)
(A little higher than you asked, but they're just so sophisticated.)

Donna by Coloriffics ($63.00)
(A matte silver satin; gorgeous.)

Tiffany by Touch Ups ($51.99)

Missy by Bouquets ($55.00)

Allure by J. Renee ($89.00)
(This one's a wedge, easy to stay in all night.)

Sharita by Lifestride ($46.00)

Abby by Touch Ups ($51.99)

Lydia by Magdesians ($115.00)
(A t-strap makes up for height in a low heel.)

Endless by Onex ($63.99)
(If you're looking for matte, these are quite comely and appear comfortable.)

Keepsake by Annie ($51.00)
(These are very different, but I find them compelling.)

Maeve by Calvin Klein ($100.00)
(These aren't for everyone, but they're the Style Bard's faves!)

Best of all? Every one of these shoes comes with Free Shipping!

Please feel free to send me pictures of what you end up wearing on the happy occasion. Hope I've helped, and congratulations!

Shoe Hunt!

Shoe hunting can be a hassle. But the Style Bard is here to help. Just let me know what you're looking for as specifically as possible, and I'll come up with suggestions. Why not let someone who spends her days looking at shoes pick out a few for you?

A friend of mine is seeking some red flats for everyday wear:

"it would be mostly for work and going out, so i'll say casual, and a bit of a heel is ok. and yeah no open toe, I'll try to wear them in the winter. pointy toes usually don't fit me right, I have weird feet. And I was hoping to spend 50 bucks or less."
No problem! Here are some options that fit what you're looking for (pictures denote the Style Bard's faves):

Newlan by Anne Klein ($24.95)
(70% off the original price!)


Gill by Two Lips ($39.83)

Donna by Zigi NY ($20.93)
(59% off the original price!)

Oakley Flat by Report ($49.95)



Blush by Report ($33.75)
(47% off the original price!)


Leisa by Bandolino ($29.99)
(A typically comfortable brand, and on sale to boot!)



Knock Outs Allue by Skechers Cali ($39.99)
(Very casual but workable thanks to patent trim and silver clasp.)

Horizon by Rampage ($50.00)
(I'm a pushover for a great t-strap. It adds the illusion height you lose in a flat.)


Imperial by Rampage ($39.99)

Vaughn by Report ($39.99)

Heavyn by Rampage ($39.99)
(Simple but lovely.)



Filila by Nine West ($29.94)
(59% off the original price!)


Social Climber by Seychelles ($41.99)

Peppermintz by What's What ($49.99)





And here are a few that go a little above your budget, but they have some appeal that might be worth splurging for:

Belina by Jessica Simpson ($69.00)
(A change of pace, a different style.)

Paola by Gabriella Rocha ($69.00)
(Now these are something different!)

Elaine by Fitzwell ($70.00)

Mosaic by Hush Puppies ($73.00) (Also here for only $48.99, but in limited sizes.)
(Ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort.)


Carma by Nicole ($74.70)
(Beautiful shoes, and 10% off.)


Padua by Sofft ($95.00)
(A super-comfy brand, great for long hours of wear.)



Pudding by Indigo by Clarks ($89.99)
(A comfort brand and gorgeous shoes with just the right amount of heel.)


Pin UP by Irregular Choice ($77.62)
(The Style Bard's favorite shoe brand!)




Hope I've helped!