perfect budget wedding shoes

$39.90 at Zara

You're welcome.

Black shoes shouldn't be hard, right?

Hi ESB,

I'm a grad student and a bridesmaid at an upcoming wedding (Iowa in March), and blah blah blah, I need low-to-flat black shoes that are under $30 and I could preferably wear again to work. The best I can find is target, payless, or Forever 21 (this or this?).

The wedding has an old Hollywood glamour sort of feel, and the dress is simple, black, and plain. I'm not generally a stylish person (did I mention I was an engineering grad student?), so I was hoping that you or your stylish readers could help me?! I generally struggle with which t-shirt has the least holes, but aspire to more eventually.

Thanks!!!

*****

First off, please please PLEASE invest in a pair of shoes that costs more than $30. Shoes made of real leather, not "faux suede" or "faux patent leather" (What does that even mean? They're not patented??) or "thermoplastic rubber." With my apologies to the vegans. I mean, if you're vegan I guess those rubber ones wouldn't be the worst.

A good pair of shoes, say an $80 pair of shoes, or even a $120 pair, will last you four times as long as the $30 ones. Longer even, if you take good care of them and reheel them when they start to wear down. And they will be comfortable, and your feet won't get all sweaty and gross, and you won't get blisters while you're dancing at that wedding or tromping around at work.

Again, my apologies to the vegans. I don't know how you do it.

Anyhoo, dear reader, I'd go with something uber-simple like these Seychelles.

(Which you could even rock with a holey t-shirt. Who's got two thumbs and loves a t-shirt full of holes? This blogger.)

$59 down from $108 on Gilt for two more days

cute little wedding flats

Amirite?

Via cevd

Here's a wedding shoe for you....

The Hyde Pump, new for fall from Marais.

These flats are pretty cute, too.

Kari Sigerson + Miranda Morrison for Anthropologie

Okay, if our Dansko bride doesn't go for these Pointed Cutout Wedges or Glossed D'Orsay Skimmers  then I don't know what.

Thank you to Shira + Rachel for sniffing out Sigerson + Morrison's new (more affordable!) label, which I was too lazy to do.

I'm too young for orthopedic shoes

Dear ESB,

I live in ballet flats, especially for work, but I’ve just been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and advised that I have to switch to shoes with more arch support. A quick search only turns up hideous shoes that I think really must be part of some sort of Halloween costume.  

You seem to have magical shoe-finding powers, so could you or your readers suggest some cute flats with arch support?  By the way, I work in an office and usually wear dresses and skirts, sometimes suits.

Thanks! 

*****

I've been a fan of the geek-chic orthopedic shoe look ever since I spotted this photo of Lisa Mayock in New York Mag. (Maybe the secret is just to wear a TERRIFIC DRESS?)

But I realize that's not very helpful.

Ladies?

Anyone?

Where should our poor plantar-fasciitis sufferer shop for shoes??

(Photo: Jake Chessum)

shooooooooooooooooooooooooooooes

Andromeda Laser Cut Flats + Tangerine Wallis Sling Backs by Sigerson Morrison Belle

Red Scalloped Sandal by Jil Sander

Pleez help the crazy lady shop for shoes

Good morning ESB,

This is about shoes and desperation and a plea for help. 

I'm a fairly tall bride at 5'10'' so I don't really need to wear heels. I'm also a bride with Morton's neuromas in both feet, actually in my right foot I have two, so I actually can't wear heels. 

I have been searching since my engagement in May 2010 for lovely flat shoes. It's my wedding, so I would like to wear some nice shoes and not the usual excruciatingly unfashionable orthopaedic ones I have to wear. I have seen shoes come and go. Three times I have found shoes which I love, only to have them cruelly (dramatic license here) snatched from me.

1. Steve Madden I-Dreemy - ordered in March 2011, never made it through customs. Now out of stock in my size.

2. Aruna Seth's butterfly ballet flats with a 20% discount - I phone to place my order, they don't have any in my size in stock, but will call me back when they do. Right as rain, a few weeks later I receive a call back to say that the shoes are in stock in my size, but by the way the price has now gone up by £100 (I sh*t you not) and would I still like to order them? Grrrr.

3. Just last Friday I ordered the low Darcy in pale pink from Beatrix Ong in their sale. I just got an email to say that although they were in stock when I placed my order there was a problem with the website and now they don't have any shoes to send me. I cried.

I am nearing the end of my tether. I have a budget of £100 to £150 which I think is about $150 to $200. I have size 7UK (9US, 40EU) feet. I need your and your stylish readers' help. Please.

Yours,
Crazy lady who keeps shouting at her feet in shoe shops

*****

Feel like helping out you guys?

I'm on a deadline today. Trying to stay off the old internets.

xoXXXXX.

Photo: Aurore by Céline Nieszawer via Dawn via The Shiny Squirrel

Yet another reader is forced to make HER OWN STYLE CHOICES

Aug 10

Dear ESB,

I would greatly appreciate your stylish opinion on my wedding ensemble.

So far I have everything I need but have recently been rethinking what I'm wearing. I am a somewhat traditional bride but am about doing what I want despite tradition and yet have ended up making some very typical choices. This is what I get for going shopping with my dear sweet mother instead of my FSIL who has kick ass style.

Here is what I have so far that I'm happy with:

This Romona Keveza dress but with a sash I'm making that's more casual. These Seychelles flats. This rad sparkly bangle.

Here's what I have so far that I'm rethinking:

This necklace, which now seems waaay too sweet. And a sweater similar to this with no polka dots.

Before I got my engagement ring I never wore any jewelry, so I could really use some help finding a necklace that's more unique (preferably in a white or coral or peach). Our wedding is an evening garden wedding in 1 month and we are doing about 1/2 traditional things and 1/2 whatever we want.

Also, I'm thinking of switching the sweater for this because I'm a blazer girl at heart. Any of your superb input is highly appreciated!

Sincerely
Sucked Into Sweetness

*****

Aug 10

Addition: the blazer is no longer available in my size (s, xs, 0-2)

*****

Aug 11

Also, I'm wearing this in my hair. And I completely understand if you don't respond to this simply because I have sent you 3 emails instead of 1

*****

Oct 13

so, yeah. i never responded.

WHAT DID YOU WEAR??

*****

Nov 20

No worries, you're clearly very busy. It was great!

Although I probably could have gone with no necklace, I ended up buying that blazer and LOVED it.

Pictures attached and credit to our awesome photographer. And yes, there's a link to some incredible underwater engagement photos at the bottom of that link - that's why you take engagement photos.

You're awesome,
Hallie

*****

Clearly you did not need my help one bit.

♥ ♥ ♥

(Photos by Cameron Ingalls)

I just found your wedding shoes.

These Rodarte for Opening Ceremony Pom Pom Sandals are WAY ON SALE. Buy now for spring, amirite?

Avail in tons of sizes in burgundy, moss + black.





You're welcome.

Smoking Slippers Are the New Ballet Slippers?

Hey, Refinery29 said it, not me.

I personally think they're a little... Douchebag. Thoughts?

Manney Dalmatian Print + Kosy Mustard Suede Slipper Loafers from Topshop

Seeking: ROYGBIV Wedding Flats

Hi ESB!

My best friend is getting married this fall and is looking for some rainbow flats. Her wedding colors are ROYGBIV and each of her seven bridesmaids is wearing a dress with one of those colors. She needs to wear flats because her FH is slightly shorter than her. We've tried to find flats on our own with little success, so I was hoping that you would be able to help us out!

Thank you so much!

PS. I almost forgot, she wears a size 10 and it would be nice if the shoes were less than $100... She's on a shoestring budget! Thanks again!

*****

I was all ready to tell you to tell the bride to GET OVER THE FUCKING RAINBOW THING when I found these multi-color glitter lace-ups by Anniel (available at Bird).

I mean.

Right??
______________________________
I'm crossing my fingers that she's a smallish 10 (I.E. a European 40) because they're out of stock in size 41. But larger sizes are avail in silver glitter over here.

Seeking Flats: not blingtastic, not too blah

Dear ESB,

I have been having the absolute worst time finding shoes for my wedding in January. I would love to wear the most rockin' heels, but that is just not in the cards (read: chasing millions of kids all day and super lame knee that won't allow rockin' heels for more than an hour). So, flats it is!

I have been having the worst time finding rad flats that aren't something I could wear everyday and aren't the most blingtastic, could absolutely never wear again. My dress is super classic and I would love to find some navy or possibly purple shoes with some awesome accent to wear with it. If you or your fantastic readers could help me, I would be SO grateful!

Budget: Under $200 if possible, thanks!

*****

Rarely will you catch me recommending BOWS. But the Marais Maryjanes (pictured above) are pretty terrific.

These T-bar Flats are also rad.

Would you consider tan with gold studs?

Desperately Seeking NOT-Wedding Shoes

Dear ESB,

I'm at the end of my rope, and before I hang myself, I thought I should give you a ring (or whatever).

I desperately need wedding shoes. But NOT wedding shoes. Ya dig? My dress is fitted and long and lacy with an incredibly sexy open back. I realllllly want flat shoes. I just don't ever wear heels and I plan on partying my pants off at the reception.

So easy, right? Flat shoes, something fancy but unique, maybe some sparkly. Oh yeah, did I mention I really want emerald green?

Sigh. This is probably all impossible. I would settle for amber or gold or something vintagey. But I just need some desperate help before I settle on some crappy sequined flats that I would probably wear out to the bars any old weekend.

Hope you can be my saving grace.

Sincerely,
Lady OZ

Budget: I'd like to keep it under $100. But if I found something perfect, I'd probably splurge.

Size: Probably 7.5 or 8.

*****

I fear I may be too late with this, but how about a soft, sexy pair of blue suede flats?

These A.P.C. Madras peep-toes are on sale in your size.

Top Image: Isabel Marant, Spring 2007 via LB Palmer via Vanessa

Sparkly Vegan Wedding Shoes

May I also point out that they're waterproof?

1. The Aldo verson of Beth's sparklers*

2. Melissa Ultragirl

3. The Melissa Campana Zig Zag, also available in black, red and silver. (I saw a friend wearing these in gold other day, and they are pret-ty jammin.)
______________________________ 

*Which were also Melissa, sold out long ago.

adorbz wedding sandals, anyone?

$100 counts as low-budg, right?

Jeffrey Campbell via Design Crush

p.s. A quickie note to my dad, who thinks i'm going to burn in hell (or, you know, whatever the atheist version of that is) for my "regrettable materialist ways," WHY THE EFF ARE YOU STILL READING?

If I were to get married now...................

from Martha B. of Nibs

Hindsight is a tricky thing. It can make you appreciate some of the decisions you've made. But it can also make you regret the paths not taken. When I look back at our wedding day I made lots of choices...some good...some not so good.

The good ones- I kept within a tight budget which dictated a lot. Yet I can honestly say I never felt cheated. I skipped the big sitdown dinner in favor of light hors d'oeuvres and a three-tiered cake. Decorations were left to our best man who happened to be a talented graphic designer. What he did with 300 balloons was absolutely amazing! I nixed tuxes and had the guys wear navy blue suits. My satin dress and my two bridesmaids' taffeta skirts were sewn by my mother. An old high school friend took pictures. My husband and I then drove off in his vintage V.W. Beetle and spent our honeymoon in Vermont.

The not so good ones aren't really bad. I just wish I hadn't done them. One in particular stands out that has to do with my husband. When we discussed his wedding attire I suggested that he and the guys wear suits. He was more than happy with this arrangement. I also suggested he wear black shoes. My husband looked at me like I was crazy and shook his head no. He hates black shoes. Instead he planned to wear brown ones. Well...I hit the roof. I argued that they wouldn't look right for the photographs and used a number of other excuses I could think of. In the end he relinquished and wore the dreaded shoes. I cringe when I think about it now. Because, in hindsight, it really didn't matter. My advice...pick your battles carefully.

We've been married over XX years. Our wedding has faded into the background of everyday life that makes up our marriage. We've had our share of disappointments and sadness. But we've also had a lot of joy and laughter. Each anniversary together reminds me that I married my best friend.

If we were to get married now...what would I choose?

1. I got married in January between college semesters. What was I thinking? Not to mention it was bitterly cold and we had a terrible blizzard the day of the wedding. Give me a warm day in spring or summer.

2. Skip the formal invitations for handwritten ones. Or have Christine design invitations like she did for our anniversary.

3. No big wedding with half the people I don't even know. I'd plan a small, intimate wedding & reception at home with just family and close friends. I'd serve our favorite foods like my mom's 'Chicken and rice.' Instead of the usual cake I'd have something unexpected.

4. I'd wear only one ring- a vintage band with diamonds c. 1930.

5. My new dress wouldn't be white but a soft blush color accented in black. I love classic ballet flats but with a twist. I'd wear this fun headband. For the romantic in me,  nothing beats a bouquet of fresh roses.

6. Lastly, my husband and I would jump in our old V.W. Beetle and the two of us would take a honeymoon road trip to...anywhere! :)

______________________________

Catch up with the rest of the series here.

Fuck yellow shoes

Oct 18, 2010

Dear ESB-

I am getting married next June (woot) and have already purchased my dress (double woot, I was not looking forward to this part of the planning and it ended up being pain free. and fun). I love my dress. It is just what I was looking for: a simple shape in an interesting fabric. I have an hourglass figure so this 50's silhouette is usually what is most flattering on me. So now that I have the dress I have no clue what to do with it. Short dress means there is a lot of pressure on the shoes.

I attached 2 photos of the dress. I don't want to look prissy and sullen (image 1) or too indie vintage (image 2). I want to look effortless and hot. I want to look like a grownup but not like your mom. I want to wear yellow shoes. 

Any styling advice? I am not always the best at accessorizing. If your advice is get a new dress thanks for nothing.

kisses.

*****

Oct 20, 2010

I realize now I was a little defensive about my dress. I hadn't been reading your blog to know whether Elizabeth Dye was too "sweet" for your taste. However now that I have been reading through all your back posts (instead of working I might add) that you also love you some Liz. For serious though yellow shoes! I probably need to wait for spring to actually find something. I am just clueless on where to start in terms of style. hmph.

*****

Oct 21, 2010

I'm gonna put this in my pending folder and keep my eyes peeled for yellow when the spring shoes come out. There is shit-all available right now ;)

*****

Feb 10, 2011

Hey there-

I am revising my shoe help request from the fall. No yellow shoes. Fuck yellow shoes and matching my shoes to my invitations etc. I want neutral colored shoes that make my legs look long. Gray perhaps?

I am not being high maintenance and wearing 2 dresses. I am however being high maintenance and wearing 2 pairs of shoes.

Pair 1: Grown up shoes with some kind of heel. Nothing crazy with a 4 inch heel.

Pair 2: Flats I can dance all night in.

Any thoughts?

Also, loving that you post so much lately. fun.

***** 

Mkay, "effortless and hot" in a mid-heel is a little tricky. They can tend to look a little more "office-y and drab" (IMHO), especially in neutral shades.

How do you feel about red?

Or you could just wear these YELLOW REPETTOS all night long.* Totally hot.

*There is a dearth of yellow heels happening right now, (something to consider if you were counting on wearing yellow shoes with your wedding dress) but little yellow flats are starting to crop up.

I think you should get married in these

Repetto Zizi via Jeana Sohn (who always has impeccable taste in shoes)

Topshop wedding flats

Pretty sweet, right? And they're only $55!

Via NOTCOUTURE