It’s no secret that I love heels; the secret is that heels don’t like me. Perhaps I was more adept at wearing them before I got pregnant and opted for a collection of cute flats and flip-flops for my swollen feet, but now I look ridiculous when I wear them as I teeter in my 4″ stilettos down the sidewalk.
There was an embarrassing incident recently that left me in near tears. For my birthday dinner (a rare child-free night on the town) I ordered a fabulous pair of leopard-print peep toe pumps and paired them with a great little outfit. We left the house and 2 minutes later had to turn around to get a pair of flats because I walked right out of the shoes!
Pumps just don’t fit my feet well anymore. I’ve faced the fact that when the heels are more than 2″ high I need straps to keep them securely on my feet, or I’ll end up with a sprained ankle. And that would not be sexy.
Next step: Buy new shoes! Yay! Here are some great options for work and nights out on the town. I’ve ordered the first two black options and can’t wait for them to arrive.
Styling Tip:
Shoes with straps are often referred to as “mary janes,” a term that conjures up images of little girls wearing patent leather kicks on Easter. You don’t want that look. You also don’t want to look like you’re about to perform in a high school musical set in 1940. The trick to strappy shoes is to find ones with great details: oversize buckles, bright colors, multiple colors, studs or stitching, and varying materials (like a suede/patent combo).
Fashion in Action:
In need of inspiration? Check out these cute ways to wear strappy heels:
Source: thesartorialist.com via Laura@JourneyChic on Pinterest
Source: 60smodfox.blogspot.com via Laura@JourneyChic on Pinterest
Source: tumblr.com via Laura@JourneyChic on Pinterest
Which is your favorite pair?
cute! I have been putting off buying a cute pair of mary janes but I think I might have to bite the bullet and just do it. They look so cute on everyone, I think I need them too
I want the pair in the bottom picture immediately!! Love love love them!
I like the entire bottom row in the group pic. But, I confess to be looking at them wistfully, because not only did I abandon my heels when I became pregnant, I followed up pregnancy with a foot surgery on each foot. I’m still unable to wear heels. LE SIGH. Someday, though, when I can again, I’ll know where to turn for advice!
You know, I’m the same way. I am much more comfortable in heels with a strap. I have a couple pairs of non-strap pumps, and I only wear them when I know I will be spending VERY little time on my feet. Luckily there are some great pairs with a strap out there!
That lady makes me want to wear red tights. I have a pair of updated Mary Janes and I just love them. This post has given me some new inspiration regarding how to wear them.
Your story about walking out of your heels makes me sad! Especially when I remember the shoes you are talking about (You posted about them, right!?). Good thing those Mary Jane style pumps are so darn stylish. Any reason to buy new shoes, I suppose…