In the fall we can’t wait to wear boots, but come spring, we are more than happy to give them, well, the boot. This time of year, we’re smitten with sandals. To get in step with what’s especially outstanding in those pretties right now, we picked the brains of shoe buyers at Old Town Alexandria gems Bishop Boutique and The Shoe Hive as well as the mall shoe must, Nordstrom. Before you splurge, score tips on the standouts. —Natalie Kaar
Ivanka "Brenna"
Let’s say a female shopper is looking to add three new pairs of sandals to her spring arsenal. Which specific styles or trends should she put on her radar stat?
Bishop: At the start of the season it is important to make sure you have your classic black sandal, a neutral metallic and one sandal with a pop of color. Try one of the hot hues on trend for spring like coral or mint green.
Rachel Zoe "Abby"
Shoe Hive: The ‘Luisa’ sandal by Tory Burch in tan, $285; ‘Abby’ by Rachel Zoe in black, $255; and the ‘Highlighters’ flip flop by Tkees in bronzer, $50.
Nordstrom: She’s going to need a wedge, preferably in neutral colors that will go with everything (ex. Steve Madden ‘Xternal,’ $79.95, available in black, bone or coral)—it’s a must for the season because you get the height but not the discomfort. She will also need a great flat sandal—she’ll need an everyday comfortable option that’s also versatile (like the DV by Dolce Vita ‘Darcie,’ $68.95; Steve Madden ‘Shinney,’ $89.95). Finally, we have a third option from DV that’s a flip flop. The DV ‘Dania’ sandal is great to wear casually—from the pool to around town—and it comes in an array of colors. It’s just $39.95, so you can definitely stock up.
For ladies heading to horse races this month, what are some options that are practical and pretty?
Steve Madden "Xternal"
Bishop: Any outdoor event can be tricky for ladies looking to make a statement; there is nothing chic about sinking into the ground in your heels. Wedges are the perfect solution! The L.K. Bennett ‘Maddox’ wedge ($315), in taupe and black with a raffia heel, is a great spring shoe that can be worn with any outfit. For a more glamorous look, try Loeffler Randall’s ‘Annabel’ gold wedge ($350), which looks perfect with a springtime dress and Derby hat. Ivanka Trump’s ‘Brenna’ ($140) is a wonderful wedge that combines an animal print with a pop of orange leather so your shoes won’t be overshadowed by your fabulous hat.
Shoe Hive: Haute fashion horse race options include: the ‘Patmos’ by Diane von Furstenberg, $350; ‘Filipa’ wedge by Tory Burch in gold, $195; and ‘Josephine’ wedge by Michael Kors in luggage, $185.
Nordstrom: If you would like to gain some height, go with a wedge (ex. the Steve Madden ‘Xternal’) or platform, but we also have some great flats from our exclusive brand Tildon that mesh ladylike details with new fabrications and color combinations (for example, the Tildon ‘Alexia’ in pink, $49.95).
Finally, what are some great options to accommodate women with wider feet as well as to make long-footed fashionistas appear more proportionate?
Bishop: If you are a woman with wider feet, Isaac Mizrahi is your new best friend. Almost all of his shoes and sandals are cut on the generous side, which can accommodate a larger foot width. Joie is another designer that makes a wider shoe and sandal, but the most important thing for someone with a wider foot to remember is always try everything on; different styles and brands are cut differently.
Joie "Nice"
As for long-footed fashionistas, always buy shoes that fit your foot. You will wear them more often, feel more comfortable and, in turn, be more confident—which is the best look out there!
Shoe Hive: One wide-foot fave: ‘Damita’ by Michael Kors, $110; a fave option for long-footed ladies: ‘Gina’ by Rachel Zoe in camel, $235.
Nordstrom: Although we don’t have any sandals that come in a wide, sometimes thongs can work, and many sandals do have adjustable buckles as well. To make longer feet appear more proportionate, shoppers may want to look for something with ornamentation or some kind of visual interest on the sandal—multiple straps and a little bit more coverage on the foot can make it seem smaller.
Expert Panel: Kelly Ferenc, owner of Bishop Boutique; Elizabeth Todd, owner, and Lyndsay Chaney, manager, of The Shoe Hive; and Carly Oxman and Theresa Liljenberg, women’s shoe buyers at Nordstrom.
Next month Lauren A. Rothman, Styleauteur founder, talks summer’s hottest hats.
Photos: Courtesy of Rachel Zoe (Rachel zoe “abby” sandal); courtesy of nordstrom (Steve Madden “Xternal” Sandal); courtesy of bishop boutique (Joie “Nice” Sandal, Ivanka “Brenna” wedge sandal)
(May 2013)