Shoesday Tuesday- Wedding Shoe Shopping

For some reason, I'm surrounded by brides- and I'm not referring to work. I have a whole mess of friends who are engaged and getting married soon. It's funny how these things happen in groups. Anyway, I'm getting together with at least one of these brides this week to shop for shoes for her wedding. I love shoe shopping 100% of the time. And wedding shoe shopping? Even better. We're going to hit Nordstrom as their shoe department is pretty stellar. I've done a little pre-shopping online and here are some beauties I've found:

Ivanka Trump "Dermani" Sandal, $129.95

I can see this shoe on a bride who has selected a slinky, sexy gown and wants shoes that are equivalent in their sex appeal. 

BP Platinum "Medina" Sandal, $69.95

This shoe is ideal for the modern bride who wants a little bit of funk, but still wants to feel "bridal." The color says, "I'm a wedding shoe." Everything else about it says, "I'm a super fabulous shoe." 

Badgley Mischka "Lyndee" Sandal, $215

Planning a beach wedding, but still want height? A wedge is the way to go and these Badgley Mischkas are wedges done right. The floaty, floral detail at the toe is just a bonus. 

Bourne "Josephine" Pump, $245

For the traditional bride who wants just a touch of sparkle, these peep toe pumps are perfectly classic. They work with everything from a ball gown to a retro-sheath and just about everything in between. 

Of course, not everyone goes for the traditional ivory or white shoe to match the color of the dress. There are many other contrasting choices the modern bride can make to show a touch of her personality and style. 

Enzo Angiolini "Smiles" Platform Pump, $94.95

Can't you see these on the most dazzling of "dancin' queens?" I can! 

Martinez Valero "Zoie" Pump, $63.90

What better way to incorporate your "something blue" than with a fabulous pair of shoes. And don't these remind you of the pair Carrie wore when she married Big? I thought so... 

Dolce & Gabbana Lace Bow Platform Pump, $695

Of course, blue isn't the only color brides may choose to wear. Whether you want to match the color of your bridesmaids' dresses, or just have a fun pop of color peeking out from under your gown, this modern choice will set you apart dramatically from the more traditional bridal shoe choices. 

I honestly have no idea what types of shoes my bride friends are thinking of wearing, but I can guarantee we'll have fun shopping for the perfect pair! 

Leave a comment to tell me what you think of bridal shoes in general, or these choices above, or anything else that comes to mind. And if you want to tweet, like we do every week, don't forget the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday

Shoesday Tuesday- Amazing

Can we talk about how freaking amazing these are:

Mark & James by Badgley Mischka, Piperlime, $245

This week, tweet your favorite summer shoes- a picture, a description, a memory- anything will do, but don't forget the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday

Boutique or Bargain?

I was in a boutique today and saw the most spectacular dress on a dress form- it was a beautiful emerald green irridescent chiffon, with an asymmetrical shoulder with beautiful beadwork and... you know what? I'll never be able to describe it adequately, so here's a picture: Spectacular, right? Of course, upon closer inspection, the dress turned out to be a Badgley Mischka selling for $695.00. Yes, the decimal point IS in the right place. Since my budget allows mostly for dresses is the $6.95 range, you can imagine my sticker shock. And this dress was in Lancaster, PA! Crazy, huh? I want to know who in Lancaster, PA is spending 700 smackers on a cocktail dress! And where are they going in it? Honestly! But I digress... the point is, as fun as it is to wear a real designer dress that is perfectly tailored and spectacular in its craftsmanship, few of us can afford to do it ever, much less on a regular basis. So for you, my faithful readers, I offer you the budget versions of some seriously pricey designer duds. I'm sure your wallets will thank me.

First, a Michael Kors pink strapless sheath, selling at Saks for nearly $1600.00. And yes, it's pre-order only. The pink ditty next to it? Sells for $14.50 at Forever 21. No joke.

Maybe you're the type who likes prints. This sleeveless David Meister print dress sells for a mere $388.00, but you can have the Forever 21 counterpart for $24.80 if you like.

I love a good ombre dress and this first one certainly doesn't disappoint. I would hope not for just over $300 at SALE price. I think I even like the Forever 21 version a little more and it's nearly 1/10 the cost at $36 (full price).

Honestly, this post could go on forever, but I think you get the idea. Some of my favorite discount stores are TJ Maxx and Marshalls because they have designer clothes heavily discounted, so you might even stumble across the real thing! Also, depending on where you live, you could try SYMS. There are HUGE bargains to be had there. But remember, when it comes to a beautiful designer dress, first determine exactly what it is that you like about it and then see if you can find those qualities in a less expensive version. Chances are, you can. Also, lots of designers are working with stores like Target to create ready-to-wear lines that are very afforable. In the meantime, if anyone sees a knock-off of that Badgley Mischka, let me know!