My two cents: Shoes from the Grammys inspire spring update
Though the groundhog may not agree, spring is just around the corner, and judging by the stores it is already here. Spring is a great time for a new look or a few updates on your style.
To be honest, I have a favorite pair of shoes for snowy days that my daughter does not think should be worn out of the house. They are black rubbery clogs that are older than one of my kids. I keep them by the back door and wear them most days, but really felt too embarrassed to post a picture of my biggest fashion faux pas.
Instead, here are some inspirations of fun shoes from the weekend Grammy awards.
Lady gaga's Grammy shoes were paired with what sheknows.com calls "a sparkly solar-system styled affair"
Famespy.com calls Beyonce's Grammy shoes "foot candy."
These inspirations are a little outside of my comfort zone. Literally! How does one walk in those let alone parade onto stage with all eyes to see? Which ones go best with my grey yoga pants? Though I may not be ready for Hollywood, I am almost ready to trade in my boots for some springier styles. Harper’s Bazaar offers a few tips this month about how to wear chic shoes well.
1. Don't Be Hobbled by Discomfort Even if you love a pair, if you can't walk in them, don't buy them. Limping around in heels is decidedly ungraceful.2. Dare to Wear Brights An electric hue can amp up a look, including outfits in colors other than black and denim. Try colored shoes with white, khaki, and pastels. A scarlet-red dress, however, calls for neutral footwear.
3. Wear What's Appropriate Open-toe sandals may be too risqué for a conservative suit, while a flat may be too casual for a cocktail frock. Keep your sneakers relegated to gym clothes or casual jeans. When in doubt, it's hard to go wrong with a classic black pump.
4. Going Outdoors? Say No to Stilettos It will be difficult to walk when your heels keep sinking into the ground, and you'll ruin your shoes. Flats are fine, but if you want height, wedges are an ideal option.
5. Make a Statement A spindly stiletto sandal is all about looking sexy, while a bow-emblazoned kitten heel veers more toward cute. Know what look you're going for, and go full out.
6. Va-va-voom Shoes Have Their Place Nighttime is the right time for attention-getting shoes. If you still want to wear a knock-'em-dead look during the day, choose a closed-toe or peep-toe pump.
7. Pair Sky-High Shoes with Tame Hemlines When going for major air, keep your hemlines at an inch above the knee. But when wearing a short skirt or dress, wear a lower heel or flat — it will balance you out and keep you from showing altogether too much leg.
8. Wear Flats with Properly Hemmed Clothes Make sure your clothing is tailored or you'll risk looking sloppy. A trouser leg should fall at or above the ankle, while skirts or dresses should end above the knee.
9. Think About Balance (And we're not talking about the kind you need to walk.) A thicker-heeled shoe grounds a heavily layered look, when something dainty could look off balance. The reverse also holds true. When wearing a wispy frock, a thin-strapped sandal is an appropriate match.
If, like me, you are looking to update your look with some of the latest spring shoes, these Ann Arbor Shoe Shops may have just what you are looking for:
Mast Shoes, 2517 Jackson Ave (734) 662-8118
Sole Sisters, 207 S 4th Ave (734) 369-4697
Footprints, 217 S. Main St.Ann Arbor (734)741-9401
Van Boven, 17 Nickels Arcade (734) 665-7240
DSW Shoe Warehouse, 3665 Washtenaw (734) 971-6374
The Getup Vintage Clothing 215 S State St (734) 327-4300
At Briarwood Mall: o Aldo Shoes o Payless ShoeSource o The Walking Company
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com
If you are interested in seeing more wearable shoe styles from the Grammy's, try these.