Shoe Me This

Grace Scarlett Bridal Shoes & Tips for your Wedding Day

 

Memorial Day weekend is upon us. It's time for summer and wedding season is heating up. In fact, my friend Nikki is tying the knot this weekend. What shoes will the lovely bride wear?

Nikki selected the Grace Scarlett bridal shoe. The slim ankle strap is a good choice to keep the shoes on her feet securely while she dances the first dance with her husband. The bow adds a feminine and classic touch of detail. The rhinestones on the ankle strap's buckle provide a hint of shimmer.

You can get this wedding-perfect shoe for $130 here.

Wedding Day Shoe Tips:

Are you wondering what to look for while you shop for your dream wedding shoe? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Timing is everything. Pick out your shoes after you select your dress but before the fitting. Wear your shoes at the fitting to make sure the hem is properly adjusted.
• Buy a second pair -- you'll need a back-up if a heel breaks.
• Consider flats or chunky heels if your ceremony is outside in order to avoid having your heels sinking into the soil.
• If you buy open-toe shoes, you will need to remember to get a pedicure before your wedding day.
• Opt for a simple shoe if your dress hemline has a lot of detail.
• If time permits, wear your shoes around the house to break them in before the big day for maximum comfort.
• Don't limit yourself! It's your day and you're free to wear whatever you want. Don't feel locked in to traditional silk and satin fabric or pumps. Explore, try on lots of styles and have fun!

 

UGHly Shoes: Jessica Alba wears Steve Madden Gladiator Sandal

Oh no! Jessica Alba, you are adorable. I loved you in Sin City and still want to wear bangs whenever I watch that movie... and learn to handle a lasso. But what in the world appealed to you with that mess from Steve Madden?

Introducing the Steve Madden Hippster Gladiator Sandal -- priced around $80.00.

First of all, I cannot stand the gladiator sandal. Ever since 300 came out, designers have been shoving the gladiator look down our throats and onto the shelves. Here's a history flash for ladies wearing thick and bulky gladiator sandals: gladiators were dudes. There is nothing feminine about the look. I'm not saying one must look feminine at all times, but I do suggest finding shoes that are at least flattering if you are going to put your credit card balance on the line.

On the upside about the Steve Madden Hippster, the gladiator look is down played by the layers of suede fringe... oh wait, I hate fringe on sandals too!

Which brings me to point number two: I'm not loving this fringe + suede + sandal thing. Even Vogue applauds this is sort of thing as a "must have." Remember the Chinese Laundry Fringe Flat nightmare?

Poolside Flip Flops: Havaianasus

Today, I was inspired by the Vogue Item of the Week: Marc Jacobs swim caps.

These bright colors would look great with by dark brown bikini or black swimsuit. Of course, I can't walk barefoot across the blazing hot concert to dive into the pool. While the Marc Jacobs swim caps are reasonably priced, their flip flops usually are not, and so I turn to Havaianasus.

My favorite this year is the pop-art inspired Wonder Woman flip flop. It's bright and fun -- exactly what summer embodies. Plus, I'm a bit of a geek so this appeals to me greatly. I'd wear Chewbacca flip flops if someone made them... scratch that. Furry flip flop would be a bit strange. Remember Krispy Kreme flips flops from last year?

Summer Sandal: Camper Danae Platform

 

There's something modern and rather Mondrian about the Danae Platform Sandal by Camper. Normally, the Camper brand brings to mind fashion sneakers or other casual footwear. What I like about the Danae sandal is that, while sticking to the comfort-first design, there is still something slightly sophisticated about to shoe. For me, this lies squarely on the application of color and the blocky design.

What to wear with this delightful Wedge? Consider a simple white or black shirt dress and a wide red belt.

Eco-Friendy Fashion: Simple Shoes

While Earth Day has passed,it's never out of fashion to be eco-conscious. I'm pretty excited about the summer collection from Simple Shoes. These are perfect for the weekend and casual Fridays. Normally, I think of muted colors when I imagine green products but I like how Simple has incorporated vibrant colors with their women's line.

Simple's bright red Entire shoe caught my attention right away. The uppers are silk. Recycled products incorporated with the flat include rubber tire sidewalls -- which will make for a perfect July 4th BBQ conversation starter.

Other hues from Simple this season include violet, black and white checked fabric, blue and white polka dots and even beach-scene prints on canvas sneakers.

H&M Wedges

 

I found these lovely wedges that are perfect for spring on Nitro:licious. According to the style blog, they are available at H&M but I've been unable to find these on the H&M website. Sounds like it's time for a shopping excursion.

These wedges have a hip, urban feel. They look sturdy yet feminine and will show off a summer pedi. I love the flesh-tone because it will go with so many summer outfits. They are also available in black.

I've been searching online for a few days to find out more information on these cute shoes. If you have a pair, what do you think about them?

UGHly Shoes: Sarah Jessica Parker in Camel Toe Boots

It pains me greatly to see Sarah Jessica Parker in UGHly shoes... but she has been known to wear some. I don't know how I overlooked the cloven hoof faux pas back in February. These boots are truly hideous. They make her look deformed and give new meaning to the phrase "camel toe."

What are they? A vision (nightmare) from Martin Margiela split toe booties.

Even if one tries too approach the boot as a work of art, what is the theme behind the cork heel? It's like the Martin Margiela got lazy and decided the whole look is a joke.

Something Different for Summer 2009: Ann Marino Beaded Sandal

The devil is in the details. I adore the simple lines in this Ann Marino sandal because it sets you up to really enjoy the beading. It brings to mind Bollywood movies and exotic summer escapes.

The binding over the toe is a sweet departure from typical summer thong-style sandals. Even nicer? It's an affordable choice. I found the Ann Marino Ideal Radiance Beaded Sandal on DSW.com for only $39 and I'm ordering it today!

Go Vegan! olsenHaus Swell Pumps

It's not Earth Day yet but you can still be Earth-friendly when you wear vegan shoes. I found this pretty pump on Moo Shoes' online storefront. (They're based in Manhattan.) The Moo Shoes slogan says it all: One cannot have fashion without compassion.

Now I am not ready to give up leather, but these olsenHaus shoes are adorable,so I'm happy to give fashion with compassion a try! The olsenHaus Swell shoe is made with a vintage cotton print. The peep-toe and pastel stripes with push your wardrobe into spring time chic right away.

You can get Swell for $165 here.

Suede and Snakeskin: Bally Ilya Platform Sandal

 

Dramatic, retro and slightly zebra-like, the Ilya Sandal by Bally definitely draws attention. Crafted from suede and Ayers snakeskin, this sandal will fit into any season. If you have a fear of heights, this shoe is not for your -- the heel is 5 1/4-inches (platform 1-inch).

The price tag is steep at $509 on Zappos, so don't buy these if you think your company is downsizing.