Because a Girl’s Gotta Have Options…
After receiving so many lovely comments on my recent post about shoes making the outfit, I felt inspired to dive a little deeper into the topic.

For starters, I want to share some of my favorite sandals, pumps and wedges for spring and summer. Most fall within the $100 to $200 range, with a few closer to $250. Though you can totally find lower cost options, I’ve learned my lesson from going the cheap route…and my poor feet have too. I also have a juicy post in the works about strategic shoe shopping in this price range.
In short, current obsessions include the following stlyes (I purposely left out black because I’m trying to balance out my wardrobe):
- Vibrant hues, specifically bluegreens and reds
- Cool color-texture combos
- Funky heel and wedge details
- Nudes to elongate the legs

Above (from top left):
- bebe Lizzie Mesh Sandal, $139
- Frye Gabrielle T Strap Wedge, $188 (via Bloomingdale’s)
- Topshop Paradise Platform Sandal, $180
- Report Signature Pamona Pumps, $117 (on sale via Bluefly)
- Report Signature Toluca Peep Toe, $174.95 (via Endless)
- BCBGirls Damara Sandal, $109.95 (via Bakers)
- Jeffrey Campbell Michelle Ruffle Pumps, $108 (via Shop Nasty Gal)
- Topshop Pegasus Gladiator Sandal, $210
- Modern Vintage Paulia Wedge, $260 (via Piperlime)
- Aldo Mauceri Peep Toe, $125
- Frye Grace T Strap Heel, $228 (via Endless)
- Steven by Steve Madden Peraida, $249.95
What are types of shoes are you on the hunt for? If there are any particular that fall in the $100 – $300 price range, please comment with a link and I’ll choose a few to highlight in the strategic shoe shopping post!
Photo credit: Francesca Anderson









$250 for a pair of shoes?!? Do they come with a TV?
Those Jeffrey Campbells are MAGNIFICENT! They absolutely make me drool.
(And I may steal that top picture for use at some point. It’s just too great.)
Love those shoe choices! And I agree, I love those Jeffrey Campbells shoes! What an adorable heel.
i really likes these colors! so sweet! actually, i’m more on the hunt for shoes i can walk all over the place in.. totally not on trend, but my little brown laceups are about to die.
Mike – No they don’t…you should re-read the title of this post before judging! J/K
Ashe – I know – it looks like a unicorn horn! Feel free to use the pic – got it from Flickr (credit it at the bottom).
Clandestinechic – Thanks love!
jennine – Thanks! I’ll be on the lookout for you!
That top one is such a cool photo. I need to think more about shoes. They’re normally the last part of my outfit x
I’m on the hunt for some amazing summer wedges. Any ideas?
I adore those Frye wedges. Gorgeous!
I’m holding out for a pair of open-toed, fun shoes that come in a neat color but have a semi-classic look so I can wear them for years to come. (Hence my love for the Fryes – a classic t-strap with a twist and in a luscious color.) I haven’t found anything that truly catches my eye, though.
Those gold ruffle shoes are drool-worthy! I am currently trying to decide whether my next paycheque can stretch to these: http://www.viviennewestwood.com/upload/08c629_westwood_390_size_0.jpg I hope so!
Saw you were looking for shoes to feature. I was browsing DSW online and saw these 4 pairs that I’m loving right now! I don’t see them in my future anytime soon in this economy..but thought I’d still share:
http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=2&category=cat20034&prodId=189549&brand=
http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=69&category=dsw11cat200010&prodId=189684&brand=
http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=95&category=dsw11cat200010&prodId=187817&brand=
http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=161&category=dsw11cat200010&prodId=185768&brand=
i always love a good frye
i’m loving these DVF flats & i think they have some longevity: http://www.shoptheshoebox.com/product_detail.asp?page=1&NumRec=98&ItemNum=50&s_pid=5045&colorid=2020&vn=Diane+Von+Furstenberg&pn=Diana+Sandal&s_cid=83&s_vid=0&s_size=&s_price=&s_lev=2&viewall=1&s_sale=&s_sb=1
and just for fun, if i thought these would look good on me i would get them in a second: http://www.shoptheshoebox.com/product_detail.asp?page=1&NumRec=139&ItemNum=64&s_pid=4370&colorid=2035&vn=Pour+La+Victoire&pn=Murielle+Wedge&s_cid=79&s_vid=0&s_size=&s_price=&s_lev=2&viewall=1&s_sale=&s_sb=1 – they are so hot!! but my short, elephant-like calves don’t do well with horizontal straps
Thanks for this post…I need/some new shoes really bad and now I’m more in need than ever! As you know, I tried on a pair at Nordstrom’s last weekend and can’t stop thinking about them! They are pretty much perfection…I want black, but here’s silver: http://tinyurl.com/owsvch
Those white buckled ones are calling my name. They want to come hone with me. ARRRGHH! I love the top pic, crazy cool.
I would like shoes I can walk in because you know I walk a lot but I want them to be stylish too. Yes! I am all about color!!!
I’ve been searching for the perfect nude sandal all winter/spring and just purchased these, but I’m still undecided if they are as universal as I’d like…what do you think? (they are actually a little bit lighter than this photo)
http://www.toryburch.com/toryburch/browse/productDetail.jsp?icProduct=12098631&icSort=&icCategory=122
excited to see what nude sandals you come up with!!
~B
oh the blue mesh and the cream ruffles, love both those!
Where’s the http://www.onlineshoes.com love! It’s located in your own backyard! And yes, that’s just a shameless self-plug
Dig the shoes. You’ll have to tell Kate to buy more, she gets such a good deal!
Frankie – I only started to think about shoes before the look recently and it’s done wonders for reinventing basics.
dreamsequins – I have a few ideas! What sort of style are you most interested in?
Jennifer – From what I hear, the Frye sandals are super comfy, which is an additional reason to get them…do it…but wait for my post on how to get a better deal.
Louise – I like those! I haven’t seen them in stores, but will keep a look out!
Makeup and Manicures – Great finds! With DSW it tough because they’re already marked down, but I’m planning a post for getting the best price on new arrival type shoes…stay tuned!
grechen – Love! I have big shoes to fill if I’m going to find a hook-up for the queen…but I’ve always loved a challenge!
Sara – One word – done!
alixrose – I smell an idea for a follow-up post about good shoes for staying on your feet in the summer!
BriCooper – Cute! I love that style and Tory Burch makes fab shoes! Where did you purchase? Have you worn them yet?
eyeliah – Glad you like! Thx!
Where’s the love for http://www.onlineshoes.com? We’re local! And yes, that’s a shameless plug
Love the shoes, you’ll have to tell Kate that she needs more colorful heels.
I have a pair of great shoes – same as the black ones featured in the post below, but light wood with nude leather and a little lucite accent on the back of the heel. I got them for a steal so they are within your price range
Wearing them to an event tomorrow.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v70/mesobored77/lookMKA.jpg&imgrefurl=http://avantgardemeetsanarchy.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html&usg=__k9mfkmYrNYq0xBM5WAiHnMU2Fn8=&h=800&w=536&sz=42&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=mCrjaz7JYyQnrM:&tbnh=143&tbnw=96&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dchloe%2Bplatform%2Blucite%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1
Those Jeffrey Campbell ruffle pumps are amazing! They make me think of the Little Mermaid, but in the best way possible.
I’ve been looking at a lot of shoes w/platforms + chunk heels, and wedges too. I love details like studs and buckles and ruffles. Not all on the same shoe, ha. I’m also looking for shoes in bright colors – really want some hot purple pumps!
to give you an idea– i have a pair of brown wedges that are half booties that i have been wearing like crazy all fall. i’m on the hunt for some wedges with at least a 4 inch heel… that are not heavy… but strappy sandals… something that can toughen up a sweet, wispy summerdress? not black.
I could not be more in love with the ruffle pumps! I must have them & they are so reasonably priced!
I clicked on the site & the link isn’t working- maybe its my computer? at any rate, i’m definitely lusting after them. I may have to make the splurge.
I can always count on your posts for introducing such fabulous pieces! xx
I don’t think that I’ve seen anything quite like the ruffle shoes!
I made a deal with my feet that I wouldn’t buy anymore shoes with a platform, wooden sole or over a 3\” heel…if I\’m going to drop cash on shoes they have to be comfy
Tall order, I know! do-able??!!
(I bought the TB shoes off of her website)
I am with you on the spending a decent amount of money on shoes so they don’t wear out after one season. What’s the point of buying cheap, throwaway, shoes if you will just have to replace them and spend more money?
Of course, I do buy cheap shoes when it is something ‘trendy’ because I know I probably won’t wear them forever. I just invest a bit more when buying something that can be worn for years to come.
I quite like those beautiful sandals. And I would like to share with you more fashion and cheaper shoes in the http://www.alshoeszone.com.