Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Beige, but not Boring.
As we continue to slog our way through an unusually cold February, I can't help but look to the new Spring 2010 collections for some warm weather inspiration (and escapism). One huge runway trend last fall that's sure to make a splash this spring is fleshtone shoes -- and I promise, they're not nearly as unappealing as they may initially sounds In fact, shoes in nude, beige or champagne have a wonderfully flattering, leg-lengthening effect and are a fresh (and just as versatile) alternative to white shoes for spring and summer. Take a cue from classic American designers like Donna Karen and Calvin Klein and keep the overall palette subdued by pairing these with soft and romantic neutrals for an altogether ladylike look.
On the other hand, pairing these shoes with Spring's bold brights works just as well by keeping the focus on the bold outfit and grounding all that color. Beige shoes are also more day-appropriate than a metallic shoe, making them the perfect choice for the office. Despite this office-appropriateness, there's also something undeniably sexy about beige footwear -- after all, they are nude. Bottom line: any way you wear 'em, you're sure to be right on trend.
In my own quest for the perfect pick-me-up from the late-winter "blahs", I've pulled together some of my favorite beige shoes below. I'm currently torn between the Michael Kors sandals with the lucite heel and the buttery-soft suede Chloe flats in tan and blush. Be sure to let me know which your favorite is in the comments below.
Source list (from top left): 1. "Henry" by Moschino Cheap & Chic from Piperlime ($300). These would be great with a girly summer dress or casual, loose-fitting khakis and the hot pink lining is such a fun jolt of color. 2. "Randee" by Badgley Mischka from Piperlime ($215). The perfect wedding shoe and the soft gold tone is ultra-flattering. 3. "Cammie" by Kate Spade from Piperlime ($295). The ideal spring and summer office shoe in shiny patent leather. 4. Zipper Ruffle Heel from BCBG ($250). The blush hue, zipper-detailing and frills are a feminine, ultra-sexy take on the trend. 5. See by Chloe from Zappos ($249). The type of shoe you'd live in all summer long. 6. "Belize" by Kelsi Dagger from Piperlime ($135). A budget-friendly alternative to Prada's resort 2010 sandals (see Prada runway shot above). 7. "Alecia" suede platform peeptoes from J.Crew ($265). I'm not normally a fan of booties, but the cut of these are incredibly flattering. 8. Giuseppe Zanotti from Zappos ($825). I love how the large rose is butched up a bit with gold-tone studs and a wooden heel. 9. "Private" Cuff Patent Leather Sandal by Jimmy Choo from Nordstrom ($950). This bandage-style is impossible sexy. 10. "Penelope" by Maloles from Barneys ($415). As an avowed fan of lower heels, I'm so excited to see midheels and mini-wedges coming back in style. 11. Platform Floral Slingback by Prada from Neiman Marcus ($650). A sturdy, sensible heel made more fun with a cartoon-like flower. 12. "Wrap Up Heel" by Tory Burch ($325). I can't resist a gladiator sandal. 13. "Clayton" by Kors Michael Kors from Nordstrom ($225). The lucite heel and beige leather get you two big spring trends in one shoe.
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23 comments:
Hi Averill, Ooooh! how fun! Virtual shopping no pain and no money changing hands. Sooooo I like #7 Alecia, J crew
#8 Giuseppi Zanatti
Okay. This is pretending that I wouldn't need to worry about being 6'5" in most of those heels, right? :-) In that fantasy world (where I also don't have a budget), I would choose 3, 4 and 7. Thanks for the shopping trip! That was fun...
Oh, Moschino, Badgley Mischka, be still my heart! I don't really know if I could pull off an entire beige outfit, but love it paired with black or white, and then all that color! Now that I can do! Hurry up spring! Janell
Beautiful! I have been daydreaming about the Jimmy Choo sandal since I spotted it at Nordstrom but I was stunned by the price and it's pre-order. I am always hesitant to do that no matter how tempting because who knows what else I'll fall in love with before the order even fills! For half the cost, I'll take the Tory Burch...
BTW, love that you bought the Chiang Mai stationery!!
Marija
I'll take one Lanvin & one pr. of Clayton M Kors please. You gave us readers much to desire Averill. Hope your ready for your weekend?!
Girl, your shoe closet must be fierce! Your montage certainly is! I like all the beige. It's very modern to me, and it tends to flatter my pasty complexion.
Your selection is scrumptious!
Love the stunning dress by Badgley Mischka!!!
Could you be mine???
XX
V.
Love the lucite heeled shoe by Kors and that Prada dress!
xo,
cristin
I love nude shoes too! I actually just bought a pair this weekend. You should check out the recent Michael Kors show. A lot of people were hating on all the beige but I loved it.
That Moschino suit is SO me. Love it.
Love Kate Spade's open-toe mary jane. But even if I were twenty years younger, I couldn't wear heels that high! I'm already planning on giving my beige suede wedgie sandals a workout this year. Against my fair skin, they pretty much disappear and, like you said, are very elongating when worn with a skirt. Even though they're less than 2" tall.
I love all the nude/beiges! I purchased my first pair of shoes in this color from Michael Kors' spring collection + adore them. They're great with dark denim, a more colorful dress, and even white.
I think you should go for the Chloe shoes :)
What a great inspirational post, Averill! You have given me some more ideas on how to use my new, neutral pieces -- except now, I think I want a few more...
Hope you're having a wonderful week!
xo
Amazing finds - love all of them!:)
Great picks! I love DK's dress!
Oh, I love the Moschino jacket. Love the Prada slingback too. Great collection of images. I need to go shopping!
I'll take the Jimmy Choo.
Ooh la la! The zipper ruffle heel is my second fave, next to the top middle one- the Randee sandals are my absolute favorite. And those dresses! The two middle ones - the orange and the pink, please!
My daughter and I went window (and some inside) shopping in New York City yesterday down 5th Avenue. We were saying how fun it is that the coming season appears to be filled with bright colours. It lifts the spirit. We found an electric purple sheath and matching shoes at Yves St. Laurent that was brilliant.
Fabulous trendspotting, darling! Especially loving all the nude shoes!
xoxox,
CC
I don't think I can pull off beige clothing, but nude shoes I can do!! Those flirty Badgley Mischka heels are so pretty . . .
Of course I love the $825 shoes. Sigh. Glad to see that you included the pretty Mischkas!
Love the hot pink dress, too.
I'm loving the nude shoe trend. Some of those might not work on my daily treks to Wal-Mart with three kids, though :)
Some gorgeous, gorgeous pieces.
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