5 New Foot Wear Style Recommendations

Summertime calls for a wardrobe spruce up, and one of my favourite ways to add some new magic to my style without spending a bomb, is to invest in new statement sandals and shoes for the season. Footwear can make or break your outfit, and add a whole new dimension to it – after all, a class black dress worn with sneakers has a totally different feel from the same dress worn with strappy gold high heels, or leather ankle boots.

When it comes to high quality, stylish and affordable footwear, Charles & Keith is one of my go-to brands. And so, when I was looking to update my shoe collection this year, that was my first stop. The first pair that caught my eye were the Floral Embroidered Slip Ons. The sheer elegance of the design, combined with the nautical feel and on-trend embroidery motifs, make these shoes look significantly more expensive than they are. The best part about this pair is the versatility – they look ultra-chic with a white jeans and white t-shirt combination but could also be worn on holiday with a swimsuit and kaftan after you’ve frolicked in the pool and want a look that is effortless but put together.

As I was browsing through the Charles & Keith website, the Rope Detail Mules really tickled my fancy. Mules have made a major comeback in the last two years, and with good reason. This updated version of the classic style features rope and fringe detailing, along with a black and white printed block heel, which adds some extra pizzazz to your bottom half. Again, these shoes are extremely versatile and could be paired with a little back dress, or a white shirt and blue jeans ensemble. As if that wasn’t enough, they’re also super comfortable, so you can easily wear them from morning to night without any problems. What more does a girl need?

Now, if you’re on the hunt for a more formal summertime shoe, the Basket Weave Ankle Strap Mules are an ideal option. They’re everything I want in a pair of heels – texture and detail, a heel that is high but not too high, and an ankle strap for support and comfort. Throw these on with a silky slip-style dress, or use them to dress up jeans and t-shirt combination, and you’re good to go!

Another shoe brand that I have been crushing on lately is Moda In Pelle. When I feasted my eyes on the Loello Orange Leather sandals, I knew I had to have them. This pair is perfect for adding a summertime pop of colour to your outfits and can instantly spice up a relatively bland ensemble and become the showstopper. Plus, the adjustable ankle strap and sturdy block heel mean that they are comfortable enough for you to prance around town all day long! I would pair these with a flirty summer dress or wide leg palazzo-style pants, keeping the rest of my outfit simple and letting the shoes do the talking.

If you’re for flats instead of block heels, the Noello style of sandal by Moda in Pelle is an excellent option. I opted for the navy and red colour combination, but they are available in many different hues, including the vibrant pink and orange palette from above. They’re classic, stylish and practical – a rare combination when it comes to footwear. I would pair these with cut-off jeans and white shirt, but the truth is that you can wear them with almost anything in your wardrobe – which makes this pair a winner in my books.

Whatever your style when it comes to footwear, remember that quality is key, and it’s usually worth investing a little bit more to get sturdy, reliable shoes and sandals that will last you a while. Plus, scuffed soles, visible glue and bare threads is never, ever a good look. And remember the famous words of Marilyn Monroe: “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” Amen!

Summertime Footwear Picks Perfect for Holidays

The hot summer season is a great time to be your fashionable best. After all, what better way to beat the blazing blues than to look summer-ready and chic. This is the perfect time of the year to show off your footwear collection and also experiment with different shoe styles – that’s easier when you’re not worried about protecting your feet from the rain or cold.

 So here is my pick of footwear essentials you should have in your wardrobe this summer season:

  1. Espadrille Sandals

Ideal for casual wear, espadrille sandals are the perfect complement to light, flowy outfits or shorts/skirts which expose the feet completely. Get a pair in a bright colour which would bring attention to your footwear and add some extra jazz to your outfit. The best part is, espadrilles are typically very comfy and durable – a great investment, don’t you think?

Pro Tip – If you’re wearing open-toed espadrilles, make sure your toes are painted to perfection.

  1. Heeled Platform Sandals

Platform sandals are great for both casual and party wear. A pair of toe-baring platforms in a neutral color would be a smart sartorial decision. Such footwear is innately elegant and ideal for a day to night transformation. The versatility of platform heels is boosted by the fact that they are not uncomfortable for long-wear.

Pro Tip – Experiment with atypical neutrals such as mustard, pale peach, or blue-grey for an eyeball-grabbing effect.

  1. Tow Tone Coloured Sandals

Wedges rank high amongst all heel types when it comes to comfort. This makes them a fond go-to option for those who avoid stilettoes and other high heels. Velveteen wedges are great for both casual and party wear. If you foresee many summer parties in the future, make sure you have a pair of fancy wedges which will help you dance the night away.

Pro Tip – Go in for a royal shade such as deep blue or emerald green; such colours will have your wedges look graceful and dressy.

  1. Ballerina Flats

The very definition of casual-chic, flat ballerina slip-ons are fashion’s gift to the multi-tasker in you. Such shoes are the best footwear for running errands and day-long casual dos such as picnics, school visits, and so on. If you go in for embellished, embroidered, or laser cut ballerinas, your shoes will complement more sophisticated, formal outfits as well.

Pro Tip – Ensure that your buy high-quality ballerinas that have sturdy soles. Else, you may find that your shoes get frayed and uncomfortable very quickly.

  1. Pom-Pom Sandals

Pom-poms are so in vogue this season! They are wonderful accessories for summery outfits since they add colour and a youthful femininity to every outfit. Go in for a pair of strappy flats or thong chappals, and you’re all set for day-time outings. And keep in mind, the more pom-poms on your shoes, the better!

Pro Tip – Pom-pom sandals look great with pastel shades. Do try out such looks

Outfit Inspiration For Office During Winters

Mornings are the toughest, especially winter mornings. You don’t want to get out of your warm, cosy blanket and let alone decide what you need to wear to work in the freezing temperature. Choosing between fashion and warmth gets a little difficult and then you just end up wearing the same jacket for most of the season and hating your work wear which makes getting up in the morning even less motivating.boden-style-4If you want to know how not to dress boring for work, then check out my outfit inspiration for office wear this winter. These styles and tips will keep you looking chic and confident to handle any situation fashionably this season.

I have created a classic professional look with a jacquard blazer and a silk blend top. I got the Kate Ponte Jacquard Blazer from Boden for my work wear wardrobe. It is a classic single-breasted jacket in navy blue with double pockets and a back split. The jacket is comfortable, stylish and has a good fabric. Plus navy blue is a basic colour which almost goes on everything, and since the fabric is thick, it is suitable for cold weather. This jacket is great for casual wear or work wear, depending on how to team it up. I teamed it up with a Ravello top from Boden as well. With pleated neckline and cap sleeves, this top is a relaxed and feminine piece. It works well with a tucked in look. I paired the top and the coat with skinny jeans and platform courts. You can also wear boots or heels. But I personally prefer platform shoes since they are more comfortable without comprising on the heel. For a formal look, you can even pair the coat and the top with a dark blue pencil skirt and heels.boden-style-8

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Outfit Details:

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Apart from this look, you can also think about blazers in warm fabrics like leather, velvet, or jacquard. Make your trousers more fun by going for jacquard or wool pants. They are warm, comfortable and stylish. Team them with your favourite cashmere sweater or a regular shirt and a long coat, and you are good to go. You don’t have to wear trousers or pants you can also go for a jacquard or knit dress and team it with leg warmers or slim pants.  Shirt dresses or jumpers also look great with slim trousers. You can switch from your heels to ankle boots for more comfort during the harsh winters. If you want to dress up like a girl boss, then team up a silk blouse with a pencil skirt, knee high boots in suede with a knit scarf. Stick to sharp styles and mix and match different pieces in your wardrobe like a midi dress with a turtleneck sweater for a fashionable look. If you are going for a basic look in neutral shades, then you can add some statement accessories like a hat, bag or jewellery to make your outfit pop.

Picture Credits – PearBearPhotography

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Shoes I Can Wear All Day Long

Have you ever faced any of those days where you have to meet your friends for a casual brunch and then head to the office for some work. Dressing up for such days can be a little tricky. You don’t want to look out of place at any of those occasions. So I styled an outfit which is perfect for a girl’s day out and office wear. This is a chic style which take can you from brunch to beyond.hotter-shoes-1-3hotter-shoes-1-5

I paired a black full sleeves blouse with a bow neck along with a classic pair of dark blue skinny jeans and a statement bag. Tuck it in with a plain black belt, and you are good to go for work. For a presentation or a meeting, you can also tie up your hair for a more formal look. For a brunch or a day out with your girls, you can keep it casual by keeping the blouse tucked out, throw on some basic makeup and style your hair in beachy waves. This outfit is also appropriate for autumn. There is some light breeze, and it gets a little cold by the evening, so the full sleeves and boots come in handy.hotter-shoes-1-6The most important aspect of any outfit is comfort and he most comfortable thing about my outfit was the boots. Well you might think I am trying to sell the shoes here, but no that is what I said to my hubby dear after walking in London for more than 15 km in a day “I can wear these shoes all day long.”hotter-shoes

I got these boots from Hotter.com, who design and make all types of shoes for both men and women. The boots were brand new and even without breaking into these they were extremely comfortable. Generally, for most shoes, you need to break into them to make them comfortable and avoid any shoe bites. The first few time you are bound to get some sores or bruises. That is why I even carry Compeed in my bag, which I usually use when I am out in heels walking all day long or have bruises from new shows. But I honestly didn’t feel the need to swap, not with these new babies. I wore these shoes all day long and still no ache or no discomfort.hotter-shoes-1-4I rank them highly on comfort which is a winner and will make you wear your shoes again and again. It’s been two weeks since I have had them and it is only by force or them not matching with the outfit that I have to wear something else. These boots are perfect for the season as they keep my feet nice and warm. Plus they are super comfortable and snuggly.

Outfit Details:

Jeans – Super Skinny Jeans – Fatface
Blouse –Black Bow Blouse – Wolf & Whistle
Shoes : Samia Boots – Hotter 

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5 Shoes Every Girl Must Own

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As shoemaker extraordinaire Christian Louboutin once said, “Shoes transform your body language. They lift you physically and emotionally.” Ladies, I could not agree more! A good pair of shoes never fails to make me feel like a superstar, but like most of us, I am often guilty of buying footwear that I don’t really need or end up wearing. Lately, I have come to the realisation that like jewellery, it is absolutely essential to garner the staples in your shoe collection before you begin to expand it. So, what are the shoes that every girl must own? The answer lies in the paragraphs that follow!

Classic Pumps

 Pumps are the greatest pick-me-up of all time and you certainly cannot go wrong with a pair of these beauties in a classic shade like black, red or navy blue. Personally, I prefer patent pumps because they instantly ramp up the glamour factor in any outfit and tend to last much longer than their suede cousins. The best part about classic pumps is that they can be worn with anything under the sun and can easily take you from day to night.

Beautiful Ballet Flats

 I love my high heels as much as the next girl, but I definitely cannot prance around in them all-day and everyday. For the days that my feet need to relax, you will find me donning a pair chic ballet flats that add the right amount of sophistication to any look. The fact that ballet flats are crazy comfortable is simply the cherry on the top. With so many styles and colours available, you cannot go wrong.

Riding Boots

 I simply cannot imagine life without my trusty pair of riding boots. Perfection is a pair of distress jeans tucked into worn out riding boots and a cable knit sweater to boot – the perfect outfit for autumn. I have a pair of sleek black riding boots because they match perfectly with my everyday handbag and belt, but I have seen some beautiful boots in chestnut and tan, too. Riding boots are investment pieces that will last for years so do not be afraid to splurge on these babies.

Sandals

 Summer is fast approaching and what better way to show off your cute pedicure than with a pair of open-toed sandals? This style of shoe is an absolute summer essential and I cannot live without a pair of classy flat sandals when I am travelling, either. Pick up a snazzy pair with embellishments for some extra oomph!

Casual Sneakers

 For those days when you are feeling edgy and ultra badass, a pair of casual sneakers is definitely the way to go. These can be anything from Converse to Vans to wedge sneakers a la Isabel Marant but whatever you do, your shoe collection will not be complete without them! Casual sneakers are all about looking effortlessly cool. Lately, I have been wearing my sneakers with denim cut-off shorts and a basic white V-neck. Love, love, LOVE!