my favorite trio of dressy heels:
Prada-esque suede platform sandals, poppy peep-toes, and Chanel-esque quilted heels
as much as i love ogling a glamorous pair of designer heels, when it comes to buying them, i prefer to keep the cost down. i will splurge on everyday workhorse items (like my beloved ankle boots or PS1), but i balk when it comes to dressier occasion pieces that won't get the daily rotation.
j.crew silk breton dress, helmut lang trench, corso como heels
some of the JC styles are super over-the-top and fetish-y, but don't be scared off. my favorite is definitely the simple suede platform. very sturdy heel, and the design is sophisticated while looking more expensive than it is – no simple feat for platforms! the CC heels are more classic, available in a ton of colors and leathers, and i really like that you can easily wear them for work and dressier occasions.
note on sizing: the JC and CC styles i own run true to size, and are a comfy regular-width.
what do you think? do you like to spend more or less on your heels?
Fantastic post! I've been having the hardest time looking for comfy heels. I just can't bear the thought of staggering around in painful heels when I'm supposed to be on my feet all day. I love your breton dress and Helmut Lang trench. So so so chic!
ReplyDeletethanks :) it always surprises me that more people aren't aware of the, ahem, health issues caused by ill-fitting / painful heels! i mean, men would be up in arms if they had to deal with half the things we have to deal with in ridiculous footwear!
DeleteLove the Chanel-esque Pumps - they look so chic and comfy! I personally spend a lot of many on heels since I know I will be wearing them for years... Also, I´m addicted to shoes :-)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Mehrnaz
Shop Le Monde
yeah, i have some Jeffrey Cambell wedges that are so super comfy! I have a hard time with pumps generally (for some reason a heel is easier for me on a boot) but i will check out corso como now. it would be nice to have some pumps to wear to work, since flats + pencil skirts make me look a little stumpy... :)
ReplyDeletehey Laura! the CC heels are great - they have a super cushiony insole and there's no pinching in the toebox, so you really don't feel like you're wearing 3" heels :)
DeleteTerrific post. I agree that your everyday "workhorse" pieces should be the best quality you can afford. It's good to know about Corso Como and Jeff Campbell shoes-- I rarely wear pumps/heels so I'm reluctant to spend much on them, yet I hate shoddy and/or uncomfortable shoes. I have one pair of lovely black Chie Mihara high heels for dressy occasions.
ReplyDeletei'd always known about JC shoes for being on-trend, but didn't know that they were well made till recently. CM is great too! though i find some of her designs a bit too whimsical for my wardrobe...
DeleteLovely dress! There's something about that dress that calls for a classic trench.
ReplyDeleteI have the Chanel-esque quilted heels. They were my go-to all spring and early fall. They are so chic, comfortable and well-made. I had my cobbler make a modifications for my narrow feet. I constantly receive compliments on them. I do spend on heels. I'm very discerning when it comes to shoes, but always end up wearing them for years.
i remember seeing them on your blog! :) you wore them so beautifully with white jeans.
DeleteYou know, for me it really depends on the shoe. I have a pair of gold sequin Givenchy heels, they to me are special, and unlike anything else that I could buy from a label like JC. It's why when possible, I try to buy these in good second hand condition. Like you, if I'm spending money on shoes, I want them to be leather - or at least of good quality materials. I can't remember the last time I bought a pair of "plastic" shoes. Will definitely be looking to JC next time I need a pair of sandals though that is for sure!
ReplyDeleteLovely dress, and I adore the Chanel-esque heels! I'd rather not spend a fortune on shoes that I don't wear a lot, but I still want them to be comfortable and of a reasonable quality. I'm usually able to find quality shoes on sale though.
ReplyDeleteI never wear heels except for job interviews (because corporate wear looks terrible with flats) and dressy evening things (and even then, only some times). I bought a pair of heels from Massimo Dutti earlier this year and they're excellent but I think their shoes can be hit or miss. Did you ever see Pedder Red in Shanghai? It's an offshoot of On Pedder which sells designer accessories, and they carry their own in-house range. They always have great styles and are of decent quality, and while they are a little expensive for what they are, they have excellent end of season sales. Witchery is also great for comfy heels; my sisters swear by them because they are so good for big, broad feet.
ReplyDeleteyou're right - corporate suiting isn't really designed for flats, huh? :P the name sounds familiar, but i didn't check out that shop in SH. i've heard of Witchery from various friends and bloggers, but i've not seen their line here in the US...
DeleteI love your look! Being short, I have an ongoing love-hate relationship with heels. Growing up, I thought I needed them but always hated actually wearing them. I supinate quite a bit and rolled ankles many times. I am in agreement that I try to spend my moolah on workhorses in my wardrobe like black ankle boots but during the recent sales, I do believe I've found my perfect heels - the Alexander Wang Inna sandals (http://www.alexanderwang.com/products/304109p12/inna). I'll do a post on these soon.
ReplyDeleteThe under 3" heel is very manageable and the padded footbeds make you feel like your walking on air! I splurged and got a black and dove grey pair. I hope I won't ever have to buy heels again with proper cobbler care!! Crossing my fingers. :)
I have a terrible time finding shoes that fit - dressy or no. I don't wear heels very often (no need), so I only have exactly three pairs of them. I find that Ferragamo pumps work well for my feet and a pair of black Vara pumps have lasted me quite a while through all the formal, work occasions I need. J. Crew shoes to me are a hit or miss - I haven't found a pair that's been wildly comfortable. I tend to splurge on shoes (heels or no) mostly because I'm dressed so drab and boring all the time, shoes sort of become the focal point for my outfit.
ReplyDeleteagreed on the ferragamos - they're excellent wardrobe investments. mine are even more in rotation during the holiday season, and just did a post on them for nye!
DeleteGreat to hear about some brands which hit the comfortable/nice/affordable trifecta! Thanks for the recommendations, will check them out for future shoe purchases.
ReplyDeletehmn, my internet is being weird, going to try commenting again, hopefully haven't spammed you a bunch.. ;)
ReplyDeletethese look great, and I love your dress. My problem is finding all-leather ballet flats and pumps that are WIDE enough. There are some Cole Haans that look like they might work, and Stuart Weitzman makes some.... can you attest to the comfort of those brands by any chance? or do you know of any designers who make wide shoes?
oh, how I wish I had dainty feet :)
actually the CC shoes are cut with a regular to somewhat wider fit than your typical dressy heels. i think in terms of price and quality, CC hits the sweet spot...
DeleteI agree about Jeffrey Campbell, but had never heard about Corso Como. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNothing beats a comfy pair of heels! I always prefer to spend less but usually end up paying more for a good quality, comfortable heel.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.boroughvintage.com
Ahh thinking about internships next summer and having to enter the work force in two years (agh! Reality is knocking at my door), I've been thinking about comfy work heels as well. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteah yes, heels a definitely a milestone shoe...
Delete