I have finally reached the point in life where I can buy the good shoes. You’ll still never catch me in a designer shoe — I’d rather put my money in my 401k — but a well-made, mid-price shoe is definitely on offer. Pick a classic style, and you’ll be wearing them well into your 50s.
Yes, that’s right, the next decade down the pike is 50. Deep breaths.
Earlier this spring, I bought a pair of Margaux shoes and shared them to my Instagram. The brand was kind enough to send me a second pair. And I have a feeling that these are going to be my semi-casual spring-summer shoes of choice for many years to come.
These woven Paz flats were the first pair I purchased. I chose the espresso color because I can wear it with black or with brown or with white. The modern vamp is cool now, but will still be chic in a few years. These shoes take one-to-two weekends to break in. Just apply some friction stick, and you’ll be golden. They come in narrow and wide widths.
I just bought these claret red, Ada patent leather kitten heels, and I wish I had them during session. They are so cute with a work dress or with trousers. They’re pretty and classic, and I just love them. I think they will be especially fetching with a white eyelet dress.
I love a cap-toe shoe. Margaux makes both a slingback and a closed heel flat in this style. While they have the basic black and tan combination, they also have some unique choices — tan and canvas, this rose combo. These are a great work shoe if you’re a person who needs maximum versatility in this price point.
{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author; Margaux gifted me a free pair of shoes (these Mary Janes) as well}
The vamp IS cool on those, wow.
Gentle observation, though – is Stuart Weitzman not considered designer? $525 for (stunning, granted) tortoise kitten heels does feel like it.
Yes and no, I think. When I think of designer, I think of Chanel or Louboutin or Jimmy Choo. Something $750+. But that SW price point is right on the cusp.
Is that how much nice shoes cost now?
I think that depends on your definition of nice. You can find a great pair of shoes for $90-$150. I’m shopping more in the $200-$350 range right now because I’m choosing shoes that I’ll be able to have resoled every few years and keep wearing.
Can you talk about toebox width? Years of heels have given me bunions and this lady needs a wide toe box…
I’ve tried Vivaia for flats and I like them. My friend has a bunion and likes them as well.
Sarah Flint ($$$) has a wider toe box as well, but less flexibility to Vivaia but they are much more comfortable than other heels I’ve worn. I invested in a pair this year and I’ve already been so grateful for them.
Another flats brand I’ve had success with is A. Soliani, nicely made leather ballet flats (and other options), in some cool color combos and textures.
I like Margaux as well, but find their sizing a bit inconsistent and challening. I don’t have a “wide wide” foot, but sometimes need a little extra room in the toe box and have found that even their wide shoes can run narrow.
Oh my gosh, I have a pair of those. I should post about them.
How was the sizing? I am between a 6.5 & 7 and wonder if I should go up or down?
I go up in flats.