modern vintage Archives - shopping's my cardio

ah, spring. i’m so not a fan of warm-weather attire, but the shoes? they’re another story entirely. i get absolutely giddy when my favorite shops start to break out the sandals in january, and i start counting the days until i get to wear my peep toes for the first time each spring. truth be told, i end up a little overwhelmed by my choices…in the best possible way, of course.

but i think i’ve finally narrowed it down to my favorites of the season. i’ve tried (so very hard) to minimize the splurge factor, so most of these are under $100, and each and every one will bring some serious spring style to your closet. this list is far from exhaustive (it’s a great year for sandals), but there isn’t a pair here that wouldn’t be extremely welcome at my house.

if you’re the type to pick one classic shoe to get you through the season, this cole haan ($108) is it. sleek and simple, these will blend with any style you’ve got going. but look closely, and you’ll see just a touch of inspiration from those oxford brogues we’ve been seeing everywhere. add the nike air technology, and your long summer strolls will be utterly effortless.

these sweet mini-wedge espadrilles from marais ($92) just remind me of childhood…in the best possible way. i’d love to see these paired with skirts and dresses, sure, but they’d be equally cute with cutoff denim.

for something a little edgier, i fell hard for these bright blue gladiators from aldo ($60) when i first spotted them. i got the chance to test them out (yes, my job is awesome), and i can tell you they’re one of the most comfy sandals i own, and the construction is really impressive for the price. i’ve developed a whole new affection for aldos after trying these. rock them with your spring shorts, and release your inner badass.

i hardly know where to start with these studded snakeskin flat gladiators from modern vintage ($225). they’re a bit of a splurge, i know, but look at them! the snakeskin straps, the studded vamp…it was too much for me to resist. these might just top my list this year. (you can, incidentally, get a similar look for less here…not as wonderful, but under $100 is always nice.)

sigh…these rachel comey margot sandals had me at hello. again with the mini-wedge and the bright, cheery color…i have a feeling these wouldn’t leave my feet all summer! i’m sorry to tell you they’re a definite spluge at $275, but nab 20% off with code SPRING10 for the time being.

TOMS Yellow Newport Cordones

and last but not least, we all need a little something to kick around in when our pedicure’s lagging. these striped yellow cordones from TOMS ($69) are an adorable alternative to those little leather oxfords we’re seeing everywhere, and a nice change from the keds of yore. plus, you get do-gooder bonus points, as TOMS still buys a pair of shoes for someone in need for every pair they sell. (update: the powers that be just emailed to let me know they’re discontinuing this color, so act fast if you love the yellow. if you miss out, the red version is sticking around, and it’s just as cute!)

happy friday, everyone…i hope there’s some shoe shopping in your future this weekend!

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i was all set to rave about the cutest skirt i saw at anthropologie on my coffee/retail therapy run this morning. but online, it’s looking a bit like a lampshade, so now i’m thinking perhaps not.

instead, let’s talk strapless dresses. i’ve never been a huge fan – being relatively well endowed in the (ahem) bosom area, i always seem to spend all of my time frantically yanking on the top of the dress, fearing (however irrationally) the inevitable. and i tend to think of strapless frocks as either swim-coverup-casual, a la juicy couture, or exceedingly formal (my wedding gown). it just seems to be too much skin exposure for an average day. but lately, i’ve been seeing strapless looks done in such a perfectly modest, tailored and stylish way that i’m beginning to reconsider.

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it all began with a post from superstar french style icon garance doré extolling the manner in which lovely italian women put together the strapless dress and the flat sandal. and truly, the look is lovely, don’t you agree? sophisticated, simple, and undeniably stylish, without being overly dressy. oh, and did i mention it’s also incredibly easy to duplicate? any black strapless will do – i’m actually a fan of this version at target. add something like these chic braided sandals from modern vintage (check out that detachable strap…and on sale, no less!), a black belt you almost certainly already own, and some of that perfectly tousled hair, and presto: chic and so very simple.

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shortly after spying this look, i was browsing anthropologie’s latest catalog, and saw the most clever styling of a strapless dress ever! i love the jersey v-neck tee beneath – the neckline gives such interest, and it looks like an entirely different dress! i never think of layering things underneath a strapless, but i just love this look. definitely office-appropriate, and again, so simple! i’m guessing you already have the tee in your closet, and the dress is just a click away. i’d love to see this with a patterned tee and a solid dress, perhaps layered with a cropped denim jacket…the possibilities are, if not endless, definitely varied.

so, what do you think? are you ready to reconsider going strapless?

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