Shoe Help

[oskie]

I'm a walking fashion disaster, so I thought I'd ask for some advice before I wander blindly through the mall...

DBF and I are going to see 'The Producers' in Philly on Thursday and I have a really pretty wine-colored, long velvet dress that I plan on wearing. It's sleeveless, with sort of slightly off the shoulder straps, and those straps have a gold clasp(decorative, not functional). I got the dress a few months ago for another occasion, but didn't get a chance to wear it and figured I'd just find shoes for it later. Well, it's later.

So what should I look for? It's supposed to be freezing cold on Thursday night, but we shouldn't have to walk too far outside.

TIA!

[stefania4]

How about a dressy black pump, maybe in patent leather?

[rosie_one]

I'm having a hard time visualizing the dress, and don't know if you are a girl who loves heels or not but... If the neckline is plunging, do a black pump or a strappy sandal, preferably with a shape that mirrors the line of the dresses neckline. (Pointy Shoe (http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product.asp?styleid=2815891&category=2376778~2372808~2372940~2372944&PrevStyleID=2813718&NextStyleID=2798943) for a V-neck, more softly rounded (http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product.asp?styleid=2822007&category=2376778~2372808~2372940~2372944&PrevStyleID=2819453&NextStyleID=2823978) one for a scoop neck).


If it is more demure or an oriental style try a fun maryjane. (think Alice in Wonderland, her shoes, but dressy) Maryjane link (http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product.asp?styleid=2832224&category=2376778~2372808~2372940~2376188&PrevStyleID=2823128&NextStyleID=2833157)

DON'T buy red shoes unless you are certain the colors match exactly. Nothing worse than a slight mismatch with reds. For stockings, go simple but seductive. Any of these styles would look good with natural hose or even none, if you go for black you could do a seam up the back thigh high... very fun with maryjane styles.

Obviously, the links are just examples... you might not actually be looking to spend $225 on a pair of shoes for one night (I'm jealous if you are)! Good Luck!

[ChristineVA]

Originally posted by oskie
It's sleeveless, with sort of slightly off the shoulder straps, and those straps have a gold clasp(decorative, not functional).
TIA!

....and heaven forbid, don't buy a "gold" shoe to match that gold clasp!!! :D

Seriously, I might go with a delicate closed toed black shoe with a sling back.
Christine

[KristinK]

Are you going to King of Prussia?

I agree, a slingback would be nice, or with your long dress, something with a high ankle strap would look great too. These are from Nordstrom, all available in black.

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/medium/107943.jpg http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/medium/35009.jpg

http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/medium/114931.jpg http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/medium/119581.jpg

[darawax]

Try www.zappos.com

You can order a couple of styles because they have free shipping and returns. It's a great site!

[oskie]

I knew I'd get good advice here!

I completely forgot I needed to get shoes for this dress, so I sorta slipped into panic mode this morning. Not that DBF will care what kind of shoes I wear (even if I did pick up some sparkly gold ones :D ), but still... I was originally thinking slingbacks, but I have a tendency to walk right out of them, so maybe I'll look at ankle straps or pumps.


darawax - that looks like a great site! I can't use it now, b/c I need the shoes for Thurs., but I bookmarked it for later.

Kristin - I might go to King of Prussia. It's time once more to visit my friendly neighborhood eyebrow waxer down in Springfield Mall, so I'll probably check there first. If I don't see anything I like, I can always swing by KOP at lunch tomorrow. BTW, did you get to the Bridal Expo this weekend? I went with my friend(being the good MOH I am :) ) and it wasn't nearly as intimidating as I thought it would be. All those magazines get to be so heavy, though!!

Thanks again everybody - I'll let you know what I end up with!

[KristinK]

Jo, I usually have good luck at Macy's. Baker's also has cute styles, and you don't have to worry about spending too much money if you think you'll only wear them once. But, as you can see from above, I just love Nordstrom's shoes!

I didn't make it to the Expo. I was also a little worried that it would be intimidating, but more importantly, I couldn't miss that Eagles game! Plus, since we're waiting at least until next spring, I'm not quite ready to jump right in. ;)

BTW my Dad is taking my Mom to see "The Producers" next weekend for her birthday. Let me know how it is!

[oskie]

That's why it pays never to be the first one in your group of friends to get married - I'm sitting back and letting my friends do all the research for me!

I'm really looking forward to the show - Mel Brooks is the best! Our seats aren't great (DBF didn't pick up on the hints I was giving around Christmas :rolleyes: so I had to get the tickets myself after the holidays) but it should still be fun.

[stefania4]

FYI, if you're petite then an ankle strap may not be your best choice, since it breaks up the long, lean look. Also, I'm not sure how long your dress is, but if it's near your ankles an ankle strap or T-strap could be a lot of horizontal lines going on in a short space.

[KristinK]

Originally posted by stefania4
FYI, if you're petite then an ankle strap may not be your best choice, since it breaks up the long, lean look. Also, I'm not sure how long your dress is, but if it's near your ankles an ankle strap or T-strap could be a lot of horizontal lines going on in a short space.
Good points. I was thinking of a dress long enough to cover the ankle straps.

Have fun - and bundle up! It's supposed to get in the teens by the end of the week. :(

[oskie]

Originally posted by stefania4
FYI, if you're petite then an ankle strap may not be your best choice, since it breaks up the long, lean look. Also, I'm not sure how long your dress is, but if it's near your ankles an ankle strap or T-strap could be a lot of horizontal lines going on in a short space.

Another reason to love the anonymity of the internet! I've been 5'8" (of mostly leg) since I was about 12, so that made me chuckle. Of course, you have no way of knowing that and it's definitely a valid point (but still funny to think of myself as petite). :D

However, I will make sure to check the dress length before I go, to see if it would cover the straps or not.

[ChristineVA]

Don't give up on the slingbacks! The ones a few years ago definitely would slip off my heals but the last two pairs I've purchased have been great. Maybe they have perfected them.
Christine

[gabbyh]

I'd go with black leather or suede boots in Philly this time of the year. Especially if you've got a longer length dress...maybe a pair with a spikey heel...


~Gail

[gabbyh]

So oskie,

What shoes did you end up wearing...and how was the show?

Inquiring minds want to know:D :D

~Gail

[oskie]

I hate to admit it, but a pair of black pumps I already owned. :o
I just couldn't find anything I liked out there! Plus, it was so cold, I didn't want to risk breaking my neck walking quickly in new shoes.
Oh well, that's what I get for waiting until the last minute. Next time I need fashion help, I'll be sure to come to you ladies nice and early! :D

The show was great! Yeah, it would have been nice to see Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the Broadway version, but it's also nice to be able to pay my rent this month and the obscene $400 ticket price they were asking for in NY just wouldn't cut it. The guy who played Leo Bloom was fabulous. The one who played Max was good, but milked the jokes a little too much for my taste. It's Mel Brooks, for crying out loud - he doesn't need the help! All in all, a successful night. All you Philly area BBers should get down to the Merriam and check it out. Even DBF, a self-proclaimed musical hater, enjoyed it!

Thanks again for your help and for reminding me I had to post a review!

[KristinK]

Jo, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the show. My parents are going Friday night, but I might have to check it out myself!