Last week was pink & orange week here on StyleCynics, but I preempted it on Friday to run a tribute to Alexander McQueen. So getting back on track, the first batch of pink & orange shoes I featured were all flats, so of course now we need some heels! I like to take a break from wearing heels every so often, and there are times when flats are more appropriate. Hell, if I’m relaxing at home, I’m usually barefoot. Except for now, because it’s so freaking cold! Um, hello? Spring? Yeah, anytime now! If I walked around barefoot right now, I’d be walking on two blocks of ice. You know what would warm your feet up, though? A pair of hot pink or warm orange shoes! This pair isn’t quite as bright orange as most of those trending right now, but I like it. It sort of reminds me of a Dreamsicle, with a creamy vanilla center. Oh man, how can I be thinking of ice cream when it’s this cold out?! The color is actually called carrot, and it’s just beautiful on this Butter Scrabble Peep Toe Pump.
Yeah, I know. Wouldn’t wearing a peep toe right now just be asking for frostbite? Maybe. But who hasn’t suffered a little for fashion? What are a few missing toes compared to the loveliness of this suede pump? Besides, we’re aiming for spring here, when the weather will be a little warmer and you’ll be ready to shed those thick wool socks for something prettier and lighter. The Scrabble has a classic pump shape, with a suede upper and toe bed. The heel, though, is stacked wood, and 3.5 inches high. My favorite thing about the Scrabble—and don’t ask me why it’s called that—are the suede loops that adorn the vamp. This is a perfect shoe for the office—understated and sophisticated. Other than carrot, it’s also available in black, a beautiful pale green called aloe, and a truly hideous metallic silver called platino. Don’t let me catch you in that one. Seriously. It’s $275.95 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
For a great going-out shoe, check out this Joan & David Demille Pump. It’s Hollywood glam at its finest. The rounded toe is very pinup-girl, while the 4.5-inch heel will make your legs worthy of competing with Betty Grable. The .5-inch platform will set that height off, but not much. The upper is soft suede, and the heel is covered with it for a uniform and stylish look. I love the suede ruffle decorating the vamp. It looks like the little flower you get from squeezing whipped cream out of a can—pretty and yummy. Ok, so it’s not exactly a budget saving alternative at this price, but it’s so gorgeous I couldn’t resist. And check out the other fabulous colors it comes in—black, yellow and a turquoise reminiscent of Caribbean waters. It’s $220.95 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
What I like about this Jessica Simpson Astor is that while the Scrabble is great for work, and the Demille is perfect for night life, the Astor is an all-around, everyday casual heel that would be great with jeans. Slip them on with a pair of dark skinny jeans, or slightly faded boot leg jeans, and you’re all set. I’ve featured Jessica Simpson designs on the blog before, but I figured I’d give her a little shout-out today because I bet she had a kind of rough week last week. See, her ex-boyfriend, John “Douchebag with a capital D” Mayer dished to Playboy magazine (link NSFW) about their relationship. Actually, not really their relationship—their sex life. Specifically, what Jessica is like in bed. He said he thought he was being clever. Yeah, I always think a guy is clever when he objectifies women and compares them to drugs and talks about wanting to f*ck them. Classy. Some people might find what Douchbag Mayer said complimentary. But some women may have found it mortifying. Don’t we all have a jackass ex in our past who made our lives more difficult in some way? Only not as publicly as good ol’ Johnny boy did for Jessica. Imagine her parents reading that crap. Nice, huh? So yeah, here’s another pair of Jessica Simpson shoes because bimbo or not, she’s human and didn’t deserve to be treated that way. The Astor is a kicky slingback pump with a peep toe. The 4.5-inch, stacked stiletto heel is offset by the 1.5-inch hidden platform. The footbed is lightly padded for extra comfort. This hot pink is the only suede variety. The other colors are all patent leather: black, chili, cognac, midnight, and white. Get a couple of them since they’re only $78.95 at Zappos.com.
