Let’s be honest for a minute, ok? I love a gorgeous pair of platform pumps as much as the next girl, and it’s fun to slip on some nice strappy sandals with a flouncy skirt or pair of shorts. But sometimes, I just want to go totally casual, and give my feet a break from the heels, the straps, and the pressure of looking fabulous. Or sometimes, I’m between pedicures and don’t have time to get to the salon, and you know my rule. I’ll wear a fugly pair of UGG boots before I subject anyone to chipped polish and sandpaper heels. My solution? Sneakers. But not necessarily athletic-type sneakers. Wearing those with a pair of jeans is like trying to say, “Look at how athletic I am! I’m so athletic, I wear my athletic sneakers with everything, even my jeans although they don’t go together at all!” So I don’t do that. I go for leather or canvas low tops, which can also look great with shorts. They’re comfortable, they can be colorful, playful, fun, and did I mention comfortable? One of the best things about sneakers like that is breaking them in and turning them into a familiar pair of old friends you slip into on occasion. So whatever you do, don’t buy the Frye Kira Low Top Sneaker.
At the risk of sounding like an old fuddy duddy, I don’t get the whole idea of buying things that are already “distressed,” which to me is just code for “this thing is already dirty and worn out, but we’re going to charge you twice as much as for a new one.” Ridiculous. Distressed furniture is for posers who want the look of antiques without the price tag. I’m all about saving money, as you know, but I don’t buy designer knockoffs to try to fool people. There’s a difference. And part of the appeal of a well fitting pair of jeans is breaking them in, letting them form to your body, your curves. Being able to tell how they got every little fray, bleach spot, and loose seam. Buying them already broken in doesn’t just take the fun out of all that, it’s lazy. Break in your own damn jeans, for crying out loud! The same goes for shoes, except it’s worse. You wanna know why? Buying a pair of shoes like the Kira sneakers is like buying a pair of shoes from a bowling alley. They look like someone’s already walked around in them, getting them all dirty and stinky, and then put them back on the shelf for you to buy. If you fall for that, well, then I guess you can wear them with your distressed jeans when you go to the furniture store to pick up your distressed table. Whatever. The Kira is made from leather, and has the Frye logo embroidered on the side. It has dirty-looking laces, dirty-looking outsoles, and a padded leather footbed that might be comfortable if you can get past the thought of someone else’s bare foot having been in there. And of course, because they’re “distressed,” they cost twice what regular casual sneakers cost. They’re $118 at Zappos.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
Now this is more like it. If you’re gonna get a pair of casual sneakers, you can’t go wrong with Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, also known simply as Chucks. This Print Ox sneaker is casual and feminine. The upper is canvas, but is printed in such a way that it looks textured. Then, along the lip and lace grommets, several azaleas are printed in muted gold. Chucks have come a long way from the standard black and off-white varieties worn in the ’50s, although those are still available. But just like all traditional Chucks, these are unlined, have a cushioned footbed, a rubber toe cap, and a thick rubber sole. The outsole has stripe detailing, and a logo plate at the heel. Chucks never go out of style, and you should have at least one pair in your closet. There’s no excuse because there are tons of colors and patterns to choose from. And they’re affordable. The Print Ox sneaker is just $50 at Piperlime.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
Ever since Chucks came around, tons of imitators have followed right behind them. They take the basic structure, and put their own spin on it with different patterns and embellishments. This Skechers Cali Abbott Kinney-Metallic Sunshine Sneaker is a perfect example. I’ll give you a moment to catch your breath after getting past that name. Jeez. Anyway, The Cali is pretty cute. The canvas upper has a bit of shimmer to it, and is printed with flowers, hearts, and peace signs. Groovy. The rubber toe cap is adorned with rows of teeny rhinestones for even more sparkle. Skechers did away with the traditional laces, though, making it a total slip-on. The Cali is available in a couple of other patterns and colors. Get a couple of pairs since they’re only $44.99 at Endless.com.
