The post spring shoe trends appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>As always, there are too many shoe trends to actually try this coming season (too many for my budget, at least). So I am brushing past most of them. I will start with the ones I will definitely NOT be buying into this spring. Dad sneakers, sorry I can’t do it. Some people can pull this off, but I most definitely am not one of those people. Plastic shoes, those are getting the boot too. The super high end ones are awesome. I would killll for THESE Balmain boots or THESE beautiful Manolos. But the lower end ones look cheap and tacky and even worse, they are CRAZY uncomfortable. I tried on THESE Steve Maddens and I would rather walk barefoot all day than suffer through a day in those. Cowboy boots are back too and I am not sure how I feel about it. While I have and always will love cowboy boots, I am not into the trendy versions. My super old and beaten up boots I bought on Broadway in Nashville will have to do.
But here are the three trends I am VERY into this spring!
Socks under sandals/pumps
I love this, I love this so much, but it is one of those trends that I really have to summon some guts to try (especially in Chicago where people tend to warm slowly to trends like this). But I most certainly will be embarrassing my husband one date night not too far away when I try this out! And technically you don’t need a new pair of shoes for this one, which makes it an even easier trend to try. Buy some cool socks and give it a go. If you want to drop some serious $$$, go for the Balenciagas spotted all over NY fashion week!
Embellishments
Last year it was poufs, this year, its feathers, pearls, ruffles, jewels, glitter, you name it….and I can TOTALLY get on board with this trend. It’s very Carrie Bradshaw and I love it. It’s also easy to fit into everyone’s own personal style. If feathers aren’t your thing, go for pearls. If it’s your wedding year, glitter up those pumps. Um hello beautiful, I will take a pair of THESE Saint Laurent. Or THESE Joie sandals for spring/summer! I just bought THESE pearl flats from Zara and I am obsessed (pictured above). I always know it was a good purchase when I want to wear it the moment I get home from the store. If you want to try the trend but want to try it in a subtle way, THESE Loeffler Randall slides are both fun and understated + they are just gorgeous!
White
The white shoe trend continues, but it makes a little more sense to me in the spring than the winter (I didn’t buy into the while boot trend because Chicago, snow, toddlers, etc.). But white for spring is refreshing and fun. I haven’t pulled the trigger on this one, because I want to find the PERFECT pair to try it with. Right now, THESE Archives loafers and THESE Sigerson Morrison slingbacks are the front runners. Which do you like better??
The post spring shoe trends appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>The post designer shoes I am lusting over + what I bought instead appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>So here are 5 designer shoes I am seriously lusting over and where to find the look for less!
If I could buy one pair of designer shoes, it would be these boots. With a dress, with jeans, with shorts, ugh, my heart aches for them. They started popping up everywhere 4 years ago, and since then I have probably visited them 9000 times. Does anyone else visit shoes? Every time I go into Nordstrom I have to visit these boots and try them on. I leave pining for them even more, maybe I am a masochist. Truth, there are so many fun, statement combat boots out there that you can get for WAY less. I bought THESE from Topshop and have been living in them. I am also contemplating THESE almost exact dupes of the Balenciagas, but are they SO close that it seems like they’re fakes?
I think this might be the most sophisticated designer shoe out there right now. They are so ladylike, dainty, and chic but the ribbon sling gives it a tiny edge. I love everything about it. I love shoes you can pair with jeans and a simple tee but you can also wear with a summery dress. These are so versatile which makes the $$$ pricetag soooo tempting. But there are many options to get a similar look for less.
How fun is this sandal? My summer shoe game is always BAD. I basically wear boots or sneakers all summer long. This summer, I actually want to build a summer shoe collection. I feel like these are a good place to start ;).
The sock bootie trend is so much fun. They make your legs look insanely long and they are easy to wear with anything. I am obsessed with this Balenciaga bootie. The extreme pointed toe make them feel sophisticated and chic. I bought THESE Topshop ones instead, for only $65. I’ve worn them the past three weekend in a row.
Speaking of summer shoes, I REALLY REALLY want a pair of white loafers for summer. I am beyond obsessed with my Gucci loafer mules. The leather is insanely soft and they were worth every penny. But I cannot justify the $$$ on white seasonal loafers. I am obsessed with THESE white The Archive loafers, but they are still a little pricey. But I think they might be worth the splurge.
The post designer shoes I am lusting over + what I bought instead appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>The post 4 Shoes you need for Fall appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>Usually, my fall shoe wardrobe is a constant circuit of basic suede booties. I am not going to lie, but I am very excited that this fall we have other options. This shoevolution going on is SO MUCH FUN and I am ready to retire my boring booties. I am so excited to see what everyone does with shoe style this fall.
While fall shoe style looks like it is almost limitless, these are my top 4 picks for shoe trends you NEED to try this fall!
OVER THE KNEE BOOTS
This trend is by far my favorite. Day or night, casual or dressed to the nines, this is the most versatile shoe of the season. My favorite way to style these are with shorts or oversized sweater dresses, but I can’t wait to experiment with these more this fall! If you are looking for comfort and practicality, opt for the flat look. The block heel is a perfect transitional shoe, easily styled for day or night. Or if you are really looking to rock the long leg look, go all out and snatch a pair of stilettos!
MULES
I hope this trend never goes out of style. Who had the genius idea to cut the back end off of our shoes anyways? Blisters, no more. I think we can thank Marilyn Monroe for these shoe gems. Opt for the classic rounded toe loafer for a classic look or go all out with a pointy toe and fun embroidery. This is the easiest shoe to add a little pop of fun to an otherwise blah outfit.
COMBAT/STUDDED BOOTS
I love a boot with a little edge. I am so bored with the usual suede bootie and love this trend. The past two winters, I lived in my favorite combat booties and they are sadly on their last leg. But replacement options seem limitless. These boots look great with dresses, jeans, short or skirts.
SOCK BOOTIES
The perfect counterpart to the chunkier and more masculine combat boot, these booties are so feminine and sleek. You can find them in suede, leather and jersey knit. Every celebrity and influencer out there are wearing the white Stuart Weitzman’s, but my life (and bank account) is not very conducive to stark white shoes at the moment, so I will be sticking with black for the time being. But, if you REALLY want to be on trend, pick up a pair of bright whites for the tail end of summer.
The post 4 Shoes you need for Fall appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>The post 5 shoes every woman should own appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>NUDE PUMPS
Nude pumps are the ultimate go-to shoe. Worn casual with rippy jeans or styled high for a wedding, this shoe is a must. Why nude? Nude is timeless, sexy and sophisticated and it’s and instant leg-lengthener.
WHITE SNEAKERS
You can hear shrieks of joy from women around the world as this closet staple has replaced the ballet flat as the go-to running around shoe. A pair of bright whites can be paired with just about anything.
STATEMENT HEELS THAT MAKE YOU SMILE
Whether it’s leopard, snakeskin, stilettos or pom poms, every woman should own a pair of shoes that makes her feel unstoppable. You know those shoes that make you feel GREAT no matter what? Yep, your closet needs a pair of those. So even with a drab outfit, you know you can look down at your feet and smile.
ANKLE BOOTIES
While these are essential for winter and fall, the right pair can be worn year round. Worn with jeans by day or a dress by night, basic booties are a must. For me, my go to bootie is always in black.
EVERYDAY SANDALS
No shoe collection is complete if it is not vacation ready. Basic sandals are both practical and necessary.
The post 5 shoes every woman should own appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>The post Sneaker Style appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>The possibilities in this shoe genre are actually endless. High top, low top, or even sneakerdrilles (yep, that’s a thing). They can be found adorned with pom poms, bows, glitter, and lips. There is a sneaker style out there for everyone. While my style usually stays within a tightly confined box of black, white, and grey, my shoe style continues to evolve. I love that sneakers are the most subtle way to add a bit of fun to your wardrobe. Even better, when I can match with my mini.
Sneakers have transcended trend and they are now a closet staple and necessity for this summer! So, I rounded up my favorites below.
The post Sneaker Style appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>The post M. Gemi in NYC appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>M. Gemi has always intrigued me. It claims comfort and quality at a lower price. And they’re handmade in the US. As you can only order online, I have always opted for other brands I can touch and feel on the shelves at Nordstrom. Their only store is in Soho, so a pitstop was necessary.
First impression was awesome. I was promptly handed a glass of Prosecco and my, child-at-heart, husband was given a warm glass of hot chocolate. The walls were adorned with the company’s story and a line of leather. And the shoes were just as amazing as the service and ambiance.
The aforementioned purpose was shoes for my bff’s engagement party and these suede mules were an instant winner. And the studded booties were on sale and the very last pair was my size, fate. But can the quality actually hold up with the Jimmy Choos of the world? Stay tuned.

The post M. Gemi in NYC appeared first on But First Koffee.
]]>