Summer Shoe In
While I am a girl who has never been a fan of feet, I am a girl who like many loves good footwear. Still very much a tomboy, I love to see feel cute and my shoes to look cuter. Lets look at some of the full price, on sale, and second hand shoes I have fallen in love with.
Now let’s be clear, I am not here to be size shamed because my lil 5’4 3/4 height has to wear boat size 9.5/10 shoes in order to balance out my butt. Can you imagine me toppling over because my feet are too small. Funny enough, it’s said that if Barbie was a real person, she too would topple over because her small feet wouldn't have possibly been able to handle her height, let alone her breasts.
Sandals
Lets be clear, as much as I love letting my little piggies breathe, I was never a fan of feet and it took me forever to let them thangs breathe! But to let them breathe in something hella cute was always the big picture. No one would asses my toes [I had a horrible fear of having ballet feet, which I don’t, but you know, ballet trauma lol], as long as they were in some cute ass shoes that would hypnotize everyone into thinking I had gorge feet. Crazy I know, but it hasnt failed me yet.
This is my teen angst summer shoe. Its the summer doc marten that I would easily wear with a Chopova Lowena skirt, baby doll top or graphic tee and a cool silver jewelry, and if that doesn’t work for you, an over sized graphic tee, big sunnies, and biker shorts with the a piece of the tee tucked into the shorts in the front.
We all need some conversation pieces and these sandals are just that. With the wooden bottoms that are a play on version of geisha shoes, and the top made of denim, they are shows meant for notice and wear. This is something I would wear with paperboy styled denim and a light tank top, to give the shoe the attention it deserves.
These See by Chloe shoes have always been a favorite. No compromising in comfort or height and definitely not in style. If there was ever a moment I didn't want to op for heels and still make an outfit worth going out, these would be my go to. The thick gold bottom and tan suede upper, scream “Santorini me please”. I should mention, they also come in black and gold.
Boots
When it comes to boots, I am a firm believer that you can wear them as you please. Yes it may be hot, but a good fit is always fire. Where am I on the spectrum of comfort and fashion, well, the answer is always depends on the outfit and where I am going. I will suffer for some good fits, and if that means sweaty feet, so be it.
Festival season has obviously already come and gone, but these bad boys are definitely year round for me. I would live in these boots, however sweaty and heavy they may get. Let me be final like the last fighter for black women in these bad boys.
Why yes, I am ready to stomp someone’s heart out in these Sacai boots, and let me make sure its fully out by pressing it in with my rubber cap toe. Boots like these will always be on my list of must haves because it gives “Please fuck with me if you want” energy, and every lover girl needs a pair in their arsenal.
Its called man-eater, look it up! Thats what I think of when I see these boots. It ain't for the weak or faint of heart. I am not one who always love vynl boots, but when done right, like this looker, how do you not fall in love. This is either trench coat or dominatrix energy, or even the energy of Grace Jones in boomerang. She was never scared, but boy were all the men who didn’t know how to handle her, and deep down, we all loved it. If you can’t love us in our boldest, you definitely don’t deserve our softest.
Isabel will always be that girl when it comes to their shoes, but more specifically their boots. The triangle heel with the slightly slouchy denim upper is a look for someone who looks good without trying. These boots are a summer look but an all year round must have.
Flats/Loafers
Yes I am old school and love a good loafer, not so much flats. Sometimes flats make me feel like I might as well be walking on the floor, too close to the ground. Give me something to work with, so a loafer or elevated flat will always be my go to.
Now, you can say all you want about these shoes but they are giving upper east side rich auntie, and if you know anything about me, thats the life I am trying to emulate. Just add the fly girl aesthetic and I am here for it. But this also gives me old school rich African uncle vibes. Either way, with what looks like a collapsible back, Im sold.
Yes this is giving grandpa’s Caribbean shoes, and I don’t care. These mens shoes that come in cream, brown and black are an effortless summer shoe. Don’t want to wear sneakers or heels but still look chic, these are the ones, to me at least. And with a nice toenail color to pop through, why not?
Since I first fell in love with Nick Wooster in the tumblr days, these have been one of my favorite shoes. It’s the politest and rudest shoes all at once, so how could I not be in love? Stubbs and Wooster doesn’t get the love it once did and I hope its revived and I would do it with these and their other infamous crushed velvet weed shoes. You joining in on it?
WE are living in the ballet era and as someone who was professionally trained, sometimes it gives me the worst flash back, lol. HOWEVER, I’d easily wear this because its giving soft, but I can literally kick your ass with the silver toe cap
Kitten + Low Heels
Something you should know about me, I am not a kitten heel kind of girl. The height just feels weird to me, its like someone decided to cut 1/3 of the heel and said “here, wear it”, and that doesn’t sit right with me. So I can only do a low heel, it allows me to feel like some sort of adult. Now does that mean I don’t like them on other people, no. I love them for everyone else, it’s just something on me that doesn't feel right.
Now Ferragamo girl, lets talk about these very adult and sexy shoes. This is something I could see the art gallery girls wearing. Keeping with the sleek black but obviously adding that pop of Gold. The gold Ferragamo that has slowly made more of an appearance with their accessories makes me think of Gold hoops or door knocker earrings, so the nostalgia of it all, is very much a love affair on our feet.
I love love love these shoes. Made up of all leather, these shoes will definitely be a talked about shoe that create its own moment. The silver with the curved heel, and ruffled leather are all show and no talk. Who has the Dries connect?
If this color combo doesn’t scream summer, then girl I don’t know what to tell you. JW Anderson ate these shoes right on up. Please put me on someones beach side property front in these. I honestly have no words because this color of “bright green” is what I need on my feet last month!
Now if the funds ain't hitting for these trendy heel styles, here is a cut alternative. Under $100 and still gives expensive auntie vibes [or gen z, whichever space you want to live in].
Rain Boots
Listen, no matter where you go, there is always summer rain lurking around, so why not be prepared and make it look good? Carl Thomas ain't sing summer rain for no reason, lets just make the song and moment even more real by having something to really play in.
Alright hear me out, these orange soles are a fun play on the traffic cone, at least to me. No one can miss these feet coming your way. Imagine the slow pan up from fly feet, bomb fit and gorge face. I know you see the vision! These boots, some slim riding pants and oversized knit/loose sweater. Chic and effortlessly cool.
The Chloe Betty PVC rain boot will always be one of my favorite silhouettes and rain boots. Its truly the perfect combo that obviously gives rain boot without taking away the sense of good fashion. I alway wondered why rain boots always looked so clunky and ugly, there was never a boot that made me go “yea I am properly prepared, no matter the weather condition level”. Now, have I worn them myself to know the level of execution, I have not, but I will cross that bridge when I get there, lol.
All eye on me please! I honestly can’t tell you why I love these shoes, but it makes me want to be a big little kid. Maybe its the idea of bright yellow shoes on a most likely dreary day. Jumping into puddles and seeing what my shoes make of the massive nyc rain puddles. I won’t question it, but will just say yes please.
Heels
This category is always a catch 22 for me. I think heels are the sexiest thing alive, however, the way my flat ass feet were setup, I was set up to fail. I will still wear a heel where I can, especially a double platform heel [it may go in and out of style, but my feet are most happiest there]. There’s a variety of heel styles to love, that this girl will always figure it out. Still mad when I have to wear them, but will always look at the mirror like “GODDAMN I LOOK GOOD”, pinched toes and all.
Yea your girl needs these cute bad boys for the summer. Summer dress, cigarette capris, shorts, whatever the look, she was gonna make it look cute.
I feel like I want to be in one of those short suit sets with these heels. Or even give me a tennis skirt, with a cute fitted top, oversized cat eye sunnies and walk down Rodeo Drive waiting for my husband to pull up on me with a color matching set. But also I could very much see Carrie Bradshaw wearing these with some insane street wear fit.
Shop Goga 100MM Colorblocked Suede & Leather Slingback Pumps
I want to be at someones 70’s themed party in these shoes. Imagine either wearing some deep washed wide legged denim and stone washed shirt in these or one of those airy dresses where you clearly need a bra but a bikini top suffices to add that pop of “i don't care cuz I know I look good” feels. These heels are a classic because 70’s anything can always work, no matter the year.
Please know the noise that came out of me when I saw these shoes were wildly inappropriate but also quite understandable. These viscose and silk blend chartreuse shoes are heavenly and if you don’t agree, please go see someone about your vision and taste. From the fabric to the knot design and the tie up, everything was done perfectly. Tom Ford always has a way with his clothing, but them shoes…them shoes…whew!! Did i mention it also comes in a dusty pink shade!
Something Funky
There are so many simple and boring shoes out there, so why would anyone choose to only live there. Yes, lets look clean and simplistic, but even Chanel has some loud ass shoes that need to be seen. So lets add some fun to your closet.
Now I have not heard of this brand before, however I will definitely be stalking them going forward. I love a good color, funky heel, and something that just looks different, and if you are anything like me, these too would be up your alley.
You can not tell me that these shoes are not sexy! Whew! This shoe is giving me all the feminine curves but in heel format. And in this wine color, its even more sultry and sexy. This too would be an all year round shoe for me.
Mariah Carey, is that you girl! I don’t think this shoe needs much explanation. She is fun, has personality and they made it a staple by creating it in white. Now go be that fly girl [Corny dad joke, I know].
I don’t know what else summer is known for, other than braided everything. I love this take on a wedge with this braided open heel. Can I also get these in a lovely taupe or nude?
Sneakers
As yall know, I am a sneaker girl through and through, always and forever will be but I like variety. Yes I love me a good Jordan here and there but I love to mix it up with high and low. As long as it is comfy and looks fresh, then yes, sign me up for a pair or 3.
These marni sneakers scream adult kid and I love it! The bulky bottoms are a smokey taupe color that’ll compliment pretty much any outfit. Mary Jane is a classic silhouette and with denim on rubber, this would easily be my everyday sneaker.
If you are anything like me, you too missed the Joe Freshgood Keisha Blue sneaker, this is the closest version. Not as hard but still clean for the summer. I saw these in person when I was in NYC and I know I didn’t need to buy anything as I was already spending boucoup money, but don’t let that stop you from getting them!
Now Listen, I know everyone and they mama has been wearing the Sambas, however I am more keen on the Samba Classic OG’S. And heres the reason why, after seeing someone adorn their shoes on the flap over piece with pins galore, I was sold. Yes it can be overkill for some, but its drool worthy to me.
The Comme Des Garcon x Converse are always an easy shoe to have in your closet, especially in this steel grey. No fuss just ease. Sometimes you don’t want to think about what you are wearing and these are something that can match everything in your closet, plus it also doesn’t break the bank.
Everything Second Hand
With the times that we are in, it is always important to think about the environment, so yes buying second hand is always a must. When it comes to second hand it doesn't always mean or have to be something that has been worn down to the nub. While I am a person that wears her things through and through, I also love to find pieces that are nostalgic but also pieces I never could once afford. You’d be surprised the amazing pieces you can find while thrifting through someones old goods.
You can never go wrong with a cute loafer for the summer, especially with a fun vibrant color to pretty much every season. Let give dapper dan meets teyana taylor with these shoes, carpenter pants and a crops graphic tee with some gold grills. I love how we can truly make this piece our own.
One thing we can say about Cult Gaia is that they know how to do an attention grabbing heel. With the bright pink and complimenting crystal ball heel, this shoe is telling us ‘Strut around sis, you look GOODT!”
As everyone continues to be obsessed with the Margiela Tabby, this is up my alley. With a mix of tabby toe, leather cut outs and a hightop, this shoe gives the around the way fashion girl. The dope boys make sure to look out for her and the fashion girls want to imitate her. She's very much, that girl.
