Tag Archives: patent leather

Patent Leather after Labor Day?

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Dear Shoe Lady,
Can patent leather be worn after labor day? Or would a flat leather alligator/snake pattered leather be more versatile?

Dear Martha,
Years ago, patent leather was a spring and summer staple, but nowadays, it’s uber-trendy to wear in the fall and winter. One good rule of thumb is the style/color should be appropriate to the season. Dark colors like purple, navy, black, maroon and grey are fashionable this winter.

Comfortable shoe with a 2.5 inch heel suitable for work or paired with a dark jean.

Aerosoles Envy Black Patent at DesignerShoes.com

Envy by Aerosoles is a Mid Heel Dressy Pump

Or try a crinkled patent leather with a pop of color to down play the shine and dress up any outfit.

Aerosoles Musical Cheers Red Patent at DesignerShoes.com

Musical Cheers by Aerosoles is a Mid Heel Dressy Pump

Personally I love to mix patterns and materials when it comes to patent leather. Aerosole offers a base leather shoe with a quilted patent leather toe pattern. One of my personal favorites. Plus the flat can take you from day to night.

Aerosoles Beckon Dark Brown Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Beckon by Aerosoles is a Low Heel Casual Flat

I hope this clears up the myth that patent leather is only good for spring or summer!

Best,
The Shoe Lady

Thick Ankles and Heavy Calves

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Dear Shoe Lady,
Strappy shoes look awful on me; peep toe shoes seem way to narrow – I have a wedding to attend and the dress I’m wearing is eggplant in color, and comes just above my knee, some what fancy. Can you suggest something that would look nice?

My foot measures 9-1/2 in length, across the toes it is about 3-1/2 wide and the arch of my foot is about 1-1/4 in from the ground. Also a friend says I should wear plain black leather, but I think I should either wear cloth or maybe even patent leather??? Not sure.

Hi Michele,
Eggplant sounds like a beautiful color for the wedding. Black shoes are also good choices (and a wardrobe staple), but I would also look into complementary colors to make what you are wearing pop. In this case it would be yellow or gold in order to highlight the eggplant color. Side note: have you considered an insert for the ball of your foot for peep-toe shoes? It might not be that the shoes are too narrow in the front, but that your foot is being wedged due to slipping forward into the front of the shoe.

Trotters Francesca Yellow Ochre at AskTheShoeLady.com

Francesca by Trotters is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

Francesca by Trotters has intricate embroidery to create a beautiful texture. Flats can still be dressy at an event, and a foot saver if you plan on hitting the dance floor!

Have fun at the wedding,
The Shoe Lady