Berkshire Spring Anklets

It used to be hard to find anklets , not socks but hosiery ones. I even grabbed a couple pairs when I was in France as I was so happy to see them. Trouser socks have their place but anklets are so much more comfy, in my opinion, and better for warmer weather too.

Berkshire has  a great variety out this season, there's something for everyone. And did you know the brand is all Made in The USA ? I didn't , but am happy to find that out.

Shimmers are super pretty and flattering. I  love the  Steel shade, it's unusual and pairs so well with my burgundy embellished MK flats, along with black and  navy.  These have a nice sheen and are not totally sheer but semi opaque. Other colors include Candlelight and Black.

Polka dots hit one of Springs big trends and are an easy way to try it  and  add some punch to your look in a subtle way.   There are Opaque Dot ( shown) and  Sheer Dot. Great with loafers or peeking out of peep toe pumps/ sandals.

Most styles come in regular  and plus size so all gals can wear them.

Berkshire Anklets can be found at eberskshire.com , Amazon, Macys , and Bare Neccessities along with other major stores.

Retail varies , with 3.00- 6.00 the average per pair.

Forever 21 Tropical Floral Sneakers

I've had my eye on getting a pair of tropical  print sneakers for a couple years.  I don't wear sneakers a lot so I haven't wanted to make the investment in an expensive pair  and when searching around I came across these cuties from Forever 21.

At $14.90 these are just what I was looking for. The black tropical floral print is colorful and dark so it hides spots etc. White sneakers and I do not get along well. They have a small amount of cushioning  on a semi thin sole.  I added a light insole for some extra support which was easy enough to do and they have been very comfortable all day .  I do wish they had black laces but that's something I can always change. For the price vs the $60-$80 I was looking at I won't quibble ( too much).

They also come in a  white pastel floral  as well .

Forever 21 Tropical Floral Sneakers are $14.90

mark Marbelized Heel Bootie

It's boot season  and mark. has a new bootie just right for the cool days of Autumn before wind chills come along later in the season.

The Marbleized Heel bootie has cut out side to show off some skin or your hosiery.  The heel has black and while marbling to make it a not so basic black . Add in a silver buckle detail and you've got a good look .

The heel height is 2 inches, and the insole has light padding making this pretty comfy.

The mark Marbelized Heel Bootie is $ 50 at www.meetmark.com

mark Just Perf-Ect Booties

 
I love the perforated trend. It started in high fashion last Summer and is here again this year in more affordable accessories.

These new booties from mark. are fun  and fashionable. The cut outs give your feet breathing room in warmer weather and if you want to wear socks , you can have some fun and let the color show through. They are great bridge from colder weather boots to Summer sandals on mild days.

The heel is 1 1/4" and they are man made material with a back zipper. There are two functional buckles on one side . The footbed has light padding and they are pretty comfy.

mark . Just Perf-Ect Booties are $ 65 at www.meetmark.com 

Clarks Un Judge Sandal

My go to Summer sandal is this studded , comfy one from Clarks ,  Un Judge.

I try  to find shoes that are comfortable but also stylish. I don't like to give up style. That's not always easy but it's getting better as brands realize how much of a market there is. When I started having some heel pain I went to Clarks  sandals and while I wear  my fancier ones too, even heels on occasion, when I need comfort for all day or more on feet time  , that's where I go.

My long search  for a new pair of Clarks since my fav Ella style was dc'd , ended up at Un Judge.  I loved the studding that's not too much but gives them an edge along with that little bit of heel . They work with skirts, pants and shorts.

So far these have been nothing but comfort out of the box.  I got a good deal and now they're even cheaper so I just ordered another color.  That almost never happens except with my adored Tretorn sneakers.


Clarks Un Judge are available on Amazon  for $55 and under currently.

Steven Alan x Dr. Scholls Sandals

Dr.Scholl's classic sandals are having a moment again, as are all more utilitarian sandals.  While never totally  out of style, we haven't seen them much for many a year.   I remember one of the last "in" times, late '90s when I got a bright blue jelly pair. They were fun and I still have them.

For 2014 , Dr. Scholls has partnered with Steven Alan for a  small capsule collection.   There is a bright lacquer white slide and  a blue chambray with ankle strap .

I rather like that all white  , it will really set off a great pedicure color .

They  are available at www.stevenalan.com with prices from $100- $ 145 ( but I'm a bit behind in posting this, so some are sold out online. )

If these styles aren't your thing but you love the brand, you can find many more colors etc. at places like Shoes.com and Zappos.

mark Black Gleam Sandals

Summer means new sandals among other things.  I am into mark's new Black Gleam sandals at the moment. While Elle online recently talked about how hot black and gold accessories are now,  I pretty much always think  it's a great combo and eye every pair of shoes with gold metal accents I see.

 Black Gleam gives you the look of metal on the front detail but without the metal. That shiny gold strip down the front is actually flexible material.  It helps to keep these sandals very lightweight  but doesn't take away from the look. There is also gold trim at the bottom front , at the buckles , the back zip and my fav part, around the heel.

The rest of the shoe is a faux suede like material. The heel height is is 1 inch.

Size wise, they don't come in half sizes so I went up to the next size. They are a bit big but I do like to use an insole when I can and that leaves me room for one.

mark Black Gleam Sandals are $ 38 at www.meetmark.com

mark. Studly Style Booties

I am in love with these new boots from mark. I've raved about mark's jewelry before and I have another great piece from them coming soon, but this is my first foray into their fashion and shoes.

These cuties are genuine suede, and yes I didn't expect to see mark. have real suede either. They've got leather and suede going on this season. The boots are a fab plummy burgundy  with silver studs that are going to look good with almost everything this fall and winter . Denim? Check. Winter white? Check. Black or charcoal ? Check.

The heel height  is a nice, manageable  2  1/2 inches and overall they seem quite comfortable.  They felt good right out of the bag. No stiffness and a smooth sole with grooves on the bottom for some grip.

Studly Style does not come in half sizes so I went up to the next size , as I fall into a half size usually and they fit well. A tiny bit of room but that's not a bad thing , especially since  I often put an insole  in my boots for extra cushion.

Color wise, the inside shot is the best match. Outside in the cloudy light they look a little lighter. In fact it started raining as I was taking the pics and I had to take me and my new suede shoes in.

mark Study Style Booties are $ 70 and  you can get them from a mark. rep or over at www.meetmark.com

Børn & Sofft Fall 2013 Preview

Ok, I know it's just coming on Memorial Day  and Summer hasn't begun but in the fashion world Fall is already afoot. At least it's in preview mode.

Two stylish yet comfortable brands, two things that don't often go together , Born   and Sofft  ( last two images)  have some very hot  boot looks for  Autumn.  One of my mainstay black heels  are from Sofft. The extra padding is a wonderful thing.

 
So just bookmark this page for say September . In the meantime, if you're a boot person as I am, you'll be  happy to check these out no matter what the temps outside are. Those fleece lined ones at the top? Totally calling my name.

Born Debuts Handbag Line

Coming this fall  will be a handbag line from shoe brand Born. Known for their  well made leather shoes, the bags will also be from  high quality leather with hardware accents .  There's a variety of styles as well. I am loving the bright blue one , personally.

Price points will range from $ 220-300 approx. 

Grandoe Smart Dogs Uplift Summer Flip Flops/Slippers

Grandoe calls these new Uplift from Smart Dogs slippers but I prefer flip flops. 

These go outside with a durable bottom, one that is made to to abosrb shock as you walk,  so they are more than a  basic slipper.  They do have a high comfort factor though. The sole is pretty flat but cushioned and has that little gel pad  at the heel for extra comfort.

They also have a mesh footbed that's antibacterial and  keeps air around your feet  for cooling.

I have been wearing mine constantly . They've been comfy for every day wear around the house and outside.  They are cute if not the most fashionable, but I like the padding that keeps my feet  feeling good. And I love the black / pink blend.  They run true to size and the straps will stretch a little but not too much.


Uplift comes in 4 colorways  in neon/ neoprene , sizes 6-10 and are $ 45 at www.smartdogscomfort.com . Thru July 31st  use code SUMMER12 and get 15 % off.

Smushees Flip Flops by Smart Dogs

Summertime is flip flop time. There's a million kinds out there but Smushees  are a bit different. These have  a cushioned footbed that feels kind of like a bean bag for your feet as  they have polystyrene micro-beads in there.  Super comfy and soft. The outsole features  Smartdog's  TPR outsole, and  is lightweight  but hard  so  you can wear them in the yard . 

They come in  six colors and in a traditional flip flop or a slide.  Sizing is a tiny bit big, but there are no half sizes.  Retail is $ 35.00 and you can find them at http://www.smartdogscomfort.com/smushees.html

If you hit the site, they have a great shearling flip flop too . I've been needing a new pair for awhile and they are on sale.

Dr. Scholl's Women's Wonder Sandals

After writing these up for my Lucky Alpha Shoppers page , I thought I'd share here too.

These very cute ( I think) sandals  are from Dr. Scholls. Yes the Dr. Scholls of wooden sandals of yore ( still available, too).  Hey they even have a wood like heel. But these are right on trend , not what you think of with Dr. Scholl's , right ? I never would have guessed the brand without the signage. You can see a thick cushioned footbed there and that's what sets these apart, making for comfort and style.

I haven't bought these- yet. The sandal list is long  so I'm still deciding, but since I originally saw them in April and they are still on my mind, it's looking more and more like a purchase.

Called Women's Wonder  and at DSW for $ 59.95 and also at http://www.drschollsshoes.com/ where there are quite a few other stylish but comfy options.