Hi everyone! This is Jess from Du Wax Loolu, and even though I have been blogging for over a year, this happens to be my first ever guest post. I was incredibly flattered when Heidikins asked me to post, because hers is one of my favorite blogs, and also one that I’ve been reading since the beginning of my blogging days. So when she asked me to guest post, I have to admit that it only took me about 0.0000003 seconds to figure out what I should write about. I mean, this is Heidikins, after all. So of course, I’m writing about shoes!
As those of you who read my blog know, I’m getting married on November 1 of this year. I’ve picked the dress already (and it’s scheduled to come in this month! Every time my phone rings, I get all twitchy), but I don’t yet have the shoes to match. I do know, however, that the shoes need to be purple. I have a few other limitations as well. One, my dress is off-white and fairly delicate, so I don’t want clunky pumps, but the wedding is in November, so I don’t want them to be TOO summery. Two, I wear a size 11, and a lot of shoes aren’t available in that size. Three, I suck at wearing heels, and I’m not really going for a teetering effect when I walk down the aisle, so I draw the line at a two-inch heel, max.
The first stop on my quest was these shoes, in purple, from a store to which I will not link because I had the WORST customer service experience with them and do not want to give them any business.
The shoes are super cute, even if they were a bit summery for a November wedding, but I wore them in my engagement photo session and they gave me major toes blisters. I had to take them off after the photos and borrow a pair of flip-flops from my sister, they were so painful.
Next, I found these gorgeous, absolutely covet-worthy shoes from Nine West. They had a 3″ heel, but they were so incredibly perfect that I would have bent my rules, taken my chances on my way up the aisle, and most likely changed into something more comfortable for the reception. But alas, I couldn’t find them anywhere in a size 11. I still haven’t entirely recovered from the tragedy.
Now I’m on to shoe number three, these beauties. Aerosoles are supposed to be comfortable, these are nice and not too summery, they are definitely purple, and they only have a 2″ heel. They’re on order. My concern, though, is that they may be too shiny. They’re patent, after all, and they look very shiny in the picture. We’ll have to see when they arrive, but I’m not holding my breath.
So, my point here is, I really don’t know what to do. I have done tons of searches and found lots of gorgeous options, but almost all of them have too high of a heel. So this is where I need your input. Do I:
Keep wearing around those flower sandals, hoping to break them in pre-wedding so that I won’t get blisters the day of?
Give in on my 2″ heel limit and change shoes for the reception? And if I do that, what shoes should I wear for the reception? Flip flops, or something more formal?
Abandon the whole idea of finding purple shoes and just go for boring bridal white?
Give up on shoes altogether and just go down the aisle barefoot?
Wear a purple shoe that I haven’t discovered yet, recommended to me by one of you amazing readers?
You can see why I need your help. I think I’ve been considering this for too long, and in the process have totally overwhelmed myself with options. Which is where you come in. Seriously, I’m desperate. Please help.
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In my experience, patent leather always looks way shinier in pictures than in person, so I’d give the Aerosoles a try, especially in light of their comfortable reputation. Those shoes also have a good “wear again” quotient, which is always nice.
But, I will poke around and see if I can find some good options… I like to think of myself as a decent proxy shopper.
Comment by RA 2008 June 10 @ 6:20 amI like the patent leather, but I think the high heels look much more formal. You could try to break in the flowers and order the other just in case.
Good luck finding the perfect purple shoe!
Comment by Hannah C. 2008 June 10 @ 6:24 amHave you looked at coloriffics? They have a ton of styles and they also have several shades of purple. Good luck!
Comment by Sara 2008 June 10 @ 6:25 amI agree with RA – patent looks shinier in photos. Also, RA is a kickass proxy shopper.
I will also begin the search… I am CUT OFF from shopping for myself, so I’m delighted to get my shopping fix looking for shoes for you! I found several cute options from Nine West, but no size 11. Damn you, Nine West.
For starters, I found these on Endless:
http://www.endless.com/Coloriffics-Womens-Tori-Sandal/dp/B000UWS6HM/ref=sr_1_67/?cAsin=B0011MZTTS&asinTitle=Coloriffics%20Tori%20Sandal&&colors=Purple&size=100&dept=242169011&node=242169011&nodes=242169011&brands=&keywords=&sort=shoesbrowserel2&onsale=0&newarrivals=0&&showDesigner=2&secondaryBrands=&sizes=11&widths=&heelheights=&page=1&fromPage=search&contextTitle=Search%20Results&qid=1213104618107&sr=1-67&prepickColor=&asins=B000TRID1W,B0010OKB9A,B0014C9GQ2,B0010TKJG0,B000U5NYP8,B000X2WWPG,B000YHWTIA,B000XRCVPW,B0013M0XD8,B0010TMNY6,B00104JT2K,B000FELJDS,B000FEP7FO,B000FENHGK,B000HX1U4U,B000FEKO5W,B0011YW0UW,B000OYHV9K,B000HX1TMS,B000TRICT0,B000Q6O7PC,B000YJCIVG,B000NM4QJG,B000UW0EF4,B000TRGVDY,B000V1ZKAS,B0010TMJKO,B000V1ZJL8,B000TRFAWW,B000VINJN6,B0010TDPUW,B000VRIB7Q,B0019625FM,B000XOJ9L4,B000YE3WIY,B000XR4LX2,B000WU7CTA,B000Y0CNR4,B000TRID58,B000YVPO88,B000TRK9M8,B000YZDUW6,B000Y4YCYC,B0010TH558,B0010TCGXY,B0010ZHI2C,B0013TQ7G8,B0011EDTRU,B000YJ6L50,B0011MLRX0,B000TRK31A,B0012Q4Z20,B001089PV6,B0013A0KMO,B000WLYU62,B0013M5MMU,B0010TF9QU,B0013UB2LM,B000UOBK0A,B0015D1UQ4,B000UTYWZ0,B0015D5V50,B001327RVY,B0015KH7TQ,B0013FHTU0,B0015R3TV4,B0011MZTTS,B0015R9NL4,B0013RTE6K,B0015S9EV2,B00143Y5LW,B0016SMSDM,B000W4KINI,B000XR8RCI,B0015D438G,B0015R93M8
They’re “plum”, but they’re cute!
Comment by Operation Pink Herring 2008 June 10 @ 6:34 amCheck out zappos, though I’m sure you have already. Also, you could always wear really comfy purple flip flops with fun designs. I’d consider doing that if no one would see your feet!
Comment by distracted spunk 2008 June 10 @ 6:34 amI have those Nine West and they are PAINFUL. And I regularly wear 4 inch heels, so I’m no shoe baby.
Comment by slynnro 2008 June 10 @ 6:43 amI have been a bridesmaid many times, and I only have one piece of advice: be comfortable. You’ll be standing a lot, and you want to be thinking about how much you love Torsten, not about how much your shoes pinch your feet.
Comment by Amber 2008 June 10 @ 6:45 amI would opt for the larger heel; it seems like the easier path to take since there are more options. Then maybe a comfortable pair of flats for the reception?
Comment by Margarita 2008 June 10 @ 6:49 amJess- my concern about the shoes is that they would appear to be black in the photos. But telling you to go with lighter purple or traditional white is just :so not Jess: So apparently, I am no help. I love the patent pumps, though they may seem, reflective, in photos. Yes, it’s true, I am no help at all….
If I were “in your shoes” though, I would probably make the statement with the patent.
Comment by Saly 2008 June 10 @ 6:55 amooh ooh, i’m an aerosoles AFFICIONADO, considering they’re about the only heels i can wear, and i’ve actually tried on those particular shoes (albeit not in purple). they were stiff and uncomfortable for me. i do have the worst / most sensitive / most easily offended feet in the history of the world, but i just thought i’d throw that out there in case they ended up your #1 choice and then you were horrifically disappointed when they showed up.
i assume you’ve hit up http://www.zappos.com already? you can search by color / size / heel height! hmm.. the purple options are kind of sucky, though. i don’t think these are the right color, are they..
Comment by Alice 2008 June 10 @ 7:22 amI actually like the Aerosoles and don’t think they are too shiny. Once you get them you can decide, but you want to be comfortable, trust me! If you go against your 2″ rule you need to find some ballerina slippers for the reception and possibly have them dyed the perfect purple!
Comment by Kat 2008 June 10 @ 7:34 amWedding shoes are hard…I don’t even know where to begin. I’m like you and don’t want anything over 2 inches since I’m so tall and clumsy. I like the patent purple ones, but I’d be worried that they may make your feet hot/clammy. I’m looking for my wedding shoes, so if I see any cute purple ones I’ll let you know!
Comment by bing 2008 June 10 @ 7:37 amI love the patent leather! If you decide they are way too shiny, I also found these:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/37400867/c/11421/g/women/s/13.html
Comment by Ashley 2008 June 10 @ 7:40 ami like the aerosoles. i have a pair of patent leather pumps, and they do look more shiny in pictures than in person. also, i wore flip flops for my reception. granted, they were more dressy with sequins, but nonetheless i was going to be comfortable after standing for an hour in heels. my feet hurt so bad after the ceremony that i changed into flip flops right away and even though you can see them in one of my pictures, they still look cute.
Comment by cady 2008 June 10 @ 7:40 amWhat about bridal dyeable shoes? I’ve got to admit, our dresses have A LOT of overlapping similarities (it’s eery, actually). And I found a pair of shoes that pull nicely from the rouching at the top. They’re similar to these: http://www.bridalshoes.com/item/dyeable-2-inch/75130.asp.A
Comment by Nilsa 2008 June 10 @ 8:17 amAnd from what the website promises, these shoes can likely be dyed to your favorite purple.
Darnit, that link doesn’t work. Here’s the same pair of shoes on a different website:
Comment by Nilsa 2008 June 10 @ 8:20 amhttp://www.colorfulcreations.com/?page=22&product_id=2260
I’m going to be not a help at all and say I don’t like the patent leather ones. Too showy, I think, with the shine. Shoes.com?
Comment by Lisa 2008 June 10 @ 9:27 amI think most shoes eventually break in with enough wearing. I have had several that were complete murder on my feet, but now are completely comfortable.
You could always find some non-purple shoes, and then spray paint them. Hey, it might work.
Comment by Sra 2008 June 10 @ 9:28 amI love the patent leather! Great re-wearing potential, and you already know that the flatter sandals are crazy-uncomfortable, so why subject yourself to that again? It looks like a reasonable heel, and will definitely be a great, unique wedding shoe choice.
Comment by Megan 2008 June 10 @ 9:33 amOkay, I don’t think for a second that you should settle for something you’re not completely thrilled with, and under NO circumstances should you be wearing shoes that aren’t comfortable. You don’t want to be standing on the altar thinking “I can’t believe it’s finally here and I’m marrying this – FEET HURT- man of my dreams – MY FEET ACHE”
Plus, you have two seasons to go before your wedding gets here and you don’t know what shoes will come in that time. You won’t be having your final fitting for a while so wear shoes that are a bit higher than you think you’ll have and then the seamstress can always shorten it later.
As for shoes, here are a couple I found:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2949652?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=advancedsearch&keyword=+Women%27s+Shoes+%3e+11+%3e+Purple&origin=searchresults
http://www.chineselaundry.com/indShoe.asp?type=ou&id=3464&sz=110&sess=06100813512855209
There’s also the option of dyeables. I know, I know, but it would ensure you get the right shade of purple AND they do have some nice styles available.
Comment by Nic 2008 June 10 @ 9:40 amhttp://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=115717
http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=51472
http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=89508
I would never trust a pair of shoes to break-in. For the length of time you’ll be standing, you’ll want super comfortable shoes.
Are you one of those brides that is completely adverse to flip-flops? Old Navy has purple flip-flops, and they’re on sale right now so you could get an extra pair as back-up. My S-in-L wore flip-flops to her wedding, and was insanely pleased with her choice.
Comment by K.Rae 2008 June 10 @ 9:43 amAnd may I add that your dress is beautiful? Good choice!
Comment by K.Rae 2008 June 10 @ 9:45 amI say keep faith in your quest to find purple shoes! I think the patent Aerosoles are still a great contender–I’m betting they are less shiny in person.
Boohoo about the Nine West ones, though… they’re divine. Have you looked for them on eBay?
Comment by Laurel 2008 June 10 @ 9:55 amthis shoe breaks both the too summery rule and the 2″ rule but is totally adorable. My real suggestion though, is to check the nordstrom shoes website at the end of next month during their annual Anniversary sale (not sure of the exact dates yet). They will have some great sale prices and more fall styles and colors. They also have great customer service, which makes all the difference. Especially when you where a hard to find size. (7.5 narrow is ANNOYING!)
Comment by fairydogmother 2008 June 10 @ 10:10 amOH! I also meant to say that the Nine West shoe is quite possibly the most perfect shoe I’ve ever seen. I highly doubt it comes in my size either, but I don’t think you should give up hope. You have two aspects to your shoe size on your side: you have a “normal” width and you don’t wear a half-size. I’m making it my mission to help you find them! (I’m spending the day on the couch with a migraine & sinus infection, it isn’t like I have anything more exciting to do!)
Comment by fairydogmother 2008 June 10 @ 10:13 amI love the Aerosoles ones, and I think they will be less shiny in reality. Although your feet may hate you after, I think you won’t really think about the pain of wearing a heel until after all the festivities are over: you’ll be too busy walking on a cloud!
Comment by Jummy 2008 June 10 @ 10:28 amI like the third pair. I don’t think they’d be too shiny.
Comment by Swistle 2008 June 10 @ 10:51 ami say keep looking for the purple shoes, that’d be so fun to rock at your wedding. i sort of like the last pair, but yeah i would pair them up with your dress and see how you feel about the shininess, or take a picture with both and see how it goes.
good luck!
Comment by katelin 2008 June 10 @ 10:58 amI agree with Amber. Comfort is most important on your big day. Whatever you end up with: high heels or flats; purple or black–if they are comfortable on your big day, that’s the most important thing. Of course, you want to look you best, but you also will be on your feet literally all day.
I’ve also found that a really good pair of shoes doesn’t need to be broken in much. If those very beautiful flower shoes hurt that much, I don’t know if they can be trusted with your big day.
Just my two cents!
Comment by Jen 2008 June 10 @ 11:42 amI love the idea of the purple shoes. Don’t give up! I’m not so into trying to dress up patent or regular leather, but that’s just a personal thing. I really like the ones Ashley suggested if that’s the right color. I have a feeling I’ll end up barefoot on my wedding day and see nothing wrong with that route for you if you can handle the heels down the aisle, but it’s very much my personality to run around in stilettos and barefoot at the same event.
Comment by BS 2008 June 10 @ 12:25 pmI love that last pair so so much – I think they’ll just add a great dose of fun and personality to a white wedding dress. And I’d avoid the flip-flops – it’s my personal little peeve when combined with a wedding dress
Comment by Janssen 2008 June 10 @ 12:29 pmI love the last pair! And considering it’ll be under your dress and peeping out? Definitely!
(And keep wearing the flowery ones in as well, since you have them already!)
Comment by alyndabear 2008 June 10 @ 1:27 pmI think the last pair will look fantastic! I am going with mega heels for the ceremony- I love the way my dress looks on long legs- and kitten heels for the reception (probably- though more likely I’ll be barefoot and burning it up on the dance floor). My vote is flipflops for the second part. OR some fun slippers, since it’s November. Yeah, I change my vote. Fun slippers would be GREAT
Comment by Kate 2008 June 10 @ 2:04 pmI saw pick a pair you LOVE for the ceremony – it adds to the squee factor. Then pick a fun pair you like (but don’t have to love as much) for the reception. Maybe even throw on the flip-flops you’ll have out for your guests. And I really, really like the last ones. So. Cute!
Comment by bananar 2008 June 10 @ 3:33 pmI don’t know if people still do this, but can’t you buy white shoes and have them dyed the exact shade of purple you want?
Comment by bren j. 2008 June 10 @ 6:40 pmAlso, whichever shoes you pick, make sure you really like them because if you have your dress altered to a length compatible with the first shoes you choose, it may look funny changing into something flat like flip flops for the reception. Unless you don’t care about the possibility of tripping on your dress during your first dance. Yikes!
I think the shiny purple ones look fun! and I think you should have a pair of super comfortable flipflops with you for the reception – just in case…
Comment by leafprobably 2008 June 10 @ 7:26 pmI love that you did this guest post about the search for purple shoes…thanks for making my day!!!
And any of those will be fabulous at your wedding
Comment by Trish Ryan 2008 June 10 @ 8:16 pmI say give the patent ones a try, and if they’re comfortable and not too shiny, go with those.
I’m probably the worst person in the world to be giving shoe advice… I have pretty much decided that I will probably be barefoot for my wedding (whenever that happens) or, if I must wear shoes for some reason, wearing either Converse Chucks or flip-flops. So my idea of a unique shoe is to pick up a pair of Chucks in purple.
Like I said… don’t listen to me.
Comment by seven 2008 June 10 @ 11:53 pmMmmm, perfect purple. I love that color and mostly I love alliteration. HOw are YOU???
Comment by Andrea 2008 June 11 @ 5:47 amOoh fun project. I love flats, so I found some purple options for you: my favorites, but maybe too casual, also pretty casual, cute, dressier, in lavender, and embellished.
I’m not sure if those come up to a size 11, and I also am sure that some of them are not dressy enough, but since you’re into purple and some of them are cute shoes either way, I figure they’re fun at least. Good luck!
Comment by sequined 2008 June 11 @ 6:34 amAck, I thought I replied yesterday but it didn’t go through. I vote for waiting it out for the perfect shoe, you have two seasons ahead of you where new shoes will be coming out!
Don’t settle for something that’s not what you’re looking for.
Also, there are some cute dyables available that look like the Nine West pair with a lower heel! Plus you’d be able to to customize your shade of purple.
Comment by Nic 2008 June 11 @ 7:27 amDoesn’t dyeables have a bright purple? I felt like they had every color under the sun, and my dyed shoes were beautiful AND comfortable!
Comment by Tia 2008 June 11 @ 8:35 amThese:
Comment by Tia 2008 June 11 @ 8:38 amhttp://www.roamans.com/clothing/Eva-strappy-sandal-by-Step-Up-Comfortand0174.aspx?PfId=99679&DeptId=9936&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=3&pref=cs&pos=1
or these:
http://www.roamans.com/clothing/Cut-out-T-strap-pump.aspx?PfId=123399&DeptId=11277&producttypeid=1&ViewAll=1&affiliate_id=017&affiliate_location_id=01&WT%2Emc_id=k1343&mid=j9249670
I think you should do the Aerosoles (if they are comfortable) for the ceremony/first dance stuff.
Then, get a pair of ballet flats, take in a piece of your cake/invitation ribbon, and have them dyed to match.
Whenever your feet say “uncle” in the Aerosoles, you can switch to the ballet flats and dance the night away.
Good luck!
Comment by ie 2008 June 11 @ 11:35 am[...] In which Jess invokes the power of the Internet to find the … Next, I found these gorgeous, absolutely covet-worthy shoes from Nine West. They had a 3″ heel, but they were so incredibly perfect that I would have bent my rules, taken my chances on my way up the aisle, and most likely changed into …heidikins.com – http://heidikins.com [...]
Pingback by nine west shoes | b2b shoes 2008 June 12 @ 12:11 amIf it were me, I would just get a great purple pedicure and go barefoot.
Comment by Jill 2008 June 12 @ 5:20 pm