patent leather

Thursday’s TPS Report: Patent Leather Blucher

by GuestPoster on 10/06/2011 · 151 comments

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices. Many thanks to this week’s guest poster, Carolyn Hsu of The Daily Obsession and The Hsu Closet!

You probably already own the basic black pump in a variety of shapes and heels but for office appropriate shoes that doesn’t require you change out of for the commute, take a cue from the guys. These patent bluchers are fashion forward and somewhat unexpected. Wear with opaque tights and your favorite pencil skirt or even with a polished pant suit. PATENT LEATHER BLUCHER

Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail editor@corporette.com with “TPS” in the subject line.
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Coffee Break – Patent Leather Trimmed Stretch Belt

by Kat on 07/25/2011 · 130 comments

in Belts, Coffee Break

I often talk about belting a cardigan, and this stretch belt on sale at Bloomingdale’s would be just the thing to do it. I like that it’s trimmed in patent leather but is otherwise a stretchy fabric, and I like that it comes in both navy and white. It was $38, now marked to $28.50 at Bloomingdale’s. Lauren By Ralph Lauren Patent Leather Trimmed Stretch Belt

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Coffee Break – Karolina Strawberry Patent Heels

by Kat on 03/24/2011 · 97 comments

in Accessories, Coffee Break, Shoes

OK. Pink patent heels can be a bit much, even for me — but do you see the heels on these, ladies? Love the striped, stacked heels so much that I’d find a way to make pink work. They would be lovely with otherwise sedate colors — gray, navy, black, possibly even brown — and just think of the fun you’d have pairing these shoes with something like a simple black sheath dress. The shoe comes in two other colors, as well: a linen patent (with black and white stripes), as well as a navy patent (with navy and cream stripes). Love love love. It’s $298 at Zappos Couture. Kate Spade New York – Karolina (Strawberry Patent, Multi Stripe Stack Heel) – Footwear

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Are Patent Leather Shoes an Option for a Conservative Office?

by Kat on 08/05/2010 · 114 comments

in Accessories, Fashion, Fashion Gaffes, Professionalism, Shoes

Reader M has a question about patent leather shoes:

I always thought patent leather pumps were an office no-no, but I’ve seen quite a few pairs posted on your site. Under what circumstances are patent leather heels okay to wear in a fairly conservative workplace? Is it all about the style of the shoe? Is color a deal breaker? I think the pairs I own are pretty innocuous (nude, black, deep red, dark-dark purple croc), but I could be horribly, horribly wrong. My work wardrobe is very safe (for lack of a better word) and I’m not the kind of girl who wears lots of accessories, so I tend to rely on shoes to wake up an outfit. I want my pretty patents to come out and play during the week! Can they, pleeeease?!

Interesting question — my theory has always been that patent leather, in the abstract, is fine. After all, black patent leather shoes are part of the military dress uniform — how could they not be conservative enough? (Pictured: Pretty Woman, available at Amazon.)

There are some caveats to this theory, however.

First — patent leather can be more susceptible to what I’ll call “eau de hooker.” If a particular shoe has suspect color and styling, then — combined with the shine of the patent — there may be a whiff of a “working girl” about the shoes. Avoid that at all costs. Five-inch lipstick red platform stilettos aren’t going to get you very far, for example; I would also avoid any patent-leather over-the-knee boots like the ones in Pretty Woman. (But honestly: I know the over-the-knee boots are trendy right now, and I have seen some outfits with them look almost preppy, but still: Proceed. With. Caution at the office, even on the weekends, whether patent leather or not.) That said, I think your collection of patent leather sounds perfect — including the dark wine and the dark purple.

Second — maintenance is key! Scuffs are far more noticeable on patent leather, as are nicks. Keep those puppies well buffed.

For example, these are some great patent shoes that I think would be fine, just fine, for the office (from L-R): Kate Spade – Kylie (Black Patent) – Footwear (love the sweet bow; they come in black, camel, purple, and red for $298 at Zappos), Butter Women’s Shy Peep Toe Pump (a bit daring with the peep toe; they come in black, camel, and a magenta for $145-$171 at Endless (were $265)), and Calvin Klein Carrie (Women’s) – Black Pearlized Patent Leather (love the substantial heel; Shoebuy has them for $108 in black, an ivory “lychee”; Zappos also has ‘em in red).