Coffee Break – Pressley Pumps
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Sales of note for 2/7/25:
- Nordstrom – Winter Sale, up to 60% off! 7850 new markdowns for women
- Ann Taylor – Extra 25% off your $175+ purchase — and $30 of full-price pants and denim
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 15% off
- Boden – 15% off new season styles
- Eloquii – 60% off 100s of styles
- J.Crew – Extra 50% off all sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything including new arrivals + extra 20% off $125+
- Rothy's – Final Few: Up to 40% off last-chance styles
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 40% off one item + free shipping on $150+
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- My workload is vastly exceeding my capability — what should I do?
- Why is there generational resentment regarding housing? (See also)
- What colors should I wear with a deep green sweater dress?
- How do you celebrate milestone birthdays?
- How do you account for one-time expenses in your monthly budget?
- If I'm just starting to feel sick from the flu, do I want Tamilfu?
- when to toss old clothes of a different size
- a list of political actions to take right now
- ways to increase your intelligence
- what to wear when getting sworn in as a judge (congrats, reader!)
- how to break into teaching as a second career
I love these. Really. But I won’t buy them because I don’t wear heels over 3″. Seriously – some of us walk in our offices, some of us walk 3/4 mile to court and back, and we do it in high heels. But we don’t do it in 3.5″ spike heels (I do it in 3″ cole haan nike airs, though, occasionally). Shoe makers, get with the program! I’ve got the discretionary income, I want to spend it, so make some shoes I will freakin’ buy…
Beautiful shoes. I can’t wear anything over an inch *sigh*
do you walk to/from court every day? On the days i know i am walking to court or somewhere else, i usually wear a 1 – 1.5 in kitten heel and a suit that looks good with that height heel. On other days, i rarely wear anything lower than 3.5 or 4 in heels. Now, the one caveat is that I personally prefer a high heel — i love how such a heel looks with clothes and how it makes me look and feel.
No, I do not. But it’s also not always possible to know if I’m going to have to walk somewhere. Ultimately, although I love the look of these high heels, I pass on them absolutely because I need to be able to walk comfortably (whether it’s around the office or at home). I’m not saying I’ve never seen a 3.5″ heel that’s not comfortable; I AM saying that I’m generally unwilling to take a chance on such heels simply because of their height.
Just love your avatar. That is all.
I hear you! My walk to Court involves cobblestone sidewalks so no skinny/spikey heels for me!
Since my comment is still awaiting moderation in another post, I’m reposting this threadjack:
I am interested to know if anyone had heard about/visited Nordstrom’s new store in NYC, Treasure&Bond, and what the NYC Corporettes think about it.
You might want to buy this shoe from Zappos or somewhere that has free return shipping! One day, my work friend was wearing them, and I asked her what brand/designer they were, and when she told me, I immediately bought them online (black patent). They are relatively comfortable for wearing around the office for short periods of time.
This may just be MY feet and my issue, but I wore them to a rehearsal dinner last weekend, and they completely tore up my feet–my toes (big toes on both feet and little toes on the end) had a layer of skin removed in certain spots, and the balls of my feet were killing me. Granted, in full disclosure, we had a bit of a walk from the church to the dinner (on the sidewalk), and I have really flat feet. But I just wanted to warn you that if you plan to walk around a lot in these shoes, they may kill your feet a little bit. I am sure that people will have completely different opinions of the shoes, and no one can doubt they are hot, but I just wanted to put this out there.
I find every MICHAEL Michael Kors pair of shoes I have ever owned, or eveb tried on, to be hideously uncomfortable. I even had a pair of clogs that didn’t look like they should be uncomfortable that I ended up donating, virtually brand new, to a thrift store because my feet just couldn’t deal. And, I wear heels often! Maybe it’s not always the case anymore, but it’s gotten to a point where I won’t even try on his shoes (and it even made me dislike the brand a bit, too).
Thank y’all for posting. I am on a self-imposed shopping ban and was itching for the gray/black ones. These would be really pretty, useful work shoes! But I’ll refrain.
Preach. I think I had those same clogs. Suede, circa 2006?
I have these shoes in black/black and I’ve found they’re the most comfortable pair of heels I own. I am not generally a fan of high heels, and these are definitly the highest heels I have, but these have been truly fabulous for my feet! Funny how different shoes work so differently.
Sigh. I’m drooling over these, but like the ladies above these are much too tall for me. My day is just a whole lot more pleasant if my heels don’t go abvoe 2.5 inches. Dang it.
Ditto to everyone above. I wear heels sparingly now, since I am developing bunions. I do have a mean wardrobe of ballet flats, though!
Hoping for some advice – I have an upcoming interview at an in-house legal department in Dallas. Although my black suit is my favorite for interviews, I’m afraid that it might look out of place considering the 100+ degree heat. Would a tan suit be appropriate? Thanks, all.
As a Houstonian, I think a tan summer suit would be perfectly appropriate. I haven’t worn a black suit here since… May, maybe?
Good luck!
I’m a Dallas attorney and I would stick to the traditional black suit. Depending on the in-house environment, tan might be considered too casual and you can never go wrong in black. Breaking out the tan suit is fine once you get the job and can assess how other attorneys dress, but I would play it safe for the interview. (And I wore a black suit twice last week and today, even in the heat.) My 2 cents…
In my experience, the dress code at Texas companies and law firms can be just as conservative, if not more, as anywhere on the east coast. I’d go for a skirt suit with pantyhose in a traditional color. This is based on what I know some of my friends in TX wear for court and interviews, so perhaps native Texans know better than I do.
Maybe it’s because I have pretty small feet (4.5), but these made me look like I didn’t have toes. Something about the vamp, perhaps.
Also, is it risky to wear a pants suit?
Dang it, that was supposed to be attached to my question above. Sigh.
If I were you I’d wear grey or charcoal, and a pants suit is totally fine. A skirt may be cooler but not if you wear hose. Tan, while pretty, may look too casual. Good luck on your interview!!!
In texas, which is generally more conservative, i’d say its much safer to wear a skirt. although it seems that the traditional “rule” that skirt suits (not pants) are appropriate for interviews has been somewhat relaxed in recent years, i’d still err on the side of tranditional when in more conservative settings.
I don’t think it’s risky to wear a pants suit, but know your audience. Plus, in this heat a skirt is a better choice.
Thanks, all!
I would love to get these, if only to solve my occasional black-or-brown-shoe-dilemma. Answer: both! If only they were 2.5 or 3 inches…
I have 2 pairs of the Pressley pumps and love them. They run the tiniest bit small, so if you’re between sizes, go up. I find them extremely comfortable — more comfortable than comparably-high Cole Haans.
I walk a mile to court in them without a problem.
GORGEOUS – and would go perfectly with my outfit today!
Love these!!! The gray and black looks amazing for fall/winter. I wonder how they would wear since it looks like a fabric rather than leather on the gray.
Outfit consultation:
I bought this skirt at the Anniversary sale:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-houndstooth-pencil-skirt/3167929?origin=coordinating-3167929-0-1-1
It’s black and brown houndstooth, so I figured it would go with everything. I took it out of the closet today and couldn’t figure out what shirt to wear with it. I tried black (too dark for August, but will work in winter), white (too boring), cobalt blue (just off, somehow), and then gave up and changed skirts. Any suggestions?
Ivory? Eggplant? Rust? Forest green? It’s a fall skirt, so think fall colors.
What about red? Or, orange? Grape? I also love certain shades of gray (light) and brown (chocolate or caramel) together, but that may work better with a sweater weight fabric.
Also, consider a print, maybe something floral-ish?
I like brown with light pink, blue or ivory. If you wear a white or ivory shirt, you could also add in a brighter necklace in green for example. Wearing it with lighter colors may make it look less like a fall item.
I’d wear whatever colors you normally pair with brown. For me those are yellow, pink, red (depending on the shade of red and shade of brown), light blue. My friend with warmer skin tones wears sage green, rust, and apricot and it looks beautiful.
Thanks all. I was feeling really uninspired. It sounds like my original impulse – that this is more of a fall skirt – may be right and I’ll save it until I can pull out the dark reds/oranges/greens/eggplants. I’m going to hang on to summer while I can.
I will try it with some pink when I get home (thanks Bonnie).
Sigh.. I am still impatient about wearing new things.
I tried a navy shirt with my black/brown/tan glen plaid trousers last week and thought they looked great together. I think any saturated blue would look good as well as mauve, taupe or dark green.
I think wearing really high heels like this looks very young – and not in a youthful fresh kind of way, but in a “I’m really girly and not very serious” way. I think it’s more elegant to go a little lower in the heel. The shoes are very pretty, but they look like shoes most women would be tottering in.
I’d like to see more flats on Corporette as well, but that would require more posts involving pants outfits.
Wow, surprised at the chorus of “these pumps are too high” in response to these shoes. [shrugs]
me too. I’m always shocked at all of the posters who talk about wearing flats all the time and complaining about the height of the heels. Maybe its just that they are the more vocal ones. I guess people just have different opinions, but I generally think (as opposed to the above poster) that flats, not heels, makes people look very young, and not in a good way. I also dont think flats (as opposed to low, kitten heels) look very professional — i usually think flats look like someone is wearing their commuting shoes and I wonder when they are going to take the time to change their shoes.
Im not saying this to start a fight of flats vs heels, Im just saying its interesting to me that people can *look* at the same outfit or shoe and literally see the exact opposite.
Well, most of the people above (including me) said that they prefer lower heels, not flats. So your premise is flawed from the outset when you say “I usually think flats look like someone is wearing their commuting shoes” or that “flats . . . make[] people look very young, and not in a good way” or that “all of the posters [] talk about wearing flats all the time.”
Personally, the only flats I own are flip flops that I don’t wear professionally. There is a grey area between wearing very high heels, which I find difficult to walk in, and wearing flats. And, FWIW, I don’t think flats make people look matronly or like they’re wearing commuting shoes.
This is what I was trying to avoid, but since you went there, I feel like I need to address your post. Nothing in my “premise ” is flawed, as I was actually speaking about flats, not low heels (though I personally prefer high heels, which to me means 4 inches). My opinion about that look is just as valid as yours. Thanks for making it clear that you believe otherwise.
Moreover, some of those above did actually mention flats (see post 29), and as I thought was apparent by my reference to always being shocked, I was referring to discussions on threads other than simply this one.
I’m with you, and I think your post was actually very carefully worded to avoid offense, wasn’t it? Hate that this kind of caution is becoming so necessary on this blog, but whatcha’ gonna do?
And yet people still take offense. Le sigh.
Anyway, it’s good that there are so many opinions out there on flats vs. heels. As consumers, it gives us more choice!
I wear heels but the idea that they’re basically obligatory in professional environments (which I honestly don’t see how you can avoid reading “flats look young in a bad way and like commuting shoes” as) honestly infuriates me. We’re talking about shoes that actively cause pain and physical damage to a lot of people, and, at the very least, make basically everyone less mobile. And yet I bet everyone here would decry social pressure that made or makes women feel coerced into wearing head coverings in some societies, past and present, or that made women feel like they had to bind their daughters’ feet. Yeah, sometimes there’s a difference in degree, but sometimes the line starts to look awfully damn thin.
I mean, yeah, this is just a fashion blog so I don’t want to go over the top. But every time I read something like this I can’t help but think of The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf and the idea that a lot of how women are marginalized in the workplace is by social structures that force them to put their time and energy into their appearance instead.
So yeah, I thought the wording of that comment was offensive, no matter how careful it was.
I myself am not crazy about flats. Among other things, I don’t like the way they look and they provide no support for the feet. Low heels are safer, more comfortable, professional looking, and when well made, very attractive.
I hate ultra high heels. I am dismayed by women who, in Alice Walker’s phrase, insist on “fetishizing” themselves. I can’t believe they are speaking in favor of footwear that can’t comfortably be worn.
::shrug:: In my office (a law firm) I rarely if ever see anyone wearing heels over 3 inches. Same is true when I go to settlement conferences and hearings. I’m sure there are places where this is different, but doesn’t seem to be in my locale.
Ditto. I’d say 2-3″ is the norm in my Midwestern community. Absolutely NOT saying this is the case everywhere, but I would not wear a 4.5″ heel around my legal peers for fear of people thinking I was Lawyer Barbie.
I do, however, have some 3.5″ heels that I love to wear on social occasions, but I am sooooo glad higher heels aren’t the norm for work where I’m from because my feet can’t take them!
I agree! I feel so much better when I’m wearing high heels (at least 3 inches) – more feminine and confident and just more like myself. In fact, I recently returned a pair of shoes that I ordered online because the heel wasn’t high enough and made me feel matronly, to be perfectly honest.
However, I used to be a ballerina and spent lots of time dancing in pointe shoes, so walking in high heels is relatively easy for me, and I don’t find them painful either. If either of those were issues for me, I’d probably be on the flats/low heel bandwagon!
As a former ballerina, your feet are already ruined, so perhaps for you wearing high heels makes very little difference. :-)
On a given day, out of 45 women in my office, maybe 5 are wearing heels above 1″. Offices do vary.
Comfort and knee issues aside, I freely admit to being completely unable to walk well in heels 3 inches or higher. Anything lower is no problem, but that’s the breaking point. I’ve also realized how hard it can be to find cute heels under 3 inches (I was trying to find some nude -for-me pumps on zappos this weekend and had absolutely no luck. The few options under three inches either had terrible reviews or were just too ugly. Except for the lovely kate spades, which were way out of my budget and bordering on too tall, anyway).
I don’t know what nude-for-you is, but I got the Sam Edelman Fiorenza pumps and adore them. Perfect heel height – for me, anyway. You might want to check them out of Zappos!
*on* Zappos.
I saw those on zappos and they were out of my size, but since you liked them, I searched around and found piperlime had my size (and only my size) left and on sale! Ordered them, so hopefully they’ll work. Thanks!
I hope they end up working for you! I’ve been wearing the heck out of them. Props for getting them on sale!
Also, some people have physical issues and can’t wear anything but flats. The poster who said flats don’t provide support is just plain wrong. If you don’t like flats, that’s one thing. But some flats are very supportive and cute and friendly to knee injuries. I worked with my personal shopper and physical therapist to find some great pairs.
Traditional ballet flats are not supportive, and I think that’s what some people mean by the word when they call a shoe a flat.
There are supportive flat shoes that aren’t “flats,” if that makes sense. I own many of these but no longer any ballet flats, as my podiatrist put the kibosh on them.
Neither are particularly professional, in my opinion, and I wear a 2 to 3″ heel whenever I can, but sometimes you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.
I own these shoes and love them. They’re slightly less comfortable than a pair of Cole Haans, but unless I’m doing a lot of walking or standing they’re the perfect way to dress up an otherwise boring outfit.
Try the Cole Haan Margot, which is from a season or two ago but I’ve seen a lot of pairs at Nordstrom Rack and the like. Same shape as these pumps and very comfy.
I already own the Margot in two different colors :). I just figured these were slightly more fun since they’re two-toned.
Drool…. Sadly I’m on a self-imposed shopping ban. But as soon as it’s over, those babies are MINE!!!
The heels are too high and I hate patent leather.
Reading defenses in re wearing uncomfortable shoes makes me apoplectic.
Threadjack… Any advice from the hive mind on how to survive a truly toxic work environment? Not much chance of actually being fired, but the workload is slowing to a very low pace (which gives me more time to think about the toxic environment). Lots of tension, lots of closed-door meetings between the Powers That Be, lots of bizarre new policies that seem made up on the spot (and mostly not directed at me, but sometimes…). I’m actively looking, but with the economy the way it is, it could be a while…
Any advice for coping? (This is in the law, specifically litigation-related.)
Are you at my office? I try to keep myself busy outside of the office, but when I get to work there’s usually something that gets me going. Even though management can get angry and heated, everyone else is expected to be stoic and show no emotion whatsoever. I hate feeling angry and frustrated all the time. I do actually have work to do, but usually I’m just fixing other (higher-ranked) coworker’s mistakes and not getting any recognition or pay increase. I left another career because I was miserable and now I’m making less than I would be there and am only marginally less miserable with a whole lot more debt.
Cheezy, but try to bring some joy and happiness into your life everyday.
Don’t let work take over. They don’t care about you so don’t take it to heart.
I worked at a similar place AnonForThis. Right before it dissolved. I am not trying to be the bearer of bad news, but if things are really that sketchy, you definitely should be investing the majority of your time looking for other employment–as much as you can without burning any bridges at your current job. Partners huddling in closed-door sessions + dried up work wells + tension + random policies = firm in trouble. At least from my experience.
Good luck, AnonForThis. Keep us posted.
I used to have your job, only with far too much responsibility for a first year lawyer, rather than not enough to do, and no senior people to ask for help. I worked in public service, and quit about a year and a half ago to go to a far less toxic office. Advice: Keep your head down, make allies, do stellar work when you can, and get good references, and do things you love outside of work. (My highlight: Once I knew I was leaving, I asked for an exit interview with head office, and was directed to have it with my immediate supervisor. The toxic one with the closed door meetings and the blatant favouritism.)
I think you’re reading the tea leaves correctly.
I agree with the commenter below who things the signs are inauspicious. In addition to the directly related job hunting stuff, try:
CLE webcasts in areas of law that interest you;
Evening classes, if you can get away, on anything you’d like to learn about;
Nice, but inexpensive lunches out of the office, or take a long walk;
Physical fitness, if you don’t have a routine. Feeling strong and calm will help;
Plan something pleasant for the end of each day (meeting with friends, movie, etc.) Give yourself something to look forward to;
Therapy or EAP if that’s available. But be aware, some people are helpful, others are clueless.
PSA – In today’s issue of “Bloomberg Businessweek,” THE Halgoen skirt is listed as one of the “most popular items at Nordstrom for Women.’ it’s a hysterical pictures of some poor owman wearing all of their best sellers (P. 104). Good article on the persistent success of the family-owned, now 4th generation run, business. For me, the best was an unstated thought that I’ll be able to replace these basics in my Corporette wardrobe for years to come. Now, if we can only encourage Halogen to make a-line skirts out of the same fabric! A Corporette writing campaingn?
I saw this too. Wondering if all of the gushing (and buying) by Corporettes helped push it over the top. (Owner of 4… yes, 4… pairs of “THE SKIRT.”)
Maybe we need a poll on how many we own! I am at least at 6!
@ R in Boston – on that houndstooth Halogen skirt… can it be used as a mainly black skirt or does it read as really brown? Did you try on the matching 4 button jacket? I can’t say I’m hip to the diverse number of pocket flaps on either side of a blazer though.
It’s interesting that we only got into flats vs. heels on this post. Kat posts shoes a lot on coffee breaks, and they’re usually relatively high heels.
Personally, I wear flats…sometimes. And I wear heels…sometimes. Yesterday I wore 4+ inch heels. Today I’m wearing boots. Tomorrow I’m planning to wear my 3.5 inch black pumps. Friday I might be in flats again. I wear all of these shoes because I like them, and manage to be professional and respected in all of them.
Love them! I have them in ivory with the black toe and all black and they are my most comfortable pumps.