A reader wondered whether she could interview in patent leather, and I wondered: what ARE the rules for interview shoes? What have you heard, what have you been advised, and what would you advise women interviewing at conservative offices to wear for shoes?
Coffee Break – ‘Gardner’ Pump
Yes, these are kind of bright colors for pumps, but a) a pop of color is nice — imagine these with an otherwise gray-on-gray ensemble, for example; b) they’ve got good reviews on Nordstrom, and c) 50% off never hurts. Although I love a purple suede pump, I’m kind of leaning towards the blue ones … Read More about Coffee Break – ‘Gardner’ Pump
Coffee Break – Valentina printed patent pumps
I like these d’Orsay pumps from J.Crew in a “light walnut black.” The mid-heel height, combined with the very wearable pattern, make me think these would get a ton of mileage at the office. They’re priced at $129 right now (were $248), but the FabFeb sale (still going through Wednesday!) gets you 20% off with … Read More about Coffee Break – Valentina printed patent pumps
Coffee Break – Salena Suede Caged Platform Pumps
Talbots has recently added a number of good-looking pumps to their sale section, and the prices are pretty good. I’m liking this slightly spicy “caged” platform pump, but there are a number of more conservative styles on sale as well. Most prices are under $100 — these are marked from $149 down to $44.39 (final … Read More about Coffee Break – Salena Suede Caged Platform Pumps
Coffee Break – Patent & Hair Calf Ballet Pumps
Reader A wrote in to recommend these cute pumps, which she swears are the most comfortable pair of shoes she has ever purchased. “Yes, pricey…but given that they go with black, tan, and many solids, quite worth it. They have padded insoles too. Super comfy (and have converted me from Ferragamo! The heel height is … Read More about Coffee Break – Patent & Hair Calf Ballet Pumps
Coffee Break – Air Lainey 55
For those of you who prefer lower heels, Zappos has a great deal on this Cole Haan pump with a 2.5″ heel. Love the buckle detail, as well as the snake print on these heels. They were $218, but are marked today to $121 on Zappos. Cole Haan – Air Lainey Tantivy Pump 55 (Platino … Read More about Coffee Break – Air Lainey 55
Coffee Break – Aquamarine Pump
For today’s coffee break, I’m in the mood for something bright and colorful — and this vibrant yellow heel from Seychelles quenches that thirst. Love the way the vamp is high enough so you can walk in it, but not so high that it strangles your leg, and love the low, solid heel. It’s on … Read More about Coffee Break – Aquamarine Pump
Coffee Break: Erica Pump
Love these pumps from Elie Tahari, available in snake-print black, suede, and “driftwood,” a snakey brown. Love the knotted/cut-out detail, as well as the classic look to the toe and heel. Lovely! The two black colors are on sale — were $328, now $238-$262. Elie Tahari – Erica Pump (Black 1) – Footwear (L-2)
Are Patent Leather Shoes an Option for a Conservative Office?
Are patent leather pumps appropriate for the office? Can they be the basis of a stylish work outfit? Reader M wonders: 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 … Read More about Are Patent Leather Shoes an Option for a Conservative Office?
Coffee Break: olsenHaus Grace 2 Peep Toe Pump
We’re in a peep-toe kind of mood today, and we’re loving these lovely pumps from olsenHaus (which, apparently, has no connection to the fashion empire of those other Olsens). In addition to being ridiculously cute and having a heel below 3″ (the combo is hard to find), the shoes are also vegan. We like the … Read More about Coffee Break: olsenHaus Grace 2 Peep Toe Pump
Coffee Break: Circa Joan & David Marietta
Reader A wrote in to tip us off to this lovely heel, noting that it’s the “most comfortable summer work heel I’ve had in a while.” Nice! We like the look of the woven leather, as well as the slight point to the toe. The ivory is on sale at Zappos for $83.76, while the … Read More about Coffee Break: Circa Joan & David Marietta
Coffee Break: Samanta Women’s Nancie Pump
We’re liking this lovely pump from Samanta, a brand that we’ve never heard of before but apparently focuses on “stylish footwear with unique comfort features.” (And they come in sizes as large as 13!) The “Nancie” pump strikes us as a great basic — the slightly rounded/slightly pointy toe is a perennial classic, and the … Read More about Coffee Break: Samanta Women’s Nancie Pump