I've upped my slip-on sneaker game this summer and splurged on a pair of Vince 'Blair 5' Slip On Sneaker while Nordstrom was running a sale. They're perforated leather and I got them in the taupe color ("Woodsmoke"), which acts as a great neutral - particularly in the summer with bare legs (even better for someone who, unlike me, has actually managed to get a tan this year). The shoes typically go for $195 and I got them for a cool $130, which seemed like a steal when compared to the original price but still feels ridiculous to admit spending on a sneaker. I must say though - they have been well worth it. As you probably know, shoe shopping is an endless battle for me (dead sesamoid bone removed December 2013), so I was pretty overjoyed when these fit the bill. The leather interior felt amazing from the first moment I slipped my foot in the shoe, and the shoes have become my go-to throughout the summer for commuting to work and hanging out on the weekend. Never a break-in period, never a blister - even in the sweaty summer heat. I bought them in May and they're still going strong. And they've only gotten more comfortable with time. It's hard for a sneaker to be sleek, but these somehow manage to do just that without sacrificing comfort. I like the stiffness (sturdy but with just the right amount of give) and thickness (about 1") of the sole combined with the softness of the leather upper (like buttah!). For someone with my foot issues, these are just what the doctor ordered - and they're darn cute, to boot! Reviews say to size down. I am not sure I agree. I wear a 9 and I have these in the 9, and they fit like a dream - though I do have pretty unique feet. Everywhere I recommend below offers free shipping and free returns (without the annoying labor of having to log back in online and print out a shipping label), so order two sizes and return what doesn't work. They work great with almost any look - jeans, dresses, shorts, even suits... I am particularly digging the slouchy dress-with-sneaks look right now (like the Nordstrom one shown above)... and I'm heavily considering investing in a pair of the black version of these sneaks for fall. Where to Buy You can buy these shoes lots of places, but not all online sellers are created equal. The below three are my favorite online destinations for good quality (nice packaging with tissue paper!), customer service and fast shipping with free, easy returns). Shopbop in particular, if you're an Amazon Prime member, is a dream. You're paying a lot for these shoes, and the purchase experience should be an enjoyable one. Nordstrom, $195 Saks, $195 (use code 'FREESHIP') Shopbop, $195 (2 day free shipping with Amazon Prime) Happy Sneaking! KK
4 Comments
Kay Lawson
8/14/2015 03:16:49 am
Kate - it's always a treat to see that you have a new post. You are such an excellent writer, and I love reading your posts. I like your ideas for comfy shoes, especially, since I only wear old comfy shoes. I am ashamed of the shoes I am wearing since they are so old and seem like old friends. But I do need some new comfy shoes that feel like old friends even though they're not! Love you, dear Kate.
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Kate
2/14/2016 12:35:38 am
Aunt Kay, thank you so much for your sweet comment! I think the best shoes are the ones that are old friends, and we should not be ashamed of them! Love you! xoxo Kate
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Aunt Mimi
9/6/2015 09:41:26 pm
Darling Kate, I hope you get the black ones, too, regardless of cost. I love your way of creating beautiful and healthy and sane life, regardless of circumstances. You deserve all that you can gather to delight yourself and share with the world, in clothing, furnishings, sketches, visions, the past, this moment, the imagined future, memories that never die, time that is then and now and souls that accompany us forever. I love you and so does the universe. Your Mimi
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Kate
2/14/2016 12:37:40 am
Thank you for your sweet comment, Aunt Mimi! Santa got me the black ones, and they are pretty wonderful :) You're inspiring me to write more! Love you
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Kate KellyI am an artist/designer and former financial professional with a background in comparative literature, business and design. I live in New York with my overworked lawyer husband and my two boys Michael and Theo and spend much of my free time dreaming about how to enhance the aesthetics of our little world. I am endlessly inspired and always in search of something new. This is a blog about my search, my inspiration and things I just really, really like or want. Archives
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