Ooh! This video!? I just learned a really handy trick for using nude flats to look taller:
If you’re petite like moi, or if you just want to add a couple of virtual inches without wearing heels, wear a pair of nude flats — ideally, with a slightly pointy toe — in a shade close to your skin tone. It’ll make your legs look longer.
Also, for the full effect, pair the flats with pants that hit above your ankle, and tuck in your shirt.
Well I’ll be a crazy cat lady… It really works! I got iPhone pic proof yesterday when I went to DSW looking for a pair of nude flats (I had a coupon burning a hole in my pocket. WOO HOO!).
Much to my chagrin, I didn’t hit a home run on the flats, though. I came pretty close with this tan and gold number by Vionic…
They’re one of those shoes that look cuter on your feet than they look sitting on the shelf, but I really wanted something with pointier toe, so I left without them.
At first I thought the cork-like material was kind of odd-looking (like, am I gonna be walking around with wine corks on my feet??), but with the gold flecks, the material looks almost like Chanel tweed.
MONEY SAVING TIP!
If you’re shopping in a DSW store and see a pair of shoes you like, check the website before buying, because sometimes their shoes are less on the website than they are in the stores, and vice versa. For example, the Vionic Minna Ballet Flats shown here are $119 in the store and $89.99 online. That’s a big difference!
The flats also felt like they were already “broken in” (so, not stiff), and the insoles had a fairly high cushioned arch, which I was living for because flats usually have zero arch support.
I came this close to bringing them home, but alas… Gonna keep looking around. If I can’t find anything else, I’ll go back for them.
I also loved the look of these Cole Haan Elsie Flats.
SUPER CUTE! — but man, the leather had absolutely no give.
I tried them on and felt like I was walking around with boxes on my feet… Does anybody else have zero patience for breaking in shoes? Because if shoes are uncomfortable right out of the box, I know I’m never, ever gonna wear them, and your homegirl has NO time for that nonsense.
Anywho, I’m still on the hunt, but maybe some of these will catch your eye…
Here’s the plan: If I can’t find a pair of flats by the end of the month, I’m just going to wait until spring. I’ll grab some nude booties to tide me over, because — HELLO BOOT SEASON.
Seriously, tell me you love boots ? as much as I do. I live for ‘ze boots!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I like those Vionic shoes! Make sure you’re signed up for the DSW rewards program, they always have coupons and freebies! And yes I’m ready for boot season! I’m tired of painting and shaving my toes lol!
Hi Rachel,
Yes, I am! Fun fact about Vionic: they’re based out of San Rafael, which is 5 minutes south of my town. 🙂
And ha ha… I’m tired of shaving my toes, too. I’ve been quite lazy about painting all summer though. (I KNOW.) Next time I go I’ll be on the hunt for booties. Will let you know if I find any cute ones.
Hope you had a lovely Tuesday! Anything exciting going on your end?
Nice! I don’t own any Vionic shoes (yet) but they seem really comfy and supportive when I’ve tried them on. Nothing exciting going on this week but it is flying by so I’m happy about that!
I’m going to keep an eye out for them next time I go. Apparently Nordstrom also carries them too, and has lots of styles.
Happy Wednesday, by the way. My parents are with me today watching Connor so I’m trying to get a lot of writing done.
Oh, I dig the Crown Vintage!!
watch out, Allie Wong, your Doppelgänger is lookin’ bettah! ;D
oh how i miss DWS. i love that back section!
The sale section has some great prices (and don’t you love how they have all the signs that break down the sale prices?!). The one near my house is VERY hit or miss though!
Friendly piece of advice! The danger with pointed, hard and narrow shoes that don;t give space is ingrown toenail. Friendly piece of advice
Hi Amalia,
Thank you! I usually go a half a size up with pointed toes (depends on the style though), and that seems to help!
that is a big difference,
FWIW I wish companies would stop that BS, customers shop all channels and check constantly
usually ends up with me not buying anything
Yeah, I wish it was more consistent too!
I think the monochromatic pants/shirt and high waisted pants are also key to the elongating. I did smile at your “nude” flats in the pic. I was sure they were gold but who says gold can’t be a nude? HAHA! I’m with you on the shoes. They have to be comfy. I can never find anything that’s the right heel, right comfort and style I like, though. That’s why I live in sneakers. 🙂
Yes, so true! I’ve started doing that recently and it makes a huge difference, although you know what drives me nuts? When the shades of black of my shirt is different from my pants, which apparently happens often. 🙂
You know, I’m bugged by the same thing. I’m pretty much Johnny Cash with my wardrobe and it always bothers me when my pants, shirt and jacket are different shades of black. I tend to prefer the cooler blacks but I never really notice when I’m buying. It’s not until they’re all worn together. 🙂 I hate wearing high waisted pants, even though they may be more flattering. And I totally can’t tuck anything in these days. I’m clearly destined to NOT be elongated! HAHA!
I think aside from your makeup posts, your DSW posts are so freaking exciting! lol.
feels like I’m going shopping with a friend haha.
thanks for this! it brightened my day 🙂
ps those cole haan’s look gorge! too bad they are hard as a rock. I also have zero patience for breaking in shoes.
Hi Yelena,
Aww, thank you! I swear the day that DSW opened my life changed, LOL! Well my shoe life changed. 🙂 They also have a decent bag section, but it’s been a while since I’ve shopped for one since all I really carry now is a backpack full of toddler nonsense.
Anywho, I’m going to go back and look for booties the next time I go!
If you’re still searching for nude flats, I was also looking for some after I had to throw out a pair I had from Kohl’s that I picked up a while back. I found a pair from Naturalizer at DSW coincidentally. They’re no frills, but they’re super comfy! https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/naturalizer-flexy-ballet-flat/389820?activeColor=250
Hi Gloria,
Oh, thank you! I’ll try them on next time I go. I’ve had Naturalizer shoes in the past and thought they were pretty comfy. 🙂
The Flexy model also comes in champagne, so if you’re feeling more into the gold tones, you’re in luck! I’ve seen it on the Famous Footwear, Macy’s, and Naturalizer websites, but haven’t seen them in store near me. However, I had to get them in my life, as I’ve also been seeking a gold ballet flat for a long time! I got them from FF as they were the cheapest. https://www.famousfootwear.com/en-US/Product/21011-5252749/Naturalizer/Champagne+Leather/Womens+Flexy+Medium_Wide+Flat.aspx#store=01257&resultsmode=
I love your daughter in the background like “mom….mom whacha doin….moooooooooooooooooom?!!!” so cute haha and those shoes are totally adorable! I need to try the look taller trick the next time I take pictures!
Basically you hit the nail on the head, ha ha! She loves to run around the store because it has these long aisles, and as long as I can see her I let her explore. She also uses the benches as baby changing tables for her doll. Silly toddlers!
Stop that’s hilarious ?? love it! Such a cutie! I’m glad she was able to have her adventure for the day!
Buy alllll the VIONIC!!!! They are my absolute favorite; so incredibly great when I was dealing with plantar fasciitis.
I love how into the shoe-trying-on process Connor Claire was in that pic. She is just beyond cute.
Ooh, OK! LOL
Do you have any particular styles you can recommend, Suzanne?
Yeah, I have chronic back problems- I take my shoes very seriously. People just don’t realize how much damage their shoes can do.
I have a pair of Vionic sandals that I’ve worn about five out of seven days a week for the past year, so I know that those hold up extremely well. One of my mom’s friends swears by their tennis shoes and heels; she’s worked at a bank for 30 years, most of it on her feet, so she doesn’t play when it comes to footwear either. You pretty much can’t go wrong with any of their stuff.