The Definition of Beauty: Shoe styles

"I like Cinderella, I really do. She has a good work ethic. I appreciate a good, hard-working gal. And she likes shoes. The fairy tale is all about the shoe at the end, and I'm a big shoe girl."
~Amy Adams

When you are looking for a certain type of shoes sometimes just calling it a high-heel will not cut it. However there are so many different names for shoes that it can be pretty confusing. SO I did my research and here are some of those confusing terms defined!

Mule

A mule is a shoe that has no fastenings around the back, basically backless, and is usually closed-toe

Stiletto

Refers to a heel that is very thin and high. 

Pump (Court Shoes)

Typically a high-heeled slip on shoe.

Sling back

A shoes that is backless and has a strap that fastens at the back of the foot around the heel or ankle

Ankle strap

Similar to a sling back except the strap must cross around the front of the foot as well as the back.

Espadrille

Casual shoes usually made of canvas on top and typically with a sole that is flexible and looks to be made of rows of rope or think twine.

Wedge

Refers to a heel that does not have a separated heel but has a platform under all parts of the shoe

Platform

Refers to the wedge of material found under the toe or heel regions. Modern shoes use platforms under the toe to make the appearance of super high heels without creating too steep of an angle for your foot. 

Clog

These are historically made of wood but modern clogs can be made of anything. They are similar to a mule except that back has a slight lip and is not totally backless. There is a high-heel version without the lip but still maintains the basic shape. 

Kitten heel

Kitten heels are shoes with very short heels, typically about 1.5 inches high.

 Ballet flat

A ballet flat has little to no heel and exposes much of the instep and has a short vamp, which is the part where the toe is

 Mary Jane

 A closed toe shows that has a strap across the instep. It originally had low to no heel but more modern versions can have large heels.

T-strap

A shoes that has a two straps across the foot in a t shape. One starting at the toe region and coming up and the other going across the foot.

 

Whew there are lots of different types of shoes!!! I hope this can clear up some confusion!

Love, Laughter and God's Blessings,

Lauren


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If the shoe fits...

"Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world."
~ Marilyn Monroe

It's back to school time folk! My favorite part of going back to school is starting the year fresh with lots of new stuff! So the next few blogs are going to be over new must haves for school!

Today lets focus on back to school shoes!!!!! When I was younger I never really understood why one needed back to school shoes. Its not like slamming kicks can get you an A. But these days I have given up caring because any excuse to get new shoes is all right by me! This season there are some really cute inexpensive options. SO let's go shopping yall!

My shoe picks for back-to-school:

1) These floral oxfords are from Forever 21. Oxfords really came in this past season. I haven't really been into them that much because I feel like they are sorta manly and sorta like business man shoes. But with this ultra feminine pattern on them it sorta balances and I like them. alot.

2. Rainboots are extremely useful but they can be super cute too. This pair is from Target. I think the floral pattern is adorable. I know I'm all about the floral. But I really like this pair because the navy backdrop makes it able to translate from summer to fall and back to spring. 

 3. This pair of boots is from Charlotte Rouse. The riding boot trend has been going on for a while. However I think that the riding book is a classic look that doesnt go out of style and therefore is a staple not a trend. Try to look for a pair with a special detail that isnt too much. The bow detail on these is adorable without being over the top and clashing with your outfit!

 4. These beauties are from Dollhouse. I like these because they look like they should be high heels. One of the main things I miss now that I am in college is wearing heels to school. I feel like these are flats wishing they were heels. The t strap is cute cute cute. And I like gray in shoes because it can go with so many different colors in your outfit!

 5. Ok these are my splurge. They are a little more pricey because they are from Steve Madden. But these are soooooooo cute. Im a sucker for bows and these have bows AND rhine stones! Cream is a really good color to transition seasons and can even be worn in winter. They may be a splurge but they are sooo worth it!

Those are my top 5 picks for back to school shoes I did see one other pair that caught my eye... ;)

 Love, Laughter and God's Blessings

Lauren