Style Files: Dress up with Sperrys

Confession: I feel a little out-of-the-fashion-loop, I didn't know about Sperry Top-Siders until just a few months ago. I happened to spot a pair (in my size! a rare sighting...) for sale recently at Macy's and I also had a gift card that was overdue for spending so I was able to snag my new Sperrys for free! They are a blush pink with a beige trim and a sequin plaid pattern on the side. I loved how girly they were and this version even had a fleece lining (usually they are leather on the inside), like Uggs for springtime!

When I first saw the shoe I did some research on the brand since I've never really seen people in LA wearing Sperrys before. Perhaps it's more of an east coast thing and hasn't quite made its way over to California yet. Or maybe I have just been oblivious and behind on my fashion trends. I learned that Sperrys were first designed back in the 1930s by Paul Sperry in Connecticut (explains the preppy northeastern vibe of the brand) for the very practical purpose of increasing traction on slippery boat decks, and thus became commonly known as boat shoes. 

I love that Sperrys are well-made from quality materials such as leather, suede, and a sturdy non-marking sole that provides good support. The plush lining on the inside is so comfy that it makes me feel like I am wearing slippers all the time. Also, they come in all sorts of fun colors and patterns (glitter, plaid, floral, animal prints...).  But I did have my doubts at first since I never really considered myself a "loafer" kind of girl (my go-to flats are usually more of the ballet slipper variety). I thought for a while how I should wear my Sperrys and these are the style combinations I've settled on. 

1) Great for summer paired with shorts, capris, shirt dresses, or short skirts

2) Would also pair wonderfully with a shirtdress and leather belt or bag that echos the material of the shoe

3) Even works for mild LA winters with skinny jeans

It's a great versatile and comfortable everyday shoes, perfect for running errands, shopping, as a casual weekend slip-on, and even traveling (bonus if there is actually boating involved). I find they don't pair well with many of the dresses in my closet though, the way my ballet flats do, especially dresses with polyester material, sheer fabric, or anything too frilly or formal. They look best paired with cotton or denim clothing for a relaxed but composed look.

Love it when I find great new shoes!

A Pair of Toms

I am actually considering getting a pair of TOMS. To be honest, Toms were never really my style and the first time I saw them, I thought they looked like Chinese peasant shoes….like these on Mulan~ 

My go-to casual flats have always been a pair of black steve maddens but quite sadly, they are just about worn through. So, I have been on the search for another pair of casual, comfortable flats that I can wear to work (lab shoes…meaning completely closed, not open at the top like most flats). I spotted this adorable pair of crochet Toms at Nordstroms: 

So cute! I started browsing and actually found quite a few pairs that caught my eye. I think there will be a pair of "sock-shoes" in my near future… but which one? 

love the pink sole! 

such a pretty mint color~ 

Nordstrom also exclusively carries these cozy-looking fleece lined Toms. These could be my uggs for springtime! 

Of course the best thing about Toms is their One for One program that gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need for every pair of Toms that is sold. I was reminded of my father telling me about one of his trips to China back in the early 80s. He visited a remote rural village in China that was very poor with no paved roads and the children did not have any shoes. He said he left the village with only the clothes on his back...he gave all of his luggage, extra clothes, and shoes to the children and villagers. That's why I think its so wonderful that Toms are giving shoes to children!