Let’s face it – heels are not always the most convenient shoe to wear all of the time. When your feet need a break, ballet flats are the stylish way to go! A classic style, flats have been popular since the 1950s, most recently remembered by the Audrey Hepburn, Gap skinny jeans advertisement.

Personally, they have been a staple in my shoe wardrobe for years. Great shoes to wear while commuting to and from work in the city, whether you drive or make the mad dash up the stairs from the subways, bus, or train – they store easily and slip on and off in seconds for the quick switch to pumps. For “casual Fridays” they are perfect to wear all day long!

Dressed up, or down, ballet flats go with just about anything from Capri pants, straight leg jeans and slim-line skirts, to sun dresses, prom dresses and even wedding gowns! Dyeable flats make the perfect match for formal gowns and there are unlimited materials from which to choose otherwise, from leathers, to satins, to sequins galore.

Are you a tall girl going out on a date with a not so tall guy? Flats can help to take away first-date awkwardness – at least the height thing. These soft suede flats are perfect for a first date – slim, flattering and feminine.

Perfect with dresses, shorts or jeans, Espadrilles are the most versatile shoe to travel with during the summer months. Originally from the Pyrenees, they were made of canvas or cotton fabric uppers and a sole made of rope called jute.

No longer peasant footwear, you will find Espadrilles made by some of the finest designers. Today you will find them in a wide variety of materials, and heel heights from flats to platforms or high wedges. Jute remains the most popular material for the heels, especially today with more people looking for clothing made of eco-friendly material.

Those pictured here are the and have to be the most comfortable Espadrilles I have ever worn! It is made with jute/linen blends and textured cotton uppers. It has a very flattering peep toe opening and a delicate ankle tie. The wedge heel is wrapped in a two toned rope for an added twist! The cushy UGG finishing touch is a sheepskin forefoot, suede-covered foam heel and crepe outsole for the ultimate in comfort.

The job market is tough today, which makes the interview process much more competitive than it was a year or two ago. Many times, a large part of the decision to hire (or not to hire) an applicant is made based on first impressions – appearance being numero uno. When you’re given the head-to-toe assessment (and you will be), those shoes you decided to wear may say a lot to your prospective employer.

The type of dress code really depends on the industry and type of position you are interviewing for, but basically speaking, dressing conservatively is always the safest bet. Do your homework – find out the dress code and then dress accordingly. When in doubt conservative is the best route, overdressing is better than underdressing.

Neutral colors are best, nothing wild, or revealing. We won’t go into too much detail here since we’re about the shoes. Common sense should rule. If a suit is in order, then well-tailored in blues or greys would be best. Skirts should not be too short and stockings should be worn.

Jewelry should be kept to a minimum – that means no nose rings, or jingle jangle bangles – remember, conservative. Hair and nails should be neat and clean – no wild colors on either. Stay away from overpowering colognes or perfumes, as you want to knock ‘em out with your skills, not your smell.

As for shoes – this is not the time for flip-flops, clogs, strappy sandals, open toes or backless shoes. Keep it simple, with a professional-looking style that is closed all the way around. Heels should not be too high, nor should they be flats. A moderate heel that you are comfortable wearing is your best option. Finally, a solid-colored briefcase or handbag will complete the professional look.

Prom Night – One of the most important nights in a high school girl's life. The last thing you want to do is to dance the night away in agonizing pain! Consider comfort first when selecting the right style – your feet will thank you at the end of the night.

You want to look fantastic – of course. The right shoes can be as important as the dress, especially if it is short. Full-length dresses can get away with more, but those short numbers need just the right shoe.

Prom shoes can be made to match the color of your dress (dye-ables) – important for both long and short dresses. There are shoe styles that can draw attention away from large or wide feet and draw attention to your legs, if that is what you want.

There are many styles from which to choose, because there are many different kinds of feet, toes and legs in the world! What might look great on your best girlfriend may not be right for you, so keep that in mind.

Go with a style that is complimenting and comfortable. If you are comfortable in high heels, you will probably be fine – if you are not, then wearing them on one special night could end up in disaster. There are so many flattering styles available – high heel, low heel, flats, open toe, strappy sandals, even ballet style flats with stay-put ribbons that wrap up your calf.

Pick a style that best matches your dress, if glitzy and shimmering – go with the same look for your feet. For long dresses, consider shoes that match the color of your dress – if it is an unusual color, you might want to get dye-able shoes and have them colored to match, like this – Dyeables Misty – Women's Refined/Dress .
 

Planning your bridesmaids' attire for the big day? Don't forget about the shoes! Often overlooked, shoes can make (or break) the look you are after.  Most brides consult with their attendants about the style and color of dress to be chosen, taking into consideration each woman’s body type, what they would be comfortable wearing, etc., before making a choice.

Depending on the number of bridesmaids in your wedding, the decision can become very complicated.  Add the choice of shoes to the mix, and the stress level can skyrocket!

The best thing to do, is to keep it simple. An attractive shoe with a little bit of a heel (not too high and not flats) usually works best if your attendants are similar in height - if not, then you may want to consider different heel heights and their ability to wear them. The color of their dress is another consideration when selecting a shoe - their feet should all match and of course, coordinate with the dress.

Unless they are in agreement on the exact style of shoe, selecting a dyeable shoe might be the way to go. At one time, that was a very expensive route to take, however the changes in the dye process have made it more affordable today - and the good (money saving) thing is that they can be re-dyed to another color later, so they are not just a 'one event' shoe!