Seriously. Does it get any better? I got this in my e-mail box the other day from Martha, well Darcy Miller, her wedding go-to- girl, and HAD to share this with you. What a great idea! I mean… I could easily get carried away with this. Can you imagine? 

Personalized Bridesmaid/Bride/Everyday/Special Occasion Ribbon Shoes! Use narrow or wide ribbon (Solids, patterns, polka dots, gingham, stripes, the world is your oyster) to cover plain sandals. Craft stores like Michael’s and A.C. Moore often have ribbon sales- I got 5 spools for $1 each over the weekend! Or if you’re really looking for the perfect pattern ribbon head to specialty shops like M&J Trimmings in New York.

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Wide or Narrow ribbon (depending on the shoe)

2. Darning Needle (For shoes with buckles)

3. Fabric Glue

4. SHARP fabric scissors

5. Your favorite plain pumps, heels, wedges or sandals that need a little kick of fun

Lela Rose’s new collection for Payless is a perfect line because they come in lots of different styles that can be customized to look similar… but different for each bridesmaid!

Gloria Platform Sling $24.99 - Lela Rose for Payless

Diana T-Strap Pump $24.99- Lela Rose for Payless

Jackie Dress Sandal $24.99- Lela Rose for Payless

Imagine the possibilities!

If you own a pair of heels… and everyone should own at least one pair, you know that walking on soggy spring grass can completely ruin your shoes. I lost a pair of Nina Ricci’s last summer to a golf course in Maine… trust me. I know the pain of losing shoes.

But heels are heels. And everyone looks better in them. Taller, more confident and more beautiful. But if you’re having an outdoor ceremony or reception on grass… ladies all you’ll be doing is pulling yourself out of the ground while you aerate the lawn. 

Opt for flats or wedges instead. There are some cute options out there now too.

Rosette Sandal $78- J.Crew

 DSW has this look for less from XOXO- Rosebud Satin Flower for $34.95 in Purple, Black, Silver and Gold. 

Joley peep-toe shoes $128- J.Crew

Caribe Espadrilles- $88 J.Crew

Gillan Wedge- Lela Rose for Payless $38

McKim Wedge- Lilly Pulitzer $175

If you can’t bear the idea of losing the heels, (I know. I can’t.) invest in Solemates. These little plastic heel coverings come in clear and black and fit perfectly on the bottom of most heels. You can buy them online or at select retail locations around the country (There’s a list on their website).

It’s also not a bad idea to have some on hand for guests too. Put pairs of the Solemates in clear plastic earring bags with ribbons for guests to fit before they hit the grass. They’re reusable and cheaper than buying a new pair of shoes!

Solemates: High Heelers

You can always switch from flats and wedges to heels for the reception or vice versa. Odds are, if the party is that good… the shoes are going to come off anyway.

I love shoes. I really, really do. Shoes make me so happy. I have kind of a large foot which kills my undying desire for vintage pumps, but I still peruse the pages of Etsy on occasion because really it’s great and also because, well sometimes I get lucky. I also really, really love what Nine West has this season. Comfortable, hot shoes with unique patterns that fit and last.
Some of my favorites:

Nine West – Jojus Sandal $23.99 to $79 on Amazon.com

Nine West- Women’ Jym Sandal $55.97 on Amazon.com

Nine West- Juliarae Sandal $23.99 to $79.99 on Amazon.com

These all come in really great color combinations too. Greens & blues, oranges and pink, yellow and red,

Then there’s the ones I just dream about….

Caovilla Pink Leather Flower Pumps $796 on Bluefly

Alexandra Neel- Feather Trim Pumps $695 at Saks

Salvatore Ferragamo ‘Promis’ Slingback Pump at Nordstroms