Wedges or Espadrilles? Why Not Both?

I am happy to report that my favorite style of shoes, wedges and espadrilles, are still going to be "cool" for Spring 2012.  They were all over the runway at New York Fashion Week...top designers like Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs all included wedges and espadrilles into their Spring 2012 lines.

Spring Trend #8 - ranks high on my list, as well, because these beauties-of-a-shoe make my legs look longer & leaner and they thin out my ankles.  When it comes to shoes, you can't ask for much more than that!  Well okay, maybe comfort, but that is the beauty of wedges and espadrilles...they are comfortable too!

So far we have confirmed that wedges and espadrilles are trendy, slimming and comfortable...now let's talk about their versatility. These shoes can be dressed up, down, worn with dresses, shorts, pants, jeans, swimsuits...they are truly a staple in every woman's closet and will complete any Spring outfit.

Let's take a look at some fun and festive styles that I put together.  And guess what, yep, you're right...most of these shoes are less than $80.00.  They can all be purchased right now in stores or online from some of my favorite "fashion on a budget" designers like Steve Madden, Nine West, Chinese Laundry and Jessica Simpson.  If you see a wedge or espadrille that you like, just click on it to go straight to the retailer's website.  Happy shopping!

Metallics & Sparkles

Sandals by BC Footwear
Wedges by Delia's

This first set is all about the metallic trend that we talked about last week in my "No Heavy Metal Here" post.  Every girl needs to have one pair of metallic wedges or espadrilles.  I promise, you have more to wear with these than you think.  Go ahead, sparkle & shine!

Wild Side Explorer

Sandals by Asos
Wedges by Naughty Monkey

The shoes featured above will be sure to bring out the wild side in you.  The Luxe Safari Trend is back by popular demand for Spring 2012.  These will definitely make a fashion statement...and they are EVERYWHERE.  Don't be left out.

Fun, Bright & Bold

Wedges by Lucky Brand
Platforms by Jessica Simpson

Bold colors are in for Spring 2012, they go great with floral dresses, polka dot skirts and striped tops.  Be daring and fun. 

Neutral Classics

Pumps by Chinese Laundry
Wedges by Nine West

Okay, time to tone it down a little...the wedges and espadrilles featured above are a MUST.  Please make sure you have at least TWO neutral pairs of these shoes in your closet for Spring 2012.  They are classic, can be worn anywhere (even the beach) and go with everything (even a swimsuit).

Working Girl

Pumps by Seychelles
Wedges by Chinese Laundry

Last but not least, we all need a pair or 2 or 3 or heck why not 4, for our work attire.  Wedges and espadrilles are slacks best friend.  They are also magnificent with pencil skirts and dresses.  Make work more fun...you will be in envy in your office.

I hope each and every one of you found at least one pair of shoes in this post that you are rushing out to purchase.  I am glad I could help!  

Cheers to wedges, espadrilles and shoes in general!  I 'm so glad I'm a girl and I that I can toast to things like this!

Shanna Schneider

The Bold and the Beautiful

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Mine was fab...hung out with friends and family and watched the Houston Texans win their first playoff game! Can I say...on our way to the Super Bowl?

Now down to business...do you yearn to be BOLD and BEAUTIFUL? Well, Because Shanna Said So, has you covered. Spring 2012 Trend #6 is all about bright, bold, electric, I need my sunglasses for this, colors. The hues you should focus on are tangerine/orange, blue and yellow. Vibrant pinks and orchid purples will also hot this upcoming season.

These colors will assist you with color blocking skills, one of the Spring 2012 trends we discussed last week. They are so fun and shout out, "I am BOLD and I am BEAUTIFUL"! 

Today, I have decided to focus these fab Spring colors: orange, electric blue and yellow.

What other color shades should you pair with these fashion-forward statements? You can take a look at the trusty color wheel I showed you previously, or I will go ahead and tell you!


Orange - paired best with purple, red, dark pink, brown, white and navy.


Blue - paired best with tan, charcoal grey, red, orange and olive green.


Yellow - paired best with purple, charcoal grey, deep brown and royal blue.


Of course, metallic blends (another trend we chatted about last week) will all look amazing with the featured colors.  When wearing orange and yellow stay way from too much black.  You don't want to look like a Halloween decoration or a bumble bee.

As you know, my postings are all about being trendy on a budget. So, I put together some ideas to guide you on your way to a rainbow of colors...I stole that from Skittles. ;) All of the items are under $100.00...most of them are under $50.00. If you see something you can't live without, just click on the image and it will take you directly to the retailer's site. There is surely something for everyone.

Take my word...."The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades".

Cheers! 

Shanna Schneider

Orange 2012

Day Dresses by Silence & Noise
Platforms by Two Lips

Electric Blue 2012

Tanks by ADAM by Adam Lippes
Platforms by Michael Antonio

Canary Yellow 2012

Mini Skirts by Victoria's Secret
Boots by Kamik