Yes, believe it or not, old lady wallpaper can make for some pretty awesome shoes – in the right hands of course. It’s spring, so we’re seeing lots of florals, but don’t go with the first bright bouquet that catches your eye. We’re so excited to jump into the flowers that we don’t always stop to smell the roses. The truth is that some of them are not so sweet smelling. There is a fine line to toe, and here is where I draw it in the sand.
Charlotte Olympia Miranda Satin Wedge Sandals: Playful is good and you can always count on Olympia for that. Sure, she goes overboard sometimes, but that’s up for you to decide for yourself! Here’s a vintage print that Zooey Deschanel would rock with aplomb (and a flirty dress, no doubt). On My Theresa for $769.
Gucci Floral Canvas Mary Jane Pump: I’ve always loved this print, but it was too much on the wedge version. Here your feet step into just the right amount of foliage. At Bergdorf Goodman for $695.
Saint Laurent Tribute Slingback Pump: With such a large platform, it’s always safe to go with a minimal print (this would be surprisingly beautiful wallpaper for a bathroom – Hedi Slimane, are you reading this?). And oh yeah – these are on sale! On Farfetch for $481.92 (from $688.45).
Dolce & Gabbana Printed Satin Sandals: These are a bit tricky. They’re meant to be the centerpieces of an outfit, so I would pair them with a solid color dress – the shorter, the better. On NET-A-PORTER for $995.
Giuseppe Zanotti Satin Striped Floral Pump: The addition of graphic stripes makes florals look fresh and youthful (and also easier to coordinate!). Stay sophisticated with these. The tropical flowers mean no clashing muumuu floral-style prints on top (which is a general rule to live by anyway). At Neiman Marcus for $1,150.
And here’s how not to plant your florals. Really, no words are necessary. A picture can reveal a thousand unspoken words of disgust. Somehow not a single pair of these has hit the clearance rack yet, but I imagine it’s only a matter of minutes. I’m sorry to include Brian Atwood on the list, but even he will count those laced-up neon booties as unnatural disasters by the end of the season (when they’re all shipped back to where they came from).
Rupert Sanderson Kibo Peep Toe Wedges: On My Theresa for $760.
UGG Australia Embroidery Mid Boots: On My Theresa for $352.
Rag & Bone Sloane Floral Platform Sandal: At Bergdorf Goodman for $575.
B Brian Atwood Floral-Print Satin Bootie: At Bergdorf Goodman for $495.