Sometimes I get into a fashion mood or phase where I am just wearing the same jeans, the same neutral jackets, the same neutral shirts, and really only have the creative energy to express my alleged joy and vibrance through statement shoes.

In the summer, though, I make big plans to walk everywhere and tend to do less going out and more entertaining at home and staying in. Less time for impressive shoes – if it’s warm, I am barefoot! If I am walking around, I have some good sandals or flip flops.

white knit and statement shoes

Source: We Make The Cake

But it’s not summer. My layers and my boyfriend’s socks mean it is the dead of winter, and now is the perfect time to bust out your most fun, awesome shoes because the rest of you is covered in thick layers of wool and probably the comforter from your bed.

Maybe it’s just me, but finding cute closed-toe shoes seems to be kind of a huge feat… one I haven’t accomplished very many times. So many amazing shoes are sandal style or peep-toe, but I need closed-toe statement shoes for my Pacific Northwestern winters!

the black feather leopard print heels

Source: The Black Feather

The criteria for these shoes: they must look awesome with a basic top and jeans.

If they don’t make those two everyday basics into a full outfit, they are not awesome enough. Statement heels only! (But good statements, not tacky ones, ok?)

On second thought, tacky ones are fine. Go ahead. In fact, let’s start with that.


ASOS Silver Slip On Sneakers

Steve Madden Quilted Leather Ecentrqc Slip on Sneakers

ASOS Dialog Sneakers, $47.38 at ASOS
Steve Madden Ecentrcq Sneakers, $62 at Swell

You know, I have never been a fan of slip-ons, but something about how basically flashy these are makes me feel like pulling them off wouldn’t be very hard. The quilted faux leather pair, in particular, seem like they would go with just about everything.

Crown Vintage Daphne Wedge

Crown Vintage Delight Wedge, $49.50 at DSW

There will always be a soft spot in my heart for a) wedges and b) wingtip-inspired designs.

Seychelles Rule of Thumb D’Orsay Flats, were $110 now $79.95 at Anthropologie

Saw these and instantly fell in love. A fraction of that love was due to Anthropologie’s product photo voodoo, but the rest is due to the mint color of these flats. Usually the rhinestones would make me step away, but with the mint leather it just looks like mermaids. Normal mermaids.

(Just realized how ironic mermaid shoes are.)

Moving on.

American Rag Mary Janes

American Rag Jessie Mary Jane Pump, $59.50 at Macy’s

I included this seemingly basic black shoe as a statement shoe because, no, I am not over the 1990s and yes, I still believe that a black mary-jane looks good with just about everything. These are really curvy and fluid, too, which makes them stand out.

Steven by Steve Madden Elka D’Orsay Flats, were $99 now $52.50 at Last Call Neiman Marcus

I thought it would be really, really rude to show a picture of gorgeous leopard shoes on a beautiful blogger and then not include any indulgent leopard print in the actual finds. There’s something about these d’orsay flats (like the mint Seychelles above) that have me kind of transfixed.

Sam and Libby Green Ankle Boots

Sam & Libby Deanna Heeled Bootie, $44.99 at Target

Yes yes yes yes yes ye- these are kind of my favorite. I have to be careful, though, because I’m so obsessed with this green shade at this point that it’s easier than it should be to leave the house looking like a grunge Teletubby. But these would look amazing with blue jeans, no jeans, tights, leggings… And that price is amazing!

Probably watching Netflix.