by Kerri Anne
When my good friend Jen wrote to Style Lush asking for shoe advice, I jumped at the chance to respond to her heel query, and not just because she's one of my favorite of all people.
Jen and I are both tall. I maintain Jen is taller than I am, while she maintains I'm taller than she is, but to make things simple I'll just say we both stand at about 5'11, sans shoes.
As you can probably imagine, finding work-appropriate heels that don't make one feel Amazonian when you're already taller than most women (and a lot of men) can definitely be a challenge.
Jen's specific specs:
I'm tall, so I've typically stayed away from really high heels, but I do like the way my legs look in heels. I want something that I can wear with skirts/dresses and tights, or with pants/slacks. I live in Seattle, so open-toe doesn't really work. I like a chunkier heel as well as a strap/buckle. I prefer real leather, and I'm open to a color other than my go-to black. Oh, and not too-too expensive, either. A tall bill to fill, I know.
Options in 3...2...1...
The Professional
I love the color of these heels and the fact that they're pretty much all business while still managing to be cute. They remind me of a briefcase for your feet, what you'd wear if you had many leather-bound books and your apartment smelled of rich mahogany.
Pierre Dumas Women's Anny-2 Pump {17.65 USD with free two-day shipping}
{Image credit: Endless.com}
The Happy Hour
If the shoe above is like a briefcase for your feet, than these are like a pin-striped suit.
Easy Street Women's Happiness Pump {19.99 USD and free two-day shipping}
{Image credit: Endless.com}
The "Look at me, look at me!" **
I love that these are called "Annie Shoes" because they actually remind me of something Annie from Community might wear. I think they're pretty awesome. Bright and bold, but not too high, heel-wise.
Annie Shoes Women's Dawn Pump {27.47 USD with free two-day shipping}
{Image credit: Endless.com}
The Sweet and Subtle
I dig the double straps and the one-inch heel, and think these would work well with dresses and dress pants and jeans alike.
Lifestride Marietta {39.20 USD}
{Image credit: Zappos.com}
The Pop of Color
I'm a firm believer that every shoe repertoire needs a heel in a bright, bold hue. And I love that these look like a sleeker version of the traditional Mary-Jane.
Gabriella Rocha Ginger {49.79 USD}
{Image credit: Zappos.com}
The Sophisticated
This shoe meets pretty much all of the initial requirements, and comes in basic black, or black shiny leather. It also sports a higher two-inch heel, for those big board meeting/presentation days.
Naturalizer Becca {55.20 USD}
{Image credit: Zappos.com}
The Rule-Breakers
1. I just think this shoe is lovely, and I'm listing it because it's super affordable, and reminds me of something Princess Diana would have worn. Also, I may or may not have just bought a pair for myself.
Easy Street Women's Heart Open-Toe Pump {19.95 US and free two-day shipping}
2. Again with the open-toe, but it was so adorable and springtime festive, I couldn't resist.
Etienne Aigner Women's Kambell Peep-Toe Espadrille {$59.95 USD with free two-day shipping}
{Image credits: Endless.com}
What do you think? Feel free to share your favorite go-to heels in the comments! The more options the merrier, my shoe closet always says.
