Finding "The Shoe" that does it all

—Ashley, Lori's staff and creator of Stiletto Chic

Most women come into Lori's looking for the infamous "all-purpose" shoe.  The shoe that dresses it up or down. This is no small feat, but it can be done!

The key is to think outside of the box. Try not to let your current items restrict you. The right shoe can transform your look. Know your wardrobe. What items do you have in your closet? What items do you wear regularly? Are you a skinny jean and oversized top kind of girl or a cardy and wideleg jean woman? What is your idea of dressing "up" or "down" anyway?

When transitioning from day to play, most women are concerned with comfort. This is where platforms shine. They are easy on the feet and always at the top of my list. If you don’t want to go sky-high for daily wear, a chunky heel is perfect for transitioning. If you are not into heels, flats can be a dressy alternative.

And what about the boot? I have never met a Lori's woman who doesn't love boots. They are a necessity. Find the right one and seamless A.M. to P.M. transitioning is a breeze!

I had a woman say "If I had a different life I'd so own that shoe." Who says you can't? Some buys don't always make sense at the moment, but I've never regretted a shoe purchase—they all serve a purpose! Be daring! Here are a few of my fave day to play pairs:

Classic Day to Night look with Le Pepe 147 - Black Napa (Italian Exclusive - only at Lori's)

Glamor Girl Day and Night look with Pour la Victorie - Irina

Industry Chic Day and Night look with Caparros Ole

Boho styling Day and Night look with Lamica Calis (Italian Exclusive - only at Lori's)

Calling All Mavens! Help Lori Buy This Shoe.

The future will be pointy, at least if we have anything to do with it. Pointy pumps, like the J. Renee Masela at left, are a super-trendy, must-have shoe for fall.

For the past season or so we've become increasingly interested in stripped-down, basic pieces that are well-made and elegant in form. This clean, straightforward pump epitomizes that. At three inches the heel is an easy wear. The toe is feminine, sexy and stylish. And the price is right.

We've had daily requests in the stores and online to stock more and more classic pumps. Expect demand to gain steam throughout the summer.

Given how much our customers want the shoe, we thought we'd also let you help buy it. The Masela comes in black patent, black napa leather, dark navy patent, garnet napa, pewter, bronze, bottle green and camel. What color will you be wearing? Take the poll below and Lori will make sure we stock the color that gets the most votes. It's your chance to advise the buying team and help us bring this great trend into the stores for fall!

Spring Preview: Structural Integrity

The Mella by Calvin Klein (left in black) has arrived (online soon). The python patterned leather and short wedge heel are lively and fun, as is the silver insole, but what really motivated us was the sharp, structured cutouts on the wide T-strap and ankle.

This structured revelation of the foot feels very sharp and new, yet also a touch retro as if the ghost of Bauhaus has risen from the grave and came out sporting these kittens. We love the math of this shoe: the deliberateness of it is sexy and bespeaks a wearer who knows how to put together a look.

But Mella isn't the only shoe taking a turn for the Euclidian. In fact, it seems to be quite a trend. And no one, as usual, is internalizing and reinterpreting a trend like one of our favorite designers, Pour La Victoire.

We are OBSESSED with the Bianca by Pour La Victoire. This 4-1/2" pump with platform is going to be huge. It is in our spring deliveries and we've put a rush on it because we want it here NOW and FAST.

The geometry wows us. The shootie upper, punched with asymmetrical shapes, feels decidedly structural and architectural. It reminded us of Prada's flagship store in Tokyo or Rem Koolhaas's library in Seattle. And especially of the windows in Le Corbusier's Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut Ronchamp. And, like those windows, Bianca stragetically reveals your foot while the acid green leaher insole adds luminescence and glow.

We love this trend because it feels so deliberate and purposeful. Just by sporting this look, you instantly add relevence to your look; it dresses up your outfit. We think you can draw a straight line right through these shoes to a hot, current look that's a change-up from fall's covered up tall boots and shooties.