Buy Wildly Impractical Shoes: 30 Days to Gorgeous Mom Style

For those of you who are counting, today is day 22 of my 30 Days to Gorgeous Mom Style Series, and this is the third post about shoes. Excessive? Perhaps. Obsessive. Certainly. And with good reason. Shoes are awesome. And awesome shoes are more awesome. (Yes, you can quote me on that!) And so while I can show you all the essential boxes to check when picking a timeless pair of black pumps, and give you a shopping list of 12 essential shoes that every woman should own, I honestly find all the rules a little stifling. Yes, the practical wear with everything shoes are essential, but so, in my opinion, is fun and frivolity and glamour. And it’s something we have too little of in our lives as moms.

Fortunately, fun can be bought. Take my J. Crew “Penelope” mary janes, above. I bought them a few years back, not knowing whether I would ever wear them or what I would wear them with… And I wear them weekly. At least. More if I can manage it. Now, I wish I had bought them in every color. Don’t let this kind of tragedy befall you. Because J. Crew doesn’t make them anymore, and I have been searching for another pair for years, to no avail. Anyway, my point is: Always buy the shoes. if you are on the fence about a pair that seems too high or too bright or too sparkly or whatever, buy them. They are instant outfit makers.

The internet is flooded with images of women in basic outfits and amazing shoes. Striped tee, cutoffs and cool boots. Jeans, white button-down and gorgeous pumps. All black outfit and beautiful slingbacks. A closet full of great basics comes to life with gorgeous, stop-and-stare shoes. Not convinced? Maybe these pictures will help sway you. Here, the most gorgeous, wildly impractical shoes I’ve found, and there’s one to suit your taste and budget.

Pink shoes with a bow aren’t just for little girls anymore. The sleek, unexpected style of these pumps from Nine West looks gorgeous with a skirt or dress. Nine West “Janiel” pumps, $33, Amazon

These printed pumps are a take on the famed Valentino “Rockstud” pumps, but they’re so affordable. With all of the colors in this print, you’ll be amazed at how much you can wear them with. Sully’s “Adora” pumps in Blue Floral, $35, Amazon.

An animal print, a floral, and a bauble. Yes, yes and yes! The subtle colors make this surprisingly wearable. Nine West “Glover” pumps, $89, Amazon

This perfect pump is dusted with glitter in every shade imaginable. A sparkle-loving girl’s dream come true. (Warning: If you have daughters, they will try to steal these). Kate Spade “Licorice Too” pump in Multi Glitter, $230, Amazon

A pair of super sparkly metallic pumps should be mandatory for every stylish mom. Michael Kors “Sinclair” pump, $55, Amazon.

A big bow and a pretty print make these standouts surprisingly versatile. Betsey Johnson “Malissa” pump, $150, Amazon

If you’re not ready for full-on metallic, ask yourself why? Are you afraid to sparkle? Then buy these, which are fabulous adn might help you get over your fear of flash. Casadei “Bow” pump, $250, Amazon.

Who can resist shoes with eyelashes? I mean, really? And you can totally rationalize the price because the neutral colors go with everything. Alice & Olivia “Stacey” pump, $360, Zappos

Yes, I know they’re expensive, but they go with practically everything, so in theory, they are like 5 shoes, which makes them practically a bargain. Sophia Webster “Lilico” sandals, $595, Net a Porter

These printed leather pumps from J. Crew have a sensible heel, which makes them pretty practical, if you think about it. J. Crew “Stella” pumps, $260, Net A Porter.

The hardest part of writing this was narrowing it down to only 10 pairs of shoes. I could go on. And on. Adorable, wildly impractical shoes are everywhere, and they make your wardrobe complete, so you should buy some. Trust me.