I am not what you would describe as a fashionista. I like clothes, I admire certain designers and, like anyone, I fantasize about a closet the size of my apartment with a perfectly curated selection of color-coordinated clothing. Unforunately, in my profession, there’s not much use for stylish clothes. I wear a uniform of chef jackets, black leggings and kitchen shoes (horror!). Needless to say, my wardrobe is very utilitarian. Since I don’t have the freedom to express myself through my clothing on a daily basis, I can’t really justify putting a ton of cash towards that part of my life. I do, however, like to look for small ways to be playful with my weekend wardrobe that don’t cost a lot but make me smile and feel a little more special. I recently shared my affinity for enamel pins with you all, so today let’s talk about shoes.

Obviously, I have little need for sky-high pumps and sexy sling backs. The majority of my shoes need to be versatile actors. Not function over fashion, but rather the combination of the two. Stylish footwear that can support me through miles of walks with my dog. Casual sneakers. It’s such a fun crossover area of the fashion world. In the past few years the options have gotten more and more inspired, and they continue to afford the wearer the ability to pick up the pace if needed. With spring in full swing and summer quickly approaching, I decided to compile a list of my favorite choices for this, my favorite area of personal style.

First Column (top to bottom): Vans Leather Old Skool Zip, Zara Palm Tree Print Sneakers , Toms Chambray Stripe Camila High Sneakers, Keds X Kate Spade New York Champion Glitter, Converse Comme de Garçons Low Top Sneakers, Nike Floral Airmax 90 Jasmine Flowers

Second Column (top to bottom): Women’s Blazer Mid Suede Vintage Sneaker, New Balance for JCrew 696 Sneakers, Adidas Extaball W Sneakers, Keds Taylor Swift Champion Sneaky Cat, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Fringe Sneaker, Play Comme des Garçons Play Converse Pro Leather in White and Black Heart

Third Column (top to bottom): Vans Bananas Authentic, Pony Top Star Hi High Top Sneaker, ASOS DRAMA Suede Fringe Sneaker, Toms Grey Chambray Dot Altair Slip-Ons (Vegan), Puma Suede Mid Winterized Sneakers, Minna Parikka White Leather Bunny Ears & Faux Fur Tail Sneakers

There are some serious standouts here. I mean, shoes with bunny ears and a tail?! Incredible. Fringe on high tops? Yes please! And let’s not forget all the graphic prints these kicks are coming in nowadays. Palm leaves and bananas? I may just frame them and hang them on the wall! What I love most is that any of these styles would elevate a jeans and tee look to something totally fun and thoughtful. They may be the last thing you put on, but these shoes are definitely the first thing I’ll be thinking about next time I leave the house!

So what do you guys think? Are you into this trend? Or are your shoes just a footnote? 👟

Stepping towards a cuter summer wardrobe – Cassie