Reddit mentions: The best pumps for women

Hey Brittney! Finding shoes in the right size is sooo tricky! Personally, I wear a women’s size 11. I recommend measuring your feet just to be extra sure what size you are, since I usually wear men’s size 11 shoes... Then I actually used a measuring tape to measure my foot width and length to compare to this chart. From these measurements, I also found out that a wider shoe relative to my shoe size (namely C/D rather than the usual B) would fit me better.

Shopping around on amazon for heels, I made sure to tick my shoe size in the filters. I eventually found these pumps in my size 11 C/D for $25. They’re super basic and practical black leather pumps, but that price doe: it’s pretty hard to beat for new shoes. They fit me perfectly and are super easy to walk in. Also, even though larger sizes can get pretty expensive they’re $25 for size 13 pairs too! I’d totally recommend them. As someone who’s also starting out and only own this pair so far, I couldn’t be much happier with how they are for my first heels. Also, I definitely don’t think they make my feet look big, so if you’re worried about that, rest assured that they definitely make my feet look smaller than if I were wearing my Jordans 🙃

Anyways, definitely measure your feet if you haven’t already (maybe draw an outline on a sheet of paper and then go in on that). The Amazon pair I linked ya is pretty tough to beat at that prize for the sizing and the shipping speed. Check it out yo! Feel free to throw out any more questions you might have my way.

I’m really enjoying looking at everyone’s Stylish Surprise hauls, since Modcloth doesn’t have a “list of potential items” or anything, so I thought I’d share mine.

Dress (xl) - The brand is Gilli, looks like it’s basically this dress but with sleeves and in a different color. God, there is so much wrong with this dress. I’m calling it the “My Mom is Making Me Wear This to my Middle School Dance” dress. Featuring: showing-your-shoulders-is-a-sin sleeves, randomly panels that should really be one piece, and an awkward just-below-the-knee-so-your-legs-look-weird length. I do like ruching and the band in the middle, that bit looks good on my figure. Everything else? I’ve already mentally put this in the Goodwill pile

Apparel (xl) - OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. It’s a Steve Madden Winterberry Tart Coat and it’s soooo adorable. It’s a little more feminine than I usually wear and I probably wouldn’t have bought it for myself, but I love it. It fits perfectly and I’ve been saying I want a second winter jacket. My only complaint is the jacket weighs a ton. I’m hoping that translates to being super warm!

Shoes (8.5) - These are just…. not something I will ever, ever wear. They’re Report Footwear Lecrone Dress Pumps and I certainly think they’re good shoes that someone would love, but not me. I rarely wear heels and when I do, they’re not bright pink. If anyone is interested in swapping a different pair of 8.5s (or buying them), lemme know.

A few things:

1. Some cheaper-ish places to buy suits: Express, Victoria's Secret (of all places... I know...), The Limited (50% off right now!). I will say, though, that I'm not terribly big on poly suits - the elbows and butt tend to get very, uh, shiny after a month or two, and they wrinkle like nobody's business.
   
   
2. Banana Republic is a liiiittle pricier, but I've been able to snag an entire 4-season wool suit set (blazer, pants, skirt) for under 200 before with the help of some promo codes and "scratch-n-save" events in-store, so if you look out for sales it shouldn't come out to more than a suit from The Limited. I really like BR suits, actually - they fit well, are super-comfy, and the material doesn't wrinkle even if I've been sitting at a desk all day. Good stuff.
   
   
3. I'd ask your manager if it's OK to just wear a blazer and dress pants, even if it doesn't match. Stuff like that is really office-dependent, but the general rule as far as I've seen is that if a job requires a "suit", then yes - the tops and bottoms have to match, at least until you get a feel of what exactly the dress code at your particular office is like.
   
   
4. You can wear a sheath dress with a blazer, but they have to be matching fabrics to be considered a "suit" ;)
   
   
5. A note on color: I'd avoid black for your first two suits and get a nice dark navy and charcoal. Black suits have a tendency to bring out whatever else you're wearing (read: imperfections) and shows wrinkles/lint/etc. like whoa, plus in menswear at least it's a super "formal" color, to be worn only at funerals and fancy dinners. Oh, and most black fabrics turn a weird dark green under office lighting. Not flattering.
   
   
6. Can't really help ya on the shoes, since I avoid heels of any variety when I can and tend to stomp around in oxfords and loafers all day (I figure if the men in my office can wear cool wingtips, then so can I ;)). If you're looking for more "traditional" female office wear though, I know the brand is a little "old" but Naturalizer has the most freakin' comfortable pumps on the face of the earth. I have a pair of [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Naturalizer-NATURALIZER-Womens-Gusta-Pump/dp/B00L6609TE/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_11?ie=UTF8&refRID=1DH51CX0D8QCC8JSW954) and [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Naturalizer-CLAVA-Womens-Clava-Pump/dp/B004VQBBZM/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1V1AA8PJVEYK2YXTSA47) and they're the only heels I can walk around all day in, my Cole Haans got nothin' on these they're awesome.
   
   
7. Can't really help ya on the cool or edgy ways to style a suit either, I'm interested to know what other ladies do on this front too. I work in a really, really conservative office where I'm the only woman so my entire business wardrobe basically looks like a man's. It'd be nice to see what options I'd have to jazz things up ;)
   
   Edit: Corporette.com. Go and read, I promise it's good!

First off, I LOVE your color palette. LOVE it. If I didn't already have my wedding planned, I'd steal it. :)

Also, you're dress is absolutely magnificent. Let's accessorize!

You're first, Miss Bride!

1 Shoes
I love these shoes and I think they would go great with your dress!

2 Shoes
These are also pretty freakin fabulous!

3 Shoes
These could be good since it's a garden wedding and in June.

Veil/Headpiece:

1 Headpiece
I think a birdcage veil would be perfect with this dress and the garden theme.

2 Headpiece
This one is nice too because it's an easy headband!!

3 Headpiece
A fascinator could be a neat way to accessorize too!

Hair:

1 Hair
I think this is just the right amount of whimsical and elegance!

2 Hair
This could also work well!

Bridesmaids!
I love the bridesmaids dresses! They are just great!

Shoes

Bracelet
I love the idea of this bracelet with those dresses!


Hope I helped a bit!

Some ideas for you. None of this is considering what your budget or their budget will or won't handle.

1. It is a MUST for your roommate and her friend to go to the spa and get mani/pedi and their hair/makeup done. For hair, a blowout with curls is MUCH better than an updo for example. For nails, suggest they opt for a dark red or black color for this, because you want CONTRAST in your pics. For makeup, tell them to not be afraid to go bolder or more dramatic than they normally would for "daytime" or "work" wear. Extra mascara or false lashes are A-OK for this kind of shoot... This is a boudoir photo shoot, not snapshots in the garden, after all.
   
   
2. Suggest they have a glass of wine before you start. Not get drunk, but a glass to relax and loosen up a little.
   
   
3. Outfits: Allow the girls to get a couple outfit changes. Yandy.com has some great stuff that is not overly expensive. There are probably other stores too, but that's one I know of for boudoir shoot clothes.
   
   3a) Shoes: This is the time for new shoes. Imagine spending all the time, money, and everything getting hair, makeup, nails, new outfits, but then you take a picture where a high heel is in the frame, and you see that it's scuffed or well worn on the sole. It will distract. If the girls are more daring, they can get some really sexy (dare I say "stripper" style) shoes on Amazon... something like these or a more conservative dressy/sparkly sandal heel like this or even more conservative, like this, in black. TL;DR: Make sure they get new shoes for the shoot.
   
   
4. Speaking of outfits, suggest that the girls not wear a bra earlier in the day to avoid leaving strap marks when they change into their outfits. They can take this advice or leave it, but I always recommend to avoid anything with straps at least a few hours before the shoot. It's odd being a guy suggesting this to a female without sounding like a perv, but just be professional about it.
   
   
5. Friend or not, have an assistant (definitely not another male) that can assist with lighting, being a spotter (e.g. balancing the other end of the ladder if you go up high on to shoot down at her), and as a witness for you in case of any accusations of inappropriate behavior later. I was shooting a bride before the wedding, and realized I was in a room alone with her, and afterwards I realized I was pretty vulnerable if she would have made any kind of accusations. Your situation may be completely different, but you did say she's a new roommate, so I don't know how well you know this girl. So just a word of caution there.
   
   
6. There are some creative things you can do - such as using a piece of cut out pantyhose as a lens filter, which can make some really cool dreamy looks. example here - scroll down to #5 or this article here which has a few other special effect ideas that would work well for boudoir. Also, follow the other advice: Long lens = more flattering, short lens = less flattering. If you can shoot 50mm or longer, that would be much preferred to shooting with the short end of a 18-55 kit lens.
   
   
7. Invest some time Googling Boudoir Photography websites -- the other photographers that do this as a business do a pretty good job showcasing their work. Study, and learn their posing, camera angles, lighting, room setup, and so on. Most of these folks have a Pinterest board -- study them. Print them out, or whatever, and make a plan that you can stick to.
   
   
8. The other suggestion by /u/theflyingmoose -- get a hotel room or other suitable private setting, if you want to PM me your location, I can scout some out and be specific. Being generic, look for anything downtown, historic, and something like that. I'll follow the rule I give for scouting shoot locations in general: find something very old or very new. Each will have pros and cons, but it's a decent rule of thumb.
   
   
9. I just realized it's not clear from your post text... are you shooting the girls together? Or is this two separate shoots? If they're together, still shoot each of them separately, and then do a few together. Don't do the whole shoot of them together, without getting them solo. If it's not supposed to be a together shot, don't even suggest they take any pictures together unless they bring it up.
   
   
10. Also, as /u/theflyingmoose says, treat it like any other professional/paid job -- Especially as it comes to delivering the final product to them. I would highly suggest against just giving them the JPGs. What are they gonna do? Take them to Walmart and print a bunch of 4x6s? Likely not. You should come up with a package that you can pre-assemble on paper (e.g. we will take your best N pictures, and from them we will print 3 8x10s, 4 5x7s, and a mounted enlargement at 12x18, which your cost in will be whatever it is, but for what I've listed here is not around $30 in cost at someplace like Mpix/MpixPro (most of that is the enlargement)... you get the idea. Don't do all this work with hair and makeup and outfits and the hotel room, and have the final output be just digital files on a USB stick. The incremental cost to make the final output really special is quite small considering the preparation that went into this.
    
    Lastly, feel free to PM me any specific questions on this if you like.

I go to a gym regularly and have friends there, even the girl I dated most recently goes there. If I showed up with shaved legs it would cause a stir for sure hah. So, I don't know about that quite yet. I wish though!

I wish I was skinny as fuck. I have kind of a muscular build so even when I am skinny I weigh 185. I would hope on HRT I would lose most of that muscle mass and drop considerable weight, and my frame would shrink up too hopefully. I don't know if that would ever let me pass, have to try and hope hah. Too bad they don't have surgery to make your bones shorter hahaha. That's terrible.

So here are the shoes.

http://www.amazon.com/Pleaser-TEEZE-06W-Womens-Teeze-06W-Pump/dp/B00DF110CI

I know they are totally unrealistic haha, but they are just for in private, so who cares. I always get jealous of the girls I see in these type of heels. It's funny, I notice women's fashion so much, since even a young age. I am kind of an ok dresser for a guy, because no matter how hard you try, it's not that fun anyways, but if I had been a girl, my goodness, fashion would have been such a passion. These shoes come in sizes above 10 too, all the way up to 15, and are in wide, if anyone else is looking for not dorky looking shoes in big sizes. I hope they fit. I was going to try getting a twelve, and squeezing my foot in, to just be even that little bit not as monstrous, but the reviews all say it runs really really small for this brand, so I went with 13, two sizes up.

I wish I had a sister. I feel like they usually are probably the best support for anyone going through a transition. Plus, it would be awesome to have a friend to help with makeup and clothes and just to hang out with and be comfortable enough around to act girly long before being able to go out in public like that. Sigh, haha.

This top

With these pants

And this blazer

and to top it off...

get these pumps

It doesn't even break the bank and with all the colors you can mix and match and accessorize with jewelry and look different every day.

This outfit goes from the board room to the dance floor with ease. Also, they are durable as hell, for instance, the white one of the tank top I spilled an entire glass of red wine on while I was dancing the night away after work. Threw it in the wash after throwing some shout on it - like brand new.

I also try to stick to chiffon for shirts for two reasons. First, they lay nicely on everyone, and second, if you spill something on it, you can run to the bathroom, shout pen it, rinse, and then stick it under the hand dryer and it's like you never spilled your coffee on you for the millionth time this year. (This will also work for pit stains if it gets too hot, have your friend hold the door, take off the shirt, run it under the hand dryer, LIKE NEW.)

These items go on sale ALL the time at Amazon. I only buy the tank tops when they are $7.99 for instance. Install camel camel on your browser and set a price watch for them.

Bonus, if you're in a colder room and the tank isn't your thing, you can substitute this blouse, which also looks amazing on everyone and professional AF

Another bonus, if the boot cut pants are too "professional", you can dress the tops down with jeans or these leggings which manage to hold you in all day long without riding down.

I am obsessed with Amazon style in general. Almost everything has free returns if you have prime, so I order a ton of stuff, see what fits, and then send back what I don't like. It's great. People compliment me on my outfits all the time and I am like muahahhahahhaha, I didn't even pay a ton of money for this. <3

It's not terrible, but it's pretty middle-aged/utilitarian. You can find plenty of cuter short heels, or exceptionally comfortable taller heels. Rockport has a line of 3-4" heels with Adidas insoles that are stupidly comfortable and cheap, and if you look into slightly more pricy heels, you get into surprisingly comfortable territory quickly, too.

If you want fairly original, not very expensive shoes, also look at Poetic Licence. Many of their shoes are downright ridiculous, but they're remarkably fun, really comfortable, and never ever frumpy. I own these and these, as well as a few others, and I could easily walk several miles in them.

I had a knee injury a few years ago and ended up having to wear flats for about 2 years. Had to re-learn how to walk in heels. Here's a few tips...

Easy shoes! Such as a pair with a low heel, no platform, wide heel (don't mess with stilettos they take a lot more balance). Easiest things I went for first were wedges with straps to hold the shoes on the foot. Straps also add a lot of stability and keep the shoe from slipping off your foot. Also look at the level of incline from the ball of the foot to the heel, the sharper the incline the farther forward the shoe will push your center of balance. Here's a link to my favorite pair of shoes that I know I can walk around in for ages. The straps hold the shoe on with ease, the heel itself is not too high and wide enough for stability, and the ball of the foot is amazingly flexible.

Practice! Once you've found a pair of shoes that fit well and feel comfortable (at least somewhat! Don't want something that's going to give you a blister after 30 minutes), get to walking. Walk around the house through hallways so you have a wall handy if you feel the need for added balance. Also good to practice in the grocery store, as you have a cart to hold on to for balance.

The more you walk in the heels the stronger your ankles and knees will get. Balancing on heels works all the fine motor skills in your knees as your center of balance has shifted from where it normally is when wearing flats. Also keep an eye on your ankles, as weak ones will fold inward. Try doing some ballet stretches to strengthen the muscles.

As SugarForYourGasTank pointed out, walking with good posture is MANDATORY. It helps keep everything aligned and helps with confidence. The more you feel confident wearing sexy shoes the better you'll look. Watch other women, watch yourself in a mirror, and with a little effort you'll be strutting in no time!

So for a slightly witchy aesthetic before turning costume, I think some things to look for would be a lace up front, pointed/almond toe, and some elegant detailing.

A black bootie with a lower heel and some leather detail.

Slightly taller, less detail, more pronounced pointed toe

A block heel, ankle boot with lace up from in several neutral colors

This one is a little more sturdy looking, almost industrial

Taller shaft, neutral colors, pointed toe

A bit more basic, but nice color selection and shape

ankle bootie, leather detailing, simple colors

Another strappy boot

low shaft pointed toe

Some nice braid detail, nice color options

Not sure how to describe this one but it feels like it fits

Also, if you're interested, I think some heeled oxford shoes or shoeties would be nice for what you're looking for aesthetic wise and comfort. A black shootie with some shiny patent toes or another with some nice texture.

Oh my friend do I have the shoe for you. I just discovered it on amazon a week ago and they are the most comfortable kitten heel ever.

They are for someone with really particular taste, it’s a pointed slightly upturned toe, and a wavy heel with a sexy little slit in top that mimics a dress slit. I think they are the perfect mix of quirky and sexy. But it’s either your style or it isn’t.

Ellie Shoes Women's 301-VIVIAN Pump, Black, 10 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8T45FK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3mWyCbM4H3ECQ

Also if you have a wider foot this is shoe is a gift.

I hope this works 🖤 congrats on the upcoming nuptials!

This plunging bra may work. Defiantly something that plunges in the front.

Maybe with all this sparkle you won't have to worry about matching whites.

A nice simple sheer stocking, so the don't overpower but just offsets some killer shoes and that dress.

This garter belt comes with panties and stockings to match, all in a pale pink.

Bonus or panties this set is sexy and pretty and pink and you wouldn't need a garter, or gift for him!

Start small and lube well.

With all this fun, your gift should probably be something more personal than an I can think up.

Other random advise, if you want it, try to stick to nude or your skin toned under garments, they won't show through a whit dress like black or even white will. Happy Aniversary!

Edit* for raffle
VAT should probably stop with the complicated contests. Thanks for the reminder!

And it looks like the whole VS site it down, maybe nightly maintenance?

Amazon has a million shoes, like: This super cute pair with a slightly thicker heel. These are much simpler, but the suede is nice. The silver button on these is a little weird, but they're adorbz otherwise.

ModCloth always has a bunch of super cute shoes, if you don't mind the high price. This for example. Other retro-style websites like Unique Vintage will have equally cute but equally expensive shoes.

Of course, there's also eBay. These ones have a waisted heel (rather than a thin one) they've got that '70s vibe. These are a little fetish-y (what with the patent leather and all) but still cute.

Hope this helps!

Wow. I wish that's all I had to do to my hair. I look like Madonna circa 1988 without spending at least an hour on it so it stays in a bun most days.

Just looked in my Amazon cart / previous purchases and found a few shoes that I love... In case you want to take a peek.

Leopard stilettos - I have these and LOVE them! I had a pair of $300 Stuart Weitzman ones that I wore to the ground and got these as a replacement. A fraction of the cost and they are actually comfortable.
(https://www.amazon.com/Heels-Women-Pumps-Pointed-Stiletto/dp/B07PM4CBPV?ref_=ast_bbp_dp&th=1&psc=1)

Ankle strap - Haven't purchased these yet because I can't decide which color I want. I love the black with the silver and the gold ones.
(https://www.amazon.com/Herstyle-Mesmerizing-Sandal-Stilleto-enbellishments/dp/B0773WRF9M/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=black+and+silver+heels&qid=1574791136&sr=8-8)

Jessica Simpson Ankle Strap - LOVE THESE SHOES! Casual enough to wear with jeans and a cute top but dressy enough to wear with any LBD and look fabulous. Plus, the price point is amazing for JS shoes.
(https://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Simpson-Womens-Rayli-Dress/dp/B017A8FF5O/ref=sr_1_79?dchild=1&keywords=black%2Band%2Bsilver%2Bheels&qid=1574791174&sr=8-79&th=1)

1. Bra--It's a U-shaped plunge, which I think would work best. Plus I love Maidenform!
   
   
2. I'm thinking you need some sexy platform heels for this dress. These are cute, and super cheap!
   
   
3. I love tights with backseams! Here's a pair that's a bit bolder. This pair has a really pronounced backseam, which I love.
   
   
4. These are adorable. Love the blue.
   
   
5. Not sure what to do for this one. I like... vibrators?? ha ha
   
   
6. Get him a nice mouse! I bought my husband this one for Christmas and he's using it right now :D This one is a bit spendy at $50, but he loves it.
   
   Anniversary story -- it's happening right now :) My husband has never been awesome at gifts, and he's always felt really bad about it. Sometimes he just wouldn't get me anything at all, or say he would later and then never do it... anyway, he overheard me talking to some friends about how it kind of makes me sad, and he's been stepping up since the first of this month. Our anniversary is on the 14th, and i've been getting little gifts every day with a number countdown on each one :)

You're gorgeous!

I think you would look amazing in this. I LOVE this and think you would look gorgeous in any of the colors. (For some reason I think blue would look really great on you. Also, I think this is pretty classy. &&&& I LOVE these wedges & think they would go with almost anything.

By the way, I know this isn't modest at all but I think you should buy it because you'd look absolutely stunning.

Thanks for the contest!

Tell me I'm pretty.

these are the best i could drum up, good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dshoes&field-keywords=qupid%20womens%20potion

http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Antonio-Womens-Loveme-Satin-Pump/dp/B007NDD17G/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_28?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XBMC3AM9RZ7D2RQGQ92

http://www.amazon.com/Betsey-Johnson-Womens-Platform-Yellow/dp/B005KR22SQ/ref=sr_1_38?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1395456697&sr=1-38&keywords=neon+platform+shoe

http://www.amazon.com/Ellie-Shoes-Womens-420-Jem-Pump/dp/B005KPMNFK/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_11?ie=UTF8&refRID=0EMAS6571NG551YT91WY

Blue by Betsy Johnson has a lot of rose gold shoes. I bought Stela in champagne from amazon, and they're pretty comfortable. There's also some really embellished flats in the collection if you'd prefer those. I know a lot of department stores around me carry her shoes, so maybe you can find them in store?

Hmm I may be a little late to the party BUT I have some colorful accessories :)

Dress is pretty traditional, but I plan on wearing these heels (in "Peacock") for the ceremony, and these boots for the reception!

If you can't find them in your size, maybe go a half-size up as a compromise? I mean, you can strap it in and stuff the toes of the shoe with a sock/stockings...

Dillards

Amazon

As a note, it says that Amazon does have 6.5 size....