I prefer heels 90% of the time but they are doing some serious damage to my feet! My toes cramp like little T-Rex arms and I hobble around the house yelping in pain. It’s super attractive. So needless to say, my feet are on board with the sneaker trend. And let’s be real, they are way more practical anyway. I’m even wearing them to the office more and more now that I have a sit/stand desk. It’s impossible to stand on 4 inch heels for more than an hour at a time, and I can’t exactly just slip off my heels and go barefoot because <if we are keeping it real> my feet STIIIIINK! Like stink to the point where I have to soak them when I get home from work sometimes just to get the odor out. True story. The last thing I need is to get an email from HR telling me to keep my shoes on because they’ve received too many complaints about the stench. That’s just not a good look for anyone.

For more real talk on the fashion sneakers trend, watch my most recent segment on Twin Cities Live…

Or skip to the best part, which is where you can shop the looks!

— Look Number 1 —

I love midi dresses with sneakers! She’s the coolest chic on the block in this outfit. If you have trouble finding a midi dress that flatters you, look for ones with ruching on the sides so you can pull it up just below the knee instead of hitting you mid-calf. 

Sneakers: K-Swiss  (under $50!)

Dress: Evereve – Michael Stars ‘Tank Midi’  (I bought this dress last year and have worn it so much I’m considering buying it in navy as well! It’s the perfect summer dress because it can be worn for just about any occasion! I love it with a kimono and a lace up sandal for an outdoor wedding, or a boyfriend style blazer and mules to the office)

Bomber: Evereve – Peyton Jensen ‘Flight Jacket’

Chevron Pendant Necklace: JCrew Factory (on sale for $19.50!)

— Look Number 2 —

A shirt dress is another one of my fave styles with sneakers! The casualness of the sneaker offsets the structured vibe of the dress making it wearable to a sporting event and dinner afterward.

Sneakers: MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Billie’ (also in white and black  – both under $100!)

Shirt Dress: Cabi ‘Camilla’(special thanks to Breanne Strombley, Cabi Stylist for the loan!)

Braided Belt: Gap

Suede Moto Jacket: Evereve – John and Jenn 

— Look Number 3 —

As a general guideline when wearing sneakers, have at least one other casual piece in your outfit to pull it all together. The distressed jean and sleeveless under shirt are the casual threads throughout this look. 

Sneakers: Brooks ‘Vanguard Heritage’ (on sale at Macy’s for only $34 but only select sizes are available)

White Jeans: Free People (old, similar in a slightly more distressed version here and in an ankle length here)

Wrap Vest: Vince from Rent the Runway (take $25 Off your first order of $75 or more using promo code FIRSTRTR25P)

Button Up: Gap (old, love this one and this one. I stained the sleeve on this button up so I cut them off and kept it as a layering piece. DIY, peeps!)

— My Look —

I took a page right out of Ellen Degeneres’ book with her signature business suit and sneaker look! Fun, right? I opted for a for a pink sneaker to go with the feminine vibe of the ruffle trim on the blazer instead of my usual Stan Smith’s. The daisy brooch was a last minute add as a nod to my 7 year old niece Launa who was watching from her hospital room where she is currently undergoing treatment for MDS. I see so much of myself in her I think it scares my brother. She mastered the art of storytelling by the time she graduated kindergarten, and will change her outfit a million times in the morning before declaring she has nothing to wear. My heart aches watching her suffer. As if that’s not enough for one family to bear, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and went through a very aggressive treatment plan so she saw first hand the ugly side effects of chemo; and then my brother found out in the midst of all of this that his body is rejecting the kidney transplant he had the year prior. It’s so unfair. They are an extraordinaire family and will persevere –  just like they have before – because we have the strongest support system, and most importantly, unwavering faith in God.  You can follow her journey on Facebook at Launa Goldrick’s Spirit Squad. 

Sneakers: Gola ‘Harrier’ in Blush Pink

Chambray Suit: JCrew – Blazer ‘Regent’ and Cropped Pant (sold out in chambray. wah. Here’s the same pant in a couple different colors. I’d also pair the blazer with a crisp white pant.)

Ribbed Tee: BCBG (also sold out in white. similar in a tank here)

Daisy Brooch: Vintage (lots of similar ones here on Etsy)

Watch: Michele ‘Cape Smokey Quartz’

Bracelet: The Styled Collection ‘Screw-n-lock’

Lips: Lipsense  ‘Rhubarb’ c/o Long Lasting Lip Color by Jenny  (I’m so sad they are discontinuing this color! It’s the perfect shade of berry without being too pink. ‘Samon’ is a close runner up if you’re looking for a similar shade.)

I forgot to take pictures of my model friends beforehand so I had to snag some screenshots from the segment, which is why the images are small and grainy. This is me, doing it all.

Mark your calendars for May 17th at 3:00 CST when I will be back on TCL talking about my favorite places to online shop. You might as well have your laptops up and credit cards out for that one!

XO,

A