Not so High, High Heels You'll Actually Look Forward to Wearing

The Closer to The Ground, The Closer to Bed

I hate most motivational memes or anything intentionally motivational and bite-sized for that matter. Daily calendars with inspiring quotes, heck, even fortune cookie fortunes…pass. I’ll take the cookie and you deal with the perplexing messages on the cluttery scraps of paper. If you’ve ever DMd me an inspiring Instagram post, I’ve likely rolled my eyes whilst double hearting it.

Though, something my trampoline cardio teacher said last weekend mid-bounce did penetrate my chilly outer shell. Yes, I said trampoline cardio. I may not be the audience for motivational memes but I do love LA fitness trends. Do with that what you will. She said something along the lines of resisting stagnancy and how staying in one place is pointless. For some reason, I immediately associated her pep talk with shoes - specifically, not so high, high heels. I think this is because since the pandemic, I have been extra extra committed to flats in a way that definitely surpasses the fact that flats are more than a trend, they are the way of life for footwear.

So as someone who hasn’t bought anything with a heel higher than a Birkenstock Boston clog for nearly 2 years, I said silently to myself (still bouncing) that I would venture into chic little party heels that I would actually look forward to wearing this holiday season and all year long because these are not seasonal shoes, these are as comfortable and timeless as my beloved Boston clogs, but with a much needed lift - literally.

Emme Parsons’ Leandra Suede Kitten Heel. I’ve gotten A LOT of mileage out of these and highly recommend. The t-strap is vintage in vibe but not costume-y so. A hard line to straddle.

My go-tos have been the black, suede Leandra t-strap kitten heel from Emme Parsons. These also come in a stack heel for anyone who wants a sturdier foundation (no judgements from me). I wear these kittens with everything from perfectly worn in Chimala jeans and a blazer to my favorite Run Around Duster. Throw on some sheer little socks with a tonal pattern and you’re really ready for the party. Pass the caviar and a sofa corner for me to perch upon.

Before I present any other non-high heel heels, let’s also consider the comeback of the Isabel Marant Bekett wedge sneaker to support my case that we’re never returning to the YSL Tribute era. There are those of you who never left your Tribute era and I love that for you, but for the rest of us loafers (get it) the closer to the ground, the closer to bed. The Bekett is on the upswing and while I have never been super obsessed with a dressy sneaker (looking at you, Sneex), I think this exploration of relaxed glamour is lovely and I hope continues as a long, winding and sartorially fruitful one. I’ve got my headlamp on and am ready for the expedition.

Here are the other low lift heels I love. Note: I am someone who has never owned a pair of Louboutins. Scratch that, I did once own a pair purchased at the sample sale because it felt obligatory as most sample sales do, but then quickly flipped them on The Real Real.

Nomasei’s Oxblood heel called “The Office”. Honestly, I would return to an office (twice a week) if I could wear these with everything from a pencil skirt and button down blouse to baggy jeans and an even baggier sweater.

I know a kitten heel seems like a lazy default, but if there is interesting hardware, strap placement and of course colorway or print, we can be thankful for the variation on the kitten and that it’s so much more than a 60s secretary vibe. Behold: J Crew’s Colette Buckle Slingback Pumps in a de rigeur leopard print that will most definitely be de riguer again and again and again.

Pretty certain that there is nothing more I love than a bedroom slipper, so this micro heel of a heel has my heart. It’s St Agni’s square toe soft leather mule.

Speaking of mules, they are especially chic in white, heel or no heel. These ruched velvet trimmed version from Neous look so fresh with all black or all white or anything with some sharp angles be that a blazer, blouse or that New Year’s Eve sparkly number.