I’m a Californian girl. Let’s get that straight. I've lived in New York City for a decade now but my ideal look is still skinny jeans, a t-shirt, and some boots (maybe a leather jacket if it’s cold). Basically, the outfit you see everywhere in Los Angeles. I call it "casual and comfortable."
Growing up on the west coast, I only ever wore boots or sneakers. Heels were not my friend. In college (on the east coast) I wanted to dress up for parties, but I was horrible at picking out pumps. HORRIBLE. I would choose skinny stilettos with a narrow fit, which inevitably gave me painful blisters on my heels, pinky toes, and the bottom of my feet. The mornings-after were wretched, nursing hangovers and swollen, bloodied toes.
After leaving enough bars early and making enough emergency Band-Aid purchases at the closest Duane Reade, I finally realized that if I'm going to wear heels, they must have a chunky block heel that clocks in at three inches or less. Enter: Sam Edelman's "Stanley" mules (only 2.25 inches high!).
I almost bought these babies in the spring when Sam Edelman did a special version for Net-a-Porter, but patience is a virtue and they were a little pricey, so I waited. A few weeks later I spotted a similar style on Sam's site—on sale for $49! The rest was history. I ordered them right away and wore them with wrap dresses all summer long, and, now, with jeans for fall.
The mules are super versatile, which makes them the perfect shoe for city girls (closet space is at a premium in NYC!). They go with everything in my wardrobe and suit all occasions. I wear them to family parties, to work, even on dates. This casual-yet-fancy shoe pleases my Cali-girl soul.
But better than their versatility, they are comfortable. The truest testament to this came on a recent trip to Savannah, Georgia. I had the pleasure of walking the entire town in my new favorite shoes (I'm talking miles, people!) and at the end of the day, I felt no pain or blisters. None! (Here's a not-so-secret secret about mules: they're backless, so you can avoid any unwanted friction on your heels.)
But full disclosure: If you've tried on hundreds of pairs of shoes searching for the perfect one, like I have, you know that mules can be difficult to wear sometimes. They're either too loose, or pinch your pinkie toes, or make a slapping sound akin to thunder as you hustle through a quiet office.
Not my Stanleys, though.
These mules fit snuggly around your toes so they don't flop around, but also have stretchy sides just in case your feet swell from walking. I'm not saying these shoes will solve life's problems, but they've definitely made my life easier and a bit more magical for me. I don't know why I haven't bought a second pair already.
MORE ITEMS WE LOVE
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Krystyna was the former Social Media Editor of Marie Claire where she oversaw all things social media and connected with MarieClaire.com readers. She came to Marie Claire from Racked.com, where she was the Community Manager. Before that, Krystyna was at Latina Mag and Cosmo for Latinas. She graduated with a Marketing major from Fordham University.
-
Everything I’m Packing for a Weekend in LA
From a cozy pair of sweatpants to a chic jumpsuit.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
Princess Diana’s Brother Earl Charles Spencer Speaks Out on the Kate Middleton Drama: “I Do Worry About What Happened to the Truth”
He also weighed in on whether the media frenzy was worse in the 1990s with Diana or in the present day with Kate.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Both Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively Appeared to Spoof the Kate Middleton Photoshop Scandal Over the Weekend
Yep, they went there.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Meet the Designers Keeping the Art of Craftsmanship Alive
In today's murky fashion landscape of discourse and 'cores, to be a revolutionary is to tune out the chatter and focus on your design. Here, a vanguard group of designers who prioritize their skills above all else.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Exclusive: Rothy’s Designs Its First Wedge Sandal
The footwear brand just released its first wedge sandal.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Sherri McMullen Is the Oakland Boutique Owner Redefining Retail
From mentoring emerging brands to spotting the next big designer, we chat with the entrepreneur about everything from TikTok trends to the current state of the industry.
By Emma Childs Published
-
This Former Céline Consultant Has Almost Perfected the Cashmere Sweater
Charlotte Björklund is on a mission to warm the world, one knit at a time.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Meet the Fashion Designer Making Mistakes on Purpose
Jack Miner of Interior takes us inside his intentionally messy, chaotic world.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Colorful Cowboys and Celebs Galore: Pharrell William's Latest for Louis Vuitton Men's
A special shoutout goes to Williams' revamped Speedy bags.
By India Roby Published
-
This Under-the-Radar Jacket on Amazon Is My Newest Winter Obsession
And, no, it's not the "Amazon coat."
By Jaimie Potters Published
-
The Best Black T-Shirts to Buy In Bulk
Done right, the black tee is the most versatile item in your wardrobe.
By Taylor Ayers Published