Sexy, Sassy Sprinter Shoes

My dear amiga and fellow blogger Big C found my How to Dress for Sprinter post informative (gracias!) but asked me to take it a step (no pun intended) further. Ms. C wants to know the kind of footwear she should turn to during this awkward time of year. Just this week in NYC we had a high of about 73 degrees on Thursday but today the high is only expected to reach the mid 50s… Therefore, I thought this was a good question and one that many others probably have as well. So, you all have C to thank for this post.

Since I don't believe in paying retail, I suggest heading to DSW or your other favorite discount store or sales rack to score these if you don't already own them but chances are you do.

Ballet Flats
Their popularity doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon which is good news for those of us who spend a lot of time on our feet. Available in a wide array of colors, textures and price points, the possibilities are virtually endless. They're versatile enough to wear on chilly April nights and well into beaming July afternoons.


Slingbacks and Peeptoes
Both are perfect for sprinter weather because they offer just a hint of skin without making the wearer look crazy or freeze her buns off. Remember, sprinter dressing (in most parts of the country) is all about balance - not extremes. The goal is to ease into summer and the warmer temps. These peeptoes from J. Crew are adorable and will probably be marked down very soon.


Pumps in Canvas or a Funky Color
We wear them all year long but in black or dark brown leather they typically say fall or winter. But in a fun, bright hue (or metallic) and/or lighter fabrication, they say Spring is here! Don't you dig how Selita Ebanks pulled them off in this pic?


Sidebar: This is about the time of year that I break out my Nike Air Rifts. I've been a fan for 7 years or so now. They are muy comfortable, versatile (I like rocking them with an unexpected dress or slacks), and fun!

How To Dress For Sprinter

In the midst of my spring cleaning, I ran across an article I wrote for my community newspaper almost four years ago to the date on dressing for sprinter. Yes, sprinter. It's that awkward period of the year nestled between late March and early May. Technically it is spring but the temps fluctuate so frequently that it often still feels like winter leaving the most pulled together folks stumped on what to wear. Well, I’m happy that this piece (which I’ve edited down in some places and added in others) still works today. Follow the five simple steps below to get you through this year’s sprinter stress-free!

THINK LAYERS
Layering is probably the most important element to sprinter dressing. It allows you to remove and add pieces as needed throughout the day. The key anchor item for layering during sprinter is the trench coat (comes in handy during the fall too). A lightweight leather jacket is ideal as well. Since the trench is a solid investment piece, it’s worth a splurge. Whatever a splurge is to you.

MAKE SEASONLESS CLOTHING YOUR FRIEND
Lightweight cardigans and jersey tops are so necessary during this time of year. We rely on them year round, however they will prove specifically helpful in spring because of their breathable qualities. Plus they are excellent for layering under that trench coat.

EMBRACE COLOR
Most of us (especially in NYC) have been donning head to toe black since November. I happen to own a lemon yellow winter coat and happily wear bright colors 12 months of the year. Regardless of where you stand on this, adding just a punch more of rich sorbet hues like kelly green, fuchsia or orange can make any dreary, rainy April day seem sunny.

TAKE BABY STEPS
Remember that spring temperatures are notoriously inconsistent. Fifty degree and seventy degree highs within the same week are not at all unlikely. (At least not in the northeast.) Ease out of those chunky turtlenecks into skimpy tanks gradually. Save the almost bare looks for July!

HAVE FUN
Although dressing during the weeks between March and May can seem like a mini-obstacle course, it can and should be done without purchasing a closet full of new clothes. Don’t be hoodwinked by all the pretty window displays just because you have cabin fever. Mix and match items from your existing summer and winter wardrobes to achieve the right looks for you.



I have my eye on this green number from J.Crew. It is classic enough for me to wear for many sprinters to come and I’m really digging the color. But truthfully, I'm still not convinced this is my "prefect" trench.