one shoe, three ways

I bought these heeled sandals earlier this spring, but they've just recently become a top priority. I'd wanted a pair of cherry-colored kicks for a while, but it's hard to find some that aren't cheap looking or triple-stacked-platform, hooker style. SO when I saw this fairly conservative pair in the Boden catalog I pulled the trigger on the spot. At first I only wore them with a white sweater and jeans (snooze), and kind of questioned the purchase—would I really end up wearing these more than once or twice? Then when packing for Michigan last week I rediscovered my mint denim (they've been on unintentional hiatus lately) and really liked how it looked against the patent hibiscus. I had several outfits laying on the bed, ready to be stuffed into my suitcase, and looking from one to the next I slowly realized that these shiny red shoes added an interesting contrast or pop to every outfit. I stick to pretty basic silhouettes and a fun shoe like this is the perfect dose of personality for my daily uniform—classic but not boring, simple but interesting. I wore them to a casual dinner last Friday, Saturday night drinks downtown and Tuesday for work. I'm kind of on a roll. And I'm gonna keep rollin'.

HAPPY HOUR:
The unexpected marrying of mint and hibiscus gives basic jeans a fresh, trendy feel.
I wore these with a black and white colorblock crop top for 2 for 1 cocktails and burgers at Dlux.

WEEKEND BRUNCH:
The neon pink pattern and juicy red clash, but in a really complementary way.
A dark teal boyfriend sweater topped off this look for an outdoor bite at the lake.

WORK:
I'm obsessed with this color combo: it gives a standard t-shirt an energetic twist.
My navy Minnies completed this easy professional ensemble from 9 to 5 yesterday.

These sassy sandals are sold out, but Boden is a good destination for uncommon colors and stylish shoes that aren't over the top. Keep your eyes peeled for new arrivals throughout the season—you might find something as surprisingly universal as these. In the meantime, peruse three of my top picks for fall (right around the corner!) from the stylish British brand:

T-bar Flats 

I'd get the Bronze Metallic, but Aubergine and Gray Zebra are both fresh. 

Brogued Chelsea Boots 

Flat boots were my number one go-to last year and these feel so chic and...British. 

Black is a smart bet, but I love the Claret, which functions almost the same, in a less basic form.

Sixties Slingback 

Pink Houndstooth—I'd wear these with army green—

perfect example of the unique colors, patterns and textures Boden carries.