Spring In My Step
For we femmes d’un certain âge, footwear that’s supportive, comfortable AND stylish is the Holy Grail.
For some time now, I’d heard great things about Anyi Lu shoes (design, comfort, craftsmanship) and had eyed some of the styles at our local Nordstrom, but had never tried on a pair. The very nice folks at Anyi Lu contacted me recently and offered to send a pair from the current collection to try on and review. I jumped at the opportunity after just a few glances at the lookbook.
Inspired by Sausalito, the location of the Anyi Lu design studio (and one of my very favorite places, too…right after an apartment in Saint Germain in Paris, a houseboat in Sausalito is next on my list of fantasy homes), the Spring/Summer line captures the mood of this bayside community with a laid-back but upscale and vibrant feel. All of the shoes are handmade in Tuscany, Italy.
Some of the styles that especially caught my eye:
The cool thing about this style is that the belt is detachable and can be worn several ways.
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| Leopard lovers, check this one out!! |
I adore a loafer mule!
There are many cute and colorful offerings of sandals in this collection…
The color is so rich and saturated, and can look quite different depending upon the light. Especially in direct sunlight, they’re a bit redder than they appear in pictures. The high levels of quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail were immediately apparent.
I’m usually a size 7 or 7.5, and the size 37 I was sent was a perfect fit. Did I mention OMG comfortable?? The rumors are true! These are so very comfortable, and thanks to that strap across the instep, the most stable slingbacks I’ve ever had on my feet. There’s also plenty of cushioning under the ball of the foot. When thinking about how I’d style these, the first image that popped into my mind was sitting on a seaside patio, enjoying brunch and being hypnotized by the sparkle of sunlight on the water while sailboats cruise by. An un-fussy outfit of light neutrals felt right, allowing the color of the shoes and bag to provide the focal points.
These slingbacks look and feel substantial enough to wear to the office during warmer months, and I’ll be able to style them easily with jeans, skirts and dresses. This would be a great shoe to wear to a summer wedding or cocktail party, or any event where you want a bit of glamour but may need to be on your feet for an extended period of time. (And check out the lace version, called “tessa.” Mothers Of Brides or Grooms, take note!)
Which shoes from the Anyi Lu Spring/Summer collection would you pick?
Shoes: Anyi Lu “tulipe”, provided in consideration for review. You can purchase this style here.
Sweater: Eileen Fisher, here.
Tank (underneath): Eileen Fisher, here.
Jeans: NYDJ, here.
Bag: Chanel Wallet on a Chain, purchased a couple of years ago and carried as a clutch. Another one here. The look for less, here.
Earrings: Pearl Paradise, here.
One footnote, (no pun intended) if you go to the Anyi’s Picks tab at the ANYILU website, you can see some cool ideas for styling the shoes.
Disclosure: actions taken from some hyperlinks in this post may generate commissions for www.unefemme.net. Shoes were provided by Anyi Lu in consideration for review.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States License.
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Oh there are some lovelies there, I wore heels for 30 minutes this morning and they hobbled my feet.
Most heels over 2″ hobble me these days too.
Oh there are some lovelies there, I wore heels for 30 minutes this morning and they hobbled my feet.
These shoes look gorgeous but I don’t think they are available in Australia.
Can I just say I think this is the loveliest Look I have ever seen on you. You are positively glowing. Wow!
Coco Love, thank you very much!
The shoes are lovely, but the outfit = Awesome! You look great!
Sara, thank you!
Wonderful shoes, Une Femme! (and the whole Spring look is so fresh and chic, love it). I’d choose the Daisy and I’d wear it today (temps in the 70’s).
Patti, oh yes, I could see you in the Daisy with some of your pretty skirts.
I had the privilege of meeting Anyi Lu at a trunk show here a few years back. I think we froze her a bit with our mid-March New England weather, but she and her husband/business manager were wonderful. She took one look at my wide, high arched, high instep foot and gave me totally accurate advice about which of her styles would work for me and in which size. She even autographed my shoe purchase! She has an interesting background – chemical engineering and ballroom dance – with a stop designing for Taryn Rose. I’m a huge fan. If you ever have the opportunity to meet her – do!
DocP, oh how wonderful! I’m hoping she’ll have some trunk shows or other events here in LA.
Great looking shoes!
I like this neutral colour pairing. Always looks elegant in my opinion.
hostess, thank you! I’m really gravitating toward lighter neutrals these days.
Oh, my gosh! I wore almost this exact outfit to a Mother’s Day brunch in Boston last year. My husband didn’t understand that the sweater was cut at an angle and suggested I adjust the hem! I wore a taupe cami under my sweater with taupe multi strand pearls (chicos)
Love the shoes, too! tortoiseshell ends up working with everything, and this is a great heel height…
I, too, am in love with Paris!!! I went in September 2012 for the first time and now I can’t get enough of all things Parisienne!
shelly, isn’t this a fab sweater? I just love it. And yes, think these shoes will look great with many colors.
So glad you enjoyed Paris! I can’t wait to get back.
It is tricky finding comfortable stylish shoes – I live in trainers and flat boots – but I do like your tortoiseshell heels.
That’s Not My Age, these are quite comfortable, and now I’m wanting to try more styles.
Please do tell, DocP–which style did she recommend? I have high arches and insteps, too, and although I want to love Anyi Lu shoes as much as Une Femme does, I’ve never found a pair that works for me.
Nancy, It was several years ago and the styles have changed. It was an open toe pump – one side is camel, the other kelly green. The style was called “Peony”. The ballet flats, such as “cate”, work for me although I know there is no arch support. My biggest issue is being sure the toe box is wide enough and the instep high enough (or the shoe low cut enough). I don’t mind if there isn’t much support at the arch. I would try the “daphne” and the “linda” if those straps are elastic. I checked her website – it seems there are personal appearances in Dallas and Minneapolis in the next couple of months if either of those are near your location.
Also, I would give the “Eva” a try.
Nancy, I also have a high arch and high instep, and these shoes (tulip/tulipe) are quite comfortable. The strap across the top is adjustable if you need more room over the instep.
Thank you, ladies! I’ve tried the Tulip/Tulipe and found it too narrow and the strap too short (I have REALLY high insteps). And I can’t wear flats: I need at least a 1.5″ heel. The hunt continues…
You know I’m going for the pearls first! Those are beautiful on you; great choice. Anyi Lu shoes are more daring than Taryn Rose, but still “heels you can live in”; they suit you perfectly.
Duchesse, I knew you would. 😉 I’m going to try and get a good close up of them for a future post but they are stunning! I do like Anyi Lu’s styles better; they have a bit more edge and verve.
First off you are looking crazy sexy here, Pseu, can I say that in my best hetero-lady voice? CRAZAY. SEX-aY!
Then the shoes- now that I’m getting old lady feet (corns, something called Planter Fastist?) and can’t wear just cute shoes, but am loath to wear ugly orthro options, this brand is now on my radar. As is the fact you and I have EXACTLY the same shoe size. Off to check out the lookbook and bookmark the website.
Walk on, lovely.
Bella, oh you’re making me blush! Thank you.
My feet too have become much more sensitive in recent years, and I *refuse* to wear anything that isn’t comfortable. When the feet ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.
Shoes – you said shoes! Oh my! Honestly, my Palsied feet would welcome comfy and stylish footwear. Thanks for enlightening us. Of course, now I have to follow your blog 😉
Spashionista (Alicia)
Alicia, Shoes…it’s a magic word. This brand is definitely worth checking out.
I agree with the above comment: your best look ever!
Anonymous, thank you so much!
Your look a-m-a-z-i-n-g I love the shoes and the whole look. I would love a pair of the Pamela’s for a LBD, but I also think the Zara might be fun. Thanks for the inspiration.
Kristien61, thanks very much! I think those Pamela’s are so glam and elegant, good choice.
These shoes are gorgeous…love the Serena with the leopard and red strap. It gave me such joy to open your post and see you in this outfit…stunning and great to see you breakaway from dark. You look amazing and the shoes are awesome!!
Pam, thank you! Has your daughter had the baby yet????
when it comes to shoes Italians really know their stuff 🙂 I was immediately drawn to the daphne design with coral straps. But I was more drawn to the brezzy knitted tunic you’re wearing and the promise of warm weather that comes with it
coffeeaddict, thank you. We were blessed with a few days of very springlike weather last week, and it was lovely to be able to wear some lighter weight clothes.
I would go for the colorful Daphne, a sensible yet fun shoe to run around New york. I usually were flats or really high hills, which is a noon as per my doctor, as I broke my heel, ankle and toe a ligament on my foot….Actually all these shoes is exacly what my doctor ordered…no high heels, no flats but a sensible low heel…
Francine, I also find a low heel is most comfortable these days. The Daphne’s are a fun choice!
Those shoes look great, but you look FANTASTIC! I adore this ensemble on you, and how you styled the shoes!
Allison, thanks so much! It was fun to put together and wear.
Thank you for another informative post! I had not heard about Anyi shoes and glad you’re acting as our eyes!
Like many women of ‘a certain age’, I’ve spent far too many hours searching through department store shoe salons looking for a shoe that a)feels comfortable, but b) doesn’t look like one my mother would wear!
April
April, both Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus now both carry Anyi Lu. They’re definitely worth trying on.
This company was smart to ask you to show off their shoes — you’ve styled them so well here as a working part of a credible lifestyle — and you look fantastic!
materfamilias, thanks so much!
They’re lovely – I like shoes with straps that can be re-arranged. I think you look fab in that outfit.
Sulky Kitten, thank you! I’ve added those strap pumps to my wish list too.
The shoes look scrumptious! Sadly, they don’t come in wide sizes.
If you buy a houseboat in Sausalito we’ll come visit :).
Susan, you may want to check out some of the styles with a wider toe box. My foot runs a bit wide too but these accommodate. And if I ever get that houseboat in Sausalito, there’ll be a party every weekend…. 😉
Very cute shoes – I really like the Lola t-strap wedge. Your outfit looks fantastic (as always). Love the pearls!
Merry Wife, thank you!
Joining the chorus of ‘you look absolutely AMAZING’!!!
Tiffany, thanks very much!
Those shoes are so cute and I can imagine you wearing them with all the neutral colors – jeans, slacks, skirts and dresses. I have one pair of Anyi Lu shoes, the Daisy, but in a different color combination – blue, black, cream, and taupe. Mine are a couple of years old and have lasted really well. And yes, I’ve found them very comfortable. They are fairly expensive, but I’ve found that a nice pair of shoes can upgrade less expensive basics. So glad you like them. Love your outfit.
pinkazalea, great to hear your Anyi Lu’s have held up well, and I agree that quality shoes (and bags) can really upgrade a look. Thank you!
This is one of my favorite looks on you! The white with the oatmeal really suit you.
I don’t do sling backs – walk right out of them – but they look great on you.
Adrienne, thank you very much! Actually I usually have the same problem with slingbacks, but because of that strap over the instep, they stay put.
That outfit is so versatile. You could wear it for many different occasions. I like the persimmon Linda sandals for my wardrobe. It’s great to have good-looking, comfortable shoes.
Madame Là-bas, thank you! That’s the great thing about simple pieces, isn’t it?
I am in love with your whole outfit! You look AMAZING!
Great shoes!
gracefully50, thank you very much!
You look wonderful….love the Chanel. It’s very understated, yet special. Now, quite honestly, those shoes aren’t something I would wear. I have ‘difficult’ feet, yet there are shoes that are classic and comfortable and yes, fashionable. I am glad those were ‘given’ to you!
Anonymous, thank you!
OMG, the Serena, the Linda, the Daphne, the Tulipe – they’re all gorgeous! Aren’t you a lucky girl?! And Bella’s right, you look great!
Thanks for bringing these shoes to my attention, and I’m also that same size as you, so I’ll look for a 37.
Val, thank you. Just a note, I tend to take a smaller size in sandals or open toe shoes than I do in closed toe. Your mileage may vary. 😉
These shoes are divine. I love almost all of the designs and will bookmark this site.
More importantly, you look radiant in your neutrals with your colorful accents. Your pants are as beautifully white as the newly fallen snow in my back garden.
Style Crone, thank you so much! I’m sure there will be more Anyi Lu shoes in my future…
Truly your best look yet! The neutrals look great on you. Nice shoes too.
Anonymous, thank you very much!
Their shoes are very comfortable. I’ve had a pair of her mule loafers for years. Style and comfort together in one shoe! Genius.
A Well Styled Life, that’s good to hear. Those mules are definitely on my wish list.
Which NYDJ are those? I bought 3 pair of Sheri based on your recommendation. Are those also Sheri’s?
I love any outfit built around red shoes. You look mahvelous!
Lynn in Massachusetts
Lynn, they’re the “Alisha” skinny ankle. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/W6hqMB
These seem to be a little shorter and slimmer on the calf than the Sheri’s. Love both styles, just different looks.
And thank you! 🙂
You look great – love the monochromatic look on you.
Kathy, thank you! I’ve had a bit of an epiphany about lighter neutrals, and will definitely be seeking out and wearing more of them.
Had never heard of this brand, but am a fan of comfy yet cute shoes. I am now in love with their Cassidy model which is more fall, but I may go have a look see in Nordstroms even if it is out of my price range. Not sure whether to thank you for this knowledge or not ….ah well
A very flattering picture of you!
Is it really warm over there already? Unbelievable.
mette, thank you very much! We had a few days last week where temperatures were close to 80F, but it’s cooled down now again.
Those suit you so well!
You look so fresh! Great sweater.
Shoes are gorgeous and so are you. If I may say, I think you are lovely in light neutral tones and out of the black. It really suits you.
Every time I see this line in the shoe department I covet them. So glad you are reviewing them, I wondered if they were as comfortable as they are beautiful and fresh.
I love your taste in shoes, and your all over general style!
I like the sophia shoe!