Shoes

Colored shoes peeping out from below are one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to add color to your ensemble!  For inspiration, think about your wedding colors… consider shoes that match your groom’s tie, your bridesmaids’ dresses, or your bouquet.

photos: Joie of Life

Jewels

Pearls are lovely and diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but there are so many other beautiful jewels out there, no bride should feel limited to monochromatic jewelry. Whether you want to wear your grandmother’s vintage bracelet or some glittery costume jewelry, let those bangles and broaches speak for themselves!

Photos: Garnet broach, Citrine Pendant Turquoise bracelet

Headbands

If you are looking for something flashier than a tired tiara and veil, take inspiration from these gorgeous, multi-colored headbands!

Photos: Peacock headband,  Peony headband, Geometric headband

Cardigans & Cover-ups

Taking photos outside in the snow? Getting married in a church or synagogue where you need to cover up? Just looking for something different to add a pop of color? Try a shawl, bolero, or cardigan, which can change the look of your dress in an instant!

Photos: Yellow cardigan, Boleros, blue cardigan

Designer: Over $100

The best shoes of summer 2009, from InStyle Weddings:

Satin peep-toe pumps by J. Crew, $265

Satin sandals, BCBG Max Azria, $198

Deals: Under $100

Unforgettable moments, $44.95 (choose from 13 styles and 64 custom colors)

Nina Culver, Zappos, $79.00

Jessica Simpson, Zappos, $71.00

Patti by Nina, BridalShoes, $67.00

feature image credit

Splash of Color

One wedding shoe trend that that is sure to delight everyone has brides wearing vivid colored bridal shoes underneath their wedding gowns. I love it!! Whether it’s a feisty red, sunny yellow, or even your “something blue,” colorful shoes will highlight your adventurous spirit.

Photos from: Nathat Walker (Flickr) and Inspired Occasions

These boots are made for…

These boots are made for brides, of course! And why not? From sweet little ankle boots to kickin’ knee-highs, you can find the perfect boot to suit your bridal style. Ladylike Victorian lace ups… Western cowboy-style… even real satin dyable bridal boots… There’s a boot for every bride!

Pictures from Manolo and Flora Photography.

Barefoot Sandals

To be the ultimate beach bride, consider wearing barefoot sandals. They’re bottomless, so you don’t have to worry about pesky sand in your shoes or getting a heel caught, but their enchanting beads and charms adorn your feet beautifully. Barefoot sandals are often also referred to as slave anklets, but they make fun and fanciful footwear for a beach bride!   From simple ribbons to extravagant swarovski crystals, these sandals are priced well below your standard bridal shoes!

These barefoot sandals are from Style Hive and Sella:

Nude Heels for long, lean legs

If you are wearing a tea length or mini-dress, you are probably looking for ways to show off your legs!  To elongate your legs, wear high-heeled nude shoes. Choose a color that matches your skin tone; nude tones will look great with gowns of any color (including white, of course) and make you legs look like they’re going on forever!

Photo credits: Photobucket and Zimbio

Bridal Flats and Kitten Heels

Destination wedding? Beachy, rocky, or grassy locations may make it hard to find footwear that’s pretty yet practical.  While style options do include flip flops, there’s no need to settle for anything less than supreme elegance.  Ballet flats, open-toe sandals, strappy shoes… there are so many beautiful and comfortable shoes to choose from!

These wedding flats are compliments of My Lovely Big Feet, Bride’s Best Mate, Perfect Details.

Sneaks and Tennis Shoes

Now let’s take comfort one step further (pun intended!) If you’re trying to make a statement by wearing All Stars, you really have to do it right, like this awesome bride in purple Converses, a la Manolo. But if you just want to be comfy and don’t much care for the dictates of fashion, then break out the Keds and rhinestones, and party hardy!

Custom Designed Satin and Pearl Beaded Bridal Tennis Shoes:

As well as making gorgeous shoes coveted by the likes of Natalie Portman, Beyond Skin’s philosophy is to ‘…trade in a manner that is non exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment. Using no animal products, all our footwear is hand-made to order in the UK promoting ethically-sound and less energy intensive working practices.’

Ok, so it seems that the UK has a monopoly on ethical shoewear, and the 10 shoes pictured at the Wishopt blog are actually all from the UK. Does anyone know where you can obtain shoes in the USA that meet these standards? And look this pretty?

Some use recycled rubber for the soles, or recycled vintage fabrics and trimmings. Others are produced under a Fair Trade agreement and are careful to use less energy intensive working practices. And of course, no leather, unless it’s recycled!