Once again it’s “back to school time”, and if you, like us, are a fashionista, this means a big green flag to shopping! You need to be ready for a new school, new friends and new adventures; so look around you, spot the new trends, and find out how to wear them to look your best.

When engaging in so many activities, you need to be comfortable, relaxed and remember that that doesn’t necessary mean out of style.  Well, we are here to help you by walking you through our back to school favorites!

Ankle boots

Fans of Boots: rejoice! The long loved boots will continue their fashion reign this season, whether under a pair of leggings or a flared skirt, they will effortlessly blend into your outfit, adding an edgy touch.   Our pick for this category is Spiro by Corso Como.  Spiro by Corso Como is a stylish ankle boot that features cut out details and a flat heel to ensure comfort while being glamorous. This boot is perfect for cheering up a drab fall day and will make you look fashionable in school and anywhere else!

Mid calf boots

Yes, we love boots. Our second pick is a fall staple and deserves our attention.  Lace it up or lace it down, wear it under a dress or over your favorite skinny jeans, in a sunny or in a rainy day, Battell by Steve Madden will rock your basic outfits with its versatile style to match your every mood. Battel is a combat boot, and you need all the help you can get if you want to survive the back to school odyssey!

Oxfords

Last but not least, oxfords are a classic for back to school time! Delicate and classy, these cute flats will brighten up your day and your outfit. Have you ever heard anyone say: not everything that shines is gold? Well they haven’t seen our category pick. Christa by Lucky brand is a ground-breaking oxford featuring flower cut-outs, lace up and a gold- like appearance!  If you want to be the star, even in the classrooms, Christa is the way to go.

I know, summer is over, but shopping for a new back to school closet makes the sadness suddenly disappear…

Lara Mustardino

Italian Sweetheart and myShoes Apprentice

What better way to skip into summer than getting yourself a few pairs of natural shoes. Neutral colors are always trendy and can easily complement outfits from different seasons. These colors include different shades of tans, browns, and nudes.

Neutrals possess a wide spectrum for us to dabble in, not only through color, but also through style. Wooden high heels can exude an aura of a world traveler, while braided and fringe sandals can make a girl look boho-chic, and cork wedges bring the 70s diva out of anyone. Together, these styles and colors are the inspirations that designers have designed for in their Spring/Summer 2011 collections. Feel free and au-natural in Michael Kors’ Amanda Sling platform sandals and Maloles’ Isabella flat strappy sandals. I know I will!

Angel Chiang

Ready for Summer and myShoes Apprentice

Sometimes, there’s simply no such thing as too much of a good thing. Cork has been a spring and summer staple for years, serving as the heel to wedge shoes. So why not give this organic material the spotlight?

The resulting all cork creations looks light and fresh for a sun kissed style. With a neutral color and eye catching texture, cork shoes can be worn with almost any outfit. Plus, their natural material is breathable and provides a cushiony support for feet on the go.

Style? Check. Comfort? Check. The only thing missing is a pair in my closet! But with styles from sandals to peep toes, this problem can easily be solved. Here’s a few of the top contenders:

Mallory Nagy

Girl On a Shoe Hunt and myShoes Apprentice

We’re all guilty of it. After all, some sky high stilettos are just too irresistible to pass up. So we stubbornly  sacrifice comfort for style and end up limping the night away in the name of fashion.

Cue foldable flats and say goodbye to blisters! These little lifesavers allow you to wear your favorite heels for that special event but can be conveniently stashed in your purse for some immediate relief afterward.

If you’re in need of a quick fix, pairs like Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats can be found at drug stores, but most stiletto rocking fashionistas will want something with a little more glamor. From imported leather to snake skin, designers like Sue London and  Tieks are able to give just that. Corso Como even offers a version with their “Festive”. While trends may come and go, I know my pair of trusty foldable flats will be there to save me from from those oh-so-cute yet oh-so-uncomfortable styles.

Mallory Nagy

Stiletto Rocker, Blister Avoider, & myShoes Apprentice

Models like Agyness Deyn, Tao Okamoto, and Freja Beha Erichsen have taken the fashion world by storm. These household names have all been through phases of having their hair cut very short and dressing in androgynous clothing, but all done with a girlish flair.

Androgyny is taking over, from slicked back hairstyles, to tuxedos made for women. Although not everyone is a model who can pull off dressing like a man without actually looking like a man, a great option to fuse menswear into your wardrobe is with oxfords. These flat lace-ups lend a cute boyish charm to all outfits.

One of my favorite looks is from British trendsetter, Fearne Cotton. Her cropped jeans display her bright purple oxfords, and her muted and simple top and handbag match perfectly, as to not compete with the boldness of her shoes. Unlike the typical and boring old black oxfords of seasons past, this summer opt for bright colors and patterns. Like all the celebrities, models, and personalities out there, you can also be chic and comfortable while rocking off-beat oxfords from day to day.

Angel Chiang

Well educated & myShoes Apprentice

World travelers rejoice! This season will be filled with gorgeous shoe choices for your picking. Flat sandals and slides with toe-rings will keep you looking glam even after hours-long plane rides. Jeweled T-strap sandals will make your most relaxed travel outfits look picture perfect for the paparazzi waiting for you outside the airport.

Toe-ring slides are perfect for those who rack up their air miles, especially in the summer travel season. BCBGeneration’s Banny has “jet-setter” written all over it (figuratively speaking, of course). It is not your ordinary leather slide with a toe-ring. There is a touch of toughness from the studs that adorn the toe-ring and the multiple straps. These slides are simple and sweet, but its little metallic accents will lend a hint of a rocker-vibe to any outfit it may be paired with.

A chic and comfortable alternative to toe-ring sandals and slides are the Jeweled Thong Sandal by Rene Caovilla is comfortable and easy to slip on and off on a flight to the Bahamas, and once on land, the island sun will let the crystals on the t-strap shine. There will be no need for jewelry when you have your own set of sparklers on these beautiful snakeskin sandals.

Angel Chiang

World Traveler and myShoes Apprentice