Pre-Fall Shoe Shopping at Reef!

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It's once again time for me to get perilously over-excited and semi-panicky about shoe shopping. This only happens to me twice a year: Pre-Fall and Pre-Spring (you know, those weird seasons that only exist in the fashion world). This means that:

1. Sandal season is NOT over, nor will it ever be, really, because it's always feasible inside.
2. Loafers, oxfords, flats and sneakers are necessities and on my list for sure, but I'd rather croak than put off boot shopping one minute longer.

So, with enthusiasm reaching critical levels of rainbows spilling out of my ears, I'm looking to Reef for my inspiration. Reef's laid-back, West Coast vibe suits my biker/multicultural personal style perfectly. The shoe styles and construction runs a bit on the pleasantly rough-hewn side with visible seams and X stitches, and the colors and natural materials are great. Visual interest is never lacking in any Reef shoe-- you always get a little bit of something special even in the most basic style, such as a ballet flat. The flashes of multi-colored ethnic prints, fabrics and patterns are the epitome of Bohemian.

Two-by-two, read on to find out which pairs have their spots on the ark assured...

First up are two of the coolest pairs of women's sandals I've seen. What can't you wear these with? I really love the texture of the materials that were used to construct them, and also the special attention paid to the padded, stitched insoles. Chicago's weather is historically unpredictable, and when we have our hot days in the Fall, I'll be so glad to have these to wear with loose capris cinched at the calves, maxi tank dresses and various layers up top.

Reef Guatemalan Slide $60 

Reef Shaded Palms $56 

The killer mint green oxford sneaks below might just be one of my favorite pairs that Reef has to offer at the moment. Pastel mint is a surprisingly versatile color for accessories- even if your closet is packed mostly with black, gray and white. These are so much more stylish than many true sneakers and can function in a multitude of ways. They will become the baddest pair of comfortable shoes you own. I'd pair them with a black maxi skirt, white tee and a black blazer-- sleeves rolled up with a cool contrasting lining. And that's just the beginning. 

Girls Deckhand 2 $55 

These Tropic Sea flats are incredible. Comfortable, nicely curved almond/round toe with a splash of multi-colored fabric in the back. These take the notion of a classic pair of black ballet flats and take it to the next level. You can do classic with your accessories and still have some personality in them. These babies are the proof.

Reef Tropic Sea $74

BOOTS! Sorry, didn't mean to shout. The High Desert Boot in gray is the ultimate, perfect Fall boot. They are the precise shade of gray I love the most- a very cool, light ash-gray. Suede is the perfect material for them, and I just happen to be mad about suede. These are ultra-flattering and cut a slender profile with some architectural interest around the heel. Little silver hardware details and adjustable straps at the top complete them. They are truly beautiful. 

Reef High Desert Boot $145

Last, the Native Shore Boot- which has a wonderful slender wedge heel and an almond toe. They are done in black leather with that great X-stitching detail on both sides of the boot. The heel is hugged by a narrow stripe of black and white tribal print fabric. One of my favorite features with the Native Shore Boot is the amazing vertical piping stitched on each side. Absolutely stunning, and the kitten-wedge gives you just a little bit of height. I actually wouldn't mind  having a version of these in an ankle-length as well. 

Reef Native Shore Boot $180

What kind of shoes are you dreaming about at the moment? Are you thinking ahead to Fall or still very much in the heat of Summer?

[all images from shop.reef.com]