Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Clarks Diamond Heart Shoe: Yea or Nay?

Readers, I had such fun talking shoes with you last week that I decided I needed to do more of these posts! Whenever the seasons change, I go into major shoe-buying mode. I'm trying to be strategic this time around, though, and think about what would really be useful in my wardrobe - rather than just buying every brightly-colored, uncomfortable pump I can get my grubby hands on. I don't own any beige shoes, and these Clarks heels look like they'd be a versatile basic. But, on the other hand . . . is there a good reason I don't own any beige shoes?

Am I veering into fuddy duddy territory? I personally think not, and I'm about 90% set on buying these shoes. But please do let me know if I'm making a fatal fashion mistake!

Also, what are your must-haves in your spring shoe wardrobe? Let's be strategic shoppers together! Look for more of my shoe picks in posts to come - I've got shoes on the brain, people.

84 comments:

  1. How could they be fuddy duddy with those adorable buttons?? I love Clarks - they are very comfortable shoes. I say go for it!

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  2. I would say good choice on those shoes. Beige can definitely teeter into the granny zone but with the heel, peep toe and strap, I think you'll be just fine.

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  3. I write about shoes all the time - I used to sell them - and they can definitely make or break an outfit, no matter how beautiful the clothes are!

    Beige shoes blend in with your skin tone and make your legs look longer.....I'm seeing them EVERYWHERE this season.

    I give these Clarks a big thumbs up.

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  4. definitely a YAY...who care's that they're beige with the shape and style on them?!

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  5. Oh my gosh. YAY. Enormous, resounding YAY!

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  6. These, I like. I've worn Clarks in the past, found them comfortable but not particularly long lasting. I like beige shoes because they are fairly versatile, but I tend to go for ones with an accent in a different color - otherwise, they sometimes look too much like weird barefoot. (Likewise, I always take a second glance at women wearing nude-colored, fitted t-shirts.)

    As with any peep-toe shoe, I recommend making sure the toes are well groomed (trimmed, polished, no calluses, etc). In all honesty, sometimes I wear closed-toe shoes because I just can't bother to keep the feet in great condition. (Ugh, and with pregnancy, I can't even reach my feet anymore!)

    Have fun shoe shopping!

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  7. I'm not a huge Clarks fan (since most of their shoes do look granny-ish) but those have potential.

    I have some patent beige pumps that I wear to work. As a short girl they're great--the beige makes your legs look longer.

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  8. I love these shoes but the deciding factor for me would be how they looked with your skin. Some beige shades look too much like they're trying to match skin the wearers skin color instead of just being subtle.

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  9. I heart Clarks, they are the most comfortable shoes and while they're always a borderline on looking like granny shoes, the Artisan line is pretty cool and definitely more stylish. I wear my 2" heels all day at work and I stand a minimum of 50% of that time, if not more. I love that shoe too, I've been eying that one for a while, although I'm not totally over-the-top on taupe/biege/nude as a color. But that's just me. These are cute!

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  10. I'm not a fan of straps in that spot because they shorten the leg, but with a nude color it should be okay. I am a fan of beige on a cool shoe -- it's super-practical. Otherwise the shoes are very cute and not granny at all because they're the sort of retro that's in.

    Plus, isn't that why you have tattoos -- so you could wear anything and still not look staid? (I'm only half kidding... if I ever have a tattoo I'm sure I will take advantage of it to wear some decidedly unfashionable stuff that I like without losing my last shreds of cool!)

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  11. I for one just LOVE nude shoes and they are everywhere right now too. They are so perfect with light colored/textured spring dresses and also make your legs look super long if you are bare legged. I think this shoe is super cute and have heard nothing but good things about how comfortable clarks are. It is my opinion that you could get years and years of consistent, classic enough to be vintaged up or not wear of these. For me no "color" is granny-- just combos thereof and silhouettes/shapes/fits melina bee

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  12. actually I would also like to sort of agree with the comment above. Not that a tattoo keeps any look from being "staid" (fun word) but since your overall look/appearance/grooming is NOT at all dowdy, you can get away with something more subdued in the wardrobe/shoe dept. melina bee

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  13. I give them an absolute "Yay". They are adorable. A sure winner.

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  14. I think these would be an excellent complement to the types of dresses you sew. With the added bonus of being Clarks and comfy!

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  15. Yea! I love the buttons, and this color is perfect, especially for summer. Go for it.

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  16. My friend Juliette, who is the sewing equivalent of an old kung fu master (she used to design costumes for the Moulin Rouge, no less) told me beige shoes were her favs. Because they are of the same color as the skin, they add 10 cm to your legs, something I'd always be willing to get.

    On the other hand, Juliette is 63, but it really doesn't matter to me. I'm 23 and still looking for beige heels.

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  17. They look ace! I vote buy them!
    Lottie x

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  18. Definitely a yay. The buttons and straps are very cute. The nice heel shape stops them being in anywau fuddy duddy. Nice.

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  19. I have to say, Clarks are coming out with more and more pretty and functional shoes instead of just plain and functional. I too say Yay to the beige shoes, they're a fab colour for summer, particularly with painted toe nails. They'll go with light coloured linen trousers, navy or red dresses ... well, you name it and they're the shoe! And what's more, as a Clarks shoe they'll be comfortable and good for your feet!

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  20. I think they are adorable. Love the chunky heel, and the button detail. From the photo, the color looks nice, not a blah beige, especially with the tonal stitching. I vote - Hell yeah!!

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  21. "... is there a good reason I don't own any beige shoes? "
    No. Absolutely no. Go get them. Right now.

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  22. these shoes are soooo much better than the last ones you posted... the colour is great as is the style must haves i say xx

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  23. Absolutely YEA; I think beige is absolutely elegant and so versatile You can put it with any colour for spring and summer. Please try... You will love it.

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  24. I'm not an expert of women's shoes and no doubt those Clark's are comfortable. They make me think of Silly Putty.

    Check out La Duca.

    http://www.laducashoes.com/

    Not cheap, but beautiful, vintage-style shoes made for dancers, so comfortable and well-made.

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  25. Maybe they'd seem more enticing if you thought of them as 'nude' or 'buff' rather than 'beige'? Whatever the colour is called, it's very leg-lengthening! I own quite a lot of Clarks shoes, and have always found them to be comfy and durable.

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  26. They are beautiful! Beige can be a funny colour so definitely check against your skin or tights/stockings first. But otherwise a huge YAY!

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  27. Great style, love the large button detail! Can't comment on color choice because I loathe (loathe!)beige and am incapable of objectivity.

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  28. Yes! I am on team Diamond Heart. I tried on the closed toe version of these over the weekend and swooned. Have you tried them on? Sometimes Clarks can be tricky with sizing (European shoes can screw up their conversions to American shoe sizes. It may be worth trying them at a local store (Shoe Parlor on 7th Ave around 56th usually has most Clarks in stock).

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  29. They're a tad to beige to my taste (I'd prefer some pink or grey undertones) but otherwise the design is great !
    I wear my "nude" shoes with bright red nail polish, That may make them more or less grannyish but I like it :)

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  30. I think those would be a lot cuter in a bright color. I am not entirely opposed to beige or nude shoes, but I would rather have one with a thinner strap, like a dancer's shoe, like the La Ducas.

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  31. Oh yes please! and a pair for me as well.

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  32. I'm not a fan of the shoes at all but a funny thing happens when a certain kind of person puts on something they love- they put it together in an outfit and make it work so well, everybody suddenly has to have it.. Gertie I think you are that certain kind of person :o)

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  33. absolutely definitive YAY

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  34. Beige shoes are often dull, but those buttons make these ones definitely cross over into CUTE territory!

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  35. Don't think of them as "beige," think of them as "nude," which sounds so much sexier! ;) Nude shoes are very in for spring and summer this year - and even better than that, they are very flattering to lighter-skinned women, since they sort-of match your skin tone, disappearing and thereby lengthening your leg line. And these specific shoes are super-cute!!

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  36. I love Clarks and own several pairs of their heels--though I hear narrow-footed people may not share my love. And in general l like shoes with a vintage vibe, so a qualified "yea" from me.

    It's a "qualified yea" because I am super-picky about skin-tone shoes and find most beiges look awful with my super-pale skin. IMO/E taupey-pinks and bone look better on the pigment-challenged.

    If you find the Clarks disappoint colorwise but you love everything else about them, I've had DIY success using colored shoe creams to tweak shades I dislike. Good luck!

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  37. Buy them - quick before they sell out!
    I think these are tops - very cleverly, they are both modern and vintage!
    I don't see anything granny about these ones.

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  38. They're not fuddy-duddy at all! I love the strap and oversize button. Plus, beige shoes are nice and elongating to the legs. And they're perfect for spring and summer - not as harsh as black or brown shoes, and not as easily messed up as white. (Does my love of beige shoes make me fuddy-duddy?)

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  39. I've not done this bc I never wear heals but a close friend of mine likes to get her shoes that color at our local dance store. She buys ballroom dancing shoes and says they are super comfy and they come in some cute styles. Just in case you want to try somewhere else. I like how vintage those are. On a granny they would look like granny shoes but I bet you could totally rock them.

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  40. I just bought a pair of nude clark wedges and I love them. They are very tall but so comfy and stable. I owned a pair of nude heels in the 90's and wore them to death never finding another pair. This year they are every where and I love my new pair as much as the old. I feel a nude heel is an extension of the leg. They make legs beutifully long looking unlike a colored shoe which cuts the eye off. Try a pair on and you will be hooked!

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  41. Those are cute shoes! You should check out Miz Mooz. Incredibly comfy and adorable.

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  42. Swimming against the tide here, but the color really isn't doing it for me. *shrug* They'd be adorable in another color, though.

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  43. I think they're cute! I remember reading a quote where Mary Tyler Moore said she always insisted on wearing beige shoes on her show because she had always felt they made you look taller and thinner when she was a dancer. I'm not sure that's true, but I love the quote!

    Beige shoes don't look good on me because I am so pale, but it's a YMMV thing I think. I love Clarks and have several cute pairs.

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  44. Yes to the shoes! They are adorable and (i bet) very comfortable. There's enough cuteness to balance out the neutral colour, plus, they'll go with everything!

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  45. I live in beige (though I prefer "camel-colored") shoes in the spring/summer. I'd snag these ones - they definitely meet the cool but comfy criteria.

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  46. So interesting reading all the comments about Clarks - I used to always have to wear them for school and "going out" shoes, because I had very narrow feet and Clarks were one of the few brands that fit. (Strange how as an adult, there's few brands that actually offer different widths)
    The shoe shop guy would always say "when you're older you'll be happy to have such narrow feet because you'll be able to wear beautiful high heels"... and I'm happy to say that yes, after a BUNION OPERATION at the age of 33(!!) I am, once again, rocking heels. I say go for those shoes - or any others you like - while you can!

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  47. They are beautiful! I want some for myself! I think the color and the style has enough nod to vintage styles, but still looks modern and cute.

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  48. Definate yea. I think hey match your overall aesthetic. Also, those are the exact type of shoe for which I have been searching. For 6 months. **sigh**

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  49. If you are going for comfort, I say Clarks are the best. It's one of the brands I am always happy with - and I definitely have problem feet - 10 1/2 narrow. And the beige will go with everything.

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  50. Oh yes!!!!!! These are adorABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  51. Yea. Nude heels elongate the leg. And I am lovin' the peep.

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  52. The stacked heel, the buttons, the peep toe, what is not to love? The color will go with everything and the style will speak for itself.

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  53. Super cute - I'd go for them! Especially because Clark's is a company renowned for making comfortable, durable shoes.

    I'm wearing nude shoes today myself, so I might be a little biased.

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  54. a HUGE yes to thse adorable shoes! I have a very similar pair from Camper and love them to bits. your shoes will look amazing with skirts, but I also love them with a huge turn-up on jeans and a light coloured top. It says spring/summer to me but far easier to wear then white

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  55. When I saw the shoe I thought 'nude' not beige, which is always a great, sexy color shoe to have. But honestly I don't really like those, I don't like the strap or the big button. It reminds me of Modcloth.

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  56. Trust your taste and make sure the store accepts returns.

    That said... they can look fuddy duddy or smashingly depending on the person wearing them and the outfit that goes with them.

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  57. I love them! I have a pair similar but they're vintage. Got for it! Monique :)

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  58. I love them and want some myself!

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  59. I was looking at these same shoes earlier today! I think they're super cute personally(Love peep toes). If there's a store carrying Clarks near you (I would think you've got everything really, lol) You could always try them on to decide if you really like them?

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  60. They are a bit beige but I'm sure you would rock them!! And by the looks of other comments it's likely they'll be in your wardrobe by the end of the week. Happy shopping!

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  61. How could you be in doubt? So classy and yet so fun with the peep-toe. I don't know if I could go for beige myself, but they are darling! Go shop!

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  62. That kind of nude colour is actually really big right now, because it gives the visual illusion of longer legs. I say go for it!

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  63. As so many others have said - is it the right shade of nothing to go against your skin or likely hosiery? Personally, I am wary of plastic wooden heels, they can look a bit cheap. I prefer cork. And I would want ballet pink-type nude rather than "American Tan" - but then again that is probably down to my British skintones!
    Have you looked at Fly London shoes? I love them - comfort, style, colours - everything is right!

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  64. I like those. The buttons are great. These are the right side of grannyish for me - a shoe that hasn't forgotten to look cute!

    That said, I'm very upset with Clarks at the moment. They have a very cute pair of cherry red 50s flat wedge sandals in their Original range (Vanilla Cream they're called, despite coming only in black and red...). Mine arrived in a UK sz 8/ US sz 11 (the largest they do) and... they're too small! They fit to perfection my 10 year old daughter (who is a size 7), so I guess I'll get the benefit of seeing them all summer, but it's not the same now, is it?

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  65. I'm posting from the UK so our Clarks may be different to yours. But I recently bought the most comfortable sandals of my life from there, and they're cute too - I've received more than one compliment whilst wearing them. And I have the ugliest feet known to woman. I indulged in my first ever session with a pumice this morning! Oh, it must be that time of year again...

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  66. I absolutely love them! They are so nifty! Don't worry about them being beige, sometimes it can seem a bit old granny-ish but they are so funky so no need to worry! And also I am sure you would wear them with something really lovely!

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  67. definite yea - they're lush and nude shoes are everywhere atm.

    my question is why can't i find them here in the uk? are they called something else? i've combed the clarks site to no avail...

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  68. LOVE the heel! LOVE the strap and buttons! Go for it, Gertie!

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  69. I love these! Definitely not "fuddy duddy" at all; very cute and versatile! I like the idea of having at least one pair of beige shoes in my wardrobe; something similar to one's skin tone can be great for elongating legs or blending in a bit more when you want the rest of the outfit to take center stage. I say go for these!

    I'm in a seasonal shoe buying mood lately too! Although this year I'm trying not to go overboard. ;) I just ordered pair of tan wedges from ASOS and am eagerly awaiting their arrival!

    ♥ Casey
    blog | elegantmusings.com

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  70. Those shoes are utterly FANTASTIC! I love them. Gertie, for the love of shoes, you MUST BUY THEM!

    Sarah :)

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  71. These are fabulous!! They remind me of a pair that I picked up in Germany... they look comfy too.

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  72. those are insanely wonderful.

    I think I read somewhere that every woman needs a pair of nude shoes 'cause they can be worn with anything. Looks close enough to nude in my book!

    Buy them now. Or jump over to the Clark's store, try them on, be totally convinced how fantastic they are, and then buy them. It'll take you all of 15 minutes...

    I've popped into Clark's so quickly sometimes that I still get the free transfer on my MetroCard!

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  73. Clarks are my favorite, and these are great. I don't personally wear beige shoes, but if I did, I'd wear these!

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  74. definitely 'yea'! versatile basics are too easy to overlook and leave out of your closet for more exciting fun things - things which never seem to go with what you want to wear, but gosh they're cute!
    and Clarks are amazing, and comfortable!
    i'm finding myself lacking in a good basic neutral shoe, my must-have spring/summer shoes are white/nude/pale grey, flats or sandals, something that will go with vintage sundresses in fun colors/prints, but not overwhelm them. one bright/fun thing per outfit is all i can handle. :)

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  75. Thanks for all the help, dear readers! They're on their way to me from Zappos now. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

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  76. Now redundant but oh yay, I love these! One thing, I am not so crazy about beige shoes either, but try it. If you get tired of the color, it´s very easy to dye pale shoes darker. I think you are supposed to use a special cleansing product but where I bought the dye they advised me to rub out all the color you can with some cotton wool and rubbing alcohol and then apply the dye with a sponge and a brush ( you need both actually. sponge to smooth, brush to make it stick some places). Let it dry, apply a second coat, let it dry really well before using. So far a success.

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  77. The style of the Clarkes shoes are great - love the style! They look so comfortable. Unfortunately, the beige colour just doesn't do it for me, but then I have a thing for black shoes!

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  78. marlene dietrich always insisted that nude shoes were the way to go...elongates the leg.

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  79. they aren't your mothers beige! they are a creamy brown. love them. yea!

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  80. I got mine yesterday and wore them to work today. So cute and comfortable!

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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