Spring Sandal Trends. Fashion Tips From Louise Roe & Piperlime

Style Expert Louise Roe was in Chicago for Piperlime and I had the opportunity to meet her and discuss one of my favorite subjects: Shoes!

The tall and lanky Louise “no, I never was really a model” sure looked like one! Louise’s easygoing nature (and cool British accent) makes her the perfect spokesperson for Piperlime, where you can get everything from designer shoes like Cynthia Vincent to reasonably priced lines such as Kenneth Cole Reaction. Her background was actually in journalism and her love for fashion lead her to an internship at Elle Magazine. From there she began writing for In Style, Glamour and Vogue.com. Her guest appearances on shows like Project Catwalk and Make me a Supermodel led her to hosting television shows such as the British Clothes How, Go Fix Yourself, and on VogueTV. Look out for her on Model It coming out this September.

So on a dark rainy March day I was certainly ready to hear about (and dream about) summer sandals. Louise told me some of the hottest sandal trends that you can get at Piperlime right now: Tribal, Wedge and Warrior.

Louise Roe: My wardrobe philosophy is to start with one power item and build your outfit from it. It may be a handbag or it many be a shoe. My favorite way to dress is starting with the shoe. It is an easy way to channel a trend without having to spend a fortune on new clothes.

Left to right: Cynthia Vincent Cree $200, Matt Bernson Equus $160, Kenneth Cole Reaction Know-Veau, $79

SCS: What would you tell women to wear with these fringed tribal flats?
Louise Roe: I would wear a simple long flowy summer dress, a strapless would
work. And go for color when choosing these tribal sandals. Don’t be afraid to wear different or unusual colors together and mix it up like Marc Jacobs does.

Left to right: Cynthia Vincent Luella $400,  Nine West Rusty $89, Max Studio Cane $185, Frye Blair Slingback $188

SCS: Ahh… The Wedge Trend… I love a wedge!                                                    Louise Roe: The Wedge is a girl’s best friend! It is more comfortable because you are usually on a platform. They are easy to wear can can be worn in an office or to the beach. Go for cork wedges – they are big this season. And opt for color – or go for natural leathers which is always flattering.

SCS: What kind of pants or jeans would you wear with these?
Louise Roe: A flare, definitely a flare. It gives you a nice long line. It’s sort of that fun  70s look!

Left to right: Report Barrett $90 (Louise's Must Have!), Cynthia Vincent Serena $275,  Kenneth Cole Reaction Gem-erama $89

SCS: Moving on to the The Warrior Trend – It was so big and it looks like it is not going away this season!
Louise Roe: Yes, and I think it is great to look in neutral browns which lengthen the leg. I also like the gold hardware. Gold is just summery and looks great with a tan.

SCS: You’ve got so much going on with these shoes, what handbag would you wear?
Louise Roe: Yes you don’t want to have too much going on with your handbag, you may want to get a simple bag that picks up one element, like a buckle or tassle.
I have a gold bag that I have been able to wear with many different sandals. That is one more way to simplify and economize on your summer wardrobe by finding one bag that will work with multiple shoes.

SCS: Which of these sandals do you just have to have for yourself?
Louise Roe: It would be the black patent Report Barrett! I was just saying that I have to have these sandals! I love them and I like how these zip up the back so you don’t really have to buckle all of these little buckles!

— Carol Calacci

Photos: Piperlime

Louis Roe is photgraphed in Chicago wearing Piperlime's "Tribal Trend" Platforms by Guess – Convert 2 $99