What Lori's Women Want

The average Lori's shopper usually wants one of two things ... or should I say one of both things: a shoe that can be dressed up and down, and an easy shoe—low maintenance and easy to accessorize. No bells and whistles, these woman want the "Everyday Shoe." Merging these demands into a single, ideal shoe is no easy feat.

Calvin Klein's Olive in black patent

Of course, the ideal varies.

Women in the office are looking for a sturdy practical heel for daily wear. These women love Calvin Klein’s Olive in either leather or patent or Franco Sarto’s Luxe in Dune, Black or Cognac. Vaneli is a must for women with narrow feet, who often have trouble finding pumps that fit well. Enter Undine, Dizzy, Urseline and Ulan. These styles are low or moderate in height, sturdy and feminine.

Steve Madden's Fantastik in khak

Then you have your brand enthusiasts. These trendy women follow a brand religiously, seeking out styles from a particular designer to build their collection. Jeffrey Campbell is the leader of the brand pack in the store. (Sam Edelman comes in at a respectable second.) I cannot tell you how many women come in looking for the über-fierceness that is Jeffrey Campbell. JC women are looking for shock appeal—they want their shoes to pop. Comfort is not a necessity ... it's more of a plus.

Being a JC connoisseur, this is where I shine. (Hi, Lori’s women! Meet me, Ashley: adamant lover of all chunky, heeled things stacked on platform.) When I look for shoes I am concerned about getting height with minimal pain. Anything in boot/wedge/platform shapes sets my heart a-flutter.

Boots are still and will forever be my ideal heel. If you like the coverage and look of a boot, short boots are a great lead-in to summer. They look super cute when paired with girly patterned dress and skinnies. Vic Matie, Sam Edelman, Progretto and Via Spiga are always crowd pleasers in this category.

To keep it truly simple every day, go with the classic ballerina. It’s easy, it goes with anything from skinnies to dresses. The flat gladiator is a similar favorite as it adds a bit of oomph without causing a stir.

Wedges and chunky heels are no-brainers. They are this season's ideal shoe. Our star wedges have been Vaneli’s Dandy, Steve Madden’s Fantastik and Matisse’s Lovee for their uncanny resemblance to Stuart Weitzman’s rope design. For dressier occasions wedge and chunky heel lovers are always into a shoe with a platform such as the forever popular Irina by Pour la Victoire. The signature double-stack platform is akin to that of a YSL.

—Ashley Lacey, Armitage staff and creator of Stiletto Chic