Poplin Style Direction | Seattle Personal Stylist for Women Everywhere

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5 Must Have Shoe Brands That Will Bring an Edge to Your Style

As a personal stylist for women, my goal is to ensure that every woman looks and feels like her authentic self. This ensures she has confidence and power when she’s out in the world. If you’ve been a part of the Poplin community for some time, thank YOU. We hope you are enjoying the new Poplin website which includes pages to shop by body type. Each page links to Pinterest boards that are constantly updated with new pieces just right for your figure.

Soon, you’ll also see pages focused on shopping for your personal style! If you don’t feel like waiting, just jump onto the Poplin Pinterest boards and see what speaks to you.

One of the most common client requests is to bring an edge to her style. Of course, each woman wants that edge to be appropriate for work, home, going out and to feel just right for her age. The obvious gateway to edge is a leather jacket. But, after that, then what? I vote for shoes. And this post will get you started. Jump onto the Edgy style board for more ideas. I’m ELATED that my recent client photo shoot featured Ashley, who’s style is Preppy Punk. She’ll be our model for a few of these. Off we go!

Before you dive in, remember that Poplin Style is an affiliate. What does that mean? It means that when you click through on the images below, Poplin may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Of course, we ONLY include items we love, whether or not a commission is available. Is it worth it? It sure is. Commissions help carve out the time to write blog posts, so if you are ready to purchase, please click through. Thank YOU and also, have I told you lately….*

5 Edgy Shoe Brands That You Won’t See on Everyone Else

Real Poplin Style Client, Ashley. Poplin clients always wear their own pieces in the photo shoots. We work with what she already has in her closet, then add pieces that will complete her authentic personal style. See Ashley’s story on the client page. Photo by Chamonix Browne. Hair and makeup by Kat St. John.

Mobius Hi Ivory. Available in multiple colors. United Nude. Was: $280. Now: $110.

Jacky Metal Mid Red. Available in multiple colors. United Nude. Was: $275. Now: $205.

  1. United Nude

    These are among my VERY favorite shoes. Over the years, I’ve only recommended them to a handful of clients. My clients have had success with both styles above. They are comfortable and long lasting. It’s all about recognizing someone’s authentic personal style. Take a look at the brand, especially the boots, slides and heels. See what catches your eye. Sales are rare, but they ARE happening right now.

Poplin client Julie is rocking her Top Shop booties in this image from our photo shoot last year. See more about Julie on the Client Stories page. Photo by Amy Paine. Hair and Makeup by Kat St. John.

HENLEY High Ankle Boots. Available in three color including mint green!. Topshop. $170.

HOP Flat Sandals. Available in three colors. Topshop. $40.

2. TopShop

My love for Topshop goes on and on. There was hope that we’d get a local store last year, but the company changed plans. (Topshop stores are located throughout the country.) For now, we have the Topshop section of Nordstrom. But, did you know that Topshop has a stellar website, too? The brand carries petite, maternity, tall and plus size PLUS great shoes. They are affordable, comfortable and current.

Ashley again! This time she’s rocking the Alexander McQueen loafers we picked up on NordstromRack.com. They are gone, now. But it’s a great place to search for designer pieces at a discount.

Alexander McQueen Button Up Bootie.Nordstrom. $1,190.

Alexander McQueenDonna Platform Sneaker. Nordstrom Rack. Was: $1168. Now: $619.

3. Alexander McQueen

If you’ve got the resources (time to dig for deals or money to pay full price), Alexander McQueen is a thrilling place to start looking for edgy pieces. His clothing and accessories also include lots of options with skulls. But, his looks go way beyond that, as you can clearly see with these creeper/ loafers. They are perfect for Ashley’s preppy punk style. I pretty much lost my mind when I found them. Then, I built her Uber Wishlist around these comfortable, stylish, unique shoes.

I love this photo of me and my favorite tailor, Laura, making my client’s pants more modern.As an aside, If you’ve got outdated “work pants,” check out this blog post on how to make them more current. I digress. I also happen to be wearing shoes from Zara. Photo by Kat St. John.

STUDDED LEATHER LOAFERSDETAILS. Zara. $59.90.

LOW HEELED SLINGBACKS WITH LARGE BUCKLEDETAILS. Zara. $59.90.

4. Zara

There are few places that are as easy to find a current pair of shoes at a reasonable price point as Zara. We’ve now go locations

One last image of Ashley with the Jeffrey Campbell boots we picked up. Photo by Chamonix Browne. Hair and makeup by Kat St. John.

HURRICANE. Available in multiple colors. Jeffrey Campbell. $60.

CACERES. Available in multiple colors. Jeffrey Campbell. $175.

5. Jeffrey Campbell

Jeffrey Campbell started out selling shoes at our beloved Nordstrom. Buzzfeed calls him the “J.D. Salinger of Platform Shoes.” I keep thinking about replacing my favorite pair of Jeffrey Campbell boots, but I always go back to them. They don’t have a lot of support, but the heel is really comfortable. And, if you are someone who wants more padding, you can add an insert. Another reasonably priced brand, these fall in between United Nude and Zara. Yes, they do sell the brand at Nordstrom. You’ll find more options on the brand’s website, but a better return policy at Nordstrom.

Remember, when you are identifying her authentic personal style, your style key words don’t need to be synonyms. You can have a modern classic style with a little bit of edge. Or you can describe your style as boho with an edge. Or, like Ashley, preppie punk. These shoes can be the edgiest items in your look or just one of many. It’s all about feeling like yourself so that you can have maximum impact in the world. Off you go!

*Fun Fact: Out of all my years of seeing live music. This concert was filled with the meanest people. Who saw that coming?