There's a lot to love about the holidays—quality time with loved ones, a general sprit of joy and celebration—but I particularly enjoy getting dressed up for all the parties. I own far too many sequined pieces in proportion to how many events I actually attend, but few things put me in a more festive mood than a little sparkle. What's been missing from my holiday wardrobe, however, was the perfect pair of red party shoes. I have an older, more casual pair of red suede slippers that I break out for more low-key events, but I wanted something that made more of a statement. Thankfully I found the perfect pair at Bells & Becks, an indie shoe brand that makes really sophisticated, refined shoes that you don't see every day. Meet the Nadia in crimson, my new go-to party shoe.
The Nadia (use code cheryl10 for 10% off)
If you're not familiar with Bells & Becks—I wore the Aurora in this post—it's a brand founded by my former coworker Tamar Miller; I can attest that Tamar has incredible taste and an amazing network of family-owned Italian factories where the shoes are made. All Bells & Becks shoes have a little detail or two that just make them so unique, and as someone who values comfort, I appreciate that they tend to have lower heels and lightly padded footbeds. The Nadia is kind of a cross between a Mary Jane and a d'Orsay, with a dainty little button and a devastatingly sexy pointed toe that does not at all pinch. It comes in four different colors, but I love how the crimson leather has a texture to it that makes it look like velvet—and that made it the obvious choice for the holidays. I've worn these shoes several times already, including on a five-hour holiday bar crawl, and can attest that they're surprisingly comfortable; I ordered my usual European size 39 (I'm an 8.5 US). Read on for some of the ways I've worn them.
Dressed down
Sometimes sequins and lace aren't the best choice for a daytime event; for, say, a work party, my advice is to wear what you'd usually wear, then throw in a festive accessory or two, like the Nadia—the pop of red goes a long way but doesn't feel over the top.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Quince leather jacket | Naked Cashmere sweater (similar) | IRO pants (similar) | Bells & Becks Nadia shoes (c/o; use cheryl10 for 10% off)
Dressed up
While not the most dressed up I tend to get—that would require sequins—I do love a mix of faux fur, silk, and lace, with a cozy sweater thrown in for good measure. I also maybe didn't need the red tassel earrings with this look, but I do love how this pair brightens up my face, especially when I'm otherwise wearing all black.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Vintage faux fur jacket (similar here) | Modern Citizen Hadeel sweater | J.Crew slip skirt (current) | Bells & Becks Nadia shoes (c/o; use cheryl10 for 10% off)
