Steve Madden “Stecy” sandals sz 5.5, Essie “fiji” nail polish
I was shopping for a dressier occasion, and fell in love on Nordstrom’s website with this floral option – perfect for wearing to a wedding, an engagement photoshoot, or just a dressy night out. Even in the stock photos, there was so much flowy movement and the reviews were glowing. I had noticed the brand several times before because they have such pretty maxi dresses, but never gave it a try due to sizing limitations. Only select styles are available in petite sizing, and amongst those a 2P was the smallest available so that’s what I ordered. Update: They now make this starting in size 0P!
These photos show how the dress in 2P fits on me with no alterations. I think it fits fairly true to size (see measurements at the end of post), maybe a little smaller than AT/LOFT and J.Crew. The length though is long for petite sizing. For reference, I’m just under 5 feet tall wearing 4″ heels here, and could still use an inch or two shortening of this dress. I will be taking in the torso slightly on each side, and shortening the length (by the way, if length is just slightly too long for you, a little cheat I love instead of alterations is the “foldover” trick). I thought the fully-lined quality was good for the price, so don’t mind getting alterations on a more unique piece. Bonus is a gold-toned skinny belt which can be paired with other outfits!
On to these sandals – I’ve gotten so many questions via Instagram about their comfort. Honestly, I don’t think a 4+ inch high heel with ankle strap and tiny front strap can ever be “comfy,” but I don’t think these are bad given the style! I started my search for a minimalistic, classic nude high heel sandal back in February and figured I’d give a run down of my favorites tried on to date, from splurge to steal:
1. Stuart Weitzman Nudist
Height: 4.25 to 4.5″ – not 100% sure as listings differ and I forgot to measure
Sizing: starts in size 4
Colors: numerous options
The ever popular and original minimalistic sandal. Several of my friends own this and swear by the “comfort,” so I was a little surprised when I tried them on. Not painful, but they felt like exactly what they are: a sole strapped onto the feet by means of two very thin straps. Though I do realize this is also the exact reason why they are so aesthetically pleasing!
I also tried on the Nudist’s relatively lower-heeled sister, the Nudistsong. I’d prefer these over the original, since the 3.75 – 4″ heels are still high enough to be sleek/sexy but more manageable than 4+!
2. Steve Madden “Stecy” sandals
Height: 4″
Sizing: starts in size 5.5
Colors: many options
A dupe of the Nudist, with a slightly thicker sole and wider front strap. These cost a lot less than SW, but I feel you get what you pay for. The patent upper is a shinier faux leather (lining and insole is leather), and the small changes in details makes the shoe look less high-end. I got these instead of the SW Nudist, because I really wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to get used to walking in this style of sandal! However, I’ve worn them several times already, and left them on the entire day recently for a mix of sitting/standing/indoor walking. You get used to the feeling of pressure at the two straps, and they were surprisingly not painful and left no blisters or chafing by the end of a long day.
Also, these are not for wider feet – the soles run narrow so your feet do hang over slightly on each side. The reviews are so mixed, my guess is comfort for these really differs based on your exact foot type and tolerance for heels. I am in love with the general style though as it’s super flattering with jeans, pants and skirts alike and very leg-lengthening. Since it’s a timeless shoe, I’d be willing to spend more for something of better quality too.
3. Vince Camuto “Court” sandals
Height: 3.5″
Sizing: starts in size 4
Colors: 10 options
If I weren’t fixated on the super thin strappy look, these would’ve been the winner instead. The 5-star reviews also speak for themselves. The “beige” leather was matte and looked very nice quality in-person…soft to the touch but sturdily made. The color looks better and less dull than my snapshots here.
The fit of a size 5 on me was comfortable and secure off the bat, and the style was flattering on my foot. The back-of-the-heel piece comes up higher than the other options here, but did not feel irritating.
4. BP “Luminate” sandals
Height: 3″
Sizing: starts in size 4!
Colors: 6+ options
A budget-friendly option in faux-leather or fabric. At 3,” these were a little low for what I usually wear, but are fantastic as a more
sensible sandal. These felt true to size and have good reviews. Several of my friends and cousin own a pair of these!
Hope this roundup helps anyone else looking for the perfect nude sandals!
Measurements of this dress in 2P, for reference: 17″ armpit to armpit, 13.5″ across the waist (skinny belt helps cinch it a bit too), 14″ from top of shoulder to waistline, 56″ total length. Fabric has no stretch and dress is fully lined.
Do you have a more updated review of this style of Sandal. Still looking for a good pair somewhere 2.5-3" I don't wear heels often so I'm sure it will kill me. But this style is such a staple
Just tried to order a 2P on Nordstrom but they sold out! I wonder how often they restock this since it has been out since last year. do you know?
Hi! I just got this dress for my engagement shoot. It looks like your pleats aren't so "pleat-y". Did you do something to get them to be looser?
Hi Jean – this dress is absolutely gorgeous, thank you so much for sharing. I was wondering if you know if this dress/these types of dresses ever go on sale at Nordstrom? I'm debating whether to buy it now, or to wait for a sale. I'd appreciate your advice! Thanks 🙂
2p online now! Buy, buy, buy!!! I would.
Hi Jean! Hope your holiday was wonderful! 🙂
I am asking for your advice which is why I choose to bring up this awesome blog post you made a while back. Actually, all of your blog posts are amazing 😛 Since the day you posted this dress, I absolutely loved it right away and hope to one day own it! I now have a chance to wear it to a winter/spring wedding (plus more events/casual outings) but the problem is I am 4'9'' and the smallest size they have right now is 2 regular or 4P. I am aware that I will have to get it tailored right off the bat but do you believe it is worth it? I am very hesitant because I don't know if the price + tailoring price will be worth it especially it being a bit over my budget. I know Nordstorm will give you a certain amount of credit for tailoring but not sure exactly how much… Please help! Any insight will help and I appreciate it greatly! 🙂
Saint Laurent classic Jane is another option instead of stuart weitzman 🙂
Love the dress on you! You're so pretty! i check out your site everyday. It looks like 2P is out of stock again.
Love the dress, love the sandal…wonderful presentation. Being fashionable is an endless journey… Fashion tips are a part of being in that journey to make our self more beautiful. Can't wait to read more your writing.
This dress is breathtaking! That movement though 🙂
xx, Mel
http://melinspired.com
the floral dress perfectly goes with the ankle strap high heels
Wow–this dress is stunning! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the different sandal brand; I've been eyeing simple strapped sandals ever since I saw them on your blog a while back.
http://pennyforherthoughts.com
Thank you for the review on the different kinds of nude sandals! I was highly debating getting the Weitzman sandals but I'm so weird about my toes (my second toe is longer than my big toe!) and I feel like those sandals would just keep me super self conscious!
coffeeslag
coffeeslag: workout gear
That one was so cute! Funny I do the same with some Anthro pieces hoping they will go on sale but still be left in the right size…the only time I've ever gotten lucky was with another blue and white fit and flare dress : )
So cute! Love zara shoes and only wish they'd make more extended sizing.
Thank you for your kind words, Jenna!
I think Schutz is wonderful quality … thanks for the tip on the CadeyLee!
Thank you for the tip – love the high vs low range of recommendations!
Hi Lin – I love these sales! I'm so glad to hear you were able to pick up the necklace at such an amazing price.
Hi Janet! He's located on Knapp St in the same building as a hair salon. He only speaks Cantonese, but I have many non-Chinese friends that go to him for straightforward jobs and just communicate through gestures. He is located across from the grocery store on that alley/street, and you can see his sewing machine through the big window. His hours are supposed to be 10AM-5PM, but he tends to work on his own hours and sometimes closes up earlier FYI.
Thank you! I actually just colored my hair this weekend, so it's my natural color in this blog post.
I kept both, and shared my thoughts + measurements in my latest post today : )