Fall/Winter Shoe Trend: Patent Leather Vs. Suede

When I think of patent leather I reflect on the fancy shoes I wore to church as a child. After finding the array of gorgeous patent leather shoes available for adults, I will never look at it the same. While suede is a trend this fall and winter along with patent leather, I personally prefer the look and feel of patent leather over suede. When it comes to durability, patent leather wins that battle as well. Imagine wearing those designer pair of suede shoes when it begins to rain, not such as pleasant thought. While there are sprays to protect suede, patent leather requires no such attention as it is essentially waterproof. Patent leather goes through a special process to achieve its luster and is a superior grade of leather. Did I mention that patent leather shoes will go perfectly with a patent leather handbag? Patent leather easily wins this battle. Next, I will highlight my five favorite patent leather shoes. These are the shoes that I find fabulous and I hope you will find them fab too.

Anais Runway Loafer by Alexander Wang, $650 at Neiman Marcus

When I saw this shoe, it was love at first sight. There it was shining like a blue gem with the perfect heel size, complete with an embellishment in front. This loafer features an almond toe and is metallic blue. The Anais Runway Loafer is available in sizes 5-10, including half sizes. Get a complete metallic look with metallic nail polish, eye shadow, shoes and handbag.

Annie Patent-Leather Wedge Pump by Elie Tahari, $298 at Neiman Marcus

I appreciate the wedge pump heel because I honestly have a hard time walking in traditional heels. While traditional heels look great, they won't looks so great if I am flat on my face. This almond toed, grayish-black wedge pump is available is sizes 8-11. I am out of luck when it comes to this shoe since I only wear a size 6, but I still love it!

Jessica Simpson 'Calie' Pump, $78.95 at Nordstrom

I know it is a traditional pump yet I love it. While the shoe comes in Nude Patent, Black Patent and Tawny Mauve Patent, I favor the nude by far because the color is natural, which means it can be worn with anything. I have been on a wild goose chase for some time now trying to find a nude color shoe that is comfortable and affordable. This just may prove to be my winning shoe. Better yet, is the fact that it comes in sizes 4-12, including half sizes, which means they have my size and most likely yours.

Vara Patent Leather Pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo, $375-395 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Pumps are great because they are neither flat nor high heels, making them a comfortable and fashionable choice. This patent leather pump is sublime in Bisque, Beige, Nero (Black) or Clementine. This splendid shoe is made in Italy and available in sizes 5-11.

Rain Boots

Patent Leather Giraffe Rain Boots by Mudpie, $25 at Little Footprints Children's Shop

I had to add these adorable giraffe print rain boots, that are also available in zebra print. These boots are for ages 12-18 months and would look darling on a little one that age. Too cute! If you love these rain boots as much as I do you will want the matching rain coat to go with them. Purchase the Mud Pie Wild Child Giraffe Rain Coat or the Mud Pie Wild Child Zebra Rain Coat for $35. I have been wanting to buy my 4-year-old rain boots and a rain coat, I wish these were available in her size.

Air Lizzie Rain Boot by Cole Haan, $175 (on sale) at Neiman Marcus

What is not to like about a stylish rain boot? With water-resistant Patent Leather you and I can walk in the rain looking great. I am extremely fond of this rain boot that comes in black or dark gray. I prefer the gray because it shimmers and appears to be more of a silver to me. Anyone wearing a size 5-11 can slip into a pair of these patent leather rain boots.

Women's Chellie by Wear Ever, $24.99 at Sears

When looking for a less expensive shoe that looks similar to patent leather try the flat, round toed Chellie by Wear Ever. I have a pair of these stunning shoes and I can vow for their comfortability. The pewter color, which is a silver-copper combination goes well with every color. I settled for this shoe when I couldn't find a good fit in the nude color that was my first choice. I purchased mine during the summer at JC Penney. Purchase yours in a size 5.5-11.

I hope you found a shoe that you can call marvelous. Patent leather is a trend for both fall and winter so you will get plenty of wear out of your purchase. Which is your favorite of the five shoes? Mine is the Jessica Simpson "Calie" Pump because it is available in the nude color I've been searching for, is affordable and classy. Now I must go shopping and learn how to walk in heels. I may also have to hurry to Neiman Marcus to get that rain boot while it is still on sale, love it!

Happy shopping and good luck finding your perfect fit!

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