Need help with "business casual" attire & shoes!

Help!

I am doing my service work for one of my classes this fall. I will be volunteering with case managers at a homeless shelter. I already volunteer at the homeless shelter so immediately following, I will be going to volunteer with the kids at the shelter -- keep that in mind.

Basically, I need business casual attire. The only requirement really is it needs to be pants or skirts. I reside in Phoenix so it needs to be weather appropriate. I have been told polos are ok as is not wearing anything on my legs if I wear a skirt.

I have already ordered some chinos & skirts from LLBean (on sale for $15 & &20). However, I would like to also stock up on cardigans.

But I desperately need ballet flats. I need brown and navy particularly. I will not shop at Wal-Mart or Payless as I have had nothing but miserable experience with both -- and I will be on my feet for about 10 hours. But finances are an issue (isn't it always?).

Anyone have any good recommendations or assistance in this department?

Have you checked out Lane Bryant (and related stores)?

I have. A pair of chinos there were $50! I had to buy a pair as that was my only option at the time (despite NY&Company have a B1G1 sale at $30/pair -- they didn't have any in my size).

Mostly, I need help finding shoes. I am a simple person with a keen appreciation for classics. I don't wear heels of any sort but am limited on time to go looking as well.

I feel stuck.

I know, the main company is expensive. Fashion Bug isn't, though, and there should be two of them in Phoenix.

What about Kohls? I seen some nice flats on their site. Some that even I might consider wearing if I could actually fit my foot into them (wide feet.. ).

Footsmart has very good shoes. I don't know what your shoe budget is but sometimes you have to splurge to be nice to your feet. And well-made shoes last longer so if you're going to wear them for a long time, it might actually turn out to be cheaper on a per-wearing basis.

I'd also suggest getting two good pairs of shoes (switching off daily) might end up being far more cost-effective, and better for you - if your feet hurt, you hurt all over.

Do you have a a New Balance store near you - they now carry 'dress' shoes (more business casual). Or, Nordstrom has a wide range of shoes and price points. Both of those stores have good web sites - but I know I like to actually try on the shoes. Both companies actually still have staff to measure your feet. Or, search for comfort shoes on the web - there are at least some companies that make comfy shoes that aren't totally ugly - but the trick is sizing. I thought Zappos is supposed to be great with customer service and has billions of shoes.

I know it can seem crazy to spend $100 or so on a pair of shoes, but if you can find ones that actually fit you, and are classic, you'll probably have them for years.

Good luck - I know it's not always actually fun to shop for shoes (I have narrow, flat feet - most cutsey, inexpensive shoes, simply don't work for me).

Originally Posted by darlili

I thought Zappos is supposed to be great with customer service and has billions of shoes.

Click to expand...

I've used them before, but only after trying the same brand of shoes on in stores and finding that no one had it in my size. Their shipping is (or at least was) very quick.

Dillards and Pennys

My usual shoe hunting grounds are:
Rack Room
Shoe Carnival
Off Broadway Shoes
DSW.com

DSW is more expensive but you are going to get better quality.
I would look for Aerosoles they are super comfy.

Shoes are one of those things I have found if you spend more money on them you are better off! The ones I have gotten cheap have either torn up or been super uncomfy. But the ones I spent the money on are still in great shape and are still comy.

Also invest in some nice insoles! They can make a huge difference!

I buy my business casual shoes from Kohl's 95% of the time they usually have these loafer-type shoes by Croft and Barrow that I like on sale for around $25. They have a little bit of a heel, but I'm more comfortable with a little heel than flats, and the heel isn't like a kitten heel, it's a good sturdy heel. They also come in wide-widths which is good cause I have one wide foot but they still fit the other one

I've been loving my Skechers shoes that have more of a tennis shoe bottom, but are adorable and look like dress shoes. Skechers are also made to be a bit wider than typical shoes, so it's perfect for me (I have bunions). I wear them in a business casual environment and they look more dressy than some of the shoes I've seen my peers wear.

http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-cl...e_-_abbey/bbk/

http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-cl...all_night/nat/

My only suggestion is to try a retailer, rather than buy online. I've found great deals on these types at Shoe Carnival, and it's even better if they are buy one get one.

I usually buy my work shoes from Penny's when I can....when they have a good sale.

I have several pairs of Hush Puppies Angel II (I think they're called) shoes. They have a very low heel and look well with both pants and skirts. My flats are by A.N.A. from Penny's, too.

It's important to wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable, especially if you're going to be on your feet all day long. I'll spend the extra money for good shoes and boots because I know I can wear them for a long time.

I wear a lot of Dockers pants or dress pants with different blouses, shirts and sweaters. For those days when I have meetings, I'll wear a skirt or a nice dress with heels. On those days, I like to wear shoes with a very high heel...not for everyday, but sometimes I like to wear the higher heels. On Fridays, I'm allowed to wear jeans, but still try to wear a nice shirt or blouse. I do wear a lot of sweaters, even during the summer, because the AC makes our offices downright cold.

Usually, I'll go on a bit of a clothes binge two or three times a year, when the stores have some good sales. Then if there's an "off-season" sale going on, I may buy a blouse or two or a couple pairs of pants. Or a pair of shoes or boots....boots are my downfall, unfortunately. Love boots!

I don't have much help as to where you can get shoes....i usually get mine at Target, or Payless (and I believe Payless was not an option for you)...I have also gotten some at shoe stores when they have good sales or clearance items...like famous footwear etc...Kohls might work too.
A word of advice, although if you wear ballet flats often you probably know this...don't get super thin ones with no support. They will just hurt your feet worse. I used to work two jobs and thought they would work well for standing 14-16 hours a day but they didn't until I got ones with thicker soles. I also had to buy those little thin footie socks because my feet would sweat when it got hot, and the shoes would be even more uncomfortable (maybe tmi?? sorry!).
Good luck!

Have you tried Land's End for flats? They usually have "summer" shoes on sale this time of year. I don't usually buy shoes from catalogs or websites, but I've gotten some really nice flats from LE for <$50 a pair that can be worn winter or summer, and are very comfortable.