slip-on sneaker shopping guide.

When it comes to shoes, I am a very calculated shopper. I rarely (if ever) go shopping without a plan. I do a fair amount of research on comfort and wear before actually investing in a pair of shoes. (I purchased one too many pairs of blister-producing shoes in my college years to let that happen again.) I investigated leopard pointy-toe flats last fall to find the perfect pair and shared my findings with all of you. This spring, I put in the same leg work on a new type of shoe: the slip-on sneaker. I had been skeptical of this old school sneak until one of my most stylish friends arrived wearing them this weekend. I decided it might be time to give this trend a try. 

Per usual, I did some extensive research to uncover all my options. From under $25 to north of $200, there are pairs for every budget and style. After looking at these shoes for quite some time, I've decided they would work perfectly in lieu of a boat shoe or an espadrille. Don't get me wrong: I love my Sperrys, but sometimes, I want more comfortable shoe. No laces would also be a bonus! This pair from Splendid and these classic (but perforated) Vans are topping my wish list, though part of me wants to try the trend with a pair from Old Navy or Target before making the investment. I'm torn!

Have you dipped your toe in the slip-on sneaker trend? How do you like to style yours? xoxo {av}

UNDER $50
$24.94 - Old Navy Canvas Slip-Ons (available in Red + Blue)
$24.94 - Old Navy Canvas Slip-Ons (available in Blue Floral + Black Floral)
$24.94 - Old Navy Perforated Slip-Ons (available in Navy, Tan + Black)
$24.99 - Mossimo Supply Co. Dedra Quilted Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black, White Lace + Snake)
$24.99 - Target Carolyn Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black Perforated + Cream Perforated)
$39.94 - Puma PC Extreme Slip-On Sneakers (available in Gold)
$39.95 - Fergalicious Happy Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black)
$39.95 - Gap Slip-On Sneakers (available in Blue Print + Light Denim)
$39.95 - Wanted Ollie Slip-On Sneakers (available in Quilted Black)
$44.95 - Vans Asher Slip-On Sneakers (available in Leopard, Blue/Beige Paisley + Navy/White Nautical Stripe)
$45.00 - Unisex Vans Solid Canvas Classic Slip-On Shoes (available in White)
$46.95 - Vans Comina Slip-On Sneakers (available in Tan Wide Stripes + Navy Mini Stripes)
$49.95 - BP. Twiny Slip-On Sneakers (available in Grey Embossed Snake, Gold Stars + Tropical)
$49.95 - Gap Leather Slip-on Sneakers (available in Black, White, Red Snake + White Snake)
$50.00 - Vans Asher Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black/Gold Metallic, Grey/White Stars, Coral/White Polka Dots + Navy/Purple Check)

UNDER $75
$55.20 - Steve Madden Virggo Perforated Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black, Powder Blue + White)
$59.95 - Bernie Mev. Verona Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black, Black Patent/Silver, Leopard, Multi Camouflage + Pewter)
$59.95 - Steve Madden Ecentrcq Sneakers (available in Quilted Pink, Quilted Black, Quilted Gold, Quilted Pewter + Quilted Wine)
$59.95 - Superga 'A Line' Sneakers (available in Black, Grey Sage, Mushroom, Navy + White)
$59.95 - TOMS Avalon Nylon Slip-On Sneakers (available in Red, Black + Khaki)
$60.00 - Sperry Top-Sider Seaside Breton Stripe Slip-On Sneakers (available in Navy)
$60.00 - Vans for J.Crew Classic Slip-On Sneakers (available in Misty Orchid, Silver, Black Perforated + White Perforated)
$68.00 - BucketFeet Savusavu Slip-On Sneakers (available in Beige/Green Palms + Vermillion Print)
$69.95 - Halogen Turner Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black Floral, Blue, Coral, Magenta + Taupe Snake Print)
$69.95 - Steve Madden Giftt Slip-On Sneakers (available in Leopard)

UNDER $100
$75.60 - Cole Haan Jennica Slip-On Sneakers (available in Leopard)
$79.95 - Adam Tucker Soul Canvas Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black, Denim, Light Grey + Red)
$84.00 - BucketFeet Pineappleade Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black + Beige/Gold)
$87.95 - Dr. Scholl's Original Collection Scout Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black + Ivory)
$97.95 - TOMS Avalon Leather Slip-On Sneakers (available in Embossed Stucco, Black + Natural)

UNDER $150
$107.96 - MICHAEL Michael Kors Olivia Perforated Leather Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black, Optic White + Peanut)
$108.00 - Splendid Seaside Slip-On Sneakers (available in Natural)
$118.00 - Banana Republic Brenna Slip-On Sneakers (available in Gold, Tea Rose, Cotton, Super Silver Perforated, Imperial Blue Suede, Snake + Black Suede)
$135.00 - Ash Illusion Lace Slip-On Sneakers (available in Coral, White, Indigo + Black)
$140.00 - Kenneth Cole Perforated Kerry Flat Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black + White)

ABOVE $150
$150.00 - DKNY Beth Woven Slip-On Sneakers (available in Buff + White)
$165.00 - Tory Burch Jesse Flat Slip-On Sneakers (available in Platinum + Greek Blue)
$175.00 - Via Spiga Galea Leather Slip-On Sneakers (available in Elephant + Black)
$195.00 - Vince Blair 5 Slip-On Sneakers (available in Black + Woodsmoke)
$180.00 to $220.00 - Joie Kidmore Slip-On Sneakers (available in Navy/White Stripes, Porcelain Mesh, Black Mesh, White Snake, Black/White Snake, Dusty Pink Sand, Rose Gold Perforated + Pewter Perforated)
$198.00 - Ash Intense Zip Slip-On Flat Sneakers (available in Black, Marble + Yellow)
$198.00 - Kate Spade Serena Slip-On Sneakers (available in Silver)
$248.00 - Marc by Marc Jacobs Cute Kicks Slip-On Sneakers (available in Blush, Deep Yellow + Conch Blue)

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nursery needs.

True life confession: {jv}'s nursery is still not done and he is three months old. There, I said it. While many mothers share their nurseries before their little ones arrive, we didn't have that same luxury. With the move into our house just before {jv} arrived, I opted for a wait-and-see mentality. Finding out the gender of baby {v} on delivery day was one of life's best surprises, but it did make baby prep a bit more difficult.

While I enjoyed buying gender neutral clothes, I will admit defeat when making decisions about the nursery. I committed to a few pieces which could be easily shared like the crib and glider, but I held off on nearly everything else. (As a funny aside, I did find a navy blue campaign dresser on Craig's List -- and bought it without a second thought. It may have been mother's intuition, but I decided navy was a neutral.)

Once {jv} arrived, I knew the direction I wanted to take the nursery immediately: grey throughout with healthy doses of red, white, and blue. A few years ago, I found an antique American flag (seen here) while decorating our last apartment. The flag used to hang proudly in our dining room, but I was having a hard time finding the right place to display it in our new house. A lightbulb went off when I realized it would be perfect behind his crib. It served as the anchor for the rest of the room -- and paired perfectly with the navy dresser I preemptively purchased last fall. I am now on the hunt for a few final goodies to complete the nursery. The items below are high on my wish list...

clock: this clock is a necessity for practical reasons -- when I breastfeed, I like to keep track of how much time {jv} spends on one side or the other and this would be a simple solution when I don't have my phone.

custom art print: I have a weird obsession with stamps (evidenced by our wedding invitations), so this print caught my eye in a flash. Minted is offering 15% off sitewide through Monday, March 16th, so I may finally pull the trigger on this one...

handpainted globe: it is very difficult to classify this beauty as a "need", but {cv} and I had a funny moment on our first date that involved the topic of globes. (While perusing a Brookstone, I saw an interactive globe and excitedly confessed my love of globes. {cv} told me I was destined to have nerdy children. See the full circle here?)

hinged hanging picture frame: this frame would be perfect to display some of {jv}'s masterpieces down the road. For now, it would be great for special mementos from his first year.

stuffed animal: chosen mostly for his color, this handsome elephant would be perfect for display or fun ;)

whale bookends: these are definitely not in my budget, but they would be so cute holding up a few colorful children's books.

white toy box: from what I'm told, there is no such thing as too much toy storage. I love the simplicity of this toy box. Long after {jv}'s nursery days are gone, this piece would still be in use for storage (or seating).

Aren't some of those goodies so dreamy? I only wish my budget made room for them all. I promise photos of the nursery when it is finally done -- hopefully sooner rather than later ;) Do you have any other favorite shops or sources for nursery knick-knacks? xoxo {av}

P.S. If you had any magical sources for great curtains or window treatments (preferably blackout!), I would be forever grateful if you shared them below!