Meet the Founder: Style Questions with Erika
Meet the woman behind Elizée: Erika Carrero. As a mother, wife, and founder of Elizée, Erika shares insights into her creative process and personal style. Discover her essential wardrobe staples, the unique inspirations that influence her collections and how she designs for every occasion. Uncover Erika’s favorite go-to styles for busy days and the stories that drive her passion and designs.
Describe your personal style in three words.
Polished. Glamorous. Tailored.
What’s your go-to pair of heels for a day when you are constantly on your feet but want to stay stylish?
My two go-to's from our collection are the Brigitte wedge and the Chiara block heel sandal. The Brigitte wedge is fantastic because it provides both height and support, giving me a lift while keeping me comfortable and stylish. Chiara has a lower heel which makes it super versatile and offers just the right amount of height on days I am running around non-stop but still want to feel sophisticated, glamorous and ready for anything.
What are your must-have heel styles for a timeless wardrobe?
The three essentials of the modern wardrobe are a knockout dress sandal, a versatile ankle boot, and a demure pump. These key pieces achieve chic, year-round dressing for any occasion.
What’s one style rule you always follow and one you always break?
I always dress to impress when attending any events. I love the laid-back California style for everyday wear, but when I'm going out, whether it's a casual coffee date, a night out with friends, or a formal event I enjoy choosing an outfit that will make me stand out in a crowd.
My weakness is statement jewelry. I often wear multiple bold pieces at once – I know it's not always the traditional approach, but I love the way it adds personality to my outfits!
What’s the story behind the first pair of heels you ever wore?
The first pair of heels I ever wore were my mother’s classic stilettos. I remember feeling so confident in that moment. That feeling has stayed with me and continues to inspire my designs.
How would you style heels for a romantic date night?
For a romantic date night, I love to go all out with an elegant, body-hugging silk dress. A V-neck or open-back style always feels effortlessly chic, especially paired with heeled platform sandals that elongate my legs and boost my confidence. I like to keep my hair loose in soft curls and finish the look with delicate jewelry for that perfect touch of romance.
What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a shoe design?
A Pacific sand crab! I found a shelf that had this combination of taupe and blush colors. The delicate, muted tones were so striking that I knew I had to incorporate them into my next collection.
Do you have a favorite season or occasion to design for?
I love designing for spring and summer. There's something about creating airy, open styles that capture the vibrant energy of the season. Summer events, weddings, and garden parties bring a certain joy, offering the perfect opportunity to design playful yet elegant pieces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful.
What’s one of your proudest moments as a founder?
I once met a woman who hadn’t worn heels in more than 10 years, mostly because she thought her ankles were too wide and shoes were unstable on her. She came to our showroom and tried on a style with ankle straps – precisely because we wanted to make sure it would fit every woman’s beautiful legs. She tried on the shoes, and she started dancing and jumping in the heels. She hugged me and thanked me for helping her feel sexy and beautiful again. One of my favorite stories to this day.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I always dress to impress when attending any events. I love the laid-back California style for everyday wear, but when I'm going out, whether it's a casual coffee date, a night out with friends, or a formal event I enjoy choosing an outfit that will make me stand out in a crowd.
My weakness is statement jewelry. I often wear multiple bold pieces at once – I know it's not always the traditional approach, but I love the way it adds personality to my outfits!