Shoes

In this post I’m going to give you a lot of advice about shoes!

You just have to know what to look for, what looks good on you, and be prepeared to spend a little cahs. you’re making a long-term investment, so it pays to err on the conservative side when you’re selecting a style. you don’t hav to be boring, just avoid anything too extreme or too trendy. Your motto should always be  “keep it simple”.

SIZE MATTERS!

Have your feet professionally measured so that you know your correct shoe size.proprely fitting shoes looks better, feel better, and last longer. don’t go by what size you were when you’re sixteen. Bodies cange, age creeps in, and yes, our feet expand. A terrible reality, but one we must face when investing in the perfetc shoe. The stakes are way too high.

  How can you tell if a shoe is worth the investment? what exactly shoul you look for when choosing a style? It’s simple:

• TOE: When you are shooping for a classic shoe or boot, avoid extremes-really pointy, really square, really round. Overly square toes are a pet peeve of mine as they can make fett and toes look too wide and clumsy. Shoe styles change constanly, and the toe is the first thing you see. remeber, we’re working on the basic, and they should be timelles. The ideal toe is slightly tapered and beautifully shaped, with rounded edges. pay attention to the details. Subtle accents like seams, stitching, or piping can really make a simple shoe stand out- in a good way or a bad one. Know the difference.

• HEEL: overly thick square heels ane another pet peeve of mine. especially when they’re attached to slides, sandals, and flip-flops. this style  is so tragic clunky and unflattering; unless you have unusually long, thin legs, they can actually make you look a tad stocky. The goal is always to elongate your silhouette whenever possible-right, ladies?

  A greacefully curved and slighttly tapered heel looks good on everyone, no metter ehat type of shoe- pump, flat, wedge. avoid anything that flares out toward the borrom, a la Lady Miss Kier from Deee-Lite, circa 1990. Again, details, details, details! pay attention to the color of the edges of the sole and heel; it should complement the rest of the shoes. Think of Christian Loubutin’s signature red sole. So subtle, So unique, So pure, So Beutiful!

• MATERIALS: Smooth leather is most practical choice. provided the leather is real and not fake, it will age better and have a nicer patina. Patent leather doesn’t go with everything and suede is hard to care for. Also, avoid golds or silvers that are oo shiny, as succh shocking hues mostly scream cheap. you’ll get the most out of your dollar/euro/ron if your investment shoe is as simple as possible.

• CONSTRUCTION: How a shoe is put toghether is just as important as it’s style. Perhaps even more important. A well-crafted shoe will last for years. It’s worth the investment. And, although it may require some time to break in, it will be infinitely more comfortable than a poorly made shoe. Once you’ve worn them a few times, good leather shoes will mold to your foot without losing their shape- if they are the correct size.

Check the seams and the stitching carefully. Especially when you’re buying boots- they have more of everything. the sems should be straight and flat, creating a beautifully showing, they will fall apart more quickly, and they just won’t look good. When boot shopping, also particular attention to the zipper and how the shaft is connected to the foot (it should be shapely). the zipper should be subtle ( unless its visibility is a aprt of the design) and the slider should glide smoothly. Glue is frequantly used with man-made materials like rubber or pleather, wich is fine, as long as it soesen’t show. but keep an eye out for gobs around the edges of the sole-a very bad look. It’s always preferable for the sole to be sewn on, a sign of a truly well-made shoe. I’m sure this goes without saying, but molded , faux stictching, faux wood grain, or other texture on a plastic sole is defintly a no-no.

When women say: “How high should the heel be? I say: “ How high ca you handle and stay in for two hors without having two Advil?” (Michael Kors)

If you see a pair of shoes that make you gasp, an your heart beats like a little faster, try them on- and then immediately leave the store. If they aren’t on your what do I need? list, don’t buy they. Even if you’re madly in love. Before you do anything rash think at our motto. If after 2-3 days you’re still dreaming about the, see if you can find them at a lower price online. If no, it’s time for saving. Putting in that little extra effort will make you love them even more. And when you’re wearing, it shows.

   

 Shoes: the above and beyond the list

These go a bit beyond the basics, so once you’ve got the bare minimum covered, this list will help you enhance your collection.

Knee-high, high-heeled boots: So sexy! You can wear them with anyting: skirts, jeans, trousers, you name it. They instantly add a little spice to your outfit. A ssson as I zip up a a pair of beutifully made high-heeled boots, I’ve lost ten pounds, I’m ten years younger, and I feel amanzing.

I’m told leather drives men up the wall. I like wearing it because it feels nice ( HONOR BLACKMAN)

A rich chocolate-or cofee-colored lather boot is luxurios and classic. Black is always fabulous and edgy, and if you can’t live without a black boot ( many women can’t), go for it. But do consider the versatility of browns. Yes, black does match everything, but a really deep, beautiful brown complements most colors without being harsh. And, as long as you keep them in excellent condition, browns boots dress up spectacularly well.

The perfect fit

Boots that you plan to wear with skirts or under trousers should fit your calves snuggly, with no more than a 1/4 ” gap at the top. The ankle should have enough room for movement. remeber, when they’re new, boots are slightly taller, so keep in mind that they will sit a little farther below your knee once the ankle has worn in. Obviously you need a roomier ft if you plan to tuck your plans into them. Slouchier styles can be very fashion forword, but unless you are tall and slim, they may not be particulary flattering, so keep this in mind

Riding Boots: these days we have an extravagant variety of height, color, and embellishment to choose from when picking boots. rididng boots are definitely a classic, and although not  a must- have for every day, they are certainly versatile. they’re casual-chic, can be worn with skirts or trousers, and they’re comfortable to walk in. Look for a streamlined boot, not too chunky on the toe and heel. Do not confuse this style with motorcicle boots!

If you have a hard time finding your boots to fit your legs, look online costum-fitted calf-high boots. There are severeal companies in the UK that ships worldwilde. they’re quite reasonably priced and come in a great variety of styles. 39-42

Classic high-heel pumps:  so many oprtions, don’t even know where to begin!I love mary jeans with a delicate ankle trap, but I also love a simple, beutifully crafted basic pump. You know best what style flatters your legs. Try on lots of pairs and find one that’s comfortable and sophisticated, in a neutral ton like black, brown, gray, or bone. Look for exquisitely subtle details such as piping or texture. And it goes without saying you want these shoes to last, so avoid very square, very round, or very pointy toes. They will end up  looking dated.

Ballet flats: every chic women must gave an adorable pair of ballet flats. They’re beyond timeless and essential; they embody the gamine spirit. I think everyone agrees that Audry Hepburn wore them best- in just about every one of her movies. If I’m not picturing her wearing the iconic LBD in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I imagine her in a black turtleneck, black cigarette pants, and black ballet flats. So effortlessly chic!

THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR WALKING

Of course you want to look fabulos, but you need shoes you can wear all day without severe pain. Nothing makes me crankier than uncomfortable shoes, and crankiness is hifhly contagious in the office. So it’s in your best interest to find a comfortable air. For everyone’s sake.

• Always buy the correct size! ALWAYS!
• Leather molds to your feet, which is a good thing. But keep in mind that leather shoes will stretch a little.
• Don’t try on shoes first hing in the morning, or after you’ve been on your feet all day. Trust me, you’ll regret it.

We all need a splash of bad taste. No taste is what I am against.

 (Diana Vreeland)

Stilettos:  A must for cocktail parties- actually, a must for any party. Open-or closed toe, whichever you prefer. It’s worth spensing a little extra on these; cheap stilettos look cheap and they’re guaranteed to be uncomfortable. Take some time picking these out. They’re for special occasions and party frocks. They have to be glamurous and sexy, but they also have to be versatile. Just as important, you want to be able to  wear them for a least a couple of hours without crying from the pain. And belive it or not, a well-made stiletto can be comfortable( relatively speaking). The fit of the toe ( not too tight), the width of the heel ( not too narrow), and placement of the arch ( your foot should be fully supported by the sole, with no gaps at the arch) are the key. A slight platform looks fabulous with spike heels, but don’t go higher than 3/4 of the inch- remeber, timeless is what we’re striving for. And you don’t want to break your neck. Nothing ruin a party faster than a trip to the emergency room.

Instant gratification is not soon enough. 

(Meryl Streep)

EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE

There are always exceptions. Here are some shoes that don’t have to be an investment.

Sandals: there is a plethora of inexpensive, cute, and fun sandals in this world. You don’t need to spend a fortune on these; after allm yo’re wearing them to the beach, on picnics, just about everywhere in the summer. Go crazy with color; sandals are supposed to be casual and flirty.

Espadrilles:  Esapadrilles are a phenomenea spring/summer option. If a shoe eveoles the heroine of  a Hemingway novel, it’s a guaranteed to be stylish and fresh. Low heels, platforms, solids, stripes- go for it. Be prepared for comments galore when you own a good pair of these Spanish classics.

Sneakers: I’m an advocate of both exercise and comfort, and sneakers fit the bill. Converse, Keds, Saucony, Nike, Adidas, Puma- the possibilites are endless. But remeber to wear them and where not to where them. The gym, yoga, hiking, OK. Everyhere elso, not OK.

Caress the detail, the divine detail.

(Vladimir Nabokov)