Invest in a good pair of shoes
Even if it’s only one pair. There are only a few designers who make very good shoes. It is difficult and expensive to make a perfect, quality shoe. It is also impossible to make a cheap shoe look expensive. Spend wisely here, because it really matters.
The names that you hear repeatedly have certainly earned their reputation, among them:
Manolo Blahnik: The sexiest and the safest investment. A sure thing.
Christian Louboutin: To-die-for red soles, the most creative styles, big on toe
cleavage.
Roger Vivier: Extremely chic and one-of-a-kind.
Jimmy Choo: Very sexy and the most comfortable. For the real chameleon.
Azzendine Alaïa: For the connoisseur and adventuress.
FB: Maybe once I get rid of about half my shoe collection, I’ll invest/treat myself to ONE pair of thse gorgeous shoes.
Wear your size
Often in my business, I see fashionistas who are a size 7 try to fit into a sample size 9. I guess they think that nobody will notice. People notice. And when girls try to squeeze into a smaller size, the effect is ghastly. Toes spilling out of a pair of strappy, sexy sandals is a very painful sight. I do not wince out of sympathy for your feet. I side with the shoe.
FB: Really?… No kidding.
Only show two cracks
Toe cleavage does not get the attention it deserves, but trust me, it matters. Two cracks, no more.
FB: I didn’t know that.
Get pedicures
Chipped toe polish, cracked heels, etc. are not acceptable.
FB: I don’t even wear toe polish.. but cracked heels, I agree with.
Don’t go too high
I am a fan of height, but there is such a thing as too high (over four inches). You will not be able to walk correctly in a heel over four inches. Your posture will shift and you will look ridiculous.
FB: I SUPER wholeheartedly agree. I wear 3″ or less, because 3″ is at my MAX comfort height. I prefer 2″ or less to be honest. But it’s nigh impossible to find shoes at that height.
Watch your proportions
Hardly anyone can pull off a very short skirt with a very high heel without looking like a tramp.
FB: Just like how you wear a short top with a long skirt, or a short skirt with a longer top. Showcase ONE aspect – either your legs with shorter heels, or your upper half.
You can never have enough high heels
Never.
FB: I kind of disagree with this one, but it’s a cute quote. 😉
Living: Thanks for that great point! Any shoe has to be comfortable and properly supported (I always buy the best inserts that cup my feet and make them feel amazing)..
SavingDiva: I wear high heels too, but 4″ is too much for me.. I tend to stick to my boots/ballet flats though 😉 Although I ought to get new ballet flats with more support like Living almost large has pointed out..
I have to admit that I am guilty of wearing high heels….not over 4″ though. I don’t think I could walk!
Not just heels but ANY shoes. I broke my foot 3 years ago now and I never wear heels unless special occasions and it aches.
Even walking I have to get inserts and special shoes. Heck ya I spend a lot, but how many hours a day do you walk and stand up?
In college my aunt said buy the best shoes you can fit into and keep them. Then keep adding that way, I didn’t do that until I broke my foot. Now I only buy extra wide for inserts. By the way they usually cost 2-3x as much. The flexi inserts are $49/pair. And the orthos I have are over $300.
I talked with a podiatrist as well, bad supports in any shoe, can cause back problems later. So good shoes help correct posture and proper walking.
Mrs. Micah: My favourite pair of black heels cost $50, were made out of thinner leather-like plastic and were low heels but I wore them SO MUCH that they molded to my feet and now they feel like sneakers. I cannot bear to throw them out…
Life is Wonderful: I did, thank you! I hope you did too 🙂
Val: Yea.. shoes that don’t fit is just silly. At least pick shoes that don’t fit, a size LARGER (that’s what I do) but then I pad the hell out of it with backing and foot pads to make them super comfy..
Great post. Nina is right on all points. Over 4″ will just look like you bought your shoes from one of those fetish stripper sites. And I’ve never understood why women wear shoes that don’t fit!
Cute article. I would die for a pair of Christian Louboutin’s…..I forgot to tell Santa that…maybe next year. Hope you had a great Christmas!
I was able to find a nice not-very-expensive pair of shoes with low heels. Excellent investment. 🙂