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Thursday, May 10, 2012

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials- Essential #6

Let's talk shoes!!!

Shoes can make or break a wardrobe just as easily as refusing to buy shapewear. Why? They finish the look of your outfit. I have to admit, I am a bit of a shoe-junkie. I cannot stop myself from buying the next big shoe trend. I have some red heels with spikes all over them. I have a pair of TOMS. I have ballet flats in all different colors... it's an addiction. But I'm not here to talk about my shoe addiction, I am here to address some DOs and DON'Ts in the realm of shoes, as well as remind you what shoes you should be purchasing.


Since it's spring, and summer is just around the corner, I figured I would address sandals first.

Who doesn't love a good sandal? They are versatile and airy. They can be worn with shorts or jeans and still look great. They compliment skirts well. There is a lot that can be said about a good sandal.

Now to address some issues:

BUY LEATHER!!!- This is essential in choosing a good sandal. Leather is comfortable and will not scratch your feet up like the fake plastic ones will. Why spend $30 on a pedicure just to have your shoes destroy it?

NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS!!!- This does not a sandal make... When I am talking about sandals I would like you to take in the picture above. Yes there is a pair of LEATHER thongs but they are not the $3 plastic things that engulf half of your local Old Navy. I have nothing against Old Navy and in fact I shop there quite often, I just wish they would STOP promoting flip-flops as the GO-TO sandal. Flip-flops were made for the beach and the dorm hall showers. Do I even need to say why Crocs are a bad idea? I think not!!!

Sandals should reflect your personal style. - Don't go out and buy the cutest pair of sandals you can find just because I told you to. See the black gladiators? I own some like those, a lot of what is in the above picture is too cutesy for me but I have found gladiators have just enough of an edgy look that I am more than willing to wear them. On the flip side, gladiators have an edgier look to them... if that's not your style, don't buy them. Maybe the red one with the hearts suits you more. That is more than okay. We do not all have the same style and it would be a really boring world if we did.

Shoe #2- The Wedge!!
Okay, I am aware that this is not everyone's favorite style of shoe but it is an essential because it brings a fun and funky quirk to your wardrobe. They are GREAT shoes to wear with jeans! They are also a summer/spring essential because you can walk a long distance in a nice platform heel without taking the pain, and sinking heel episodes, you would have in your heels. They come in so many different styles I had a hard time trying to decide which ones to showcase in my picture.

And shoe #3- HEELS!!!!

Every woman should have 2-3 pairs of KILLER heels! These are the shoes that make you feels sexy and empowered! Do they have to be 5inches tall? NO! (although, you wouldn't know by looking in MY closet LOL) But they do nee to be a height that allows you a level of confidence.

The Kitten Heel- Even though there are none shown in the above picture, I know of a few women who are completely satisfied with just an inch or so. These styles can be just as sexy.
The Platform Heel- There are a few of these above so there is no need for a picture here, but the platform of today is not the platform of the 70's. (Even though, there are some of those around too). The platform has a 1-2inch rise at the ball and a substantial heel on the back. This allows for extra height as well as a sexy, long line. I am a short, squat woman so any added length to my nubs is welcome!

The Pointy-Toe- Okay, we all know what this is and we either love it, or hate it. I will tell you now, if you hate it, you are doing yourself a disservice. These shoes allow for a flow of the eye-line, causing you to look longer, and essentially leaner. If you have had a problem with the pointy toe being too narrow, you are probably buying, either too high of a heel or a crappy product. First, this shouldn't be an issue if you are buying leather. Leather gives and will form to your foot after you break them in. Yes, the first few times you wear them, they could be a bit snug but like I said, leather gives. Second, if you are buying a higher quality product you shouldn't have to worry about them hurting your feet. They are more expensive for a reason. Spend $50-$100 for a good, quality pair of pointy toed shoes and you will not regret it.

If there are shoes I did not list here... they are NOT wardrobe essentials. Of course, there are styles that suit individual tastes (ie, TOMS) but that does not make them key, or essential to building a working wardrobe. Tennis shoes and flip-flops are the enemy of great style, so if these are your go-tos, I would seriously advise you to change it up. Tennis shoes were made for sports and the gym, not for the fashion forward diva!

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