The Essentials in Every Wardrobe

Shoes are an essential accessory for all women. They can instantly transform and complete any outfit. They are also incredible for boosting your confidence and self esteem.

However, shoes now come in an array of colours, cuts, styles and materials. So many, that it can be overwhelming, when it comes to choosing the right shoes. So, how do you know which shoes to buy?

I have compiled a list of shoes which I believe should make an appearance in any wardrobe. 

The below are my top seven "must haves" for every wardrobe.

1. A Classic Pump - A pump is a shoe with a low cut front and has no fastenings or straps. A traditional pump has a small, kitten heel but over the course of history, they are now available in many heights and heel types. The post popular pump is with a stiletto heel. This style is extremely versatile. It makes a great work shoe but also can be dressed up and worn at night.

2. An Evening Heel - Everyone must have a style which can be worn for those fancy occasions, preferably in a neutral colour so it can be worn with multiple outfits. There are many types of evening shoes available, some are more minimal with simple straps, while others are decorated in crystals, beads or embellishments. 

3. A Statement Heel - This style will be extremely over-the-top, will turn heads and definitely get people talking. This style will probably never be worn more than once and will make more of an art piece than pair of heels. 

4. A Versatile Long Boot - Preferably in a black or neutral shade. This is a great style to have, as it will keep you warm and dry during winter. They can also be worn with dresses, skirts, pants and tights. If you pick a style with a kitten heel, they can also be worn casually during the day or you can dress them up for a more fancy occasion. 

5. A Classic Ankle Boot - This is a guaranteed must have (see my Ankle Boots post for more wonderful reasons why!). Ankle boots are very feminine and extremely versatile. They are great to wear in Winter with dresses, skirts, tights and under pants or trousers but they can also be worn in Summer with shorts, dresses or skirts.

6. A Comfortable Flat - Everyone needs a stylish walking shoe. A ballet shoe is a popular style as they come in many, cute, funky colours, materials and can compliment any outfit.

7. An Exercise Shoe - Exercise is important and your feet take a huge beating whilst doing vigorous exercise. It is important to get a good quality and good fitting exercise shoe, so your feet are well supported.

If you are just starting to build your shoe collection, these essentials are a great place to start. If you happen to be obsessed with shoes like me... One can never have too many shoes!

Shoe of the Week

Dreaming of Paris...

I was walking down the cobble streets of Avignon. It had been a long and busy day, filled with sight seeing and exploring the history of the town. I was on my way back to the hotel, weaving through little alley ways, admiring the architecture of the town.

Somehow, I had managed to stumble upon a beautiful street, lined with fashion boutiques and beautiful cafes. Even when I am not trying, I can always find hidden fashion treasures.

Wearing: Cue Peplum Dress / Mimco pouch / Dotti Hat / CosmoParis high heels / Chanel lipstick

It was then, that I spotted them. They were sitting in the window of a beautiful boutique and I instantly fell in love. For a while, I had been on the hunt, to find the perfect pair of red, high heel shoes. I always thought they were feminine, flirty and fun and I really wanted to buy a pair for myself. But, finding the perfect red shoe, is much harder than it sounds.

I wanted a classic style, that was simple and elegant but did not look cheap and nasty. And these were it. Unfortunately, I hesitated. I continued down the street to the hotel. Leaving my shoes behind.

Once upon a time, I would hesitate to buy shoes. I would consider the cost of them. And, I would consider my need for them. How different I am now!

A few days later, I was shopping at Au Printemps in Paris, and I spotted them... Again. This time, I knew, it was meant to be.

I tried them on, and instantly wanted them. I love the vibrant red colour of them. They are a great accessory to brighten any outfit!

I love the patent leather as it makes them more elegant and feminine.

The heel is my idea of perfect. They are wonderfully thin and a comfortable height, ideal for all day wear. These shoes are hand made in Italy. Does it get any better than that?

I love these shoes and have worn them so many times. They are extremely versatile and go well with absolutely everything. The classic style means they go great with dresses, skirts and trousers for work, but they also look great under jeans for a more casual look.

These shoes are very special to me and have travelled all the way from Paris. Whenever I step my feet into these shoes, I instantly think of Paris. I start day dreaming about shopping on the Champs Elysees, climbing the Eiffel Tower and cruising down the Seine.

It is amazing how one pair of shoes, can evoke so much emotion and instantly transport me back to Paris :P

Have I mentioned that I love these shoes?

Bad Fitting Shoes...?

Working in a shoe store, I see many customers, try on shoes and not know their size. It is very common these days, for people to be walking around in poorly fitted shoes.

If you have a shoe that does not fit you properly, it can cause blisters, corns, calluses and other foot ailments.

I thought I would share some of my tips for making a shoe fit better:

If a shoe is too big:

You can always add fitting aids to your shoes to make them fit a bit more snug.

1. Gel cushions are a common and simple solution for shoes that are too big. The gel cushions provide comfort and support under the balls of your feet, while taking up some of the space in the top of the shoes. The gel cushions also stop the foot from sliding too far forward in the shoes.

2. To prevent the shoe from slipping of your foot, you can add a heel grip. This sticks into the back of the shoes and holds your heels in place. You will have no more awkward moments when you leave your shoes behind!

3.  A full insole. You can buy these from department stores, chemists and shoe stores. You can also choose insoles with different thicknesses. This is a great way to take up unnecessary space in the shoes and make your feet more secure and supported in the shoes.

4. Everyone loves a good sling back, however once that little strap stretches, they loose there appeal. You can buy gel strips that stick onto the inside of the strap. This will stop the slingback strap from slipping off your feet.

Sometimes a shoe can be so stretched that no amount of fitting aids can make them fit you properly. If this is the case, throw them out or give them to someone with bigger feet! You don't want to walk around in bad fitting shoes for two reasons. One, it looks ridiculous and two, you will end up with blisters and that is never pleasant.

If a shoe is too small:

Personally, I would rather a shoe that is a little bit too small. If it is a good quality leather upper, I know the shoes will soften eventually, so I always persevere. I also have a high threshold for shoe pain!

Before buying your shoes, make sure you know what material they are made out of. Some materials have much more give in them and will stretch more than others.

If you are buying a leather or suede shoe, these are guaranteed to soften and stretch with a little bit of wear. Suede is extremely porous and will soften more than a leather shoe. A patent leather shoe will also soften with wear but the plastic coating will prevent it from stretching a lot.

Satin, fabric or synthetic shoes will not give very much at all, so make sure you get one that already fits comfortably.

Here are some of my tips for "stretching" your shoes, to make them fit better:

1. Take them to a boot maker. They have the necessary tools to stretch your shoes, without causing you any pain! Quick, simple, cheap and no pain... this is the best and easiest option!

2. If it is a leather or patent shoe, you can use a leather conditioner on them. The conditioner will start to soften the leather, making it more prone to stretching. The leather conditioner will also keep the shoes supple so they will not loose their shape.

3. Walk around the house with a pair of thick socks on and your new shoes! This looks absolutely ridiculous, but I have found it, incredibly effective. The extra thickness with the sock, adds more pressure to the shoes, making them stretch a lot quicker. It is a great way to break in your new shoes, plus everyone has chores to do at home... two birds, one stone!

4. When you are not wearing your shoes, roll up some tissue paper and stuff it into the top of the shoe, make sure it is nice and firm otherwise it won't do anything! The shoes will begin to stretch around the tissue paper, without you even wearing them. It is also a great way for the shoes to keep their shape.

If you are incredibility unlucky and struggle to find shoes, that fit you properly, there are some great shoe makers, that custom make shoes. They will measure both your feet and make shoes, purely designed for you. From what I have researched, it doesn't take too long to do and it is reasonably priced. Not to mention, you get your own design input...Every shoe lovers dream!

Shoe of the Week

This is the season of pointed toe shoes. Everywhere I look, I am bombarded with so many to choose from. I believe, a pointed toe shoe, with a stiletto heel is a classic, feminine style and every woman should own, at least one pair... Or if you are like me...10... :)

I was looking for a classic work shoe, when I stumbled upon 'Orra' by Boutique 9.

I love how classic these shoes are. It is a great style, that looks corporate and sophisticated under a pair of trousers for work or elegant, feminine and classy with dresses and skirts. I love a work shoe, that is extremely versatile, so this style was a guaranteed "shoe-in!".

The open cut side, is very chic and flattering. It makes the shoes unique and gives these basics, a twist. I love a good stiletto heel. I would be head over heels, madly in love with these shoes, if they were slightly higher. The 9.5cm heel is a sensible height for these shoes. It is comfortable and easy to walk in, so I will be able to last all day in them. But where is the fun, in being sensible?

And the patent leather? A lot of woman are hesitant to buy patent shoes, but I think it is one of the greatest materials. It draws attention to the shoes and can turn any simple ensemble, into an elegant master piece. 

One quote that I absolutely agree with and relevant to these shoes is "if the shoe fits, buy it in every colour!" Well, I couldn't resist. I love the copper (rose gold) colour in "Orra". I have numerous, rose gold accessories and love to style them, with these shoes. I think it is a great combination with a plain black outfit. It makes the rose gold accessories more vibrant and noticeable.

I believe 'Orra' will be a timeless classic, for every season.