Websters Dictionary formally defines a shoe as "an external covering for the human foot, usually of leather and consisting of a more or less stiff or heavy sole and a lighter upper part ending a short distance above, at, or below the ankle." I on the other hand would define a shoe as "a personal expression of one’s emotion which happens to be worn on the foot. A necessary accessory that has the sole (no pun intended) power to make or break an outfit."
When I first became interested in fashion, it was the shoe that truly defined who I was. While I have definitely grown to appreciate most articles of clothing (however, I will never truly understand the poncho), shoes are where my love for design and fashion stemmed. This week I hope to enlighten you as we march through five necessary pairs of shoes any woman must have in her arsenal.
Shoe one, the athletic sneaker. Have you ever tried running in a shoe that just doesn’t fit? How about a shoe that simply is not made for exercise? While I have never done such a thing (really, I haven’t, my older brothers are sneaker Nazis), I have a vivid member of a former friend running in platform puma sneakers that were all the rage in 6th grade. My toes will forever cramp when I see either her, or those g-d awful shoes. If you are going to exert ATP, invest in a shoe meant for the activity you will be taking part in. Both Madeline and I fully support the New Balance sneaker which is both supportive and festive in color. Madeline rocks the delectable salmon while a vibrant fushia keeps me running at my prime. If New Balance doesn’t strike your fancy, there are countless other brands (Nike, Reebok, Asics) to explore who can ensure a comfy, supportive and attractive look.
From left to right: Nike Air, Nike ID shocks, New Balance, Nike, Mizuno
Shoe two, the dress flop. Everyone has the $2 target sandal which is perfect for a day of beach bumming or showering in a college cesspool but a dress sandal/ flop can truly make an outfit. I’m not dissing the plain havanna at all, being a pool director this past summer I lived and died by my flip flops, but going on a date or to a small backyard BBQ calls for something with a little more pizzaz. Every outfit should make you feel special, and sometimes putting on that rockin’ sequined Birkenstock can do just that. Go ahead, explore the gladiator, the T-strap, the espadrille and see how your confidence explodes when you pay attention to those ten little tootsies.
From left to right: Gap Flower Power, Miami Boutique special, Steve Madden mock Birkenstock,
Naughty Naughty Neon, Jack Roger
Shoe three, the black heel. A girl without a black heel is like Hawaii without sunshine. Invest in a black heel that makes you feel like the cat’s meow. Both versatile and classic the black heel is a HUGE player in the shoe arsenal. Go ahead, drop a chunk of change on this shoe because you will be wearing it for years to come to everything from your cousins glitzy Bat Mitzvah to Aunt Eda’s 90th birthday bash.
A DSW find a few years back…not too high of a heal, but personally I love the round toe.
Shoe four, the boot. Previously Maddie and I stressed the importance of a cowboy boot but if you can only choose one pair of boots, go with a classic boot and find yourself a cowboy. I found my favorite boot last year at Nordstrom’s (their shoe department is heaven); a flat purple suede slouch, I wore this boot with everything. This adaptable piece complimented any outfit and since it wasn’t the classic brown or black boot, you’d be surprised how many people took notice (never be hesitant to explore color!). Biggest advice for boots: be sure to waterproof them, especially if you live in the wacky tundra of New England- nothing is worse than ruining boots stomping through slush.
Purple boot: Steve Madden, Cowboy boot: GoJane.com special a few years back (who knows if the website was even legit)
Shoe five, the everyday flat. Whether this flat comes in the Tory Burch form, or an everyday Nike slip on (I admit, I have Nike Velcro slip-on from the kids section of the outlet that are a personal fav), convenience and style blend to form one of the five essentials in any one person’s closet. A flat is easily slipped on for that quick run to the grocery store or when your feet just can’t stand the thought of standing in heels at that cocktail party. Don’t be afraid to wear a colorful or patterned flat, they too will make any outfit pop.
Up, Down : Minnetonka Moccasin, Go Max Pink Bow Flat, Tory Burch Two- Tone, Volatile Cow Print, Dr. Scholl’s sparkle, Rampage gold Moccasin, Vintage Sailor Shoe
A horse would be miserable without his shoes, and so would I.
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