Let’s Talk Shoes!

“Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.” —Christian Louboutin

I must admit, I am a little bit hand-clapping like a seal right now because sisterhood, we’re talking shoes!!!

Shoes are my greatest downfall and my greatest style passion. And while I’d love to be the New Zealand Imelda Marcos (minus the dictator husband…), last year I had a style epiphany!

“I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty.” —Imelda Marcos

THE SHOE EPHIPHANY

Shoe ownership is not about quantity, it’s about quality. So unless you have an Imelda budget then this is your one-size-fits all tip for claiming your shoe style.

My style epiphany began as a dream. I’d seen a cheeky little pair of gold Guccis AND I HAD TO HAVE THEM. It was a sleepless night (that lasted 3 years) kind of thing. It was an every time I got dressed,  SOMETHING WAS MISSING kind of thing.

They were the leave-me-breathless Gucci Gold Marmont Pumps that came with a heart-stopping price tag. But, I’d worked so damn hard, and these shoes would GO WITH EVERYTHING!

So last year, on a trip to Europe to spend Christmas with the fam, I knew I was not getting on a plane without those shoes. And I didn’t. 

I’d earned those shoes. I deserved those shoes. So I bought those shoes and oooooooh, I love those shoes.

Which brings me to an all-encompassing fact of making smart style choices.

It’s when you look at a price tag, or flick through Viva magazine or scroll instagram to see the weekly new items designed to make you reach for the credit card, and all the air sucks from the room into your lungs as you do the “Can I afford this?” maths (Note to you: if you have to do the maths, then probably not, but….). 

“When I want a ridiculously extravagant pair of shoes, I find a way to buy them.” —Carrie Bradshaw

I’ve said it many times, and will keep saying it, I am not big on too many style rules. But that said, boundaries are a great thing when it comes to refining and curating your style.

I love making things as easy as possible for you and my clients – that’s why they come to me – and sometimes that means ensuring you have key ingredients to make a great wardrobe work. It’s future-proofing your style.

So shoes… While I’d never prescribe a Three Shoe Rule, I am going to make some strongly worded suggestions about how this versatile item has the ability to make or break an outfit, or update an old fave or, in many of my clients cases – the three shoes they will buy, and thrash, because; well quite frankly, they hate shopping and want me to tell them what to do.

Shoes can be a conundrum for many of us, so I have broken the shoe game down to just 3 options. Yes, that’s right – if you only have 3 shoes, have these.   …Drum roll, please … 

The Fashion Trainer 

This shoe never has, and never will see the inside of a gym. It’s sole purpose in life (pun intended) is to look good on you. The fact they are comfortable is a mere bonus. The fashion trainer can be worn casually, as well as dressed up. This is why I consider them to be the most versatile shoe a woman can own.   

My top tip is when in doubt, buy white. A white trainer is never out of style. And there are so many to choose from. Do look for a brand that probably has considered the ergonomic attributes of a good shoe and always remember cost per wear here – ie: a more expensive but well made one will last the distance. A crappy canvas sneaker where the toe peeps through a month after buying and ends up in landfill is a waste of your money.

The Wedge, Pump or Heel

Even if you’ve “never worn a heel” this shoe is most definitely for you. The genius of a heeled shoe is it elongates the legs, makes long trousers, jumpsuits and dresses sit the way they were designed, and generally are so much fun they’ll make you feel sassy and fabulous. 

My top tip is; give them a good whirl around the shoe shop before they get to the counter. Get your feet stuck in, and even go so far as to practice your date night dancing moves in them. Is the angle working for you? Are your toes bunched up at the bottom? Do you think you can cross a road at a decent pace in them? Find a pair that don’t hurt and you’ve struck shoe gold. Buying heels online is a bit of a lottery, so maybe avoid for special occasions if your first time online shopping.

The Ankle Boot

This go-to boot is a fabulous option for any wardrobe even if you think you have cankles. Plus they are the ultimate trans-seasonal boot effortlessly taking you from summer to autumn, to winter, to spring back to summer again, always looking stylish. This shoe is always on-trend, so invest in a quality pair. There is an ankle boot cut to suit most leg and ankle types, and they’re a 10/10 look worn with pants, jumpsuits, skirts, and dresses. 

My top tip for ankle boots is while the foil pink ankle boot is a delish addition to any wardrobe, a simple black or tan boot will be your long-time friend. Depending on your ankle shape (cause ladies, I’m a stylist, I know we girls don’t always show a lot of love for our ankles), try a boot that cuts a V on the leg, or sits below your ankle bone. You’ll know it when you see it, but please babes, please, do try. Please stop putting yourself on a style starvation diet because somewhere along the line you started to believe “I can’t wear that”. You can and you should.

So in a nutshell, you can have all the shoes or you have three pairs of shoes, it’s up to you. But if you’re stuck and need help, my three shoe style guide is the best investment you’ll make.

Let me know what you think in the comments below.

In style and shoes,

Love EJ, the Mother of the Sisterhood of Style x

Find out more about Sisterhood of Style by visiting my website www.sisterhoodofstyle.com

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