PART 2.2
In Part 2.1 I uncovered the world of accessorizing with bags, in this part (2.2) I want to take the time to talk about shoes; the various styles and uses to incorporate into your wardrobe.
These Shoes Are Made For Walking
If a gal isn't into bags then she's into shoes - at least from my experience. Well I'm a shoe gal, not to say that I don't have and can't appreciate a good bag, but there is something about shoes that I'm drawn to. They're like jewelery for the foot, they can be uber sexy or really casual, high heeled or flat and can range in all colours and styles imaginable. The shoe is often an after thought for most when in reality, the shoe should take center stage or a least play a supporting role. I mentioned in Part 1 that the LBD can be ramped up with a killer pair of heels, and this can be said for any outfit you throw on. Think of the shoe as a way to emphasize your look or one that can lend a hand with the overall appearance i.e. blending in.
I'm going to describe for you the 7 most popular styles of shoes out there and what role they can play in your ensemble:
The Pump: This closed shoe is a classic style and its shape comes in either pointed, round, square or almond toe. The heel hight can vary from kitten heel (1.5-2 inches) all the way to stiletto (6 inches). The thickness of a pump heel is traditionally slim, but not to say that there are aren't pumps that have a chunkier heel weight. Word of caution when selecting a pump with a chunkier heel, the thickness of the heel will emphasize the size of your calf. The slender the heel the more slender your leg will appear. This also applies to the height of the heel, the shorter the heel hight, the shorter your leg will appear and vice-versa. Pumps come in many different colours, textures and patterns. You can select a simple black pump for an everyday look or go wild with a leopard print for the evening. Pumps are great for everyday - which is how I like to wear them, in all colours/patterns/textures!
The Slingback: The slingback is also considered to be a pump - I know this can be confusing, but trust me it will all make sense in the end. This style of shoe has a thin open strap at the heel which holds the shoe to the foot. Slingbacks can be either closed or open toe and come in varying heel hights, similar to the pump. These shoes are great for those starting their way into the world of heels as they offer some versatility, the slingback can be dressy or casual depending on the material and pattern/texture of the shoe. They can be worn everyday and well into the evening.
The Open/Peep Toe: The open toe is another style of shoe which can be considered as a pump/slingback or sandal. The only difference between an open toe shoe versus a sandal is the amount of toe/foot being shown. Open toe shoes tend to only show off a small amount of toe whereas sandals show a large majority of the foot. Open toe shoes are great in the spring/summer and some like to wear them in the fall/winter with dark opaque pantyhose. The open toe can be a slingback or closed like a pump and come in many colours, textures and heel heights.
The Wedge: The wedge is a great shoe to help provide height to those ladies who would like a bit of lift. Wedge's tend to be on the more casual side of things, however, it depends on the thickness/texture of the wedge. If you select a thick wedge in a raffia material (see example below) these should be worn with more casual attire. If the wedge is slimmer and in a patent finish for example, these can be worn with something a bit dressier. Be careful with wedges, they can be tricky to walk in and get used to so try them on and walk around a bit to see if you'll be able to manage them over longer periods of time.
The Platform: Now I'm not talking about a trip back in time, the platforms of the 21st century are a bit more discrete than those of the Saturday Night Fever days. Platforms are also a great trick for ladies who would like to add a bit of height, but are more discrete than the wedge. The platform is disguised into the base of the shoe so as to give the appearance of a pump or can stand out on their own (similar to a wedge). These can also be tricky to walk in so be sure to give them a try and walk around a bit before committing. Similar to the pump, the platform comes in a variety of heel heights, colours, textures and patterns and can be worn day-to-day or for a special/evening occassion.
The Sandal: The sandal is great for the summer and can be found in varying heel heights from flat to mid-height. They come in a ton of colours, textures, patterns and materials. The sandal can be very casual - kicking back on the beach - to very dressy - a night on the town. They are versatile and can be found almost anywhere. These bad boys can be good for everyday or evening, just be sure to match the style of the sandal to the look you are trying to achieve. Flip-flops with an evening dress is not flattering, nor is a satin sandal with shorts and a tee-shirt.
The Flat: These shoes are great for everyday or kicking around on the weekend, they can be casual/athletic or dressier and work for just about everyone. Just as their name implies, the flat is just that, flat. Some flats come with a small heel others are nothing but sole. Flats are great for the office or for driving, they can be worn casual or sometimes, depending on the right material and appearance, can be dressier. I don't recommend wearing flats with a cocktail dress, but you could wear them with a pair of wide-leg pants and they would look great.
Stay tuned to Part 2.3 where I'll discuss jewelery and scarves and the various ways to incorporate them into your wardrobe.
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