I believe I have struck a chord with a topic that women find near and dear to their hearts: SHOES! From the amount of personal e-mail questions I received, along with comments, I realize I have much to cover. Here we go..
NEWS ALERT: Vogue has declared lower heels are in for Spring. You Look Fab has the official report. My feet are rejoicing!
What to Look for in a Shoe?
1. Heel Height You will have success combining style and comfort with a heel that ranges from 1.5-2.5 inches. Find the maximum heel height you can handle and don’t try to push it futher. Accept your limits. If you are 5’5 and under, try for at least ONE INCH or more. The more horizontal your foot is in the shoe, the better chance you will have to wear them for longer periods of time. If your foot is at a sharp incline, this puts pressure on the ball of the foot and decreases the time your foot can be in this unnatural position. Try a kitten heel–lower but still dressy. If you love heels, a platform makes it easier to pull off the height (from what I’m told)
2. Cushioned Insoles Padding in the shoe breaks down with wear. Natural padding in the ball of your foot breaks down with age! In my opinion, the more cushion a shoe starts out with, the better. If you want to add an insert try: Foot petals, Dr. Scholl’s or Footsmart
3. Choose the style carefully. If you have a wide foot, the cut of the shoe is crucial. When the cut is lower on the top inside of the shoe, it will rub. (if you suffer from bunions this is particularly important.)
4. Soft Leather that “gives” or can be stretched! (Ask your favorite shoe store if they can stretch your shoes)
5. European Designs are often cut generously. As I inquired at specialty shoes stores, I learned that many European sizes are better for Narrow feet. It just depends on the style. I don’t have to buy a WIDE width when I have a European size.
6. Chunkier/heavier styles can look fine with some outfits, but it can look out of place with others. Watch the Danskos and other similar brands with dressy outfits.
7. Shape of Toe. You see everything from square to round to pointed. If you want create an illusion to make your leg look longer-go for a pointed toe. Not your style-at least try a rounded point.
On Friday: Part 3: Photos & descriptions of my top brands. Part 4: Shopping tips for online shopping/mall shopping.
Because I know it’s hard to wait…Here are some of my favorite brands of shoes I own: Born, Sofft, Fidji, Helle Comfort, Franco Sarto, La Canadienne, Kenneth Cole Reaction.
