As a little girl I was entranced by the thought of Cinderella placing her demure foot into that glass slipper insuring that Prince Charming would be hers. My love affair with shoes started with that fairy tale. Shoes have always been the finishing touch to a polished look and now more than ever the choices are astounding.
Sitting in a shoe salon the other day one of my clients commented that she has never been intimidated by trying on shoes. When she has to "Size Up" in her clothing she gets depressed. When she has to take a larger size in a pair of shoes it never bothers her! Shoe shopping is a joy for her because a larger size means nothing to her psyche.
Over the years there has been a focus on the shoe industry. Sarah Jessica Parker loved her "Manolos" in " Sex and The City." There is a definite psychology behind this "Shoe Business" so let's take a look at some of the ways we can add that all important accessory to enhance our confidence and outer image.
Jeanne went shopping with me and went crazy over a pair of black boots. They only had a size 7 and she wore a size 8. After pushing and pulling her foot eventually went into place. She stood and limped around the department. She was admiring herself in the mirror. I asked if the boots were hurting her and the limp was my answer. The 50 percent off on the ticket sealed the deal. She turned to me and smiled and exclaimed " My feet always shrink in the winter freezing weather!" "You live in Miami and there is no winter!" I smiled. One year later the boots took a trip to a nearby consignment store. Have you ever purchased for price or the love of a look and tossed comfort and lifestyle needs out the store door?
Cynthia called me to her closet one day last fall. She was having trouble putting her outfits together. After reviewing her options I realized that her clothing was not the problem. Her clothes were selected for the classic persona she enjoyed. Her "Shoe Hobby" led her to splurging on very dramatic pairs that did not compliment or complete her wardrobe options. After pointing out the solution she admitted that they were all exciting to look at but not to wear. A trip to a local department store shoe department solved her challenge. A few pairs that accessorized her closet and her lifestyle eased her stress of dress. Have you ever impulsed on a Cinderella accessory that never saw the light of day? Do you have trouble putting your options together with the right shoe, handbag or jewelry? At the beginning of the season pull together some clothing options complete with all the right accessories. Take a picture. Create a fashion catalog with your picture on the cover.
Here are my seven shoe shopping tips!
1. Never buy shoes in the morning. Your reality size occurs later in the day.
2. Make sure the shoes you select compliment a wide variety of your closet options.
3. When you see a sale sign ask yourself if you would pay regular price for this pair.
4. Review your current shoe wardrobe before shopping.
5. Sizing up a half size will insure comfort.
6. If you find a designer that provides style and comfort, select a second pair by them.
7. Select a heel height that gives you safety and style in that selected pair.
So my modern day Cinderella ... If the shoe fits ... buy it!
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