Top Trends

 Sporty-Dune

 An easy, comfortable summer sandal with a sporty white sole.   Work this trend without going full-on sporty with trainers.

Timberland

Timberland boots are back on-trend, but perhaps you don’t think their classic wheat nubuck style is for you. This sneaker version in sleek black with a pink pop is the low-profile alternative.

Lizard- River Island

Black and white combinations are a strong way to wear neutrals without looking dull. This open-waisted bootie has a lizard print rather than a scaly texture. Wear it with black opaque tights this spring, for an effortlessly stylish look.

      Ankle Wraps- Nike

    The Studio Wrap Pack is suitable for dance and yoga, but can be worn in the street when combined with the leather flat (as pictured).This is the premium version, in a pretty silver and black combination. I’d be tempted to wear this as a fashion option, and sack off the exercise.

  Dorothy Perkins

This summery coral suede heel from DP will be flattering with its multiple straps. Go casual with a denim dress, or dress up with something slinky. 

 Poste Mistress

This T-Bar is geek-chic turned feminine, with its high block heel and cute bronze ankle strap. A trendy heeled style without the stiletto wobble.

                                                       Monk Shoe

A classic monk shoe with an open waist for a little ventilation, with a chunky sole to keep you out of the grime. This style would easily complement Scandinavian-style tailoring from the likes of Cos and & Other Stories: think black attire in interesting texture combinations.

Bronze Age

A classic silhouette, updated in bronze: this tassel loafer in a warm hue would be flattering with either bare legs or socks. The boyish look is going strong, but is made prettier in a metallic.

Ballet pumps

Ballet pumps are a classic chic look, and a peep toe version is just what you need for spring and summer. Be on-trend with this sweetly-detailed bronze crackle version.

Top Shoe Tips

1) Leather linings are key to the comfort of your footwear: they absorb moisture away from your feet, meaning your feet should not feel sweaty.

Leather uppers are important, but your foot will only be able to “breathe”, if the lining is as breathable as the upper.

Ensure you let your leather-lined footwear dry naturally, preferably allowing a day between wears: this ensures the leather does not begin to rot, and prevents odours. Shoe-trees can help to wick the moisture away from the footwear, allowing the leather to dry more thoroughly.

These symbols next to each other on a shoe label indicate a full leather lining.

2) High-heels can look fabulous at work with a well-tailored trouser or skirt-suit.

 3) Don’t buy shoes that do not fit. If shoes are too big, no amount of insoles or heel-grips (often sold by shoe-shops) will ever make them fit properly. You can tell just by looking that someone’s shoes are too big for them, and it is not a flattering look.

Correctly-fitting footwear should hug your foot, and neither pinch it nor slip up and down as you walk. The friction caused by footwear which slips around too much on your foot as you walk, can often cause blisters to form.

It is common for sales-people to promise customers that their footwear, which feels too tight when tried on in the shop, will “give”. What actually happens to footwear after a number of wears is that the upper will soften, and crease, being effectively customised by the wearer’s foot contours. This should make the footwear more comfortable.

The length of the shoe (from toe to heel) is restricted by the length of the sole. This will not change. Shoes do not “give” in length. In the short-term, shoes which are too short can cause foot numbness, and sometimes pain. They may also make you scrunch your toes uncomfortably. More serious long-term damage can also be caused by ill-fitting footwear.

Select footwear that does not pinch the sides of your feet. If the leather does give, it will show unsightly bulges, where your feet are wider than the width of the sole.

When trying on pumps, court shoes and Mary Janes, after having walked around a little, look at your feet when you remove the shoes. If red crescents are visible on the top of your feet around where your big toes meet your feet, then the shoes do not fit. They are too shallow for the depth of your foot, and are unlikely to become more comfortable with time.

 4) Please please always remember to remove the labels from the soles of your shoes before striding out in them.

5) When buying any shoe with a higher than flat heel, ensure it hugs the contours of your foot. When you can feel that the insole/footbed/insock touches the entire ball & heel of your foot, and perhaps even supports the arch, this will ensure good support and comfort.

If the shoe only touches a small area of the ball and/or heel, and leaves a large gap at the arch area (most noticeable when wearing court shoes, or sandals), then the pressure on the ball of the foot will be increased. That uncomfortable burning sensation will be focused on a smaller area, and is therefore likely to be more intense.

The Discovery

Finding your passion is like shopping for shoes if you think that once you know what your passion is, life becomes clear and without confusion and hard work, you are in for a BIG surprise. I discovered my love for shoes quite early in life. At the age of 12, I found myself craving for every other new shoe in the store next door. Later with every new dress, there was a addition to my shoe collection.

The first thing I notice when I meet someone is their shoes. I would be lying if I say that I don't judge them on basis of their shoes. Perfect shoes to me is perfect mind state. My pre-assumptions started getting a closer look to reality as I started reading about shoes in various magazines and books. I read about the history of shoes, the current trend, the designs and anything that had to do with shoes. 

You don't have to be a shoes fashionista to find excitement in shoes. After my insight into shoes, you will see shoes in another way. Shoes can give women a certain confidence no other accessory can give. For example wearing a fabulous, high quality pair of high stilettos pumps can make all the difference. They are the perfect choice if you want your legs to be admired by everyone. Just knowing that you look fantastic can boost your confidence level and get through the most difficult situations.

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