Tag Archives: classic wardrobe

Christian Louboutin Simple 70 Leather Pumps

seventh in a series

“For women, shoes are the most important. Good shoes take you good places.”
― Seo Min Hyun

After assembling the main pieces for a classical wardrobe (The White Button Down Shirt, The Dress Slacks, A Cashmere Twinset, The Black Skirt, The Black Tweed Blazer and The Sleeveless Black Dress), it is time to turn your attention toward your feet.  Investing in fashionable, yet versatile, shoes is vitally important to your overall look.

The first shoe to buy is the nude pump; it goes perfectly just about everything.  Plus, there is the added benefit that it will make your legs look longer.  For a professional look, closed toed shoes are a better choice than those with open toes.  Also, pumps with a closed heel will stay put; the strap does not slip down the way a slingback often does.

Pumps have come a long in the fashion world; they have real character and style.  They come in a variety of heel heights ranging from kitten heels to mega-stiletto.  It is always better to forget the latest fashion trends and chose a height that is the most comfortable for you to wear.  Generally speaking, heel heights of 2 -3 inches work best. Remember, it pays to invest in your feet — they go with you everywhere and when they hurt, it’s harder to have a good day.  Not only that, but shoes that fit or are made poorly can also hurt your legs and back.  If you take care of your feet, they will take care of you.

Unfortunately, it is getting harder and harder to find sales associates in the shoe departments of many stores who are well versed in the quality of shoes or, even more importantly, the proper fit of a shoe.  You, however, can be.  Look over the shoe and check the craftsmanship, know the materials it is made from, and walk around the shoe department while you are wearing it.  Take your time and be “comfortable” with your selection.

Tips for Buying Heels

1. Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are tired and perhaps swollen from the day’s activities.
2. Make sure there is enough support under the balls of your feet (where the toes join the rest of your foot). If, when you push down on the shoe bed, your hand bounces right back up again, you’ve got a winner.  You want it to be springy so it can absorb the shock of walking on hard surfaces.
3. Check the soles of the shoes.  If it is completely flat, it will be easy to slide around.  (This problem is easy to solve — have new soles attached at a shoe repair store.)
4. Look for shoes with good arch support.  If you need more support, you can buy new insoles.
5. When the shoe is on, in addition to the heel not slipping, make sure there is enough  room for your toes to move around.
6. The more leather in a shoe, the better. Genuine leather retains the shape of your foot and is always a better choice than man-made materials.  It is also a material that breathes and has better moisture absorption.

NUDE PUMPS

Jeffrey Campbell “Lane” Pump

Jimmy Choo Kid Leather Pointed Toe Pumps

Prada Logo Plate Pumps

Prada Patent Leather Pump

Via Spiga “Harietta” Pumps

Amalfi by Rangoni “Celyn” Pump

 (other posts in the series “Building A Classic Wardrobe One Piece at a Time — The White Button Down Shirt, The Dress Slacks, A Cashmere Twinset, The Black Skirt,  The Black Tweed Blazer, The Sleeveless Black Dress, and The Nude Purse)