SHOES AND DONTS

What to buy? As with most items, if you have a single doubt about it, don’t purchase it. All of your shoes should be your best shoes.

When to sacrifice appearance for comfort? NOT EVER! There are so many perfectly lovely and comfortable options for flats out there that a gal should NEVER wear sneakers with hosiery or a suit. We understand the 80s are back, but please don’t channel Melanie Griffith in Working Girl! [Instead, try Pedro Garcia flats, at right!]

Where to wear? I do NOT agree with the edict in many offices that women must not wear open-toed shoes. If you work in a factory, perhaps, but is the management really concerned that a little toe cleavage is going to tank a business deal? C’mon, people! However, we do not want to hear your mules slapping your heels around the office. And we don’t like the sound of wooden heels clacking down the uncarpeted stair. You can avoid these problems by using heel straps (see blog of Feb. 2008).

How to prolong the life of your fabulous footwear? As a preventive measure, immediately “re-sole” brand new designer shoes with leather soles [unless you never intend for your Manolos to meet a city sidewalk]. Likewise, with pointy-toed shoes and boots, have your cobbler put metal tips on the ends to avoid unnecessary scuffing and scratching. Always store your shoes with tissue in the toes so that the toe box maintains its shape. If you have room in your closet, keep your shoes in their original boxes! If not, buy large Tupperware containers that can be easily slipped under the bed or stacked in the walk-in. Group shoes by type and/or heel height and put glossy photos on the end of each box so you never have to go on a wild goose chase for the perfect pump. If at all possible, keep a little album with pictures of all your shoes and bags. That way, you can flip through it to find the appropriate footwear, without having to rummage on your hands and knees under the bed!

What shoes are the most universally flattering? Nude or gold slitletto sandals [see Jimmy Choo, right]. The tone elongates the leg and the height forces you to keep your posture in check. Never go matchy-matchy, pairing black strappy sandals with a black dress. Mix it up, and don't be afraid to wear some color on your feet! Alternatively, go with a strappy Jimmy Choo or Alexandra Neel that is light as a feather in a shade as close to your skin tone as possible. Never wear hosiery with sandals, and for Pete’s sake, get a pedicure! Nothing ruins a fabulous pair of Prada peep toes more that a gnarly toe poking out!! Also amazingly flattering are platforms; for all you not-so-tall girls out there, you should be rocking a hidden platform whenever possible [see Christian Louboutin, above].

Fashion Credits: All photos courtesy net-a-porter.com. Thank you for keeping us well-shod!