5 Tips and 5 Picks for How To Choose the Right Shoes
Teca Cameron is a professional Image Consultant and owner of the Teca Cameron Image Management Agency . Teca’s services include wardrobe analysis, colour analysis, body/line analysis, personal shopping, behavioural and communications coaching.
Teca has graciously given her valuable time to bring us this new Fashion and Beauty feature, which we are sure you will enjoy! …And sorry dads, but this feature is mostly for the moms!
Oh, My ACHING Feet!
By Teca Cameron
I’m a shoe lover, yes I am. I’m a real sucker for a mean stiletto heel but I must admit over the years I have suffered some serious issues with my feet due to my tendency to attempt marathons while balancing on toothpicks. Going to the grocery store, taking public transit, walking through the mall in 3” inch heels is cute and all but uhmmm….it comes at a cost.
From being confirmed as “flat footed” to suffering blisters and sores and aching feet, I have experienced a lot. Wearing size 10 shoes doesn’t help either. My dilemma, for the most part, is how to find shoes in my size that are chic, stylish, and comfy that I don’t have to sell my arm and my leg to buy? I wish to share with you a few shoe lessons I have learned along the way:
1. If your outfit requires you to strut your stuff, then flats may not always fit the bill. If 3-4 inch heels are in order, keep a pair of soft flats or medium heel shoes in your car or your purse. It’s almost guaranteed that you will be pleading for your feet to have mercy on you after a couple of hours.
2. Shop for shoes when your feet are swollen. Yes-it really works. This is usually closer to the end of the day. You’ll be getting a better fit if you are trying shoes on in the state that your feet are in the majority of the day.
3. I promise you… they won’t stretch. If you wear size 10, a size 9 or 9.5 won’t cut it. Yes, leather swells, but within reason. Trying to squeeze your feet into shoes that were just not made for you is a recipe for disaster. Believe me, I have learned this lesson the hard way. No shoe is worth the pain!
4. Size 9 lovelies…+ we know the headache that comes with shoe shopping. Scope out the newest shoes online at sites like www.zappos.com , piperlime.com or a specific retailer of your choice. Once you see shoes that you like, call the local retailers and ask them if they carry your size. If they have it, put it on hold and go in. If you get there and they have sold your beloved pairs…ask them to call around for you. The bottom line is, do your homework to save yourself the heart and headache.
5. Last but not least, learn how to wear comfy shoes that are still stylish. I have learned to like flats and medium heeled shoes, although I cannot lie- a high heel is almost always in order for me. I still try to strike a balance. My feet talk to me and they tell me when enough is enough. When that happens…I listen. I will alternate and find outfits that will work best with my most comfy shoes. Then I put the heels to bed for a few days or more.
Perhaps you feel my pain and want some ideas on stylish shoes that will not break your back or minimize your chances of getting that bunion we all dread so much?
Here are 5 of my comfy and stylish shoe picks for this upcoming season Fall/Winter 2010:
Fossil-Maddox Flat
Corso Como “Frankfurt” (coffee)
Elie Tahari- “Valerie”
Frye-“Shirley over the knee” (brown)
Joie-“Caravan” (Gray)
Click here to view Teca’s website.
Your friend in beauty,
Teca Cameron
Image Consultant and owner of the Teca Cameron Image Management Agency
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Posted by: Sara Hodge on: 2010-07-31 Permanent Link: 5 Tips and 5 Picks for How To Choose the Right Shoes
