Before you start thinking I’m turning into someone who only wears Crocs, let’s clear things up. Yes, I bought Crocs flats (that don’t look like “regular” Crocs), but don’t think for a second I’m going to stop wearing all my other amazing shoes! In fact, let’s talk shoes today and I’ll answer all your shoe questions! (Plus I’ll also scatter in some amazing shoes too!)
Q: I’m too tall for heels. What are my other cute options?
A: First of all, there’s no such thing as being too tall for heels! I don’t care if you’re 4’10 or 6’5, if you want to wear heels (and you’re physically able to), WEAR HEELS! I’ve heard from a lot of my vertically superior friends (isn’t that a great term for “extra tall”?) that they love fun heels but don’t want to wear them because it draws too much attention. Attention doesn’t have to be a bad thing! If you see a fun pair of shoes you like, BUY them and WEAR them!
Similarly, don’t think you have to wear heels if you’re not so blessed in the height department. Barely passing 5’0 and hate the discomfort of heels, skip them. There are plenty of great options still! (And I’ll share some of my favorite finds below!)
Q. I love shoes but can’t afford all the great designers I want! Should I save up for a special pair? Or just stick with cheaper alternatives?
A. This one has a few factors involved.
1. Think about your budget. First and foremost, if you can’t afford the shoes, DON’T BUY THE SHOES. This is not the time to apply for a credit card or pawn your vacuum cleaner (though I’ll admit shoes > vacuum cleaner any day).
2. Think about your lifestyle. Maybe cash flow isn’t the problem or you can easily save up a bit to afford those hot pink studded designer heels. Will you get a chance to wear them? Think cost per wear: A $300 pair you wear 30 times can be a better buy than a $30 pair you wear once and never look at again.
3. Think wardrobe. If you’re the type who wears a similar “uniform” every day- maybe your job requires a business suit or super conservative dress, splurging on a expensive pair might be a great idea for you. If you’re the type that likes to mix it up constantly (you overhaul your closet every few months), sticking with cheaper “trendy” pairs might be your best bet!
Boots
Glitter Heels
Q. I need to update my shoes, what kinds/colors do I need?
A. Like with the rest of your wardrobe, there’s really not a one-size fits all for shoes. However, there are a few styles/colors I’d suggest. My bare essentials:
- 1 pair of black flats that can go casual or dressy
- 1 pair of brown or nude flats that can go casual or dressy
- 1 pair of black heels or “dress” flats, if you don’t do heels
- 1 pair of black or brown ankle boots or tall boots for winter
Flats
Flats
Ankle Boots
Peep Toe Pumps
A few other suggestions:
- at least one pair of colorful heels and/or flats (red is always a fun choice!)
- some summer sandals (if you can just do one pair, think neutral – black, brown, or tan)
- a pair of ankle boots or tall boots in black or brown (Depending on what you chose from the “essentials” list!) If you live in a climate that gets cold, you’re going to need shoes that are both functional (warm) and “dress up”-able (not tennis shoes).
Coral Heels
Red Heels
Q. How many is too many pairs of shoes? 
A. What a silly question, like you can have too many pairs of shoes! Just kidding, you probably can, though I’ll be the first to tell you that my collection is up there in numbers. But I look at it like this:
1. For the most part, once you’ve reached your adult height your shoe size tends to stay pretty close to the same (with some exceptions, including pregnancy). Is there a reason I need to throw out perfectly great shoes I bought 15 years ago, just because they’re 15 years old? No. If they fit and I still like and wear them, why get rid of them? And if I keep adding to that collection, that makes sense for me. Clothes/shoes are important to me in a “this is how I express myself kind of way”. (Not in a “I’m behind on my mortgage because I just bought some more shoes”, kind of way).
2. Everyone has their hobbies and ways they spend their time and money. For some it might be frequent nice meals out. Or maybe golf or tennis, antique buying, spa weekends, tap dancing classes, etc. Do I buy shoes every month? No. And then sometimes I buy 3 pair in one day. The point is, I’m not spending the majority, or even a small chunk, of my annual income on shoes (or any other hobby for that matter). And when the time comes that a pair wears out or is simply not my taste anymore, I gladly toss them or turn them over to someone else to enjoy!
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What about you, are you a heel girl? Prefer chic flats or cute ankle boots? I hear you all! Lucky for all of us, there are a ton of amazing options available, no matter your style!
