Ok, I am a self-confessed shoeaholic. But there is some truth to my madness.

A shoe can make or break your outfit. Not only are shoes a great accessory. They also add volume to your wardrobe. For example; take your LBD. You team it with a strappy evening sandal and you’re ready to hit the town. You then team that same LBD, layered with a white shirt and a pair of pumps and you’re of to work. Or change it up with a pair of leggings and a pair or flats and you have a cute casual outfit to pick up the kids at school. One dress, three different outfits. Easy! Have a think of all the possibilities you have with just your jeans, just by changing your shoes.

Building a shoe wardrobe, is just as important as building on the basic wardrobe.

The shoes you need to build your wardrobe.
• Nude/Black pumps
• Black/Tan Boots
• Evening shoe
• Nude Ballet flats
• Converse
• Wedges
• 1 Pair of foldable ballet flats. (Great to take with you when you are out for an evening)

These all can be tailored to your personality, there is no right or wrong height or shape.

The next three ‘No, No’s’ are examples, of how your outfit can come unstuck.

1. Please don’t wear your sneakers, with your corporate wear. Yes they are comfortable and easy to walk in. By investing in a comfortable pair of flats. You are still comfortable and fashionable. Brogues are a good option for this season trend. If you’re not into trends, a pair of ballet flats are perfect.
2. I have to admit, this is my personal pet hate. There is nothing more annoying to me, then seeing a very dressed woman and I can hear her coming from a mile away…. Ladies, you can be dressed to the nine and well-groomed but if your heels need re-heeling and you are ‘tonk tonking’ your way the through the mall. All your hard work has gone. You are distracting from your perfectly styled outfit.
3. And lastly, if there is one big NO, NO. Never ever take your shoes off and walk around bare foot. This is not a good look. As ladies, we have all been there before, when we can’t wait to get out shoes off. But walking bare foot is not the answer. Foldable flats are the answer. They are small enough to fit into your clutch, they come in lots of cute colours.

Don’t worry boys I haven’t forgotten about you. I can’t tell you how important your shoes are. I have always said you can tell a lot from a man’s shoe. I remember when I first met my husband, the first thing I looked at were his shoes. Of course he had nice shoes. I married him. There is nothing worse than, seeing a well-dressed man and then you look at his shoes. And it turns into an epic fail. So, if you’re wondering why you can’t get a date, it’s probably your shoes that are letting you down.

The shoes you need to build your shoe wardrobe.

• Black/Brown Dress shoe
• Converse
• Boat shoe
• Ankle boot
• Leather thongs or Slides

No, No’s for you. Please don’t wear your white sports sneakers, with your suits or your jeans. Your dress shoes or ankle boot is all you should be wearing with these outfits. If you are going for a casual look, wear your converse or boat shoe. And in the warmer months, please don’t wear your Havana thongs. They are great for Sunday’s or the beach. But not a great look, if you are heading out to lunch or on a date.

So, next time you walk out the door, think about what your shoes are saying about you.

Love SBF
www.styledbyfrancesca.com.au

Making the most of your shoes.

If you’re a shoeaholic like me and you have multiple pairs of shoes. Make sure you work out, which are your “Dinner shoes” as I like to call them. And your “Daytime Shoes”. Take your going out shoes, if they have a platform, sparkles and the heel is over 10 inches. This is what I like to call a dinner shoe. You don’t want to wear these to work, or shopping with your girlfriends.

Image by Kenny Karikas