Shoeaholic

It’s been about two weeks since I embarked on the “wear every pair” challenge created by blogger Shoeperwoman. And let me tell you, it’s not as easy as I thought! It really brought to my attention that there are some pairs I wear over and over and over - how can you not favor those pairs that are comfortable, cute, and match everything? But one thing that the challenge does succeed in doing is making you venture out to wear those pairs that don’t see so much sunlight. Whereas before the challenge, I mindlessly reached for those go-to pairs, I now actually browse my shoe closet when I get dressed every morning. Here are pictures of the shoes I’ve worn so far. Not a lot - I better get cracking!

I love the electric royal blue of these crocodile ankle booties. The heel is sky high, but thanks to sturdy structuring, the shoes are still comfy and easy to walk in. I got these from ShoeDazzle, and rocked them this week with black skinny pants and this great asymmetrical, architectural black tunic from Pixie Market.

These studded ankle boots from Forever 21 go with anything - I especially love them with feminine dresses since they’re a little tough.

These wedge booties with feathers (love!) are the culprits for why I don’t wear my other shoes as much as I should - I wear these constantly. They’re heels, so flattering, but super comfortable. But I don’t feel like I’m wearing boring, comfortable shoes because they’re edgy with their great feathers. They’re perfect for jeans, dresses - so totally a go-to pair. They’re Deena and Ozzy, from Urban Outfitters.

These snakeskin flats are from Charlotte Russe, and are also worn a lot because of their comfort and yet edgy style.

I LOVE these shoes, and never get to wear them, so I gave them the ultimate honor and wore them to New York Fashion Week this year. They’re pin up style, velvet Mary Jane heels, with irridescent snakeskin bows, straps, and heels, with the right amount of glitz in the rhinestones. I can’t even remember where I got them, I think it was a boutique in midtown Manhattan.

It seems like you can’t just act or sing to be truly successful anymore. Sure, you do one of those to get famous, but to stay productive, you have to go into some sort of business. If there’s one thing I’m sick of, it’s everyone and her sister having a fragrance. But if it’s not a fragrance, it’s clothes, or bags, or lingerie, or makeup, or, of course, shoes. But just like singers who try to act and actors who try to sing, sometimes the result is a smash, sometimes it’s a disaster. Some celebs actually do have that fashion forward eye and know good shoes. Others should stick to letting their stylists dress them, let alone trying to dress us and our feet.

Jessica Simpson

$51.76 at Overstock.com

Surprisingly, since little else she does is even slightly conscious of her surroundings, Jessica Simpson’s shoe line is smart and stylish. Her pumps are elegant and fun, and she seems to know the right balance between trend and timeless to give girls a lasting, hot shoe at a good price point.

Elizabeth and James

$325.00 at Saks.com

It really pains me to say this, but Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have come a long from pigtails and overalls. Their clothing and shoe line is high fashion, urban sophisticate, edgy, quality style. The styles are often monochrome and sleek with some embellishment to edge it out a bit and build a trend factor.

Paris Hilton

$93.00 at Zappos

I’m not quite sure what gave Paris Hilton the idea she knows fashion. She sort of dresses just obliviously to time and trend, and yet the result isn’t timeless, it’s just…Barbie. Random bows, too much glitter and shimmer, her looks are clubby and over the top tea party. And her shoe line is just as scatterbrained and style-less.

Fergie

$63.20 at FergieShoes.com

Fergie is somewhere in the middle. Her line is hit or miss. Some of her shoes are on trend and have a lasting look. Others are too trendy and not worth the time and attention. Others haven’t been in style in ten years. It’s inconsistent, but worth a look through to find something good.

The debate on whether to settle for knock-offs of designer shoes or put a dent in your savings for the real thing - or have to go without them all together - has been going on for years. There are valid points to each side. Those who would get the knock-offs (when I say knock-offs, I don’t mean the horrendously illegal ones that claim to be the same designer, I mean different brands that make similar looking shoes) argue that the name on the shoes doesn’t matter to them, it’s the style of the shoe they fell in love with. So, if they find a pair that has that style that they can afford, why not? But those who would not get a pair of knock-offs argue that the whole point of a  designer shoe is to wear that amazing style and quality, and know that you’re wearing a true pair of Louboutins, Lanvins, Zanottis, what have you.

I’m on the fence. Sometimes I want a shoe so badly, I’m just in love with the style - say a red pump with gold spikes on the toe. But I can’t afford the $900 price tag. If I see a cute red pump with gold spikes on the toe for $120, I’d probably get them. On the other hand, there are many designer shoes that are just so simply perfect in their own form, any similar looking knock-offs just look silly. And when it comes to classic pairs, like the simple black Louboutin pump, well…what’s the point? Sure, I could find a black patent leather pump with a red sole elsewhere, but who I am kidding? Not myself. I’d rather just go for a modestly priced black pump that is in no way trying to be a Louboutin.

Then there are the times where the knock-offs just make you laugh. The style is the same, but you can tell from an online picture that they look cheap and are of poor quality. In which case, why bother?

Jeffrey Campbell’s Unicorn Shoes, about $120

Knock-off by GoJane.com, about $22.00

See the difference? Thought so. What do YOU think about knock-offs?

The fashion world lost a legendary icon today, and it was much, much too soon. Innovative genius Alexander McQueen was found in his London flat this morning. He was 40.

While nothing is being confirmed, it is believed to have been suicide - a thought that still sends chills up your spine. With all of the whirlwind success Mr. McQueen had been experiencing, this is a reminder of how we must continue to look beneath the surface for other issue and problems.

We, as great admirers of his clothing and shoes, feel devastated by this loss. So imagine how his friends and family feel - and send your thoughts out to them. The other action we can take is to always keep a flame for Alexander McQueen. His designs truly inspire new fashion everyday, and we must always recognize his revolutionary ideas in new styles.

It seems like yesterday I was making fun of his lobster alien shoes. I wish that were the worst thing I’d ever have to write about him.

It’s only Tuesday? This week is already starting to really drag. But what can really perk your day up? Shoes, of course. And there’s only one thing better than shoes. Shoe sales. I mean, is there anything more exciting than a pair of normally-out-of-range designer shoes drastically reduced to affordable? Nope! And if you have yet to take my advice and join some of the big sample sale websites, I just don’t know what you’re waiting for! These sites know how to really cheer us up with some great shoe sales. Here’s what’s going on today - hurry up and join so you can catch these deals!

Stuart Weitzman at RueLaLa - you’ll have a hard time getting any better than the great SW! These amazing shoes are only $149.00 - slashed from $435.00! Hurry, though, these are selling fast!

You’ll find super trendy, runway-ready, glam-rocker heels like this at HauteLook’s Rock & Republic sale. These are on sale for $124.00 from $310.00.

Practical, classic, chic, a total lustworthy shoe - the Burberry rainboot is on sale for only $98.00 from $195.00 at GiltGroupe.

Valentine’s Day is about a week away now, so perfect time to get shopping for your perfect pair of shoes for the occasion! Whether you’re off for a romantic date with your steady guy, a newbie, or if you’re skipping the relationship thing all together in favor of a friends day, V-Day is the perfect excuse to throw on some fun, girly, flirty shoes, perhaps heels or platforms that might be a bit more glam than your usual look. The 14th is the kind of day that you can wear a simple ensemble but then really kick back and have fun with your shoes. The trick is to not go too vampy, but to pick up on some key, fun trends to translate sex appeal into style. Metallics, bright colors, embellishments…you have plenty of ideas to choose from.

These Betsey Johnsons are sweet and vintage-inspired. $150 at Nordstrom.

These Beatrix Ongs are so classic, elegant, and graceful - they’re sleek enough to wear to work after Valentine’s Day is long gone, but pretty and flirty enough to wear out at night. $185 at FarFetch.

A pretty floral will take you right into spring, and with the wedge heel, you’ll be happy to go. Naughty Monkey, $52 at Heels.com.

I’m so in love with these Charles Davids. They’re such a sexy shade of red, and they take the classic Mary Jane look and totally style it up with the gorgeous, on trend ruffle. $115 at Nordstrom.

Here’s your splurge item, because, well, what pair of shoes could be more perfect, more classic Valentine’s Day? Kate Spade, $325 at Nordstrom.

Okay, let’s get started! Last week we talked about Shoeperwoman’s challenge to wear every pair of shoes she owns within the next 365 days, with pictures to prove it - and any unworn pairs get tossed at the end of the challenge. Well, she invited us all to take on the challenge, as well, and I finally finished my shoe inventory - which involved digging out the “summer shoe” bin from the garage, and I have a more challenging task at hand. Shoeperwoman had about 75 pairs to wear. I have 115. Yikes! Who knew I had so many? But to be fair, that’s the winter shoe wardrobe and the summer shoe wardrobe - do you separate your shoes by season, and only keep out the weather-appropriate pairs?

Anyway, there were actually a bit more than 115, but I immediately tossed a few pairs because by the looks of them, I knew they would never be worn again - we’re talking beat up, sole-is-detaching-from-the-heel-and-looks-like-it-may-talk. Don’t worry, though, it didn’t make my challenge any easier - as we speak, two pairs of shoes are on their way to me from online shopping, and it’s only the first day!

So what to do with the shoes you toss? Well, if they’re as beaten and over-loved as the ones I got rid of yesterday, I suggest just throwing them out, because they just cannot be worn again. If they’re a little less worn, donate, donate, donate! Don’t just throw them out, what a waste! Especially now, with the earthquake victims in Haiti. You can donate to organizations like Soles4Souls, Donate Your Old Shoes, or Sport Chalet. You can also donate to good old standards like the Salvation Army, or Housing Works. Or, if your shoes are in really good condition (like, those heels you knew perfectly well were a size too small but you got them because they were on sale and then never wore them?), and you’d like a little extra spending money, head on over to cosignment shops like Buffalo Exchange - they offer pretty good rates.

This is exciting, and very interesting:  blogger Shoeperwoman is setting herself a challenge to wear every single pair of shoes she owns within one year. When you first hear this challenge, it sounds ridiculous. How hard could that be, you think?

Hard. This is some challenge. The first step is do a shoe inventory, something, as Shoeperwoman pointed out, even the biggest shoe shoppers seem to never get around to doing. It’s when you count your shoes that you realize how many pairs you never wear. You might love and adore them, but maybe they’re very formal, or very hard to walk in, or very specific…whatever the case is, shoe lover seems to turn to frivolous hoarder when  you keep buying shoes and never wearing the majority of your collection. But this is something all of us shoeaholics do! We have massive collections and wear maybe five to ten pairs regularly.

Well I - well, Shoeperwoman first, but  I agree - say no more. If we are truly shoe lovers, then we need to love our shoes, and wear them, and give them life! So, I will be joining Shoeperwoman on her challenge. And I invite you to, too! Here are the details:

1. First of all, take a look at Shoeperwoman’s post I linked to above. If you have a blog and decide to take part, too, please link back to her!

2. First announce your total number of shoes. You’ll need to take pictures throughout the year to prove you wore every pair.

3. You can obviously keep shoe shopping, but then that means you have to wear those, too! There’s no grandfathering here, if you buy, you’re adding to your inventory!

4. Here’s the tough-but-practical part: whatever shoes you don’t wear at all by the end of the year have to go to a thrift store/The Salvation Army/insert charity here. Them’s the breaks! If you love them, you will wear them.

Okay, so this weekend I’m going to take my inventory and the challenge will officially begin next week! Hope to see you participating!