Not much of a shoes expert, I wear my footwear without knowing what they are called or named precisely. It’s quite enough for me that I know the heels from what are not. :P Like for example, I never knew before that flat or dolly shoes are also called ballet flats. I dance, therefore I know I can’t rely on these so-called ballet flats to help me make an awesome pirouette or support me in relevé. So I’m confused why flat shoes are being called as such – well I’m not confused now :) . Another of my pathetic ignorance on footwear was the time my friend described what gladiator shoes looked like and yet I couldn’t picture it out on my mind. I have worn it before, but I never knew it was called gladiator shoes! When I heard of gladiator all I could picture out was Gerard Butler in his barbaric, yet sexy costume in the film 300 and his ... ahah! His sandals, the almost knee length sandals, and so now I know why!
I realized that a good knowledge on shoes doesn’t only help in being more specific when it comes to footwear shopping, but it also makes a fashion expert out of us when we’re matching shoes with specific apparel for our OOTD. Now I made here the list of shoes that every woman should have and this time I call them on their names (long before I used to refer to them as just shoes for work, or for travel, or high heeled – or plainly as shoes :P )
SHOES PARADE – THE TYPE OF SHOES THAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
1. Ballet Flats or Doll Shoes –This type of footwear is perfect for everyday use whether for work or for leisure. Comfy and light, ballet flats would let you stroll around the mall shopping for hours and hours without feeling your feet complaining. As in you can stroll around like ballerina, light and carefree. You can even do some jete and barrel turn if you like. This is also good for your weekend travelling...but still depends on what kind of getaway are you into. Hiking and spelunking are definitely not counted.
2. Kitten Heels – This is my favourite kind of heels because it makes me feel sophisticated without having to wince every once in a while. The heels are just about 1.5 to 1.75 inches which I usually pair with skinny jeans or leggings. I find Kitten Heels cute and elegant; because I feel like some smart, nice woman instead of the overconfident, mean office girl that I often looked like whenever I’m on higher, stiletto one. Kitten Heels are also safer to wear on stage play performances (with crazy roles that involve lots of movements) rather than the high heeled shoes that almost send me rolling down the 6 ft. stairs during one of our shows.
3. High Heeled Pumps – Don’t get me wrong, I’m just quite expressive on my hurting feet complaints but I do still fancy high heeled pumps, and I mean here the one with heels that ranged from four to six inches. Though I get to manage only the four inches. I may not wear it as often as I wear flats but I have two pairs which I wear on special occasions. You know, on some occasions that I feel like playing the intimidating, independent woman strutting around the event hall with clutch on my hand, dark red shade on my lips, and long curly hair cascading down my back – I just don’t know if the people see me as exactly as I imagined myself to be. Hehe. Kidding aside, high heeled pumps are good for dressing up because it gives you that high profile image when appropriately matched with classy dress and intricate jewellery.
4. Wedges – Wedges are the irresistible shoes that give you the elongation you need without having to balance yourself hardly when walking on the pavements. Unlike the stilettos and nude pumps, wedges provide the height that makes you look tall (even though you’re obviously not) but requires lesser effort from you as you walk on by. It can be paired to various attires from jeans, skirts, to dress and formal wear. What I love most about wedges is the “feel” that I’m not wearing high heeled footwear at all! The flatness of the bottom which makes the balancing a lot easier as compared when you are walking around with stiletto, is what attracts me to wedges shoes.
5. Sneakers –Good for sports and travelling escapades, sneakers is your adventure buddy and your gym companion. Every woman should have pairs of this sporty footwear that can give that strong image and full support when you have to do lots of walking (and running) for the day.
6. Rain shoes – If you live in a rainy country like Philippines, a pair of rain shoes is a must-have on your closet. We’re talking about here the shoes and not the conventional rain boots that people used to wear when going to market or braving knee-high flood (but yes these kinds of boots are a must-have as well). Rain shoes make it possible for you to go in fashion even at times of cold, gloomy weather. No rain could ever stop you from your well-planned OOTD because there are varying designs of colourful rain shoes (or boots) that can match your rainy season outfit. Not only that they will keep your feet comfortable but rain shoes will also save your other precious shoes from swimming in the rain water. Indeed, rain shoes is the savior of all shoes during rainy season. :)
7. Espadrilles – Another of my personal favourite is the Espadrilles. With its jute rope sole and snug canvas fabric, Espadrilles makes me feel so light and free. It gives that air of independence for strong on-the-go, I-can-do-it-on-my-own kind of woman. The flat espadrilles are pretty cool when paired with jeans or shorts; while the wedge espadrilles are nice footwear paired with dress, making it easy for you to manage the walking due to its feathery sole feature.
8. Ankle boots – Ankle boots should never go missing from your collection because it’s another great type of footwear that breathes the air of awesomeness and cool fashion. Ankle boots look good on leggings but you can also match it with skirts, skinny jeans, and upper trendy jacket or vest. One good reason why you should have this footwear is because ankle boots never fail to make you feel hip and stylish. Whenever I'm wearing ankle boots, I'm always feeling good about myself and that makes a great deal of difference.
9. Flat Sandals – For sure, there are times that your feet want to breathe in the open. Do not deprive them of this simple request while you’re still maintaining that chic and fashionable OOTD. Have pairs of flat sandals to accent your beautiful and soft feet while still getting sophisticated on your outfit. It makes you feel and look classy even if you’re on your typical, casual and everyday dress.
There you go, hope you find this article helpful and please do not hesitate to share your comments and insights. I’d be happy to learn more about shoes and fashions so feel free to give your reviews below. To learn more of other footwear you could check out also Zalora's collection of women's footwear.
P.S. So proud of myself I call the shoes by their names now! :)
