If The Shoe Fits

I don't know about you, but I think that there’s a certain majesty to a beautifully-made pair of shoes. Just imagine the swoop and curve of butter-soft, nutmeg leather, the crisp slap of the sole on the pavement, and the gleam of the polished patina---Ahhh... I'm in love! <3 

Imagine yourself walking in these.
(Image Source: The Shoe Museum)

One mantra that I learned from my mom was that "a good pair of shoes would stand me in good stead for any life challenge". Not only that, my mom would always remind me that shoes make the man. See, the quality of your shoes reveals how much you respect yourself.  Indeed, being that the feet are the foundation of our body, it would be sensible to assume that the shoes are the the "foundation" to our outfit. 

(Image Source: Pinterest)

Shoes ARE and WILL always be THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR OUTFIT because you cannot fake them. A cheap pair is noticeable from a mile away, yet substandard clothes are hard to distinguish. In fact, you can wear high-end, elegant shoes with a red-tagged H&M or Zara ensemble and still look good, but YOU CAN NEVER WEAR AN ARMANI with an H&M faux leather pair and try to look dapper (Nu-uh...). 

Crocs are very stylish...said no one ever! :D   (Image Source: The Daily Beast)

Now, in case you are wondering, which shoes must I invest on, you have to understand that no matter how hard you try, you will never find one style of shoe that can be used for all occasions. It just doesn't work that way. You need to have a selection of shoes of different styles to complement an entire wardrobe for different occasions.  So, you must invest in important pieces that will not jeopardize either style or comfort.

Before you know it, you would have amassed a shoe collection that will humble that of Imelda Marcos.
(Image Source: Drama Beans)

Clueless of which shoes to invest on? Here's a tip: when it comes to "investment" shoes, it is important to understand your goals and to take a realistic assessment of your lifestyle by figuring out what shoe will give you the most value, and then spend the money there. 

As for me, I invest mostly on designer shoes mainly because they are made with style and quality in mind. :)  My personal favorite are loafers.  These are shoes that are designed to easily slip into your foot. Loafers are less formal than most dress shoes and can be worn with almost anything. They are commonly made in leather, may feature tassels, hardware, and other embellishments, and can come in a range of stylish colors. 

I especially prefer the Irving Driving Moccasins. These are Hermes' ladies driving loafers in very supple calfskin with two "Clous Pyramides" hardware in palladium plated, orange lining, pyramidal rubber studs on the sole.  

My Hermes Irving in Capucine Orange
(Image Copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

and in Black
(Image Copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

Ballerina Flats are also my go-to fashion staple, especially when I need to move al ot. Not only are they easy on the feet, they are also very portable, which makes it very convenient for me in case I would have to change into a different pair later in the day. 

Hermes ladies' ballerina flat shoe, the Intime, is in patent leather and nappa leather, rubber sole, and "Hermes Paris" palladium plated mini Clou de Selle. That's why they look very stylish despite the simple design. 

My Hermes Intime Ballerina Flats in Black
(Image Copyright: Jessica E. Vitangcol)

So, if you are planning on buying a new pair of shoes, remember that inexpensive footwear usually means you are investing in unjust labor conditions---most cheap shoes are not made in the best environments, let alone made with good materials (Boo!!!). 

Remember, never settle for anything less and invest in something that will give you bang for your bucks. :)