Loving Your Feet First

Saga Of the Navy Blue Pumps

Does anyone know how hard it is to find a really nice pair of navy blue pumps?. How about navy blue suede pumps? Well it's next to impossible that's how hard. But I was on a mission. This was a while ago a little before the miracle of Google. and being pampered by Shopping Guides. My story begins back when successful shopping was all about leg work, determination, uncanny intuition and well, a certain kind of ruthlessness.

I was going to a banquet and I'd found a beautiful navy blue jersey wrap dress that decided she would only be seen with navy blue suede pumps, preferably designer pumps. So believe it or not I actually found some at my favorite discount designer outlet. They were the perfect shade of navy lined with gold leather . The subtle shadings of the suede created small waves of deep rich cobalt blue and Indigo and the not too skinny 4 inch heel made my calves positively pop. I was in Love, but also on a budget. And not so in love that I was willing to pay full price $200. No way, not at a discount outlet!, I didn't think so!. I had principles. So I was determined to wait until they had marked them down to a price I felt one should reasonably pay at an discount outlet.

Now I must say I'm ashamed of it now, but I kinda sorta hid my size with a totally different group of ugly shoes hoping somehow no one else would find them before the final markdowns . My plan worked. Finally -$65- Yippee! When I got them home, the wrap dress heartily approved. She and I fondled the pumps for at least a full hour. When I tried them on again They didn't feel great, but at least OK on the plush bedroom carpet. You know ,they had that 'just needed to be broken In ' kinda feel.

Finally the day of the banquet came we looked stunning even if I say so myself. To top them off I'd even found sheer navy blue hose, which really did the trick . Well, to make a long story short, they hurt like hell. I mean so bad, I was hallucinating about a taxi cab pulling up to the banquet table I was miserable in them, even sitting down. The green beans and baked chicken were even more tasteless than usual I could hardly wait to get home and out of my new shoes. So I guess the moral of the story was :

'Thou Shalt Not Hide Shoes'

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A Barrell On Stilts, No More

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one with a bad shoe tale. that was the time in my life when I was quickly approaching 200lbs. What a difference a few pounds can make with ones comfort level in high heels. True it could have been just been that particular shoe and my feet., but it was a wake-up call for me. It made me discover a whole new world of sturdy but stylish 2 and 3 inch heels. They still make my legs look longer, accent my calves and give me the needed height, but now I dont feel or look like a 'barrel on stilts'. I feel neat , stylish but now comfortable, safer and more grounded.. And my feet are much more healthy and happy without the added pressure.

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I now enjoy a thicker heel too, though not necessarily thick which makes me look rather dumpy. But in truth the more surface the sole of a shoe has, the more stability, and support. Consider the amount of weight per square inch on a spiked heel. If you look closely you can sometimes see small heel imprints in the floor where heavier women have walked in high heels.

Knowing What Works

"Luxury must be comfortable , otherwise it is not luxury" - Coco Chanel

Once again it all goes back to knowing who your are and what works for you. Love your feet first, then your shoes. Wearing tortuous spiked heel Manolos or Jimmy Choos just because they're fashionable, is disrespectful to your feet your presentation and your wallet. Unless of course you're just into collecting shoes as works of art. What works for a 125lb woman just might not work for one who is 225 lbs. The bottom line is a larger woman needs a sturdy shoe, it just looks intelligent. These days it is not at all difficult to find nice looking comfortable shoes.

• Try to buy shoes that are close to the shape of your foot. And if you have a wide foot don't wear extremely pointed shoes . Very narrow shoes will cause bunions

• The key to shopping online for shoes is finding a brand or brands that work for you. Every size 8 is not the same
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A silver pump or wedge shoe would have been a good choice for this outfit

Neutral Shoe Colors



There's no denying that a basic black shoe is a wardrobe essential, but sometimes a black shoe just does'nt work. It can look too heavy in warm weather or when wearing lighter colors, and a whole white shoe can look equally heavy. I usually like a black or white sandal in the summer. Lately however I much prefer the neutral look of metallics like silver, bronze and pewter. The golds can sometimes be too yellow or bright. Metallic shoes and sandals look good with both casual and dressy outfits all year round, and are a good investment for those who are not inclined to buy shoes of every color.

Clear Shoes, Not Just for Strippers

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Whoever invented clear shoes was a genius. I love the look especially on ladies with pretty feet . They work so well for formal or dressy occasions., but there are some cute casual styles as well. The rhinestone embellished variety is not a hot fashion item right now, but they're classic, they will always work You can usually find them in a bridal stores, and they come in wide widths too



What's New

Although ankle straps, booties and gladiator styles are popular at the moment, They look best on a long leg. If your legs are not so long and you'd like to try a pair, try a color close to your skin tone which could look quite sexy and not shorten your legs as much; or wear hose the same color as your shoe. eg. a black leather bootie with black opaque tights.

Endless Shoes

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• Your Plus Size Shopping Guide