I Didn’t Need A Study To Tell Me That I’m a Shoe Queen. Listen, YOU Should Be Too

Poll Finds Women Own (MERELY) 17 Pairs of Shoes… are they “fashion” women?

Where is your inner Imelda, ladies?

Don’t get me wrong, I completely have respect for bag people. But the idea of of changing my handbag every 5 minutes never really thrilled me.

However, in full disclosure, I do own a lot bags and some very “good’ ones. Yet, it’s still not my thing.

BUT, can we talk shoes?!

Worth the Investment: A classic, yet super stylsih pump, like these Giuseppe Zanotti Tapered Toe Pumps will last for seasons to come!
Worth the Investment: A classic, yet super stylsih pump, like these Giuseppe Zanotti Tapered Toe Pumps will last for seasons to come!

Maybe it’s from having big feet and I feel a need to compensate. Maybe it’s simply that you can ruin an outfit with the wrong shoes and make a mediocre one appear that much better with the right shoes.

Or, because cheap-looking shoes make an expensive outfit look instantly cheap.

>> MORE STORIES: Shoes

Or, perhaps it is because shoes are so telling of your personality and style. Then again, there’s my ongoing loathing for gladiator platforms and dingbat open toe boots so I reinforce it with the need to have a million other stylish shoe choices, right at hand in my closet!

Therefore, when I read the ShopSmart poll which states that the average women owns 17 pairs of shoes, I had to beg for pause.

Absolute Indulgence: Gorgeous, YES! But, MAYBE, you will wear them once a year. Love them more on sale for for a VERY special night- Giuseppe ZanottiChiffon Rosette Sandals
Absolute Indulgence: Gorgeous, YES! But, MAYBE, you will wear them once a year. Love them more on sale for for a VERY special night- Giuseppe ZanottiChiffon Rosette Sandals

 

Ladies, wearing “comfy” clodhoppers ruins your look, not to mention how you present yourself and posture.

That does not mean that you need to wear 6-inch platforms (again, fetish looking shoes are not my thing, especially for day), put some proper shoes with a shapely heel of your choice that looks right on your leg and with your outfit.

The Shopmart poll, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, further states that out of these 17 pairs of shoes (not including athletic shoes) the average woman typically wears only three of those pairs on a regular basis.

I can see that.

Deal: They're snappy, on trend, a great rice and will add oodles of fun to a dull wardrobe & added punch to a stylsih one- KENSIE GIRL VALLEY
Deal: They’re snappy, on trend, a great price and will add oodles of fun to a dull wardrobe & added punch to a stylish one- KENSIE GIRL VALLEY

 

A good shoe wardrobe should have about 3 go-to pairs each seasoncute flats or low heels, fab heels, and some boots or sandals, depending on the time of year.

The right go-shoes can last several seasons and be the core of your shoe wardrobe, if you take proper case of them at the shoe repair they become a footwear base to build upon.

Then, what about fashion shoes? What about fun?

Come on… you need a little life in your shoe wardrobe for some style. How can you possibly pass up the new flatforms or any wedge this spring? Can I tempt you with some animal prints or a burst of color to tzij up your shoe wadrobe?

You need to let yourself go a bit more more fab shoes to spice up your basics and look modern. A girl can’t live by stilettos alone and you need a variety of heel heights and styles to work well with the different silhouettes in your wardrobe.

I have several versions of these Maison Martin Margiela Replica Slouch Boots and they have been my go to boots for several seasons- not too trendy, edgy enough & super comfy fit and heel height.
I have several versions of these Maison Martin Margiela Replica Slouch Boots and they have been my go to boots for several seasons- not too trendy, edgy enough & super comfy fit and heel height.

 

Not to mention, changing your shoes around is more comfy on your feet.

Splurge on basics and buy the best made shoes that you can afford to last a few seasons. Timeless styles are great to find on sale.

Don’t waste valuable money on super trendy shoes and find less expensive “disposible fashion” versions that don’t kill your feet. Face it, crazy trendy shoes only look right for a limited amount of fashion time and older ladies- pass the urge to get super trendy when it comes to brick-sized platforms and skyscraper and beyond heels.

One more shoe queen full disclosure here, as many of you know I had foot surgery 4 months ago and it’s been a long ride until I can get my left foot into “real” shoes. Of course I am not a happy camper about being trapped into having to wear the dang ugliest shoes as not much fits over my foot wrapping. Things could be far worse than a still busted toe but the experience has given me a deeper perspective on how the “wrong” shoes can ruin an outfit, particularlity if you otherwise have the choice.

BTW: I have stacked up on a array of new fab shoes for the day that I can FINALLY get my left foot into something amazing as a little treat or 12 for myself!

Take care of what you have, buy what you can afford to look the best, and build a solid shoe wardrobe through time. And please, please don’t ever think that flip-flops are proper footwear… you will break my heart!

The ANNIE CYBIL is a fashionable and affordable take on a classic cap toe flat!
The ANNIE CYBIL is a fashionable and affordable take on a classic cap toe flat

Here’s the study:

  • According to a new national poll featured in the April 2011 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, women own an average of 17 pairs of shoes (down from 19 four years ago) yet only typically wear three of those pairs on a regular basis.
  • Over half of women (51%) own more than 10 pairs and 13 percent have over 30 pairs (not including athletic shoes).
  • The poll also found that women typically purchase three pairs a year and, on average, spend $49 on a pair of shoes, while nearly one-third (31%) have ever spent over $100 on a single pair.
  • Buying shoes online is a new national obsession. Almost a third (29%) of American women are doing it, a significant increase from four years ago when only 14% were buying shoes online.
  • Jessica Simpson Kowloon is a cute summer espadrille style in a modern color and with an attractive price tag!
    Jessica Simpson Kowloon is a cute summer espadrille style in a modern color and with an attractive price tag!

     

Over one third (39%) of those who have purchased shoes online have made a return.

  • Nearly one-fifth (19%) have gone shoe shopping to cheer themselves up.
  • Although the majority of women (86%) are up front with their spouse or significant other about their shoe purchase, 14% admit to hiding at least one purchase.
  • Over one quarter (28%) feel shoes are an important part of their outfit indicating that they put a lot of thought into selecting them each day. Plus over half of women (51%) typically notice shoes other people are wearing.
  • For everyday footwear, women prefer flats as 39 percent of women indicate that it is the preferred heel height. Only 8 percent of women wear heels over 2 1/2 inches on a regular basis.
  • Despite a preference for flats, one quarter have worn heels 4″ or higher on at least one occasion.
  • Forty-six percent of women have bought an ugly pair for comfort, but more women are willing to tolerate pain for fashion—60% vs. 49%—than they were in 2007.
  • Women take precautions for the pain as 61 percent have carried a second pair of shoes to a party or event to change into.
  • Forty-eight percent have had a shoe-related injury (blister, break, sprain, etc.).
  • Thirty-five percent of women had an evening ruined by an uncomfortable pair of shoes.
  • Twenty-four percent have fallen because of their shoes.

photo:prphots

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