YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shoe epiphany

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shoe epiphany https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:08:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php viva on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127231 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 23:04:07 +0000 viva 1127231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am with you also on the need for comfortable, on-trend shoes. I did a good job this winter picking up two pairs of booties that have served me really well (when I thought I needed a pair of high boots!) -- and I know I have real need for the same luck in the spring/summer wardrobe. I will be watching to see what you find. I'm going to resist buying online, though, as my feet can be quite fussy and I just don't want the hassle of returning. I really do hope to find a couple of fabulous workhorse pairs for the warmer months. It's amazing how they pull together an outfit, or - as Caro suggested - provide the starting point for an outfit. Caro in Oz on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127226 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 22:55:49 +0000 Caro in Oz 1127226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What annagybe said. I usually start building my outfits from the shoes up. annagybe on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127224 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 22:50:43 +0000 annagybe 1127224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoes are hugely important for me. I can wear basic jeans and sweater, but if I'm wearing good shoes, I'm immensely happy. unfrumped on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127221 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 22:46:09 +0000 unfrumped 1127221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chiming back in to say, another epiphany is that there is an overall outfit-footwear interaction so that there are certain bottoms or silhouettes for which, if I can't find the "necessary" shoes to make the outfit work (and I'm willing to say work for me, to produce a look that fits what I'm aiming for) then I'm better off putting together a reasonable outfit that is less reliant on shoes, if that makes sense. For example, a fallback "classic" look might be trousers with good-quality almond-toed ankle boots and then realizing that with those elements being somewhat conservative, you have to amp up the interest with a different top or jewelry, and that may be a better look than trying to wear a dress or a skirt that seems to "demand" certain shoes that you don't have. For me, at least. So it's still all about the shoes, but realizing that if you don't have the shoes to carry the outfit, you may have to tailor your outfit around the  best  classic footwear you can muster  and  give the outfit something to carry the shoes. Alassë on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127219 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 22:30:37 +0000 Alassë 1127219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like a great realization, Tanya! Ariadne on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127205 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 22:06:42 +0000 Ariadne 1127205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with you 100%.  Shoes are so important.  I adore the ones you bought. Angie on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127181 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 21:50:14 +0000 Angie 1127181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's always a gift to find comfy and good looking shoes. The ankle strap sandals are gorgeous.  Tanya on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127166 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 21:43:23 +0000 Tanya 1127166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for chiming in ladies!  Some of you have raised interesting points/questions that I will try to address. Jewell, I will not be exactly 1N1Oing as storage space is not an issue.  However, I do want to do a major purge, clothes and shoes, in couple of weeks.  For the shoes, I want to get rid of the shoes that are either very worn, dated or have not been worn in a long time.  The last group will be the challenge, as I tend to be pretty trend-driven, so, very example, very rounded toes look wrong to me now.  But if that is all that bothers in a pair of shoes, I wonder if I should hold on to them till the winds of fashion change, since as I said, I have plenty of storage space. Vildy, that is an excellent idea.  I will certainly try that from now on, it can not hurt for sure. Diana, my feet are quite fussy, though probably not as much as yours based on what you describe.  I can wear those style, they just have to be nicely padded and not rub against my skin anywhere. I tend to scuff the toes and ruin the heels equally fast.  I have scuffed some nice pairs of shoes quite noticeably on the very first wear. If it is a favorite pair, like those two pairs I described from SS 2013, they can look pretty bad in 2 years. Rachy, I have decided that I am happy tow ear trendy favorites a lot, and beat them into the ground fast, and some more classic pairs less often, but have them last me longer.  All together it should work well for me, I think. Sharon, that is a very good question.  I can not tell for sure in advance.  Those two pairs were semi-lucky: I have already known that I really like them when I bought them.  That the colors would go well with my wardrobe. But did not know that they would be comfy enough to wear them so often.  In that way I lucked out.  The same season I have made an expensive mistake of getting a pair of silver wedge sneakers that seemed pretty comfy when worn a little  around my apartment but too hard after a whole day of normal wear.  So I can tell the style that I will/do like a lot.  Also I know what my vesatile shoe colors are: nude, grey, silver metallic tones, cream, and black.  So I just have to judge the comfort factor well before I commit.  And be ready to accept a mistake here and there. Texstyle, after that expensive mistake in SS2013, I am very careful about the comfort now.  I have already worn the shoes I linked to around my apartment  for a couple of hours and they were extremely comfy from the get go.  I think that it is possible to have both comfort and fashion in the same shoe, as long as one is careful and realistic about one's feet - I know that low wedges are best for me and stilettos a torture.  Angie has pretty fussy feet yet manages to find fashionable and comfortable shoes all the time.  Since fussy feet can be pretty different from person to person what works for one type will not work for another. But it does take a lot of work, agreed.  I discount lots of trendy styles from the get go if I know that my feet would never handle them and try to choose between the remaining options. texstyle on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127045 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 20:19:03 +0000 texstyle 1127045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the shoes you linked but I wonder how they will feel. I think fashionable shoes that you can actually wear comfortably all day are one of the most challenging things to find. I feel like it's a choice between fashion or comfort and rarely do they go together. I did manage to find a decent pair of black booties for this winter and I'm so glad I did as I've worn them nearly every cold day. Sandals are my weak point as they are often not very supportive at all or they look totally frumpy.  Sharon on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127041 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 20:11:58 +0000 Sharon 1127041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think having trendy shoes really makes a difference to an outfit. I always find it hard to work out which shoes are going to both work with my wardrobe and give the "edge" I am looking for. The shoes that I have got the most use out of arrived in my closet more through good luck than through me being able to recognise their potential. So I guess my question is how do you know when you have found "the ones"? unfrumped on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1127017 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 19:50:23 +0000 unfrumped 1127017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like your analysis and am there with you for 2014. I may not be planning super-trendy, but have finally figured out that I am more likely to be able to wear some of the same pants and top silhouettes for a few years running --with updates here or there--as long as I keep working on the footwear. So the idea is I need to  be much more intentional--to see what trends or ongoing styles are most likely to work for my feet and needs and to really look for those items regularly. And while it sounds counter-trendy, I plan to also figure out those styles  that have classic/longevity factors. Beth Ann on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126989 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 19:29:56 +0000 Beth Ann 1126989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a sucker for a good epiphany!  Sounds like you have used your new knowledge to make a great plan.  Love the linked shoes, too.  Louise on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126930 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:28:18 +0000 Louise 1126930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Comfy shoes are generally a budget buster so this sounds like a great plan x catgirl on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126913 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:17:03 +0000 catgirl 1126913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoes are definitely a good fashion value when you nail the right ones!  You've got me thinking now... shedev on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126882 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:46:30 +0000 shedev 1126882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds like a good plan. I updated shoes a lot last year and I'm very happy that I did. rachylou on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126881 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:45:44 +0000 rachylou 1126881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those are great pair of ankle-straps. Like the Okalas, but flat(ish). I'm thinking deeply about your epiphany, because one of my resolutions for 2014 is to reduce the number of shoes I have. I do make it a point to wear all of them, but that means I rarely wear any given pair of shoes. It's like a big collection of balls and chains... Diana on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126879 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:41:45 +0000 Diana 1126879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree, shoes are so important to an updated look.  You are lucky that you do not have super fussy feet!  Pretty much entire classes of shoes that are currently trendy (like pumps, or almost all slipper flats, etc) are out for me because of my fussy feet.  Thank goodness for boots and booties!   I like your new shoes, they are like flat Okalas!  =) I am trying very hard to do one in, one out with my shoes these days though, so that is limiting my buying.  I am happy with the number I have and there is no place to store extra pairs. I also beat up my shoes a lot.  Generally if the shoe is good quality, I ruin the heels first.  I usually have the heels recapped once at the cobbler, but after the second pair wears through there are usually other unfixable, structural damages that have occurred like the ball of foot wearing through.  I would say a pair of shoes on average lasts me about 3-4 years - but keep in mind I have a lot of pairs so I don't wear any one pair a ton, and I don't wear any of my shoes year-round. kkards on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126875 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:35:48 +0000 kkards 1126875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ shoes are the cornerstone of my wardrobe. this fall it really it me, i almost near repeat a pair of shoes in a week. i love the pair that you linked to, i can see those being a real go to shoe for spring/summer. Vildy on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126843 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:05:22 +0000 Vildy 1126843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the shoes and your epiphany.  Have you tried polishing the shoes before you wear them the first time, in order that some blows may glance off a bit better? My husband suggested this to me and I thought, really? Why have I never thought of that? Thistle on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126829 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 16:34:59 +0000 Thistle 1126829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very thoughtful analysis. And I agree with you 100% that shoes make the outfit. Looking forward to seeing your comfy and trendy finds! Nicole D on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126819 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 16:20:36 +0000 Nicole D 1126819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am in the midst of a major shoe cull right now!  Love those DVs, and I bet Angie would approve. Anonymous on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126813 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 16:07:54 +0000 Anonymous 1126813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those are so pretty, Tanya!  Hooray for shoe clarity. Janet on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126809 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:59:18 +0000 Janet 1126809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think footwear is one of the most important things to keep style up to date, and I am right there with you on choosing more comfortable options. Sounds like a great plan, and I love the shoes you linked to. always trying on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126807 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:56:38 +0000 always trying 1126807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree-best to limit shoes to only a few  that are stylish and comfy.  I have been purging my spring summer shoes, as I have too many that are cute, but not comfy.  These were bought on sale so my biggest thing to do is not be tempted just because they are my size, a great bargain and cute!  If they are not also comfy then I will pass!  Anonymous on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126801 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:45:27 +0000 Anonymous 1126801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 100% with you on the shoe department. To me, shoes make the outfit, they do. I love the SS 2014 pair. Dolce Vita is one of my go to brands. Jewell on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126797 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:33:04 +0000 Jewell 1126797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds like a well thought out plan and limiting yourself to two pairs of trendy and work-appropriate shoes per season is a reasonable compromise. Will you be 1N1Oing some of your less worn shoes or simply adding on for now? And the pair you linked to is FAB. I, too, will be focusing on footwear this year. Like you, I've realized the importance of this element to achieving my aspirational style. Jaime on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126792 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:26:24 +0000 Jaime 1126792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shoes make or break outfits and your new ones are going to make a lot of spring looks for you Tanya! pil on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126790 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:23:27 +0000 pil 1126790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Footwear items were my MVPs this year. The shoes you linked to are so pretty and look practical too. The small wedge is similar to my Splendid sandals that are my favorite pair. Mo on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126779 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:11:56 +0000 Mo 1126779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear you on the shoe-piphany.  I slate 2 pair of S/S and 2 pair of F/W in my shopping plan if I'm allowing myself 2 items a month that year.  That's a big percentage of my wardrobe (dollars and actual number of items both) going to shoes but it's that important.   Tanya on "Shoe epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-epiphany#post-1126776 Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:02:36 +0000 Tanya 1126776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been thinking a lot lately about various aspects of my style, and I have many more posts coming, especially as I need to continue with the deeper analysis of various style-related aspects I have recently started.  One of the biggest realizations has been about the importance of shoes in my wardrobe. What I have realized is that, with a low budget, a wardrobe that is in the middle of a huge and long update, and with a Style Persona that (while not figured out yet completely) contains a huge percentage of Trendy Fashionista, purchasing a couple of pairs of very trendy and very comfy shoes each and every season should be the imperative in my style and shopping goals. This has become evident after Spring/Summer season of 2013 ( Fall was more complicated due to some very unexpected and huge complications in my life in general, though there were similarities when it comes to shoes).  I have purchased quite a few pairs of shoes that season.  It quickly became apparent that, for work ( no open toed shoes allowed), I was reaching for the same two pairs most of the time: a pair of white metal-capped slipper loafers and a pair of black pointy mini-wedges. I was probably wearing those two pairs about 70% of the time.  A close third were the white mini-wedge Converses, with maybe 15% of the time.  The remaining 15% of the time was spent between all the other new and old shoes.  What those two star pairs of shoes had in common was that they were very trendy and very comfy at the same time, both of the characteristics that made me reach for them over and over again.  Moreover, they perfectly complemented each other when it comes to color and style.  Most of the outfits I wore were perfectly finished by one or the other pair, sometimes by both. Also, and this will be a matter of a separate post,  I am very hard on my shoes. I scrape and scuff them in no time, destroy the heel etc.  I am very bad when it comes to going to the cobbler.  All more the reasons to replace shoes frequently. A note to this is that, in the Fall/Winter, my work and non-work shoe (and clothes) wardrobe have a huge overlap.  In the Spring/Summer though, the opposite is true, as many things that make most sense climate wise: open toed shoes, skirts, shorts, dresses etc. are not allowed at work.  Hence I rarely wear out of work what I wear to work.  Ideally, what I would love to add each Fall/Winter season are two pairs of work appropriate boots/booties, a pair of work appropriate shoes, and a pair of shoes for out of work (e.g. party ones). For each Spring/Summer I would love to add 2-3 pairs of closed toed yet airy work appropriate shoes, a pair of casual flat-ish sandals for running around and a pair of dressier higher-heeled sandals.  Sadly, my budget would not be able to handle all these shoes, as I would spend it all on shoes only and nothing would be left for clothes! So, for both seasons, I have decided that  absolute musts are two pairs of trendy and very comfy work-appropriate shoes/boots, that need to be carefully chosen to go with whatever clothes styles and colors I plan to focus on that season.  They also need to  complement each other maximally.  In the spring season I will probably be able to add a pair of sandals as well, though I will have to choose between a casual and a dressy option, unless I am supper lucky to find both pretty deeply discounted.  And finally, I think that I may already have the first pair for the upcoming spring season. I bought them deeply discounted a month or so ago, the two-piece pointy style is one of the trends for the upcoming season ( I think) and the nude colors blends well with my skin tone.  I wore them for a few hours around my apartment and they feel heavenly.  This flat but not exactly flat (very tiny wedge) type of shoes seems to work very well for my feet. <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/dolce-vita-pointed-toe-flats-gav?ID=830546&CategoryID=16961#fn=spp%3D26%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D%26spc%3D81%26kws%3Ddolce%20vita%20shoes" rel="nofollow">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....goryID=169</a>