Statement Shoes (and some other issues).

Recently, a friend of mine - C., made her first splurge (if you may) on a pair of colored heeled pumps. I am, of course, all for it 'cause I'm a believer of price=quality. I'm not saying that I only buy costly items - I wouldn't past up a great bargain (!), but it is especially so for footwear because we can be on our feet all day long, we need comfortable shoes to take us from day to night without giving us blisters or an aching back from poor sole support (which I must say, from personal experience, typically comes from cheap but poorly made shoes). I'm no billionaire so I'd love myself a pair of comfortable shoes at a steal but unfortunately the price you're paying equates the quality put into making them. I'm not generalizing that as long as you pay a high price you're guaranteed comfort (think Charles & Keith - I'm still disappointed at the quality despite the rising prices and their designs including those of their handbags are way too similar to designer labels'), but if you don't pay a better price, you're almost not gonna get any comfort out of wearing them.

The same theory actually goes into my shopping habits for any other piece of clothing - just thought I'd clarify myself here in case I get labeled as 'brand-conscious'. To me, the smartest shopper is one who is able to pick out great buys and mix in with some more expensive pieces to form a stylish, personalized outfit. Wearing head-to-toe designer doesn't necessarily mean you're fashionable and stylish, cleverly mixing in high and low pieces does. Kourtney Kardashian is my favorite example because she can wear H&M and Balenciaga in one look, and rock it. It unveils your inner style through mix and match and the outcome would be your product.

Besides, when shopping for anything at all (even kitchen appliances!), think not just about the price, consider the durability and quality. Be a smart shopper. While you may think you'll get more out of $100 buying cheaper items instead of just a bag or a pair of shoes, think again. What's the value-per-wear of those cheaper items, will the color run in just 2 washes, will the sweater shrink after just 1 wash (true story), will I have to suffer from blisters every time I wear them, etc. Maybe an investment in a classic will save you all these trouble and on top of that, you can wear it for day or night, plus it'll last you ten years and it won't go out of style? By all means, if the many items you can get for $100 in total are worth it, even I won't past up a great deal like that, but I'm an advocate for quality and making sure the item looks good (and importantly not cheap) on you, so I'd double check if there's anything doubtful about such a good bargain.

Going back to my topic on statement shoes, I'm definitely guilty of having a bursting shoe cabinet (which girl isn't?!), but as I obtain a greater understanding of my personal style and achieve smarter shopping skills, my shoe collection is slowly (but surely) maturing with me. It now consists of shoes that are classic and timeless, nothing too of-the-moment especially when it ain't just a $20 pair. I have pretty much every aspect covered: summer - Havaianas flip-flops (check) and for a little height in my casual look, denim wedges (check), fall/winter - suede camel ankle boots (check), comfortable flats for long shopping trips - ballerina flats (check) and my newest Pedder Red print slipper loafers, which I am so excited about and I swear I can live in them forever (check), classic heels for dinners and work purposes - nude pumps, slingbacks and mary-jane platforms (check). With these in my arsenal, everything else are bargains and steals for mix and match purposes (I heart my Schu strappy sandals that I got from a sale so much, that I got them in another color, only at $10!).

Now, I am just one pair away from having an almost-perfect collection - the statement shoes. Something of a brilliant color or design, that can spice up a simple LBD. The only pair of printed footwear I have are my slipper loafers but they wouldn't be my choice for attending a wedding. So here's some inspiration from celebrities who have made a statement with their shoes, instead of their dresses for a change:

 Nina Dobrev in a Monique Lhuillier dress and Brian Atwood 'Maniac' pink pumps.

Also in Brian Atwood pumps, Olivia Wilde paired them with her J. Mendel dress.

 Brooklyn Decker in a laced dress by Nha Khanh and Jimmy Choo heels.

 Leighton Meester wearing a Versus LBD and shoes designed by Pierre Hardy.

 Marion Cotillard in head-to-toe Christian Dior.

 Nicole Richie in an LBD and her own label, House of Harlow 1960 booties.

Nicole in Brian Atwood satin pumps.

Thandie Newton looking so fresh in a Giles dress and clashing turquoise Nicholas Kirkwood pumps.

Olivia Palermo in Charlotte Olympia leopard print booties.

*credit: Just Jared