TREAT YOUR FEET
Ecco, founded in Denmark in 1963, is one of my favorite footwear manufacturers that does a great job of designing shoes integrated with comfort and style. From contemporary suede knee-high boots to embroidered shoe boots and trendy leather Mary Janes, these shoes are designed out of lightweight leather with flexible soles that feel good even after eight hours at the mall.
I know, I've road-tested them. It's back to the closet for the trendy little animal print mules that keep slipping off my feet.
Even Oprah, who was caught taking off her heels at a Broadway play, recently told her TV audience she was wearing a boot specially engineered for comfort by the folks at Coach, a manufacturer of luxury leather goods.
"Remember, you don't have to wear the trends, you just have to wear good quality and design," says Christine Schwab, author of "The Grown-Up Girl's Guide To Style" (Regan Media, 2006). "I would rather see you own three basic pairs of delicious shoes than 20 pairs of gimmicky ones."
You usually do have to pay a little bit more for comfort. But it's worth it, now isn't it, to keep your feet happy.
"Quality always shows, and it also feels comfortable and treats your tootsies with the respect they deserve," adds Schwab, who advises style seekers to find their own comfort level with trendy silhouettes that come and go.
"Forget that pointed toes are in," she says. "Forget rounded toes are back. Forget that stilettos are 'hot.' What you need are good shoes with style. Just as there are no definite styles in fashion, shoes have followed suit. Round toes, square toes, pointed toes, low heels, high heels, or rubber heels, the choice is yours."
Here are some other of Schwab's tips for happy feet of any age:
- Never wear any heel higher than those in which you can walk gracefully. Wobble is not the gait we want (penguins excepted).
- Even a 1-inch pump will make you appear taller and slimmer. Sling backs are fine if your heels are attractive. A peekaboo toe is sexy if those toes are well-groomed. Otherwise: cover, cover, cover.
- Printed pumps in bold florals, rich brocades or whimsical stripes and dots can punch up a classic, neutral-colored outfit. Just don't match them with clothes of the same pattern. Matching is not only not important, it's outdated.
- For evening, try a closed pump in black or the darker metallics like bronze or pewter. Leave the gold and silver shoes for Cinderella, the clear plastics for Barbie dolls and the rhinestone-decorated sandals for generation Xers. Put the sparkle by your face, not your feet.
- Boots cover a lot of territory. Flat or heeled, just keep them on the plain side. If you don't ride a Harley, don't wear motorcycle boots. Fitted to the knee, ankle or cropped boots go best with pants. Knee-highs work with skirts or dresses. Leave the thigh-highs in the store.
- Ankle straps, ankle wraps, or T-straps put the focus on your ankles. Are they slim enough to warrant focus?
- Flip-flops may be cool and comfy, but they should not leave your house on a regular basis.
- Anything that resembles a real gym shoe should stay in the gym.
- Don't match your shoes to your outfit. We are, thankfully, past uniforms. And really into happy feet!
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