Shoes For Her.com

Insiders Tips!

By Zofia St James, Stylist for Westfield

Winter. Cold, wet and miserable? We are now fast approaching the winter months and I must encourage you, if only with the words “ End of Season Sales.”

Now is the very best time to bag bargains! You will still get a lot of wear out of any

purchases made right now, plus stock up for next season. If you are really lucky, you might even find a great pair of last season’s strappy stilettos at a ridiculous price [It’s happened to me!] that you can look forward to wearing in a few months. If you are concerned about buying something now that may be “So last season!” as far as shoes are concerned, from last season to next, you are safe. The newest and most directional shaped toe or heels are introduced to us in magazines etc and to the European market

first. I see this as a great advantage. Even if you purchase Australian Vogue, they will showcase what’s coming through. Often its takes a couple of seasons to see a style really established here. Keep your eye on what is coming through in magazines and certain websites and you’ll learn all about what’s a keeper in the style stakes and what will be a one season wonder. When you have embraced that way of making educated purchasing choices, there will be far less regrets. At the end of the day, my stylist tip is to enjoy fashion as a guide, know your own style, and then make your own.

Renee

This pump dubbed ‘Renee’ generated by the Jessica Simpson shoe line, has a sense of equity in terms of style and simplicity, the heel creates and illusion of quite the impressive arch, adding allure and sex appeal, however the sliver of platform height allows for some sense of comfort, giving you an inch while going out the extra mile.  The tan neutral tone is rich yet complementary it’s a heel you can wear to a casual lunch with your girlfriends with jeans, yet it has a serious enough side so you can take them to the office.

Sportswear Executive

An eloquent blend of sportswear and executive chic, these pumps from Zamagni represent an ideal marriage of contrasts. I am surprisingly impressed with the way in which this design is executed in such a way to make the shoe wearable and chic, rather than contrived and tacky, it is difficult to combine such strong conflicting elements and finding a balance in the aesthetic outcome.  These are great for when you feel like trying on something a little different to work, and consequently becoming the envy of your colleagues, when it gets to the end of the day and your feet are blister free.

Brown Suede Beauty

There is an understated beauty about these heels, which is both alluring, and strikingly prim. The Nan Brown Suede by Dani Black will accent a rose garden elegance, while complementing your outfit with its charm. The appliquéd flower is just the right size and shape for it not to look tacky, or obnoxious, and is further supported by the dimness of the brown hue. Perfect for the dressy-casual day or night, the sling-backs will accentuate your legs with a skirt, and the appliqué flower will look ever so charming peeking from under a trouser. Match with a dim blazer for an urban sophisticated look.

An 80's Edge

Levana by Wittner, what a stylish alternative to the corporate heel! The dynamic between the pointed toe, elegantly low 5cm heel, and angled frame creates an edge, while the patent leather adds 80’s retro feel reminiscent of sharp contrasts, shoulder pads, and structured suits.  Having a strong style aesthetic, this shoe will hold its own whether you wear it to the office or spice it up with an evening look. You can even dress them down on the weekend with a pair of skinny jeans for a Mod-style look.

Catania Getaway

Sensibly cute, these flats are tailored for that refined, uptown woman, in the mood for simple elegance.  Sweetly named Catania Ballet, by Cole Haan, it represents a minimalism which references boardroom chic and a yacht getaway, allowing a natural ease in the military precision of the design.  Emulate the great line and shape in the Catania Ballet, in the rest of your outfit; create sleek lines with a fitted jacket and structured pant while softening the look with feminine lace, or willowy top. 

Evening Classics

Fantastic for evenings, this classic Ribbon Sling Back comes to us from Judith Leiber, defined by its structure and precision. The ruffle and diamante accent adds a glamorous feminine touch. The subtle sling-back contours the heel leaving the naked ankle to lead the eye up to the leg, which will enhance the look of long sexy legs, which we all love! Perfect for those special occasions where you want all your pieces to fit together for that flawlessly cohesive look.

Glam Flats

Adorned in Swarovski crystals, Topaz by Beverly Feldman are anything but understated. They’re a rarity, a flat thong fit for a black tie event, yet there’s a sense of whimsy and tongue-in-cheek for the woman who wants to glam it up, while retaining her playful side. You can wear them with a dress, or a tailored black trouser, it all depends on your style and the look you want to project, with these flats you get great options. Super feminine, Topaz was made to show off your feet, so match with a classic French manicure.

Boardroom Charisma

Sleek and sophisticated is the theme for these gorgeous linen sling-backs by Yves Saint Laurent. There’s a sense of flawless precision, which is encapsulated by the clean lines and muted colour palette. The classic design will allow for longevity in your wardrobe, and perfectly matched for when you’re feeling cosmopolitan, whether it be at work in a suit, or out for cocktails in a demure shirt dress. With the fantastic detail in the horseshoe buckle, don’t be afraid to accent your outfit with gold accessories. These sling-backs are a pleasant mix of Boardroom chic and charisma, that’s sure to lure any shoe lover. 

The Mod Appeal

It’s a loafer on a wedge heel, now that’s a retro look with an innovative appeal!  Traditionally old-fashioned, Mod by Charles David introduces the high arched heel, which adds an element of flirtation not normally associated with this type of shoe. The contrasted stitching fuels that retro look with subtlety.These are great for those girls who love to wear heels, but need something with a little more coverage than a conventional sandal or wedge, as well as an edge of class and conservatism. Great for your typical office environment or for when you’re feeling a tad demure.