Updating Your Shoe Wardrobe

Shoes are a pretty important accessory. Every season requires a new type of shoe. For example, you're not going to wear sandals when it's snowing. But that's an easy example. Here's a better one: you're not going to wear open toe pumps to work if it's going to rain. You would wear boots or high-heeled booties right? But season doesn't dictate everything about your shoe wardrobe. Your shoes also have to match your personal style and vibe. A girly-girl who wears dresses and skirts won't be buying lug-soled anything as it'll look a little out of place with her super sweet dresses. So how do you get an extensive shoe wardrobe to fit all of your needs?

Every season I take a look at my shoe collection and try to figure out what I need to fill in the gaps for the upcoming season. By that, I mean what's new and cool that I don't already have and shoes I need to either fix or replace due to wear and damage (IDEA: If you don't have a cobbler that you trust find one STAT). Taking the time to do this every 3-4 months means I have a pretty good idea of what I need when I'm out shopping or surfing the net for sales. Having a mental list like this will also cut down on buying shoes that I may wear once or twice but, really don't fit into my wardrobe style and needs. Also, it's easier to stand in your closet matching up shoes and outfits rather than try to figure it out when you're out shopping if a certain pair of shoes will fit into your wardrobe. Finally, if you know what you're looking for you can make sure you're spending your dollars wisely by catching sales and promotions rather than paying full price.

Here's a great example of how I recently updated my wardrobe. One of the trends for spring is having a really bold pop of color on your feet like electric blue or bright turquoise. Coral would even be great. I have a pair of electric blue flats but nothing in the bright turquoise or coral families. Plus all I have are flats, nothing in heels for a dressier situation. I recently saw a sale on Steve Madden shoes at 6pm.com. Steve Madden is known for funky shoes and super bright colors. This is a great place to find the shoes I need at great price. I definitely struck gold. Here's what I bought:

P-Rada $45.99 (Reg. $99.95)

Steve Madden P-Gabor $45.99 (Reg. $109.95)

Now these shoes may or may not work with my wardrobe. Once I get them home I'll have to figure out if they're exactly what I need or if I need to keep looking. But overall, I'm pretty happy with my find.

Shopping like this I got two pairs of shoes for $92 (plus tax and shipping) instead of paying $210 for the same exact shoes. Having great style doesn't happen by accident. It definitely takes some time and planning but, can be done with a limited investment by planning ahead and buying pieces that will last for several years.