Shoes for every occasion

"Dear Busy Girls Guide. I should totally love buying shoes I know & usually when I have more time I do, but this summer I'm so busy that I need some help. I have had to consign some of my precious shoes to heaven as they were totally worn out, so I have room for a few new pairs now (what a shame!) - so please can you advise on the best work shoes, going out shoes & wedges this season as I don't have time to shop around... thank you!"

Lindsay, Salford Quays, Manchester

Have no fear Lindsay, I've been rushing around town to find a perfect solution for you - your tastebuds will be sufficiently watering to making you zoom into Manchester faster than you can say 'Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!'

Work Shoes

These shoes are the ones you're going to wear most, so it would seem an obvious choice to buy a pair that cost a little more, wouldn't it?

You get the quality of leather so they last longer & the classic style with a hint of fashion, rather than a high fashion shoe that may be made of faux leather (aka plastic!).

Alas, most of us can't comprehend why we should pay more for something when it's for work - however we find it easy to justify spending a month's wages on a pair of Louboutin evening shoes which make us hobble home with burning soles!

Nine West are great at the moment, they've upped their game & are popping out some great classic but fashionable numbers. These black Nine West Platform Courts (£75.00 - left) have all the 'I won't be out of fashion next season' boxes ticked but the gold platform trim at the front of the shoe gives you the fashion kick to make your suit have the wow factor.

Plus, & hats off to Nine West - they have also released the shoe without the ankle strap so if your ankles or calves are an issue, buy the shoe without the strap to lengthen your leg & make ankles look really slim.

If high fashion is your game, my advice would be to stick to disposable fashion & shop in New Look. They have a selection of shoes like you wouldn't believe & they also stock a small selection of wider fitting shoes too. Plus, you won't be breaking the bank with an average cost around £25.00!

Wedges

These shoes are SO great! They lengthen our legs, make us look taller & they don't hurt our feet as much - why don't we get supplied with these at birth?

Look for wedges with leather that's soft as a baby's bottom when you pop your foot in & that fits like a glove. Or, if you're going for fabric, make sure it's in a colour that will disguise the dirt because it's not that easy to get off the fabric sides - you have been warned!

There's so much choice on the high street at the moment that you can choose from slingbacks, ankle straps, ribbon laces (not for the chunkier calf!) through to peep toes & full shoes... phew!

My top choice of all the wedges around can be found in Faith. These Faith wedges (seen in gold - middle image - but also available in Black & Pink) are perfect worn with jeans & a basic Tee. Slip into something more feminine & they give a summer evening dress an effortlessly chic touch.

If you're feeling quite daring & don't mind raiding the piggy bank on something that may not necessarily be in fashion next summer, Dries Van Noten have some amazing White Platform Plimsoles at £300.00 - uber fashionable but get the shoe cleaner at the ready!

Evening shoes

& finally... the evening shoe! I'm a strong believer in versatility & getting your wear out of something so there's nothing to say that you have to keep your work shoes just for work & your wedges just for day - mix & match!

If you want a shoe that's going to see you through the seasons then the Dune striped sandal (mid-right) will do the trick nicely. Monochrome never goes out of fashion so it's a sure-fire winner to last & last & last. Plus, it has the bonus box ticked by having a bit of bling so it instantly brightens up a simple look. At only £85.00 they're not going to break the bank either.

Your high fashion alternative is the Topshop T Bar shoe in Pewter (£50.00 - far right). It adds a bit of shine but nothing too garish & in-your-face. The colour wont date as it's a classic but the t-bar design of the shoe is more high fashion so you might not feel as comfortable in these next year.

So Lindsay, there you have it! All you have to do now, is go get 'em girl!

Happy shopping, have fun!

Until next time...

Martine x x

Martine Alexander
Personal Stylist
The Busy Girls Guide
Manchester & Cheshire

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