SIX MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH FOOTWEAR
"Perhaps it is the very simplicity of the issue that leads us into error."
- Edgar Allan Poe -
Those who know me know of my conviction that any look starts with the shoes, and that this element is key when it comes to finalising an outfit. Shoes definitively close the loop of our outfit and give it the distinctive touch that makes it unique. I've decided to write this post so that your shoes always have the power to enhance your style, whatever it may be, and also so that they last as good as new for a long time. In it I review some mistakes that, although they may seem like common sense, we all often make when it comes to putting on our shoes. Here are the most common ones:
Six mistakes to avoid with footwear. The first is not paying attention to the finish.
The first and most important piece of advice. Quality footwear has a spotless finish, even (or perhaps I should say "especially") on the non-visible parts. If you skimp on a fabric lining instead of a leather lining, rest assured that you have also skimped on the quality of the outer leather and other materials. Some manufacturers and retailers save on production costs in this way... at the expense of the overall quality of the shoe, its durability and your comfort.
Leather lining is always synonymous with quality construction and comfort.
2.- Wearing the same footwear two days in a row
Natural skin needs to breathe. When you wear a shoe, even if you don't tend to sweat heavily, it is inevitable that it will absorb moisture. This is why you should not wear the same pair of shoes for two days in a row. chicly, allow your shoes to rest for 24 hours, so that they dry completely. This will not only ensure that they do not pick up any odour, but will also extend their life considerably.
Now you have the best excuse to wear every single shoe in your wardrobe! Bring them all to life!
3.- Not storing shoes properly
Shoes should always be stored in a dry, ventilated place away from direct light. Incorrect storage can weaken the leather and cause discolouration and loss of shine.
The best way to store them when not in use is by placing them on the sole, inside a bag made of a lint-free fabric. The latter is especially important for suede shoes, as dust and lint can easily stick to the leather and will be difficult to remove.
You can also keep your shoes inside a small plastic bag, as long as you have drilled holes in the bag to allow air to circulate. However, I like the former option much better.
In all cases it never hurts to put newspaper inside your shoes. The paper will absorb moisture and keep the shape of your shoes while you are not wearing them. Another valid option is the so-called "shoe trees or wooden lasts, although they are quite expensive. In my humble opinion, unless you own a shoe the value of Cinderella's, newspaper will do the job perfectly and will be much more economical.
4.- Six mistakes to avoid with footwear. The fourth, clifting dirty or unkempt shoes
Six mistakes to avoid with footwear... The fourth one falls under its own weight... Believe me when I tell you that dirty or badly cared for shoes attract a lot of attention... and not exactly in a positive way!
You don't need to clean them every day, but you should brush and wipe them from time to time, especially after those rainy days when you've walked on the wet ground. From time to time, nourish the leather so that it retains its properties and natural beauty for longer.
You can't really say anything about the wearer of these shoes without seeing much of anything?
Wearing shoes that are too big, or too small.
It seems obvious, but it is not so obvious... Believe me when I tell you that it happens.
A small shoe will make our day too long and our feet will remind us of this every minute. At the other extreme, shoes that are too big will make us walk in an unnatural way. You will agree with me that neither situation is particularly "seductive".
6.- Not wearing the appropriate footwear for each occasion.
Wearing the right shoe for every occasion says a lot about you, about the way you are and the importance you give to details. In the more formal events that we attend as guests, it is also a way of expressing respect and gratitude to those who have been kind enough to count on us... What better pretext than this to really dress for the feet, choosing the best footwear for the occasion?
How many of the above six mistakes have you ever made? Don't suffer for it... it happens to all of us 😉.
See you in the next entry.
Eva Veiga - Bohemian Shoes
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