your shoe choice and their care

here I am,
it's amazing how much I want to write and how little time sometimes I have and all these ideas get jammed in the head. After some time you don't remember what exactly goes with what and what was it that you really wanted to post.
Anyways, I was going through some old magazines I still had and found some really nice articles and tips on various topics.
I hopefully will share them here soon.... ish ;)
today it will be about shooooes.
Every lady has some passion towards certain shoes. You can have tens of pairs or this favorite one which you feel so comfortable and cozy in that you will never change them for anything.
The article I read talks about how much your shoe choice can actually say about you.
I don't really care about this as it usually depends on the occasion.
But I really liked is the tips on how to wear and take care of your shoes.

Here we go!

Flats

When and how to wear them:

• with turned-up jeans, cords and trousers.
• think classicchanel pump. Ideal for rushing to last-minute business meetings, and for weekend getaways or family get-togethers.
• have a pair of sandals in gold, silver and pastel shade.
• if you have a high instep, avoid flats. Get arch support insteps to help you when pounding the pavement on shopping sprees.

How to take care of them:

• if shoes are dirty, clean them first with saddle soap or leather cleaner. Use a shoe conditioner (available at most shoe shops) on frequently worn leather shoes to replace oils and help the leather retain its suppleness. Wait for the conditioner to dry before you polish.

Kitten heels

When and how to wear them:

• with cropped trousers and office suits
• never with short skirts or shorts (as well as the latter two)
• for casual occasions
• if you need to be on your feet for many hours

How to take care of them:

• when it comes to polish, was is most effective at covering scuffs, but cream or paste polish is better at keeping leather moist and flexible. Avoid liquid polish because it can dry and crack the leather

High heels

When and how to wear them:

• with party dresses; they match almost all hemlines
• if you have heave legs, go for tall wedges or sandals with heels: they help balance the weight of the legs
• shop for heels at the end of the day when the foot is slightly swollen. It will ensure you choose the best fit
• if you have short legs, avoid ankle straps as they break the leg line

How to take care of them:

• high heels wear down faster than flats. If the thickness of the sole has worn down by half, it's time to resole or replace.The heel also wears down quickly, so as soon as your start to see the nail poke through, get the shoe reheeled.

Patterns

When and how to wear them:

• with patterned clothes, for the truly daring
• with muted block colored or natural-toned dresses to let the shoes do the talking
• with denims, for the vintage look
• with girly patterned dresses or flowery prints
• there is such a thing as too much animal print, so keep it subtle

How to take care of them:

• with patterned shoes (snakeskin, faux animal skin, fabric, or other material), it is absolutely important not to go near anything that could cause damage, like water, heat and grime as the pattern can be affected. Also, as a general rule with fancy shoes, remember, kicking them off is never a good idea. Always ease them off your feet gently.

Bright colors

When and how to wear them:

• with your black dress
• choose colors in different materials: velvet, canvas, faux fur and the like
• pick purples, yellows and oranges. these colors make your feet look "happy"
• with crisp white pure summer chic
• to match your accessories or contrast with monochrome dresses

How to take care of them:

• box them up. Store shoes you don't wear often in their original box or another container to keep them from getting crushed and collecting dust
• travel with care. Put shoes in a flannel shoe bag and use shoe trees to keep them from getting crushed and scuffled in your suitcase. (when I travel, I usually put some small things like rolled socks in shoes. This way you use some more space and it will keep your shoes from getting into trouble).

Cork sole shoes

Cork shoes are comfortable to wear and quite durable. Cork sole is light weight, flexible, liquid-resistant; it softens the impact to feet and the rest of the body. Not only this but cork is considered to be an environmentally friendly renewable resource.

When and how to wear them:

• remember it is light material and is most suitable for spring or summer shoes.
• they are quite versatile and can be worn for a day out in the park, shopping, just for a casual look, or even for work.
• when choosing cork sole shoes, look at the style of your shoes and go with it. However, if your footwear is made completely out of cork, do not use it for a professional atmosphere. The style might look professional but the material does not.
• the cork itself is eye capturing, there is no need for any graphics, rime stones or heart on it.

How to take care of them:

• make sure your cork isn't breaking or falling apart. If so happens it is time to get some new pair of shoes.
• avoid sharp surfaces, nails, pins, and alike. If repeatedly damaged cork might get weaker and fall apart.
• here is a good article with step-by-step instructions on how to clean your cork shoes

Here are some tips :

• rotate your shoes and wear different pair every day or week. It will ensure your shoes will last longer.

• love bananas? don't be in a hurry to throw a peel, use it to polish your shoes (what??? a banana to polish my shoes??? yes that's right) here is how

• try vinegar, lemon and cream of tartar to remove nasty stains from your shoes (it really work well)

• don't have shoe trees? no worries. Stuff your shoes with some old newspapers to keep their shape and save them from getting crushed
• here is a great post how to give a new look to your favorite pair of shoes. Change the color of the soles. ta-da (read the comments, they might answer your questions)

Ufff I guess That's all for now. Let me know what you think, if you have some tricks and tips of your own.

Bye for now...

P.S. I just realized that basically it is only about summer shoes and not applicable to many countries right now. However, if you change your winter shoes for something like these let's say at work or indoors it will definitely be helpful or just wait for some warm days to come. ;)