Spending It
Shoe Addicts Anonymous
What is it with women and shoes? Almost a quarter of us admit that these items are our biggest weakness and we spend three times as much on shoes as men!
Image Credit: This feature was published in March 2005.
If you really want to splash the cash and treat your feet, how about a pair of gorgeous handmade shoes? Like all bespoke clothing, you can't simply order them off the peg -you'll need to go for at least one fitting. The first involves measuring your feet to ensure a perfect fit. The designer then uses these measurements to create a permanent record of your feet with a wooden model called a last. This can be used like an inside-out mould, to give your shoes the perfect shape. Sometimes you'll need to visit again as the shoes are put together, but the whole process shouldn't take more than a few weeks. They won't come cheap though, you're looking at paying at least £500 for a good pair.
On the other hand if you want a real treat but don't want to pay an absolute fortune, have a look at some of the rising stars of Britain's fashionable footwear set - designers such as Emma Hope or Jane Brown, for example, who are feeding a new shoe frenzy.
Emma Hope has three shops in London, one in Japan, and a number of stockists elsewhere. She doesn't offer a bespoke service but her wide range of colourful designs more than makes up for it - from moccasins and mules to strappy sandals and sassy slingbacks. New this year is her range of sneakers - starting at around £179 these lace-ups come in everything from leopard or zebra print to polka dots and stripes.
Or if you fancy following in the footsteps of stars like Kate Winslet, Madonna, Gillian Anderson, and Kristen Scott Thomas, have a look at Jane Brown's range of glam silver sandals inspired by her visits to India. With a chic boutique based in Westbourne Grove, she also makes a range of eclectic and traditional shoes and boots which have quickly gained a reputation amongst the London glitterati.
And if you really want to push the boat out, you won't do better than Jimmy Choo. His evening sandals will set you back at least £300, for example, but to the serious shoe addict, nothing could better them.
Get the experience:
To see the ultimate in shoe collections head for the Philippines where you can dribble over former first lady Imelda Marcos's collection of over 2000 pairs, now on show at the Marikina City Footwear Museum in Manila.
To try copying Imelda's collection in your own home, don't miss these designers and shops:
Emma Hope
Jane Brown
Viva la Diva
Net A Porter
On the other hand if you want a real treat but don't want to pay an absolute fortune, have a look at some of the rising stars of Britain's fashionable footwear set - designers such as Emma Hope or Jane Brown, for example, who are feeding a new shoe frenzy.
Emma Hope has three shops in London, one in Japan, and a number of stockists elsewhere. She doesn't offer a bespoke service but her wide range of colourful designs more than makes up for it - from moccasins and mules to strappy sandals and sassy slingbacks. New this year is her range of sneakers - starting at around £179 these lace-ups come in everything from leopard or zebra print to polka dots and stripes.
Or if you fancy following in the footsteps of stars like Kate Winslet, Madonna, Gillian Anderson, and Kristen Scott Thomas, have a look at Jane Brown's range of glam silver sandals inspired by her visits to India. With a chic boutique based in Westbourne Grove, she also makes a range of eclectic and traditional shoes and boots which have quickly gained a reputation amongst the London glitterati.
And if you really want to push the boat out, you won't do better than Jimmy Choo. His evening sandals will set you back at least £300, for example, but to the serious shoe addict, nothing could better them.
Get the experience:
To see the ultimate in shoe collections head for the Philippines where you can dribble over former first lady Imelda Marcos's collection of over 2000 pairs, now on show at the Marikina City Footwear Museum in Manila.
To try copying Imelda's collection in your own home, don't miss these designers and shops:
Emma Hope
Jane Brown
Viva la Diva
Net A Porter
Your Comments
- Shoe Addicts Anonymous ;D; ;D;
I lurve bags too, but my accessory obsession has now streched to jewels..bangles, beads, necklaces, rings, watches it just goes on and on. No new clothes, just accessories!
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