HEAD OVER HEELS

First, it was a mandatory elementary school dress code of black shoes; later, a socially mandatory uniform of Converse and Old Navy flip-flops. As a result, I thought of shoes as more of something to be worn out of necessity; less as an avenue of expression.

After leaving the confines of high school and entering the more footwear-diverse atmosphere of the real world, I began to take notice of all different kinds of shoes. Before, I had thought of heels in terms of the combined cubic zirconia and glitter emblazoned kitten heels reserved for fancy occasions, meaning prom. Then I realized just how many types of heels there were: boots, high heels, stiletto, wedge, each beautiful in their own right and capable of altering the mood of an outfit.

Today, I exercise what Carrie Bradshaw famously coined as my right to shoes. My collection is a place where leopard print lives peacefully amongst polka dot pumps and Isabel Marant-inspired wedge sneakers cohabitate with Eskimo boots. Each pair brings its own strength to an outfit, and can either reinforce a message, or contrast against it to create a more striking look. Sometimes my Ikat print boots help amplify a cute ensemble, or bring some interest to an otherwise monotonous jean-and-t-shirt combination.

Although material-wise, shoes make up a small portion of an outfit, statement-wise they can complete, make or break it. I think it’s this subtle power that makes them so alluring.