Forget diamonds, men and chocolate - we all know that shoes are the ultimate girl's best friend. Research says we'll splash out more than R600 000 on shoes in our lifetime, and women will buy an average of eight pairs this year, with half of us investing in at least one new pair per month (and we probably still can't find the right pair for Saturday night).
Shoe guru, Meghan Cleary, has spent years studying women's relationships with their footwear, and believes it reveals a lot. 'The types of shoes you own can show your state of mind and mood, especially in summer, when your boots are locked away until autumn,' she says. 'You might be a flats wearer on a Saturday, but a stiletto girl on Friday night.' In her book,
The Perfect Fit (Creative Publishing) Cleary identifies up to 30 kinds of shoe personalities. 'Most women have two or three categories of shoes they're comfortable in,' she says. Wonder where you fit in? We've identified the eight main shoe categories and asked the experts what they say about you.
| 1. The Killer Stiletto |
Okay, we know they give us bunions and bad backs. But, oh, they look so good. And, despite what men might think, 'f**k me' shoes aren't just about sex. 'It's a power thing,' says designer Jonathan Kelsey, who worked for Jimmy Choo before leaving to design his own shoes. 'If you're towering above people, your confidence peaks. I have friends who wear specific pairs for when they want to conquer the world or get a dream date.' It's a curious contradiction - we feel powerful in them, even though we can barely walk - but Cleary says it makes sense. 'An alpha female doesn't need to be able to run. She embraces her raw, feminine power and isn't afraid to tell you what she wants.' |
| 2. Ballet Flats, Loafers and Pumps |
| 3. Platform Heels |
| 4. Thongs and Flat Sandals |
| 5. Peep-Toes, Strappy Heels and Teetering Wedges |