adminYoliswa Dube
I’M one of those people who admire a pair of shoes on display and must absolutely have them.
My mind quickly visualises the shoes paired with specific fashion pieces. If I don’t have the money to buy the shoes khonapho khonapho, I’ll spend days thinking about them and how good I’d look in them.
I’d probably not sleep easy thinking about the shoes! No, I’m just kidding, I’ll snooze deeply.
But I definitely don’t want to regret not investing in a beautiful pair of foot swag. As a result of my shoe fetish — the shoes keep piling up, steadily though.
I recently bought a shoe rack but had not had the time to actually put it to use. One evening, around 9PM, I decided I had to organise my shoes so I took them all out of the wardrobe. I suppose, I made a racket while I was at it so my mother came to “check on me”.
Her reaction though. She stood at my bedroom door arms akimbo and said in utter disbelief, “Are you trying to break Imelda Marcos’ record!”
The name meant nothing to me but the intonation of her voice — priceless! Imelda Marcos is the widow of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos best known for her collection of some 3,000 pairs of shoes.
She served as First Lady from 1965 to 1986. I had not heard of her until my mother brought her up but I was comforted knowing I wasn’t the only person alive with a love relationship with shoes. Compared to Imelda Marcos though, I think I’m pretty normal.
But there’s a reason why my heart stops when I set my eyes on a pair of killer heels. It’s because shoes are an expression of one’s personality and can make or break an entire outfit. Look down at your shoes right now.
What are you wearing?
Sandals, shiny well-polished shoes, high heels, nice shoes but a little grazed around the edges or with traces of dust or last seasons’ mud?
Whatever is on your feet right now, bear in mind that it’s easy to judge a person by their shoes. It may seem like an afterthought, but your choice of footwear can reveal more about you than an entire outfit.
While shoes are considered practical items, they also serve as non-verbal cues with symbolic messages. So, what message does the pair you are wearing send to all your admirers and everyone else you come across?
Expensive shoes equals well-off owners.
Bright, bedazzled pairs belong to extroverts, while meticulous peeps keep their shoes the tidiest. Aggressive girls are most likely to wear ankle booties and the most uncomfortable looking footwear is most often rocked by society’s calmest citizens. The most agreeable people tend to wear practical and functional shoes.
Liberal people are more likely to wear scruffier, less-expensive shoes. People with “boring shoes” are the most reserved and repressive with poor communication skills, and have trouble with relationships. Shocking? Well, it’s true, pay more attention and you’ll notice it too.
New shoes which show signs of extreme polishing indicate relationship attachment anxiety. I wouldn’t want a possessive partner so for that, if you wear overly polished shoes, you’re a no no for me.
Men are the most judged when it comes to their choice of footwear so if I were you, I’d pay more attention to my shoes and make sure I’m sending the right message.
Well done sir if you own a simple loafer in a neutral colour. It’s a comfortable and classic choice for the modern man. If you’re a sneakers kind of guy, you’re laid-back but secretly image-conscious.
Because men generally don’t get pedicures, sandals are not always a good idea; they merely draw attention to those shabby toes. You can only wear these if you’re sure of your feet.
In the heat of summer the temptation may seize you, but fight it off with a pair of boat shoes. Pairing trainers with anything other than exercise gear is a clear indicator that you have given up on life. It’s okay, just be aware of the message you’re sending.
Gentlemen, do yourselves a favour by vetoing the trend entirely to avoid a fashion mishap.
Brogues or what we Zimbabweans call “formal shoes” are the ultimate workplace footgear for men. Sleek, simple proportions ensure that they are businesslike, but intricate detailing can hint at a subtle sense of style.
Invest in a good pair, quality is clear and an expensive brand will be more likely to provide a classic shape. A guy who wears this cares about his image and is highly likely a gentleman.
Shoes convey useful information about their wearers. So, what are you wearing? “Aggressive” boots? “Attachment anxiety” polished new shoes? Or scuffed “liberal” loafers? Whatever you’ve chosen to go with today, you’re telling the world a lot about yourself.
Feedback from last week’s “Louis Vuitton or Louis Vundla, who cares?” story.
Hey Yoliswa, now you’re talking. A good “copy” will look really good and original as long as it’s washed clean and ironed. — Thandie.
Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/Whatsapp on +263774 492 700 or send an email to [email protected].
Online Reporter