Shoe Strategy

strat·e·gy: a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal. Strategy is important because the resources available to achieve these goals are usually limited.

Shoe strat·e·gy: a careful plan or method to achieve a balanced, appropriate, and infallible shoe closet. 

The first part of your shoe strategy is to determine your fall shoe budget. 

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Once you have determined your budget, you must then take an inward look at your feet, and really think about what type of shoes you wear most often. And, by inward look at your feet, I mean inward look at yourself. 

If you only wear crazy high heels once a year at Halloween, you have to reduce your "paycheck shoe" budget accordingly. (If you plan on being Miley this year, don't spend much on your shoes...you will NEVER wear them again).

With that in mind, here is my five part shoe strategy for this fall:

1 - Black Pumps

If you have to invest 60% of your shoe funds, do it here. Plan on these shoes lasting you at least 5 years, so go for a pair that has 100% leather upper and lower. Find a good cobbler, and re-heel and sole as needed.

Options this fall include:

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And here (yes, these are not 100% black, but great quality and will last you 5 years).

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2 - Trendy Flats

You have to love Target for always being on trend, for reasonable price. These flats will last you at least one season, and are a great buy.

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3 - Classic Flats

Depending on your style, a high quality pair of flats will last you forever. I prefer black, but these Tory Burch flats will ease you into fall and winter. 

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4 - An Updated Boot

I LOVE these DV by Dolce Vita wedge boots. They are hip and fresh, but still classic enough to last you a couple of seasons.

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Had to give you a second option....I HEART Oscar de la Renta

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5 - Paycheck Shoes

No explanation needed.

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I actually had these for dinner this week instead of food. Hence the term "paycheck shoes".

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My final thoughts are shoe strategy are these:

Wear what you love, and work what you wear.

When developing your own shoe strategy, abide by the following rules:

1 - create a budget 

2 - list your top 3-5 shoe needs

3 - be realistic about where and when you need different shoe types

4 - go with your gut. If you can't name 5 places you will wear them this fall, put them back.

5 - once you buy, you must apply. Once you pay for those shoes, wear them. Don't save those special or expensive shoes for a special occasion. Shoes are mean to be worn, so put them on, wear them out (literally and figuratively).

And then..go forth, and shoe strategize.

In the World of Cha Cha Shoes