In This Issue: Message from Diana Feature Article: 10 Tips for Buying Shoes MESSAGE FROM DIANA Thanks again for all the nice comments from the "Recession-Proof Style" tele-seminar attendees. Glad I could help! Several wrote to say that the in.come-boosting tips I gave at the end were a delightful bonus, while others really liked the Q&A session. I did send out the transcript and audio file download link to everyone who registered; if you haven't receive it, please contact our helpdesk.   If you DIDN'T register but would like a copy of the seminar, you can get your copy of "Recession-Proof Style: The Image Advantage in Tough Economic Times" right here: http://www.fashionforrealwomen.com/imageadvantage.htm So what's on tap for today's article? How to buy shoes. Enjoy! Diana Pemberton-Sikes FashionForRealWomen.com The Secret to Looking Beautiful at Any Age What color of foundation should you wear? What hairstyles can shave years off your appearance? Where can you skimp in your daily grooming routines, and where should you pamper yourself for long-term gain? Discover the beauty-enhancing, age-defying, head-turning secrets of great skin, hair, and makeup in Beauty at Any Age . FEATURE ARTICLE 0 Guidelines for Buying Shoes "I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes. I had one thousand and sixty." --Imelda Marcos For some, it's an obsession. For others, it's a means to an end. For those of us in the middle, it's a sometime source of consternation. Whether you love them, couldn't care less, or are somewhere in between, there's no denying that shoes can make or break an ensemble. While choosing the right style and mood is important, so is caring for your foot and your budget. If you're sometimes confused about shoes or are considering adding to your collection, here are some things to think about to get the most for your money: 1. If you can only afford one good shoe, make it a closed-toe pump in black or taupe (cool) or dark brown or beige (warm). These seasonless neutrals will blend with everything in your wardrobe, and work well with either skirts or pants. Overstock.com 2. Shoe color should be the same value or darker than your hemline. This grounds the look without calling attention to your feet. 3. A 1-1/2 - 2" heel is flattering to most legs. Wear a minimum of 1" if you are heavy, short, or short legged to elongate the leg and make you look taller and trimmer. 4. A 4" heel is the maximum height for business. Stilettos are not appropriate for most business situations. 5. The more foot that shows, the less businesslike the shoe. Sandals, mules, and T-straps are not appropriate for traditional businesses. However, a closed-toe, sling back pump is acceptable in most business settings. 6. Keep your shoe in proportion with your foot. If you have large feet or heavy legs, opt for heavier styles with thicker heels. If you have small feet or thin legs, opt for dainty styles with thinner heels. Overstock.com Overstock.com Heavy legs and large feet call for heavier shoes ... Thin legs and small feet call for dainty shoes ... 7. Buy the best you can afford in materials that will span the seasons. Although it will cost more up front, it's the best investment of your money in the long run. 8. Don't forget that you can have a cobbler repair shoes that have been scraped, worn down, or damaged. Have a favorite pair that's too worn to wear but too loved to throw out? Take them to a shoe repairman and get them re-soled. 9. Try to buy shoes in the mid to late afternoon, when your feet tend to be their largest from swelling caused by standing, walking, or running. 10. Shoes and handbags don't have to match anymore. However, they should be in the same mood as each other (casual, dressy, etc.) and reflect the mood of your clothing to pull the ensemble together. So what's the lesson here? Think before you buy. Ask yourself a few questions, like: How much wear will I get from this shoe? Will it last this season or several seasons? Does it go with at least three outfits in my closet? If it's a cheap, trendy shoe, these questions may be moot. But if you're planning to drop a good bit of money, stop and think about it as you would any other investment piece you were considering. If it's not a good buy, don't buy it. Your money is better spent elsewhere. Need some more tips for finding the right pair of shoes for you? Download a copy of ACCESSORY MAGIC to see how to use accessories to stretch your budget and create a signature style, http://www.accessorymagic.com ************** Until next time, Diana Pemberton-Sikes diana@fashionforrealwomen.com FashionForRealWomen.com AccessoryMagic.com BusinessWearMagic.com OccasionMagic.com WardrobeMagic.com TheClothingChronicles.com ------------------------ Published by: Top Drawer Publications, LLC 256 S. College Ave. Newark, DE 19711 USA Copyright © 2009 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes All rights reserved. Want to get your wardrobe together in a flash? Try our best-selling ebook,  Wardrobe Magic Archives index   Terms of Use | Privacy Policy © 2009 Top Drawer Publications, LLC All rights reserved. 256 S. College Avenue • Newark, DE 19711 Phone/Fax 302-266-0156 • Email: sales@topdrawerpublications.com