A welcome to spring – and the ultimate spring/summer shoe collection

When I first started this blog I named it Food, Travel, Books, Life. I felt the title encapsulated what I most enjoy in life. But I also chose it because I wanted the freedom to write about all sorts of things.

I so enjoy reading the beauty and lifestyle blogs that I follow. They’re great fun and I’ve picked up so many tips. I always feel very privileged to be surrounded by such talented bloggers – I love this little world I’ve become a part of.

There are two things that I get incredibly excited about when the seasons change. The first is food. I’m loving the spring produce that’s available now and can’t wait until the markets are overflowing with blushing summer fruits. Coming in at a close second is the wardrobe switch. Time to put away the jumpers and boots and clean up those toes. I have a particular weakness for shoes. In fact I’ve already had my first pedicure of the season in a desperate attempt to will the warm weather to descend.

When I was younger I used to think that I needed lots of clothes. I wasn’t happy unless I had endless choices available. I would go shopping with no plan; I’d simply pick something off the rack that I liked only to get it home and too often find that I had nothing to wear it with. So then it was back to the shops for another purchase.

It was much the same with shoes.

The result was a mishmash of a wardrobe with no cohesion and then one day I realised I was one of those women who had lots of clothes but never anything to wear. A first world problem I grant you.

Fast forward to today and my shopping habits are vastly different. I buy less, better quality (so that my clothes will last and give me great wear season after season) and go shopping with a firm plan in mind. I’m always thinking “outfits” rather than individual pieces.

It’s the same with shoes. And it was while I was having a gleeful moment as I surveyed my little collection of shoes for the coming season that I made the decision to write this post. It’s definitely one for all my girls out there and I realise vastly different from my usual posts. But I hope you’ll enjoy it.

So here goes. After years of trial and error I have come to the conclusion that six pairs of shoes will see you through the entire season and keep you covered no matter the occasion.

1.  The Wedge

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I bought these fabulous shoes while on holiday in Cyprus. I was actually on the hunt for a white cardigan (something I’d forgotten to pack) and was delighted to find a Tommy Hilfiger store within walking distance of the hotel. Being short at only 5 ft, 2″, I’m a huge fan of the bootcut jean because they’re great for elongating the leg. But to get the best effect you need to wear the jeans long and have a good heel. The wedge is perfect. But they also look great with skinny jeans. Or a skirt. So versatile. Go for one with a platform – they’ll be more comfortable.

2.  The Stylish Flat

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As much as I like the elevation a heel gives me there are times when I really want to wear a flat. But choosing a flat with a bit of flair will allow them to traverse work and weekend. It’s all about versatility and cost per wear. They look great with a knee-length skirt or tapered trousers. Also the ankle-grazer jean trend.

3.  The Loafer

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I feel quite strongly that every woman should have a loafer in their wardrobe. I cannot tell you how often I wear these shoes. Whatever it is you’ve chosen to wear a good-quality loafer will instantly make any outfit look stylish (well, within reason). Put on a pair of jeans or chinos with a lightweight blazer and a loafer and you have instant, effortless style, every time. They’re also great for the shoulder season on those days when it’s perhaps a little cool to get your toes out.

4.  A Splash of Patent

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What I love about a patent shoe is that they are incredibly effective at taking you from day to evening. The patent gives them a bit of bling – not so much that you can’t wear them to work or on the weekends – but enough that you can also wear them out in the evening. Perfect if you’re going out straight from work. They don’t need to be a wedge – I just fell in love with these shoes and the patent nude colour. They look just as great with jeans as they do with a dress.

5.  The Comfort First Shoe

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Earlier in the year I tagged along with my husband to a training conference he had in Sydney. While he beavered away at his conference I headed into Sydney to explore. I was on my feet all day – all day! And my Deuce didn’t let me down. These are the shoes you want when comfort really does need to come first. Perfect to take on holiday if you’re doing a lot of sightseeing. They also traverse the seasons. I went for this metallic colour because they go with everything.

And finally . . .

6.  The “Wow” Shoe

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Much like the loafer, every woman needs a “wow” pair of shoes. The shoes that take you out in the evening and make you feel like a million dollars. I don’t wear black – I’m a navy girl – so these shoes had my name written all over them. I literally pounced when I first saw them. The suede gives a touch of luxury that makes them feel even more special.

And there you have it – my take on the ultimate shoe collection for spring/summer. One further thing I thought it worth mentioning is you’ll notice there is a rhythm with the colour palette of these shoes. Another good thing to remember when you’re shopping. The base colours of my spring/summer wardrobe are navy, cobalt blue, blush pink and white. So you can imagine how well these shoes would go with any outfit I put together from those colours.

Would love to hear your comments – let me know what works for you when it comes to putting together that shoe collection. And I’d love to know if you enjoyed this post even though it’s a big change from my usual food and travel posts.

Roll on summer!

 

26 Comments

  1. nadishaf says:

    Ohh Trace!!! how I wish I could come to your place and enjoy that spring and summer again!! Really envy you 😉.We already entered to Autumn and packed back all our summer outfits and polished winter shoes and clothes 😔!!
    love your collection 😍….enjoy your spring and stay healthy!!

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  4. Ross Cuff says:

    In one of my favourite movies “The American President” with Michael Douglas and Annette Benning, the comment is made that if you want to compliment a women, comment favourably on her shoes. No problem with this lot!!

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  5. The Cooking spoon says:

    Oh Tracey, what a great post, I mean shoes…..aaah! I have the exact same Tommy wedge by the way, bought them in Spain because I fell in love with the zig zag heal. I wear them about 50% of Summer because they’re so comfortable and I’m only 5.4 and I love to wear long summer dresses. Anyway, loved this post and I wish you a great Summer 😃🌞

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  6. Doctor Jonathan says:

    Often I write about the need to discover PASSIONS in life. Without them, we simply go through our days unmotivated and uninspired. The “depth” of the passion is unimportant. The enjoyment experienced makes the passion worthwhile. This post about shoes will be boring to some and exciting to others. Although the subject of shoes is not my forte, the passion in your words makes the subject fun to read about. Finding joy and fun in topics one might never have considered in the past increases the scope of topics one just might consider in the future. This post has provided a new “spin” on how I’ll view shoes from here forward.

    Small subtle changes/growth in personal understanding increases the quality of one’s life. This attitude opens doors to subjects one might never have considered. LEARNING to appreciate how other people view various topics becomes interesting and fun. Thank you for sharing this post and providing your perspective. Since I am a “people watcher”, shoes will now become part of the overall impression created.

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  9. Rini says:

    Oh dear, I hope this doesn’t reignite my shoe obsession. Lol
    Since you mentioned buying shoes in Cyprus, do you find you have more luck finding shoes while you travel? I find it easier than in my hometown, but maybe that’s just me! Also, post what you whatever makes you happy Tracey. 🙂 I was thrown off seeing a post about shoes on your blog, but I can’t argue against it. Shoes are wonderful. I can only imagine how many more blogging ideas you will come up with. 🙂

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    • Tracey O'Brien says:

      Thanks so much, Rini for the lovely comment. I have a couple of favourite shoe stores here at home but, yes, I do love shopping for shoes when I’m abroad. I say nothing puts a smile on your face quicker than a new pair of gorgeous shoes!

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  10. annika says:

    I didn’t mind a change in topic at all! What a lovely shoe collection you have… my favourite would be the wedge and I have a fairly disproportionate amount of them considering most of the time, it’s boot weather here! Also, your younger self sounds a lot like my younger self… shortly after I got married and had to share my closet space, I learned to become a better and more efficient shopper! Lovely my dear!

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