31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 17

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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This morning I was looking back on these entries and started to notice a theme appearing, repetition in the way I style a significant size of my shoe closet. It’s the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine.

There might be no greater way to show this than this next pair I’m sharing – these Botkier Violet Loafers. I have worn these loafers to their almost demise, I reach for them that often. And after reading back to my previous entries, it is so obvious why.

They’re the perfect mashup of masculine and feminine. A patent leather black loafer, topped with an oversized fabric bow on each toe. They work because they’re monochrome, the textures of each tone down the other.

It will be of no shock that I pair these most with ankle-length trousers or denim, but my absolute favourite way to wear these is with a pair of black leggings, an oversized tunic sweater and an oversized blazer. I love how the loafers balance out the blazer and elevate the sweater and leggings.

Botkier Violet Loafer | H&M Tan Teddy Coat (old)

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 16

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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The thing I enjoy most about collecting sneakers is how a pair can go from fresh to iconic with relative ease and become building blocks for a pretty solid sneaker wardrobe.

If I were to suggest a list of sneakers to include for an investment wardrobe, the Nike Cortez would be one of those pairs. Around since the 1970s, they’re nostalgic and current at the same time. Their look is sleek, with the oval-shaped toe and super flattering low-cut ankle, but most importantly, they are ridiculously comfortable.

I love to dress full-on minimalist in my pair, a black t-shirt dress, a white baseball hat, and a crossbody bag, but I also love these with a great pair of denim cutoff shorts and white tee in summer or a pair of leggings and an oversized tunic sweater when the weather gets chillier.

Nike Cortez Sneakers | Toronto Neighbourhood Map Poster

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 15

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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A sequined skirt. Huge statement earrings. The sleekest clutch. Each of us has those extra special pieces in our closet that we pull out for special occasions, occasions both real and aspirational.

But what if we wore our special occasion pieces on regular occasions? That’s the approach I take with these sparkly beauties from & Other Stories.

On their own, they look like something saved for the specialist of occasions, paired with a dress or tuxedo for a night on the town. I love to pull these out for daytime with more modest and masculine clothes – a midi-length long-sleeved dress, a pair of floor-length wide-legged trousers – and always with a thin black sock. The socks provide the extra coverage needed to keep things looking fresh for daytime, and they make the shoes way easier to walk in as well.

Just like they used to say, why save the good china for only special occasions? Why save the fabulous accessories only for a night out? It’s all about celebrating something special every day.

& Other Stories Leather Rhinestone Heel Sandalette

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 14

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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You know that shirt, those pants, even that coat that was a bit out of your comfort zone that you purchased a bit timidly? And now that same item is one of your favourite items in your closet? These shoes are one of those items for me.

The Converse Run Star Hikes were just finishing their first drop when I took the plunge on them, sneakerheads and celebrities were the only ones sporting them when I bit the bullet. Nervous that the thick soles would make my already large feet look huge, I was ridiculously self-conscious that I wouldn’t be able to pull them off. Trust the folks at Converse, the home of the most classic shoes there is, to put us all in their fashionably good hands.

Sure, the soles are huge on these, but the tread makes all the difference. It’s rugged, it’s interesting, and coupled with the slimming high-top, they balance each other in a way that makes everything work.

I find myself looking for reasons to pull these shoes out of the box. I pair them with long dresses and blazers for the office, slip skirts and short sleeves for weekends, and when I do put them with pants, always with a wide-legged or flared crop. It would be such a shame to hide the now-iconic soles on these.

Converse White Run Star Hike

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 13

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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Some of our most treasured pairs of shoes aren’t the ones that only take us from point A to point B, they take us on a path much more meaningful, a journey that starts and ends with self-discovery.

When COVID-19 shut down the world in March 2020, outdoor walks became the new going out, the one chance we had to leave the house that was safe from the unknown that the virus. I love that a stroll outdoors was suddenly cool again, that exercise was possible without spending a million dollars at the latest fancy gym that popped up. And the look on everyone’s face on their daily walk said it all – it was a form of refuge and relaxation during the most stressful and anxiety-ridden time.

For me, I have COVID to thank for daily walks now becoming part of my lifestyle. My body craves some sort of movement every day, and these Adidas NMDs are the vehicle that sets me on my path. And while the physical benefits of my daily walk no doubt have been great, it’s the mental benefits that I’ve come to crave the most. The fresh air, the solitude, and the movement have calmed my anxiety, surged my creativity, and provided me much need balance I never knew I needed.

See you on my next stroll….

Adidas NMD R1 shoes | Target Watermelon doormat