31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 11

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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Oh, how I wish I was writing this after a much different match result.

That’s the thing about sports and clothes. An investment in a favourite team’s gear helps you feel part of the collective and part of the team yet also keep memories alive for a lifetime, good and bad.

Given that these are Adidas branded England shoes tells you how long I’ve been wearing these. I purchased them during the 2010 World Cup to cheer on my beloved lads and now 11 years later I still bring them out when it’s time to cheer on England during international play. (Though I’m still too superstitious to watch a match in its entirety).

And while I’m still feeling a little glum after the Euro result, I couldn’t be prouder of my team, both on and off the pitch. And there’s always the 2022 World Cup to bring it home, right?

adidas Men's Adifc Ii S Feds Soccer Shoe | Nike England Track Jacket

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 10

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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When we think about neutrals as part of our style, how do we define what they are? Are they solid colours and textures in various hues of black and white? Or does their definition extend perhaps to classic prints, like snakeskin, leopard, and Breton stripes?

For me, snakeskin is a classic print that I file under neutral in my own shoe closet. And it just so happens that most of my snakeskin print shoes fall within the black/gray/white tone which is perfect for incorporating into my mostly minimalist wardrobe. These Alexander Wang Parker loafers are a perfect example of that.

After sneakers, loafers are tied with boots for the most popular shoe style in my closet. And just like sneakers, I wear them with everything. To keep a look feeling masculine, I’ll pair them with a pair of trousers, and let my jewelry, hair and makeup soften up the look. Or if my clothing choice is on the more feminine side, say a floaty dress or flouncy skirt, I love to add a black blazer, silver jewelry and these loafers to toughen everything up a bit.

Some of my favourite style cues I take from one of my favourite fashion bloggers, Natalie @ WoahStyle. I love her balance of high and low, her tips on what and when to invest vs when not to, and most of all that she’s from my hometown, the greater Toronto area. You can see here how she styles the Alexander Wang Parker loafers and how easily I was #influenced to grab my own pair.

Alexander Wang Parker Loafers | Floor @ Columbus Metropolitan Library, Main Branch

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 9

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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Like my fall and winter shoes, my summer shoes have started to become more minimal as my style focuses. Sandals aren’t too high, with either a block or a lug sole heel, and colours are neutral as I invest more in cost per wear than fast fashion.

But just because my shoes are more neutral, doesn’t mean they’re any less interesting. What I love about these Schutz sandals is that they’re a basic strappy tan summer sandal, but made more interesting by the fact that they’re cork instead of leather. Add in a modest stack 2” heel, and these are perfect for going from the office to an after-work event, or even all day at a summer wedding, preferable at a vineyard, of course. *wink.

Schutz Chimes Cork Ankle Strap Sandals | Riedel Cabernet Stemless Wineglasses | Bottle Opener

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 8

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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Reminiscing these last couple of days about the stories, and outfits created, with the shoes I’ve been sharing has been a lot of fun. But if I’m being 100% honest, my most-worn pair of shoes at the moment never even leave the house.

Truth: not all sport slides are created equal. Some are more fashion-forward (see: Balenciaga), some are classic (Adidas), but when it comes to comfort, these ones take the cake. After a year plus of working at home not wearing real shoes, I knew I needed house shoes with a little more support for wandering around the house in between video calls. Everyday house slippers just weren’t cutting it in terms of support.

These Nike Off Court slides are literally like walking on a cloud. Nike calls it “Revive Foam” – I call it heaven. And the strap is wide enough and padded enough to hold your foot in place, so you’re not constantly sliding out of them when you walk. My morning “commute” has never been comfier.

Nike Off Court Slides | Anthropologie Tufted Stripe Illusion Rug

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 7

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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Much like this little series is meant to tell stories, I do love when a piece of clothing, or a pair of shoes, has a story to tell. How my shoes are made is becoming just as important as their style and price and I love that Nisolo is so transparent about who and where their shoes are crafted and the impact their production has on our climate.

It also helps that these Dari boots are some of the most comfortable that I own. I LOVE the almond-shaped toe and the block heel, the shape of these reminds me of the cult classic Rag & Bone style. Even better, the leather of these boots is so high quality (and waterproof!), I know that these are the kind of shoes that I’ll re-sole and keep forever.

I also love how I discovered this brand, it was through a Kevin Bacon six-degrees wormhole on Instagram. Long story short, I noticed one of our agency partners from my day job on Instagram, saw she had a fashion-focused small business, and found this brand through some of her recommendations. Don’t you just love when there are so many good stories to tell?

Nisolo Dari Boots | Umbra Hub 37” Wall Mirror