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

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 12

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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It’s funny how a pair of shoes can totally change the vibe of an outfit. Want to make something more casual? Add a sneaker. Going for a Parisian vibe? Add a ballet flat. Need something professional? A stacked pointed-toe pump is perfect.

But what if you want to add a little more fun and personality to an otherwise neutral look? Then OF COURSE you need a jeweled faux-fur mule.

If you work in a more creative field as I do, this pair of & Other Stories mules can be office-appropriate with a masculine pair of trousers and a simple top. But if you are afraid to sport these in a cubicle city, these are super fun to pair with a pair of cropped wide-leg jeans and a tee for a fun night-out look with the girls.

Need some more style inspo for a style like these? Look no further than one of my local style inspirations – Allison from Ladybird. Her Instagram is chock full of outfits she carries at her boutique, often paired with a fabulous pair of mules that steal the show.

& Other Stories Gemstone Faux Fur Slippers | CB2 Jersey Interknit Pillow

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