#TheFashionForwardWriter: It's All About The Shoes
It's all about the shoes in this month's #TheFashionForwardWriter - and Christy Kate McKenzie has oh so very many of them!
Anyone who has ever been to a romance writers’ conference (or anyone who has ever seen the pictures from one) will tell you that it isn’t all about the books. Sure, the stories may have been what brought everyone together, but one of the most important parts of conference are the shoes! Romance writers love shoes just about as much as they love romance! And they’ve got the amazing shoe collections to prove it (I’m looking at you—Catherine Bybee!).
Comfortable or Covetable?
It’s a tough decision, really it is. There’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be on your feet for hours at a time, unless of course you have a table to do signings at. So, do you go for a pair of knock-out heels that will make everyone green with envy or a pair of flats guaranteed to keep your toes intact?
This may be the only time you ever hear me say this—you have to choose the gorgeous shoes! I tend to be more into Converse and ballet flats, but conference is the exception to every rule. If the shoes you desire are heels, try one of the following tips to make them more comfortable.
1) Buy inserts or heel pads to keep shoes from rubbing your heels or toes. There is nothing worse than your shoes rubbing on your heel until you either blister or bleed. Luckily, there are loads of patches and gel pads available to prevent this.
2) Use panty liners inside your heels to prevent them from becoming sweaty. If the inside of your shoes is leather or something similar, your feet will slide around in sweaty shoes. Not only is this bad for your feet, one misstep could end in a twisted ankle.
3) Use cellotape to wrap your third and fourth toes together. This is supposed to alleviate the pressure on the nerves that runs between them and keep your feet from becoming sore. I haven’t tried it (yet). If you have, please let us know if it works!
4) Bought brand new shoes for the occasion? Break them in by wearing them with socks around the house and using a hair dryer to heat any spots which rub. This will help soften the leather and stretch them to fit you better.
Are you heading off to a conference and looking for a little shoe inspiration? Or maybe just a pair or two to drool over? Lucky for you I’ve been back on Etsy and I’ve found six pairs that would steal the show at conference (just ignore that a couple are bridal shoes).
These suede heels are embellished, by hand, with about 1300 Swarovski crystals and an ostrich feather tassel. You will certainly sparkle in these!
These hand painted shoes are decorated in an Alice in Wonderland theme—a personal favourite of mine. They feature bows and charms for a truly unique look that is sure to turn heads.
These might just be my favourite pair. The black, faux leather shoes are hand painted with red roses and accented with Swarovski crystals creating a look that is a little bit edgy and a whole lotta hot!
These beautiful shoes are blush coloured satin with stunning, handmade, chiffon flowers adorning the outside ankle. They are the perfect shoe for the woman who reads and/or writes about true love!
If you truly can’t make yourself wear heels, that is no problem; check out these fabulous little mermaid-inspired ballet flats. Decorated with pearls, Swarovski crystals, gold trim, and tiny lace seashells, these flats will be coveted by all those who see them!
You may have to leave these precious bunny slippers back at the hotel for after the conference, unless you dare to wear them outside, but your feet will thank you for making room in your suitcase for them. Handmade from recycled materials, including mink, these slippers are absolutely precious!
Show Us Your Shoes!
Do you have a favourite pair of shoes for conference? Tweet a pic of your favourite pair throughout the month of May to us @pinkhearter with the hashtag #phsshowusyourshoes to be in with a chance to WIN a super glamorous set of shoe clips to dress up your favourite flats or court shoes.
