At the tender age of 16, the average girl owns up to 15 pairs of shoes. At 21, that number on average jumps from 25 to 40 pairs. Our sophisticated Mama’s top the charts with an average of owning up to a whopping 60 pairs of shoes. Fashion Director at both Elle and Marie Claire Magazine, Nina Garcia, makes it a point in her style how-to book series to always be careful and selective of your closet clothing purchases…but, you can NEVER have too many shoes. 

My first sign of being a tad “shoe obsessed’ was when I realized my play shoes (white keds) were not as cool as my best friend’s hot pink detailed DC’s. Despite the fact that 1) neither of us ever planned on riding/ owning a skateboard and 2) the shoes were three times more expensive than our normal choices, we wanted, nay, NEEDED these shoes. The next day, I waltzed down my school hallways in my skateboard sneaks and tried to figure out what it was about these shoes that were so attractive. The answer? Nothing more than they just made me happy.

Shoes have the power to do this. The power to bring satisfaction to completing a well-edited outfit. The power to raise us up a few inches, stand a little taller, and strut with a dose of more courage. A good pair of shoes, whether they are a sexy pair of stilettos, earthy and aged leather boots, or bright, neon running shoes, literally have the power to change your day. Of course, I am not implying to come back home with 5 pairs of shoes in each arm. (We do in fact live in a world with limits, discipline, and reason.)  But the next time you find yourself drooling over those snakeskin gladiator, lace-up sandals in the shop window (posted below too!)…try them on and follow your heart. A good, well-built shoe is always a smart investment.

Here are this month’s heel and flat favorites. From animal print to suede, and flatforms to wedges, there is a shoe out there for you!

Quick, take a break while your boss isn’t looking and have fun shopping!

Which pair is your must-have for the summer? I think I am torn between the cut-out, beige loafer and sandstone mid-boot. Now don’t start drooling on your keyboard. Heel girl!