Savvy Style Book: For The Love of Shoes

I had the pleasure of receiving a digital copy to a new stylish book, For The Love of Shoes edited by Patrice Farameh, complete with visually stunning shoe photos, shoe designer bios, Q&A’s and 300 pages of foot candy to make a shoeaholic (“Hi my name is Maria”) to have a shoegasm midway through the book. No joke! This book features a well balanced harmony of shoe designers from around the world, some I hadn’t seen before like Aoi Kotsuhiroi, Diego Dolcini, Gio Diev, Laura Tennenbaum, and Tania Spinelli. I’m fascinated by the vast range of heeled artistry displayed on these pages from contemporary to avant garde to the classics.

Shoe construction and design has come a long way, not only from comfort and practicality but to a place of fantasy, wonderment, a personal story, a sense of mystery. One might query “what is that woman’s story?” by what she has on her feet.

Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology quoted in the book stating,”I would say that shoes are the most significant accessory…with shoes you get more bang for your buck because they can transform everything, from dressing up a look to affecting your posture or mood.”

For me, a shoe’s clever and creative construction has to strike a feeling in my gut and when it does…it’s on! I love my high heels because it’s like wearing a piece of art or jewelry on my feet. They make me stand taller, have better posture, feel sexy and confident. It’s also a great way to freshen up an outfit. Instead of purchasing a new outfit – heels, flats, sandals, or boots can make a pair of boyfriend jeans and white t-shirt look completely different. The best part is, your shoes can transform many outfits in your closet or even inspire you to create new pairings.

Director Julie Benasra of God Save My Shoes documentary states on page 214,”Shoes allow women to go into a fantasy world but with a touch of reality intertwined. High heeled shoes are a more socially acceptable sexy costume, they permit you to pull your personality to the extreme.”

As I flipped through the pages of For The Love of Shoes, It donned on me that I still own my very first pair of designer shoes I bought in my late 20’s (I didn’t eBay them). Still in the box, in good condition the price $295 – a big purchase for me back then. I always wanted something sparkly on my feet because I do love my bling (jewelry), so these heels were perfect! Metallic silver with clear Swarovski crystals by Italian shoe designer Boccaccini (see pictures below). Every pair of shoes I own has a story and I thank this book for reminding me of that.

My very first designer heels by Boccaccini

for the love of shoes1

Other photo credits: ©For the Love of Shoes edited by Patrice Farameh, published by teNeues, www.teneues.com. Photo courtesy of Lauren Tennenbaum and Lydia Koch, Naim Josefi – Melonia, Photo Johannes Helje and Clara Nova, Ruthie Davis Photo

Editor in Chief
MVL

Maria Von Losch is the founder and EIC of The Savvy Life. She's also a Brand Coach and Mentor for entrepreneurs. She's obsessed with all things beauty, especially skincare. Her fave past time is exploring around town with her hubby. She's also a great cook and can whip up a healthyish and tasty meal in 30 minutes.

MVL

Editor-in-Chief

Maria Von Losch is the founder and EIC of The Savvy Life. She's also a Brand Coach and Mentor for entrepreneurs. She's obsessed with all things beauty, especially skincare. Her fave past time is exploring around town with her hubby. She's also a great cook and can whip up a healthyish and tasty meal in 30 minutes.

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