These mules are made for walking

According to Wikipedia “the French word, Mule, is a style of shoe that is backless and often closed-toed. Mules can be any heel height – from flat to high.”

My main goal this spring, was to get my hands on the perfect neutral pair. Something that would go with any outfit, something comfortable that I can actually wear all day and not regret it as soon as I am in the car! Before we dig in further, let’s start with a little fashion history lesson. These are always my favourite.

OK, this description seems a little bit dramatic, although what history lesson isn’t. I can’t imagine a woman wearing these heels be considered a prostitute. Let me guess… I bet a man was involved in either writing that description and coming up with that garbage.

Anyway, before I get on my feminist horse, I wanted to show you what I’ll be wearing soon (but first, please cross your fingers for this April snow to melt away). So here they are folks my new Emu Australia mules, this is the “Burleigh” style in Mushroom colour.

I purposely went for something neutral in tone to not only elongate the leg, but to offer versatility. With the popularity of the boho style making a comeback this summer, I’m sure I’ll get lots of wear out of them!

At a cool $159, you can’t go wrong.

I won’t even even tell you the workout I got from taking this photo.. squats and all! 

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Shoe talk: Build your wide shoe collection this Spring

I know. If the shoe fits, buy them in all the colours, right? I hear you loud and clear and I am guilty as charged!

I suffer from a little shoe obsession, and having wide feet does not stop me from buying shoes. What’s my secret to shopping for wide shoes and taking good care of my shoes?

  • Invest in leather shoes, they are more stretchy, durable, comfortable and breathable
  • Avoid thin straps that go across  the foot or mule type shoes that cover the foot and are not stretchy enough
  • Only wear comfortable shoes, don’t sacrifice your feet for cheap shoes. It’s not worth the pain or residual health problems they can cause
  • Take care of your shoes! Use leather and shoe protectors, wear the right seasonal footwear, brush your suede and clean the inside (yes, the goop) and outside (rinse off salt stains right away).
  • Stick to the brand that is right for you. Personally, I love Michael Kors shoes, Nine West and Louise et Cie. They are made for my feet and sell at a fair price point.
  • Buy the right size and fit, and buy multiples or different colours if you have too
  • Find a cobbler. I go to Moneysworth and Best at Billings Bridge (Ottawa). They do fantastic work!
  • Pimp your shoes with leather insoles and gel padding when needed

Although buying your shoes in one size up is not always the solution, I am happy to report that there are brands like Jessica Simpson and  Louise et Cie who pay close to attention to this very common issue “the wide shoe and wide calf boot“. We already know that heels are bad for our spine and feet, why must we feel the need to squeeze our feet in them too!

Worry not. I found a few wide style shoes, mules, booties, espadrilles, flats and heels to slowly help you build your shoe collection this Spring.

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