Summer Shoe Challenge

Shoetopia.  This map is no longer
accurate since boots migrate north
and sandals come south for
the summer.

Way back in December I decided to do a little exploration in the mysterious land called Shoetopia.  I enjoyed the trip so much that I've decided to repeat the experience for July with my summer shoes.


The rules will be largely the same as my December Shoe Challenge.  Every working day this month I will wear and photograph different footwear.  I may photograph weekend and holiday shoes for bonus points.  I'm an overachiever like that.  


This takes a little more planning since I won't be able to wear my default shoes, but I'm excited to delve into my closet and find new favorites!  


You can check the Summer Shoe Challenge page to view the pairs as I wear them.  


(The photo on the right is easily the most over-used photo on this blog.)

It's a Shoe In

Ok, so I know the expression is actually "shoo-in," but this is a post about shoes.  Actually, it's a post about a sweater with a shoe print.

 

I'm a bit of a shoe fiend, in case you didn't know.  My shoe closet (shoetopia) is a embarrassing monument to conspicuous consumption.  When I saw this sweater at Goodwill (another from my excursion with Chenille), I knew it was meant to be mine.  It is a silk and cotton blend, so it has a decadent softness.

 

Sweater, City Silk, thrifted; skirt, George, Walmart; shoes, 5th Avenue, Rack Room Shoes; belt, thrifted; necklace, thrifted.

Close-up of sweater and necklace.

 I took my photos outside at lunch today.  Noon sun is really not the ideal photographic lighting, but wow is it a beautiful day.

Today is Thursday, and Thursdays are for Thrifters!

December Shoe Challenge Analysis

Shoetopia: home of my shoes.

The December Shoe Challenge was fun but frustrating at times too.  There were quite a few times that I didn't get to wear the shoes I thought would go best with my outfit because I had already worn them this month.  The experience did open my eyes a bit more to just how underutilized my shoes are.

Heel

• Flats: 24
• Heels:6
• Wedges: 2

Type

• Boots: 9
• Shoes: 22

Color

• Black: 8
• Brown: 5
• Red: 6
• Green: 2
• Purple: 3
• Animal: 1
• Tan: 2
• Pink: 1
• Grey: 2
• Metallic: 1
• Blue: 1

Favorites
My favorites fall into two categories: style and comfort.

I love these boots and they
also win for comfort.

Also comfy and cute.

Less comfortable, by I love
them anyway.

Warm and comfy.

Red hot.

Purple and sassy.

Analysis

Even with the challenge pushing me, I still gravitated towards shoes that are easy to wear.  I wore shoes more than boots and flats more than heels.  Look for January to have a lot more boots.  I want to get as much wear as possible in before the weather warms up.

I am very much looking forward to my next challenge.  Challenges encourage me to look at my wardrobe in new ways, and my January challenges will also help me pull back on spending and ramp up the creativity.  

December Challenging

I have a lot of shoes.  Almost certainly more than you have.  Probably more than anyone else you know.  My shoe closet (henceforth known as Shoetopia) is an abyss of conspicuous consumption a magical and wonderful place where dreams come true.  Unfortunately some of my shoes don't get the love and attention that they deserve.

Shoetopia

 This is the inspiration for the Great December Shoe Challenge of 2011.  Every working day this month I will wear and photograph different footwear.  I may photograph weekend and holiday shoes for bonus points.  I'm an overachiever like that.

By the end of the month I will undoubtedly find some new favorites.

Yay, shoes!