May 15, 2012
In
Fashion, Things
It is abundantly clear in these photos that my latest obsession is brown leather shoes. In all honesty, I didn’t even know this until I started to edit these photos. With winter all but here I have been on the lookout for pretty enclosed shoes and one of the benefits of shopping online is the ridiculous sales that are around from mainly US stores trying to clear out for their summer.
It’s safe to say that I have been doing a little too much shoe shopping online over the last few weeks. I thought it was about time to share my successes ( and failures) and some of the lessons I have learned:
1. Product Photos can be misleading!
These Deena & Ozzy oxfords and dark brown ankle boots both came from
Urban Outfitters. They both fit perfectly and are super comfy. The oxfords turned out to be a little longer in real life than the product photo displayed. I have decided that I still love them, but when I first opened them up I was so disappointed. It took me a few wears around the house and constant reassurance from my housemates that it didn’t look like I was wearing clown shoes before I warmed to them.
Lesson Learned: Don’t rely on the product to be exactly as the promotional photos, things always look a little different in the ‘flesh’.
2. Sizes can differ depending on the brand
You may remember these Macau Suede Slippers from
this post a few weeks ago. I had really wanted them in the grey, but they didn’t have them in my size. I settled for this lovely brown and eagarly waited for their arrival only to find they are too small! Nooooo! They are apparently my size, but even though I can actually fit my feet in them it’s physically painful for me. They are lovely in every other way so I’m going to see if I can get them stretched at the cobbler. Fingers crossed!
On the flip side I have these Yellow Cap Toe Canvas Ballet Flats that I posted about back in February I agonized over whether or not to get them as the international postage was INSANE. Turns out they are actually a touch too big which means they rub on my heel and give me blisters whenever I wear them. It was disappointing, inserts didn’t help me either, but love is about compromise. I wear them all the time, along with many, many bandaids….
Lesson Learned: If available, always cross check your measurements with those listed on your size. Brands can differ in their sizing, do not assume that because you have purchased your ‘normal size’ it will fit!
3. You can’t test for comfort
My most recent purchase are these ASOS ankle boots which are probably my new favourites. The only problem with these beauties is that they have a little built in pad inside on the heel that I’m assuming is for comfort and support. It sticks into the arch of my foot when I walk making it difficult to wear them for extended periods. It’s one of those things that could only have been picked up by trying on before purchasing.
Lesson Learned: Nothing can replace actually trying something on in a store.
Online shopping is so hit and miss, I’m really impressed with my success rate so far, especially for items as difficult to shop for as shoes. Do you shop online for shoes? How do you find a pair that fits just right?
