Shoes are an essential element of any wardrobe and can make or break an outfit. A few tips to keep in mind when buying, storing or maintaining your shoe collection:
Maintain: Taking good care of your shoes involves effort, but it keeps your shoes looking crisp, minimizes damage and helps hold their shape. Cedar shoe trees are great for keeping the shape of you boot or shoe and they also absorb moisture.
Polish: Nothing is worse than having on a great outfit, along with the perfect shoes and they look dull, dusty, have black marks, the sole and/or heel is worn down to nothing. Keep polish and a shoe mitt on hand for quick polishes. Make sure to give your shoes a good look before going out.
Scuffmarks: If you’re in a jam, try using a small amount of non-gel toothpaste onto the scuffmarks, wipe with a damp cloth, then polish.
Shoe Repair: If they need to be fixed, get it done. Make a habit out of getting your shoes repaired prior to the upcoming season. That way, when a warm day surprises you, you won’t have to be concerned about how your shoes look.
Buying New Shoes: New shoes will fit differently when you try them on, depending whether it is morning or evening because as the day goes on, your feet increase in size – make sure to keep this in mind when buying a new pair.
Take a Picture: When you get your new shoes home, take a quick picture of them and tape it to the box. This way you can easily store off-season shoes on higher racks in your closet and will be able to easily find them.
Quality Matters: If you can, invest in a quality shoe – not only will they last longer, they’ll be more comfortable, maintain their shape and will add richness to any outfit.
Shoe Storage: There are several, effective ways to store your shoes. The most important thing is that they are visible/easy to see while you’re getting dressed. It all depends on the layout of your closet and how to best store and see the current season shoe. Whenever possible, store your shoes side by side with the toe facing out on one and heel facing out on the other. That way you can easily select high, short heel, or flats and pointed, round or open toes.
Must have shoe accessories: • Plastic Boxes
• Shoe Rack – either free-standing or over-the-door
• Original Box with a picture taped to the front
• Mesh Hanging Bags
• Shoe Bags for off season
