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Designer Shoe Collection Tour: A Peek Inside My Dream Wardrobe
There’s something undeniably magical about opening a wardrobe door to reveal row upon row of beautifully crafted designer shoes. Whether it’s the satisfying click of a Louboutin stiletto on polished floors or the buttery softness of a well-worn Jimmy Choo pump, luxury footwear has a way of making a woman feel utterly unstoppable. Today, I’m inviting you behind the scenes for a proper tour of my carefully curated collection, sharing the stories behind my most treasured pairs, and offering practical advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own designer shoe journey.
Why Invest in Designer Shoes?
Before we dive into the collection itself, let’s address the question I’m asked most frequently: are designer shoes really worth the investment? The answer, in my experience, is a resounding yes—but with some important caveats.
Quality craftsmanship is the primary reason I’ve built my collection over the years. Unlike high street alternatives that might survive a single season, properly cared-for designer shoes can last a decade or more. The materials are superior, the construction is meticulous, and the comfort (contrary to popular belief) is often exceptional once you’ve broken them in.
The Cost-Per-Wear Calculation
Here’s how I justify my purchases: I calculate the cost-per-wear. A pair of classic black courts that cost £600 but are worn twice weekly for five years works out to approximately £1.15 per wear. Compare that to a £60 pair that falls apart after three months, and the maths speaks for itself.
Collection Highlights: My Most Treasured Pairs
Now for the exciting part—let me walk you through the crown jewels of my collection. Each pair has been chosen with intention, and I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way.
The Timeless Classics
Christian Louboutin So Kate in Black Patent: These 120mm stunners were my first major shoe investment, purchased nearly eight years ago for my best friend’s wedding. The iconic red sole has faded slightly, but the patent leather still gleams beautifully. They’re undeniably high, but the pitch is remarkably comfortable for extended wear.
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi in Blue: You know the ones—Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding shoes. I splurged on these for my own wedding, and they remain the most complimented shoes I own. The crystal buckle catches light magnificently, and the low heel makes them surprisingly practical for dancing.
The Statement Makers
Gianvito Rossi Plexi pumps: These clear and nude leather pumps are my secret weapon for events where I want my legs to look endless. The transparent PVC panels create an illusion of floating on air, and they match absolutely everything in my wardrobe.
Prada Flame sandals: Perhaps my boldest purchase, these architectural heels with their flame-like silhouette are pure art. They’re not for the faint-hearted, but they transform even the simplest black dress into a fashion editorial moment.
The Everyday Luxuries
Chanel two-tone ballet flats: The beige and black combination is pure genius—beige elongates the leg whilst the black toe creates a shoe that’s perpetually fresh. I’ve worn these to the office, to brunch, and even on city breaks. They’re the definition of effortless chic.
Loewe puzzle flats: These geometric beauties took some time to grow on me, but now I reach for them constantly. The craftsmanship is extraordinary, with each leather panel precisely pieced together like a puzzle.
Storage and Display: Creating Your Own Shoe Sanctuary
A collection this precious deserves proper housing. Over the years, I’ve developed a storage system that keeps my shoes pristine whilst making them accessible and beautifully displayed.
- Clear acrylic boxes: Each pair lives in its own transparent box, protecting from dust whilst allowing me to see exactly what I have. I label each box with a polaroid photograph for quick identification.
- Climate control: Shoes hate extreme temperatures and humidity. My collection lives in a temperature-controlled spare room, away from direct sunlight that could fade or crack delicate materials.
- Proper shaping: I invest in quality shoe trees and shapers to maintain each pair’s structure. For boots, I use cedar inserts that absorb moisture and odour.
- Original boxes and dust bags: I keep everything. Those beautiful branded boxes and dust bags aren’t just packaging—they’re essential for long-term storage and add value should you ever decide to resell.
Building Your Own Collection: Practical Advice
Starting a designer shoe collection needn’t be overwhelming or financially ruinous. Here’s my tried-and-tested approach to building a wardrobe of investment footwear.
Start with the Essentials
Before chasing trends, establish your foundation. Every woman needs:
- A classic black pump with a mid-height heel (60-80mm)
- A nude sandal that matches your skin tone
- A statement heel for special occasions
- A quality flat for everyday wear
- An ankle boot in black or tan leather
Once these bases are covered, you can begin exploring more adventurous pieces.
Buy Pre-Loved
The resale market has transformed how I shop. Platforms like Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, and eBay offer authenticated designer shoes at a fraction of retail price. I’ve found pristine condition Louboutins for 40% off, and vintage pieces that have become true collector’s items.
Shop the Sales Strategically
End-of-season sales are goldmines for classic styles. I’ve scored incredible deals on timeless pieces that never go out of fashion. The key is knowing what you want before the sale begins—wish lists are your friend.
Care and Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment
Owning designer shoes is a commitment. Proper care ensures they remain beautiful for years, potentially becoming heirlooms passed down to the next generation.
Prevention is everything: Before wearing new shoes outdoors, I always treat them with appropriate protectors—waterproofing spray for suede, leather conditioner for smooth hides, and heel tip replacements before they wear down completely.
Professional help: Find a reputable cobbler who understands luxury footwear. They can replace heel tips, resole worn bottoms, and repair minor damage before it becomes catastrophic. My cobbler has saved countless pairs from retirement.
Rotation is key: Shoes need rest between wears to allow materials to recover their shape. I never wear the same pair two days running, giving them at least 24 hours to air out.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Beautiful Shoes
Building this collection has been a decade-long labour of love, and I wouldn’t change a thing about the journey. Each pair tells a story—where I bought them, what I’ve worn them to, how they made me feel. That’s the true value of designer shoes beyond the price tag and the brand name.
My advice to anyone starting their own collection? Buy what genuinely excites you, not what magazines tell you is essential. Take your time—rarely is an impulse purchase as satisfying as one you’ve saved for and anticipated. And most importantly, wear your beautiful shoes. Don’t save them for ‘best’ until they’re outdated. Life is too short for shoe regrets.
Thank you for joining me on this tour through my shoe wardrobe. I hope it’s inspired you to look at your own collection differently, or perhaps take the plunge on that pair you’ve been dreaming about. After all, as Cinderella proved, the right shoes can change your life.
Do you have a treasured pair of designer shoes? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
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