I have a serious problem, I just can’t stop buying high heels. It’s a disease, one that I’m passing on to MissMalini too! Every fashionista knows that you can put on or lose as much weight as you want, but high heels always fit. Alright, I’ll admit, some heels are a bit too small, some cut off circulation in the toes and others make your legs look oh so good! In my many years of heel wearing experience (since I was 13), I’ve picked up some tips. I’ve decided opened up my high heel closet to you and share some of my knowledge with everything to do with high heels, hope you find it helpful.

Classics

Classic Black and Nude heels are a must no matter how many or few high heels you have. Black pumps will go with everything in your wardrobe and will immediately make a statement. Nude Heels are good for two things, they go with everything but also elongate your legs. Especially if the shade is similar to your skin tone, it gives the illusion of a longer leg. Invest in a good pair of classics, as you will be wearing them most often. Or, you can do as I do, and buy many variations of nude and black pumps, that way you get a variation and don’t wear out one pair!

Shoe Laundry

The importance of the mochi; as you can see my darling Vera Wangs are most beat up, so are my grey strappy shoes, that’s because I’ve done everything in these. I just can’t bring myself to throw them out, so what to do? Simple, go to your local mochi and have him clean them and repair them. There usually is one on every corner, but if there isn’t just call up the Shoe Laundry (in Mumbai). I didn’t know of this service until MissMalini told me about them last week! Have to try them out, +91 9820526804.

Buying Heels

There are two things we often forget when buying Heels, design and height are not the only factors. These next two are equally important. Always take off the price sticker on the sole of your heels, I admit I’ve been seen trotting around with my sticker on display (Very Embarrassing!) The other thing to remember is, the soles of your heels are always on display, so keep them clean. Whether red or silver or pink, whatever the colour keep them spotless, especially if you have Louboutins. Another tip, when buying heels, wear them on both feet, as none of us have the same size on each foot. Also insist on a store room pair, as shop floor heels tend to be tried on and hence, one side will be bigger than the other.

Fun Heels

It’s easy to go crazy and buy statement heels, but the key for these purchases is to THINK. Don’t get carried away by the design, they might be the most innovative and unique pair you’ve seen, but are you going to wear them more than once? The worse crime for any high heel fanatic, is to leave your darlings in a box away from the sunlight. If you’re a quirky girl will oodles of funk, then opt for buying loads of statement heels, because you’re bound to wear them a lot. If you’re not, then just indulge in a few fun heels, ones that you can wear to more than one event.

High Heel Care and Quick Tips

Here are some of my special tips for all you heel lovers, these pointers I’ve collected from years of reading about heels and my own successful DIY efforts.

• To remove grease stains from leather rub in washing liquid, leave it to dry and then brush it off.
• Linseed oil and vinegar are great to shine up your un-colour treated tan leather heels
• For wooden heels, use furniture varnish to shine them up, works well on patent leather too.
• Buy a Shoe suitcase (like in the picture), good for storage and for traveling, it retains the shape of your heels.
• For boot, put newspaper in the calf of the boot to retain the shape.
• If your soles are slippery, rub sandpaper on them to create a grip.
• Break in shoes by wearing them a hour a day at home, before wearing them out. (Life Saver, trust me.)
• Loosen leather around the heel by putting them over an arm chair and hitting it with a hammer. (Great tip for wide feet)
• Smelly feet? Get a pedicure often, but also put an orange of lemon peel in the shoe ever night!

By Sue Castellino for MissMalini.com