Houston, we have a problem, well a shoe-related one at least. When thinking of what the second category would be in my ‘Obsessions’ series, I knew that chunky heels had to be involved. What I didn’t realise was the extent of my collection, at the moment my shoes live in a corner and are stacked a little like a dodgy jenga game. Once I’d decamped them all downstairs to the living room/makeshift photo studio, I realised that most of my recent acquisitions have fallen into this category and traditional flats have fallen by the wayside. I’m of average height but can’t resist a helping hand (or leg) with the addition of a stacked sole. Trying to pinpoint my obsession is tricky, I first started to love anything Jeffrey Campbell and wedge-like in NYC four years ago, then discovered flatforms that were out of my price range before finding the brand Vagabond in Berlin and ordering my first pair of Chelsea boots. I’ve never really felt comfortable in dainty footwear, with size 8 feet they’ve never seemed right for me, so I’m glad that brands are starting to make more interesting alternatives that remind me of my days spent in Bootleg by Clarks.
I know my Mum would prefer me in something a little more feminine but I’m fed up of forcing my feet to do things they don’t want to. For some reason I’m attracted to multiple straps, buckles and cut-outs (preferably all at once) and the edge that these details can bring to the flounciest of dresses. Stilettos can be pretty but some of the less-conventional shoes out there can seriously defy logic, I’m talking Marni, Thakoon Addition and Dries van Noten. I like to take risks with most things I wear, so it seems fitting to extend this to my feet as well. On a practical note, I’m also a serious powerwalker and have a lot of trains to catch, so I need a shoe that supports me in my endeavour to be on time (and in general). I’m not ruling out a more traditional shoe in the future, sometimes my clodhoppers just look wrong with certain dress lengths and cropped trews, but it would need to be on my own terms and fit my criteria. I don’t ask for much, do I?! Feel free to share your shoe obsessions below, I know that my collection isn’t to everyone’s taste but it makes me pretty happy!
All the chunky heels, all the chunky heels:
Bisous Natasha says
Your collection is big ! I am more into feminine shoes which I end up not wearing because I have to freakin catch the tube uugh ! Then I'm staring at them in my wardrobe like, why did I buy you ? For every sky high heel, invest in Uber or Addision Lee, seriously lolz. But what I like about Hasbeens is that they give you height but are still comfy to walk in.
http://www.bisousnatasha.com
Sophie says
Ah Kristabel look at that collection girl. WOW! Green with envy over here. I adore a ankle strap at the minute!
Sophie
x
Anonymous says
I LOVE your collection, and indeed you would probably like my own collection of chunky shoes. As you say, they are a godsend for walking. Having walked 5 miles in flat boots but without chunky soles yesterday, I positively dread chunky soles going out of fashion and looking dated. Give me my chunky soles every time. I like chunky shoes with cropped trousers BTW.
Enjoy your shoes!
Harriet T says
Your shoe collection is epic! Spotted a couple of pairs I own in your selection – I do love a chunky heel!
lorenabr says
Great collection!
http://balearaitzart.blogspot.com.au/
Winnie says
Oh my you do have a lot of shoes – it's surprising when you get all the shoes out at once. I've realised that I probably own the most shoes in my household too. Love the shots too, it looked awesome from your insta, and it's even better in this blog post! I pretty much live in my converse/trainers these days and I agree with the chunkier heel – they are just so much better to walk around in!
Emily says
In love with this post! I adore a chunky shoe, they're more comfortable for my wide feet for one, and they made my legs look so much better than a more 'dainty' shoe. I can tend to look out of proportion in shoes that aren't very substantial! x
Mani says
Oh my goodness, your collection's to die for! I'm a sucker for chunky heels too, along with the extra height I find they just suit me better. Plus, they're so much comfier for everyday wear!
Zoe says
Oh wow what a collection! Chunky is definitely my preference, or flat, comfort with style is the only way to go! I love my Airstep boots and sandals.
Jo says
That is some impressive chunky shoe collection! And, that they're not your ENTIRE footwear collection?! MY MIND IS BLOWN.
Sophie says
The things I would do for a shoe collection like this! Love the colour coordination too 🙂