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The Budget Smart Girl’s Guide to Shoes

What girl isn’t crazy about shoes? Carrie and her friends were mad about them on Sex and the City. Imelda Marcos had a closet full of them. And for us Budget Smart Girls, finding a shoe that’s a reasonable price…and let’s not forget comfortable too, is sometimes as difficult as finding the perfect man. This Budget Smart Girl’s Guide is all about finding that perfect shoe, and once you’ve found the pair of your dreams, how to make the relationship last forever.

Cinderella Knew a Thing or Two

I have to admit in my younger…and more foolish years, I’d head to the store and pick shoes that were the hottest trend. While I might have looked fashionable, most of the time I was in pain, and eventually the shoes were discarded at the back of the closet. Now I’m older and wiser, and as a Budget Smart Girl, when it comes to buying shoes I select ones that are not only comfortable, but will hopefully last for years. So rule number one when you’re trying to save money on shoes, don’t necessarily go with hot trends. Select shoes that are not only comfortable, but also well made and just not trendy. Remember fashion trends come and go. It’s better to have one great pair in your wardrobe instead of five or six cheaper, ‘fashionable’ ones that might not look so great a year or so later. And what better way to waste money than to buy shoes you never wear!

Consignment Stores

Consignment stores are popping up in just about every community these days. And just like clothes, lots of people discard their almost new shoes. My local store has some great buys on designer name brand shoes and most are under $30. Most of these stores check out the merchandise before they accept it, but it doesn’t hurt to do your own inspection before you buy anything. Look for worn soles, and as heels tend to wear first, make sure they’re in tip-top shape.

Make Sure it’s a Relationship that will Last

As most stores have strict policies about returning shoes once they’re worn, make sure you really love the shoes you buy, and be 100% positive it’s a purchase you’re going to be happy with. Lots of sales assistants used to tell me that if the shoes didn’t feel quite right, not to worry, I should just go ahead and buy them because I could break them in at home. However, shoes should definitely feel comfortable in the store, if they don’t, walk away, and don’t waste your money.

And if the Shoe does Fit

And speaking of finding the right shoe, it’s not always the easiest thing to do when you’re on a tight budget. If you do have a limited shoe budget, I think it’s all the more reason to be happy with your purchase. Dianne M. Daniels (www.imageandcolor.com, her Web site offers some great tips too), is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International and offers us this advice-

1.When you find a store that carries the size you need, become a frequent visitor. Get to know the sales assistants, and ask them to notify you when your size comes in.

2.Finding the right size can be a challenge because shoe sizing doesn’t follow a standard scheme. Daniels says you’ll find certain brands will either run true to size or that some will run smaller or narrower. So once you find the store that stocks the right shoe for you be faithful to that brand and store. *Another note here, if you’re are a loyal buyer to a store or a brand, visit their Web site and see if they have any frequent buyer incentives, or can offer coupons.

SheFinds

And here’s some advice from a Web site called Shefinds.com. It’s the brainchild of Michelle Madhok, and what a find for us Budget Smart Girls. The whole site is dedicated to helping busy women shop the Web to find the latest beauty and style trends. Check out these links for advice on shoes and shoe related problems-

http://shefinds.com/solutions.htm

http://shefinds.com/painfree.html

http://www.shefinds.com/archive_90/Comfort_Shoes/

http://shefinds.com/makeitlast.html

Buying Off Season

I know summer’s just about over, but if you buy shoes at the end of each season, it’s a great way to save some money. And yes, fashion trends change from year to year, but if you stick with the basics (black pumps, etc.) to build your wardrobe, you can’t go wrong. Here are some companies I’ve recently purchased items clearance items from

www.chadwicks.com

www.newport-news.com

And if you want to get an idea of what’s hot for the fall season, check out www.us.redoute.com and click on Fall 2006 StyleGuide.

Look After Your Investment

One easy way us Budget Smart Girls can save money is to look after all our investments, and shoes are no exception. Daniels suggests treating leather shoes to a waterproofing spray. Also, if your budget will stretch to it, buy two pairs of your favorite shoes so you don’t have to wear one pair continually. Have heel and toe protectors put on soles for extra protection against wear. And don’t automatically think your tired and worn looking shoes are ready for the trashcan. Recently one of my favorite pairs of sandals developed a tear in the sole. I’ve had them at least 15 years, and as they’re so comfortable I decided to head to my nearest shoe repair store. I’m happy to say all they needed were some new soles. Now they’re as good as new, will probably last a couple more years, and I saved money by not having to buy new scandals.

The Budget Smart Girl’s Tip

One way to prolong the life of your shoes is to keep them clean. Here’s a product that came to my attention and has a SRP of just $9.99. It’s battery operated (yes, it even does the work for you), and you get about 100 polishes on one set batteries, which are included. It’s called Buff ‘n Shine www.buffnshine.com. You can buy it directly from this site. Oh, and the site also offers more shoe care tips!

~Susan Palmquist

Susan Palmquist is a freelance writer who specializes in food, health and money saving topics. She writes a monthly column called Budget Smart and is a food editor for an online publication. She also has another Web site with Garden and Hearth called Eating Well on a Budget.