Showing posts with label ankle strap shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ankle strap shoes. Show all posts

Monday, July 20, 2009

Pull yourself up by your ankle straps

I have ophiophobia -- fear of snakes. Who doesn't? They are gross and creepy. There's a reason "coldblooded" is an insult. The only time I don't mind snakes is when their skin is on shoes, a belt or purse. Vestiphobia is the fear of clothing. I definitely don't have vestiphobia -- but there are some types of clothing that I avoid like a snake: skinny and/or acid washed jeans, heavy cable knit sweaters, accordion pleated skirts, and shoes with ankle straps.

I have short legs and wide calves (for example, most knee-high boots come with a 13-15" circumference -- I need 16"). I avoid ankle strap shoes, which tend to visually cut the legs, making them appear even shorter and wider. For this reason, I was wary about these snakeskin ankle strap shoes.

However, even with short legs and wide calves, I found I can wear shoes with ankle straps. First, I make sure the strap hits below the ankle. I avoid thick straps and dark colors. These particular shoes are a conglomeration of neutral colors. Generally, neutral colored shoes help create the illusion of a longer leg. In this case, I think the neutrality helps to avoid a shortening effect. Of course, the added height from the 3/4" platform and 3 1/2" heel does a good job to visually lengthen the leg as well. Also, wearing a skirt that falls above the knee will help keep your stems from appearing like stumps.


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necklace: Cookie Lee
tank top: S.O.
wrap top: Worthington
skirt: Sunny Leigh
shoes: Guess (as in the brand name, not as in me being coy)