How to remedy a shoe addiction?
This week a serious issue has come to the attention of Fashion Statement. It's an age-old problem that seemingly remains unaffected by economic meltdown or climate change. What could we be talking about? Why, "shoe addiction" of course.
First of all let's reel off some impressive stats ... Did you know that blonde warbler Christina Aguilera has 750 pairs of shoes in her walk-in wardrobe? Or that style barometer Paris Hilton (yes, we are being sarcastic) has lost count of how many she owns and believes it to be somewhere in the region of 2,000? And let's not forget the infamous Imelda Marcos, who - when she wasn't sending planes from Manila to Australia to pick up some sand - was buying designer footwear: more than 1,000 pairs, according to Time magazine.
It turns out, though, that the most shocking celebrity shoe-gatherer of all is someone we've not thought of since 1993, when battered copies of her towering literary achievements were surreptitiously passed around the playground. Yes, it's only Danielle Steel, teenage Fashion Statement's favourite author (purely for the sexy bits), who owns 6,000 pairs of Louboutins. That's a lot of shoes for a woman who we're sure spends all of her time at her keyboard.
Anyway, call us footloose but we think 50 pairs is OTT, never mind 6,000. But Fashion Statement doesn't want to mock - just help. So we've taken the marvellous Dr Phil's programme, Seven Steps To Breaking Your Addiction, and adapted it for shoeperstars hoping to break the grip of their own compulsions:
1) Acknowledge the purpose.
Does buying shoes numb you to the reality of your dull, suburban life? Admitting the true cause of your obsession is the first step to recovery.
2) Think rational thoughts instead of denial.
On an intellectual level you know that spending £600 on a pair of pointed, cripplingly uncomfortable heels is unhealthy - and yet you continue. Try putting pictures of Victoria Beckham's bunions or Sarah Brown's toes around your house.
3) Use alternative coping skills.
Alcohol and chocolate works for us.
4) Identify your danger zones.
Lunchbreaks, paydays - clearly they must be avoided. FS suggest that should financial circumstances make quitting your job a tad tricky, you instead carry around a picture of some Crocs, or a footballer's wife in Uggs. If that doesn't put you off shoe shopping, nothing will.
5) Make lifestyle changes.
Go barefoot instead. It's good for you.
6) Be accountable and have a support system.
You may need check into a rehabilitative program. So far we haven't actually managed to find one, but let's face it, if you can check into the Priory to cure yourself of racism, shoe addiction should be a doddle.
7) Reward yourself.
Overcoming an addiction can be very difficult, but it can be done. Reward yourself. Hell, why not go shopping for a nice pair of … oh.
BANG ON TREND
Tough jewellery
Every year when blossoms start, er, blossoming, and lambs go gambolling, Fashion Statement is struck with an odd sense of deja vu. Somehow, the powers that be manage to convince us each season that florals, frills, and fancies are where it's at for spring. Consequently, we ditch our shield of chunky boots, coats and knits in favour of frivolously girly attire. This season, however, FS has decided to stand firm in the face of attack and say NO to an overly sweet concoction of ice-cream shades, candy tones and romantic prints. Which leaves us with the dilemma of how to update our wardrobes ...
Instead of abandoning our inner Athena, we've decided to rise to the challenge, remove a layer of woolly jumper, and accent our winter basics with some serious, don't-mess-with-me jewellery. From Alexander McQueen's four ring knuckle-duster (£290), to the tough yet delicate multi-link chain bracelet on ASOS (£8), via Burberry's studded perspex bangle (£225) and the godmother of them all, the brass chain and spikes cuff by Givenchy (£385), this season's collections brim with tough-enough accessories that come in the shape of daggers (by Nuit N° 12, £80), nails (Eddie Borgo, £160), screws (Giles & Brother, £55) and, of course, studs (Felder Felder, £100) and spikes (Assad Mounser at Kabiri, £360). Be it silver or gold, gunmetal or brass, there is something for every fashion magpie out there.
We're particularly fond of the latest creations by Swedish-born, London-trained Fannie Schiavoni, who has made a simply wonderful anodised steel chainmail harness for a mere £190. Not your thing? Then how about a glove? Not an ordinary glove, of course, never let it be said that we go for the ordinary: this is a fingerless, chainmail glove (£150). Be sure to wear it on the first day of the summer sales and who knows, it might help you while you get medieval over that last pair of peep-toe Louboutins.
If you prefer to avoid the violence and shop online, how about a dot shield ring by Ugo Cacciatori (£160) or, at a fraction of the price, a structured metal cuff from ASOS (£12)? For your ears there are these piercingly phenomenal gold fangs by Dominic Jones (£225).
FASHIONISTA OF THE WEEK
Zoe Saldana
Appearing at the LA premiere of the film Death at the Funeral, Zoe Saldana made us want to break out the Pimm's cocktails and don a panama hat. Why? Because she looked frightfully summery in her orange Lanvin dress. Utilising the season's hottest trend, draping, (just ask Jess Cartner-Morley) she made like a Greek goddess on the red carpet, pairing her dress with a gold ringlet belt and a leopardprint clutch.
FASHION GRAVEYARD
Pantaloons
Honestly, sometimes you just want to take these celebrities and give them a violent shake while screaming in their faces, "What WERE you thinking?". The trouble is, we know exactly what former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq was thinking when she bought these voluminous trousers - she had a 'here's one I made earlier' moment. Trust us, those trousers will end up as sails on a lolly-stick pirate ship.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
My motto is no men for 2010 (no promises). Not because I'm being boring but because of work commitments. My remedy is to surround myself with fabulously handsome gay men. Every girl should have a gay best friend! They never let you down, they have the filthiest jokes and the best gossip. A gay man will never let you out the door looking less than perfect.
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson speaks to Vogue Italia.
SHOPPING NEWS
To mark its 20th anniversary, British jewellery label Tateossian will be opening its brand-new boutique on Conduit Street, London, in summer 2010. Located in the heart of Mayfair, it will be the brand's fourth store.
Many thanks to reader Gemma who alerted us to this little gem: myfashionjunkie.com is an online boutique with an added extra. Not only does it allow you to browse and buy from an impressive collection of vintage finds and pieces by new designers, you can also trade in, swap and sell your unwanted garments via the website too.
Oxfam has launched the UK's first online charity boutique dedicated solely to secondhand vintage clothing. The site is to stock the biggest vintage collection available anywhere online, and if you don't feel like shopping, there is also an informative guide to fashion decades.
OUT AND ABOUT
Vintage fans in York should make a note of The House of Avalon, a new vintage clothing and coffee concept store, which opens its doors on Saturday 1 May. Apart from vintage designs from the 1910s to the 1960s, shoppers will also have an opportunity to indulge in 20p coffee and cupcakes, watch screenings of classic Hollywood films, and use the services of a professional vintage hairstylist.
To the Batmobile, bargain hunters! We have some dates for your diary: Peter Jensen will hold a sample sale from Friday 23 April to Sunday 25 April in his Dalston studio, offering samples from his previous collections with an impressive 60% discount. Orla Kiely is also having a sample sale, where heavily discounted womenswear and accessories will be on offer, between Thursday 29 April and Sunday 2 May at Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London.
OFFCUTS
Jess Cartner-Morley guides you through the style in the upcoming Sex and the City film.
Check out the work of these contemporary textile designers. It's loopy.
Hadley Freeman answers your sartorial dilemmas. This week: are big shoulders over?
For all the latest fashion news, visit guardian.co.uk/fashion
News to tell us? Email kate.carter@guardian.co.uk
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shoe addiction rehab
Source: http://docphy.com/shopping-fashion/clothing/shoes/shoe-addiction-whats-cure.html
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