Shoes. They protect the feet, they complete an outfit. They can be sex magnets and works of art.
For many women, they're the be-all and end-all of fashion.
That's how Patti Struna feels about her shoes. She's got about 100 pairs. It's hard to tell exactly how many, as they're tucked away in different spots in her Bethel home. But why not? She enjoys them.
Struna, whose passion for footwear began when she was a youngster, describes her collection as a near addiction. A co-owner of Advantage Realty Commercial in Bethel, she said there's just something about shoes that delights her.
"They make me smile, just trying them on," she said. "I like the different textures and materials, from luxurious fabrics to gorgeous supple leather and buttery suede.
"I'd rather buy shoes than jewelry," she said. "I think of shoes, like jewelry, as an accessory. I buy shoes on impulse; I don't buy jewelry on impulse, but I won't buy shoes that are the wrong size or I can't walk in."
Sheila Cohen, of Newtown, is also a shoe lover. At times she's had as many as 150 pairs in her closets.
You might call these women "shoenistas." Their collections include high heels, flats, boots, sandals and, in Struna's case, golf shoes. If they feel the desire to see some new styles, it's easy enough to browse online or check out some local stores.
When it comes to this year's fall styles, boots for every taste and age are in vogue. There are wide-calf boots, knee-high boots and booties (ankle) boots. For the more daring, combat boots are back, and there are thigh-high styles, too.
Fashion-forward "shoenistas" will delight in shooties -- lace-up shoes on heels.
Flats are also very much in vogue. They can be found in solid hues of beige, plum and burgundy, covered in animal prints, glitzed up with rhinestones or studded.
Pumps are still very fashionable, too -- especially if they have ankle straps.
High heels are a go, but then so are wedge and kitten heels. Chunky heels seem to be making a return.
Andre Monte Santo, manager of Brazilia's, in the Danbury Fair mall, said his shop is carrying "heels, boots with a lot of embellishment and detail, and this year especially, more patterns, shoes made of fabric and two-toned black-and-white shoes."
Of the national brands, Stuart Weitzman is showing boots in a variety of leathers and fabrics, some of which go over the knee, while others inch up to the lower thigh. Straps, different designs, both over the foot and at the ankle, adorn high-heeled sandals and pumps. And Karen Ferko, of Stuart Weitzman, said classic loafers have been updated with angular block heels.
Nine West features flats with ankle straps, patent leather or animal print shoes, pointy-toed footwear, shooties and a variety of platform and wedge-heeled shoes.
Ninive Giordano, creative director for Nine West, said there are many options this fall. "Urban Boho grunge meets glam with an assortment of rich leather and suede styles that complement the textured looks of the season," she said, and black is still very much in.
"The moto trend returns with a sexy attitude," she said. "Black leather comes back in matte and high-shine finishes paired with iconic hardware for an urban, edgy look. Standout styles include high-collared pumps, quilted leather boots and biker details on unexpected silhouettes."
Easy Spirit is showing an assortment of square-, pointed- and round-toe flats and heels in beiges, black, animal prints and patent leather.
Given all these choices, what role should shoes play in a wardrobe?
According to wardrobe and image consultant Pam Friedlander, owner of Positive Reflections in Danbury, "Most people don't think of shoes as an accessory, but they are."
Shoes can make or break an outfit, she said, and they "must be comfortable. If not, they can't be worn."
So, with all this, what do dedicated shoenistas really look for in shoes? It appears beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Cohen said her go-to shoe is "a very pretty open-toe, flat summer shoe. It's covered in different colors of silk, but it's a sporty, casual shoe. I wear it all the time."
Struna said her favorite is what she calls her "Christmas shoe." It's a sling-back, pointy-toed pump with a black-and-white leopard-like pattern and a big red, peau du soie ribbon across the front.
Asked what they look for in shoes, both women, like Friedlander, topped their list with "comfort."
"It must be comfortable, good quality and fit well," said Cohen.
Attractive was next, followed by flattering to their legs and feet and appropriate for the outfit, as well as the occasion for which they're being worn.
Cohen buys shoes because she likes them. "I think they're a wonderful accessory for clothes and they're easy to buy," she said. "I don't get rid of shoes so easily; that's why I have so many."
Struna said she simply loves how shoes make her feel.
So, if you're a woman who chooses to accessorize with shoes, look for what you like and, if the shoe fits ...
Sybil Blau is a freelance writer in Connecticut; sibby3@yahoo.com
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