Civility by Diana Olson:

Part 1

?

Another important accessory is the type of shoes that you wear. Shoes can change the way we look, act and behave. Currently, there is an invasion of designer shoes, extremely high heels, wild colors and more styles than you can ever imagine.

Meghan Cleary, host of HSN’s “Shoe Therapy,” has found that there is a strong link between shoe style and personality. For instance, she believes that those wearing high heels are “go getters”; Ballet flat wearers are multi-taskers; boots are associated with determined women; a sneaker-wearer is a natural type and trendsetter; flip-flops reveal that you are an individualist. Peep-toe wearers are outgoing, trusting and gregarious. Do any of these fit you? You can be a combination.

I, too, find a personality connection to the shoe wearer an interesting concept. There are many trends in shoes, from which to choose, depending on your personality:

•?Shoe colors: Brown, navy, grey, black, bone, beige, metallic tones, maroon, gold, red, green, cobalt blue, violet, orange and girly pink.

•?Prints and decorations: Leopard, bows, sequins, buckles, snakeskin, satin, pearlescent, braids, suede, plaid, patent, gemstones, chains and glitter.

•?Wooden heels: Sultry and bare, these shoes come in patent leather, braided and croc styles; dramatic, but sophisticated; collegiate or hippy; wear with pants or a gauzy peasant dress.

•?T-Strap heels: Wild, fun, and a classic ballroom dancer heel; glossy, contrast, sequins, delicate and light. This is for a woman 5’7” or taller.

•?Platform wedges: Good for beach casual or sophisticated pants, skirts, or shorts; comes in linen, leather, patent, gold; can be refined cute or very modern.

•?Platforms: Beautiful party shoes that are bronzed, satin, with rhinestones, zippers, or retro; have a lady-like elegance with sex appeal.

•?Mary Jane flats: Updated feminine schoolgirl style with sequins, contrast, foil-finish, or leopard.

•?Peep-toe sling-backs: Classic, professional, feminine, and genteel worn with a skirt, dress, trousers or wide-leg pants; high shine, textured, ribbon threading, snakeskin and sequins.

There will be more next week about the different types of shoes and how to wear them. Enjoy these variations with the different heights of heels, what works best for your back and legs, so that you can personalize your individual style.

DIANA OLSON, for more information on consultations or seminars, contact , MA AICI CIP, Certified Image and Etiquette Consultant, at diana@ dianaolson.com or www.dianaolson.com.