Shoe challenge No. 5

Now I did warn you that things would slow down challenge-wise once the initial enthusiasm had worn off but while I haven't been posting I have been working away on 'shoe stuff'.
I have actually worn a further three pairs (all heels) but having reviewed the photos of pairs five and six (taken by husband number one it must be noted) I've decided they are too crap to use so pair seven will take their place at number five in the challenge. I must say I'm really not enjoying the photo bit, the shoes are fab but the full length photos are less fun, much less fun.
Anway, number five are red patent heels, with a cream patent optional mary jane strap, by Steve Madden that I bought a few years ago in Chicago. I made the purchase on the last day of the trip and had I had more room left in my baggage allowance I'd have bought more than just this one pair as I love this shape. They are uber comfy and very cute.

Forgive the messing about in Photoshop here but the background was just too messy boring. I look like a bit of a gom here but it was the best photo from a shoe point of view. The shoes are worn here with a black Next dress and red wool cardigan from Sicily. I think the belt is Pennys (Primark).

Ready for the close up

This image shows the moveable strap. I tend to wear them with the strap down but mainly because they are a bit too big for me (my feet seem to be shrinking, I've always been a 36/36.5 or 3-3.5 but even my 36s need heel grips this weather and I was a 35.5 in a pair of Christian Louboutins last weekend (trip to the new boutique needs a whole blog to itself!) even with heel grips.

Storage solution
I said I was up to other shoe stuff, so to explain – I decided in order to facilitate wearing my shoes more often I needed a better storage system. My shoes, in the main, had been tucked away in boxes in a walk-in storage cupboard. So, out of sight-out of mind no more: I took myself off to IKEA and several hours later I had this:

It's actually the Billy book case with doors and I LOVE it! No more excuses about not being able to find my shoes. While it only fits a little over half of my 'collection' it will make it a lot easier to just grab a pair in the morning. Also, it will be pretty hard to forget about the challenge as they are RIGHT THERE in the bedroom. Did I mention I love this? *sigh* It may not quite be a 'shoe room' á la Mariah Carey but it's a start. 

  

Day two: don't expect me to keep pace this up!

Hmmm, I kind of fell into wearing another pair of boots today. I've barely had my Uggs off me in the last few months but as both pairs need a good clean and I've been too lazy busy to get around to it I was pushed to break my pattern.
The pair I wore today I had forgotten I even owned and they didn't even make it into the group photo at the start of this whole shoe challenge frippery. They are brown knee-highs from Next with a double buckle detail at the ankle. I'm not in love with these but they are quite comfy and very versatile. Nevertheless, while they may be 'saved' they may not make it to February 14, 2012, especially as I have a new pair of brown boots en route as I type (already counted as part of my total as they were ordered on 2/2/11 but Officeshoes.co.uk seem to be sending them by donkey courier).
Anyway, once again, I digress; here they are worn with a dress by coincidence also from Next (Petite) and the old reliable black leggings (over tights - it's bloody cold and drafty in my office).  Please excuse the terrible lighting and the somewhat crazed look I'm sporting. I'm not enjoying this part of the process I must admit!

 Here's a close up. Like my Uggs, they too need a clean :o(