Ever wondered how to pick the perfect OOTD, or what to wear to a wedding? Blogger Jessica Tham answers all of your Fashion FAQs in this column about all things fashion!
Shoe Hacks Every Girl Should Know
We love handbags as much as the next girl, but you have to admit that shoes are just as important. Whether you’re off conquering the world in killer heels, or wearing a pair of familiar flats while travelling, your choice of shoes can pretty much make or break your day. Fashion may sometimes require uncomfortable sacrifices (hello, Spanx) but hobbling around in the wrong pair of shoes is where we draw the line.
Here are some essential shoe hacks every girl should know, featuring Jessica Tham’s (also known as @tippytapp) favourite pairs of shoes. And if you haven’t already seen her crazy amazing wardrobe, go check it out for some serious #closetenvy.
1. Break in shoes with a pair of socks and hairdryer.
There’s nothing worse than slipping on a new pair of shoes, only to be plagued with blisters while you’re out and about in them. Because excruciating pain aside, wearing a pair of emergency slippers with your outfit just does not make for fabulousness you know?
We know you’re excited to take your new shoes out for a spin, but you might want to break them in before you do. The easiest and cheapest way to do so is to wear a pair of thick socks with your shoes. Use a hair dryer to heat the edges of the shoes, then walk around the house in them for a bit. Who cares if you look ridiculous? Your shoes will be nice and loose after, and you can go forth and conquer the world in them.
If you want to be extra cautious, wear a pair of footsies (available at Guardian or most shoe stores) with your new shoes to reduce chafing and blisters. You can also try rubbing some Vaseline on the sides and back of your feet to minimise blisters caused by friction.
2. Tape your toes before wearing heels.
If you’re not used to walking around in heels (read: you switch to slippers once you get to your office desk), try taping your third and fourth toes together with surgical tape (available at most pharmacies).
It may sound somewhat dubious, but doing so actually helps to alleviate pain while walking by keeping your foot muscles aligned. Taping your toes together also keeps the balls of your feet more steady, so you’re less likely to trip or fall while walking in heels. Now you know how Victoria Beckham stays so fabulous in heels.
3. Waterproof canvas shoes with beeswax.
You know what’s a major fashion pet peeve of ours? Wet shoes, yuck. While you may not be able to control the weather, you can take preventive measures to keep your shoes nice and dry. Rub some beeswax (available at Art Friend or craft stores) all over your canvas shoes, then seal it in with a hairdryer.
The hot air from the hairdryer will melt the beeswax and create an invisible layer of waterproof protection on your shoes. Obviously we’re not asking you to go around jumping in puddles, but the beeswax will definitely help to repel water droplets.
4. Deodorise shoes with dryer sheets.
Sweaty feet? There there, we won’t judge…although we’re probably not going near your shoes anytime soon. Just kidding (but not really).
If you have smelly shoes, slip a dryer sheet (or fabric softener sheet) into each shoe for a couple of days. The sheets will help to deodorise the smell, without causing dampness (as some shoe sprays do).
If you want to go the extra mile (and we hope you do if you have sweaty feet), sprinkle some baby powder into your shoes and rub it in. The powder will help to absorb moisture and get rid of odours.
