I had an opportunity to speak with Anna from ShoeSmitten Boutique to chat about shoes. It turns out she’s as big a shoe-a-holic as I, so naturally my first question was…
How did you become a Shoe-a-holic?
I’ve always admired beautiful shoes, but only recently did I resolve to delve into learning more about shoe fashion. I find great joy in accessorizing my outfits with my shoes. But even though I could recognize a beautiful shoe, I had no knowledge of the story behind that beautiful shoe. So I set out to learn everything about shoes, from the history of each style to the current trends and designers.
We share a similar story, being we both love shoes and started a site about it. How has your site changed your life?
I spend more time now than ever researching shoe designers, and fashion in general, and I love how I’m always learning new things. Shoe Smitten has opened my eyes to the possibilities available on the Web, for both personal and professional growth. I began the blog as a way to teach myself about my passion - shoes - and it quickly grew into something more - a place for other shoe lovers to come and share their opinions and advice.
If money were no object, what is your favorite pair of high heels?
I don’t really have one favorite pair, but I love Angelo Anastasio’s shoes, and would die for a pair of his Angeleigh Anastasio ‘Nereida’ sandals. I’ve also been eying this gorgeous pair of purple ankle boots by Sergio Rossi for quite some time.
With sky high stilettos and heel-less heels, what do you think are trends and what might catch on?
I believe that heel-less heels are simply a trend, as well as the fringe frenzy. I’m not a huge fan of either, in terms of wearability. I do, however, appreciate the architecture of the heel-less heel and I appreciate it as art. Now sky high stilettos, bold colors, embellishments and interesting textures are here to stay.
Trend Report for this coming season: In one word - BOLD! Shoes are becoming more and more interesting, with added details, cutout patterns and unusual heels. The biggest trend for this fall is women’s footwear, I would say, is the shootie. This is a must-have shoe!
Do you have any shoe fashion rules to share? Kind of like “no white after labor day”, but with regards to shoes.
1. Never wear running shoes with jeans! In fact, they should only be worn when you’re actually planning to exercise and are wearing sweatpants or shorts.
2. Don’t wear hose with sandals (flat or high heeled)!
3. Don’t bleed for shoes, no matter how beautiful! All the shoes I own are comfortable enough to stand in for at least an hour, and I buy gel inserts to make uncomfortable shoes more comfortable. It’s just not worth it to be cringing in agony and walking funny just to show off a gorgeous pair of 6″ Manolos.
4. I see a lot of college girls wearing their jeans not-so-neatly tucked into Ugg boots. I think Ugg boots are cute, but only when worn with super-skinny jeans or leggings. You need that skin-tight, chic look to offset the chunky boots.
Do you have any funny shoe fashion mishaps you can share?
One day, a few years ago, I was super-late to work so I got dressed and left the house in 5 minutes. As soon as I stepped out of the car at my office, I realized that I was wearing two different shoes - a black pump and a dark purple one! I just laughed it off and joked that I was trying to start a new trend…yeah, that didn’t catch on!

Anna is the twenty-something self-diagnosed shoeaholic behind the popular blog http://www.shoesmitten.com/blog/, where she shares her love affair of the sole. She wants to be a person people turn to for advice about how to wear a particular shoe style, and to learn about the latest shoe designs. In her free time, she likes to “windowshop” online, work out, and hit the town with friends.
Thanks Anna! And for those that don’t know, be sure to check Anna’s Clear Shoe Boxes, charms and more in the Shoe Smitten Boutique!
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