Indeed, these are good times.  Although, on the surface, it may look like we’re contracting, the opposite is true.  Think of a rubber band.  It must be pulled back to shoot forward.  Today, we care about more than we have ever before.  What is emerging is a new sense of self-style independent of trends and that empowers us and makes us feel more self-reliant.   

This inward fashion expansion helps us become even more creative.  We will discover new fashion combinations we previously haven’t seen before.  Although we might not buy as many new pairs of shoes this year, we are in more of a fashion power position than ever before.  Using a budget that works for us, we can use our “limitations” to look in new directions and create a unique style that previously didn’t exist.  

If you are feeling extra adventurous for 2009, do what I call in my book a Sole Purge.  Have the courage to give away every pair of shoes that is not uniquely you.  No “should” shoes live in your closet.  Every pair of shoes you own express qualities about yourself that you love.  When you finally let go of shoes you don’t like but feel you “should” keep, it’s a feeling just as satisfying as buying a pair of new shoes.     

Next, take a moment and focus the shoes in your closet that you already love.  Expand your vision.  Expand the possibilities and fashion combinations with colors, textures, and lengths of your clothes coupled with your shoes.  You might just discover and inner wardrobe expansion.  Even the stars are leading the way.  Vanessa Hudgens is successfully mixes designers and price points.  She’s been seen all around Beverly Hills in a pair of $69 Chinese Laundry Sudoku boots.  It’s still true that you are what you wear.  In 2009, go for it.  Experience your own inward fashion expansion and inspire others to do the same.

By Donna Sozio Shoe-ologist and author of the hit book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers:  What his Shoes Really Say About his True Love Potential. 

What men forget is that women have to feel good about ourselves first for us to want to give anything to a man. Sex included. Our fifteen pairs of black shoes that make us feel good fifteen different ways, is in fact doing the heavy lifting for men. Instead of cursing them, men should thank our shoes. Our shoes compliment us when men forget to. They make us feel beautiful when men are too busy to notice our new haircut or outfit. In the feel good department of life, our shoes pick up the slack where men drop the ball. If men want more room in the closet, they might want to start complimenting us more so our fifteen pairs of black shoes don’t have to.

Better-Than-Sex Shoes

10 Reasons Why Shoes Are Better Than Men

1. They come in pairs
2. We pick their size
3. They prefer to be fixed
4. They always compliment us
5. They wait right where we left them
6. They’re returnable
7. They don’t mind being cleaned up
8. They like it when we “step on them”
9. They always know how to make us feel better
10. They don’t get jealous if we’ve had multiple shoe experiences

*** excerpt from the book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers by Donna Sozio

Donna Sozio is a dating expert, Shoe-ologist and author of the hit dating book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers: What his Shoes Really Say About his True Love Potential. Check out her Gift Bag E*vent for Shoe Lovers to learn how to win over $5827 in sweet gift bag swag! www.DonnaSozio.com/PRIZES