Fashion from the Feet Up

Shoes (Poetic License); Blue Topaz ring (Ross-Simons); Mandarin Garnet and Diamond Ring (Aronstam Jewelers); Earrings (Erica Lyons); Scarf (H&M); Bag (Brahmin); Carnelian and Blue Topaz necklace (Laura Gibson)

There are shoes you buy to complete an outfit, and there are shoes you buy to build an outfit around.  These turquoise suede and orange leather Poetic License platforms fit squarely in the latter camp.  They're not for everyone - when my stepfather saw them, he just shook his head.  But, I was smitten.  I NEEDED orange and turquoise platforms with a faux crocodile heel!  And they were on clearance!

Of course, I had no idea what I would wear with them.  Orange and turquoise was not a color combination common to my closet.  No matter - these shoes were definitely worthy of a "fashion from the feet up" approach - meaning shoes first, outfit(s) to follow!  And so it began - a quest for a wardrobe of orange and turquoise that would span seasons and make what was, I admit, a most impractical purchase practical.  In the three years since these slightly over the top shoes came into my life, I've built a multitude of season spanning outfits around them, and never fail to notice and consider items that reflect the color combination (though I draw the line at Miami Dolphins gear).  

These wearable works of art also began my love affair with the Poetic License line, and I've become a collector of sorts.  They're incredibly unique, well-made and reliably true to size, though somewhat difficult to find locally.  I've waxed poetic about other styles from this British brand here, here, here and here, and they were featured in my "guest post" here.

Do you ever take a "fashion from the feet up" approach, or are shoes just another finishing touch in your wardrobe?

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

I'm linked up with Bella's Shoe Shine - check it out for scads of fab shoes!