Shoes to die for

Ever noticed how unbelievably hard it is to look chic when it’s freezing outside? Last night I resisted the temptation to bundle up in an unflattering tracksuit and threw on a blazer and scarf to attend The Shoe Affair at the Edgars in Melrose Arch. A for effort.

As it happened, I needn’t have worried about the cold as the massive flagship store was hub of excitement and energy that warmed up the place faster than an incinerator. Why? Because all of the fashionable people came out to celebrate international shoe brands like bebe, Nina Roche, Aldo, Badgley Mischka and L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani to name a few, becoming available at that Edgars.
Sure, a pair of some of the adored shoes costs about as much as my rent, which is where an Edgars card comes in handy. (I’ve resisted thus far but eyeing out a pair of shearling-trimmed ankle boots from Gwen’s line has me reconsidering).

Edgars has however sweetened the deal for those customers who purchase shoes from the designer labels in the form of giveaways and vouchers as well as luxury foot treatments from the likes of Molton Brown, Crabtree & Evelyn, Clarins and more over the next five weeks.
What I loved, even more than the shoes (may Carrie Bradshaw strike me down), were the dramatic photos taken by 10 local photographers who worked with stylists to illustrate the concept of a shoe affair. This is the part where I boast that many of the talented snappers have shot for CLEO and deserve a shout out. Congrats to Pieter Vosloo, Warren van Rensburg, Fiona Royds and Ross Garrett for capturing some of the beautiful images that were auctioned off last night to benefit the SOS Children’s Villages.

Many of the guests also donated their ‘pre-owned’ heels to Jo-Ann Strauss’s The Princess Project which helps girls who can’t afford to drop loads of cash on their Matric dance outfits, feel like Cinderella for a night. The collection point lingers on so be sure to drop off any evening shoes you no longer wear. I think that’s what they call fashion with feeling …