Sole Searching and the Single Loulou

Bruce and I have been over for nearly 12 hours now, and I've decided this is a good time to do some sole-searching. Sole-searching, in case you are not familiar with the concept, is the process of investing some serious time (and, of course, money) into finding the pair of shoes that most expresses who you really are, on the inside. Even though my last drought was substantial (I was without a boyfriend for nearly 4 days pre-Bruce), I never took the time to do the things that really matter to me. Instead, I wasted my precious free time with Donato, my yummy Italian personal trainer, opening up to him about life as a single girl in the city. Usually this was done over a plate of pasta, which led to an unfortunate weight gain of nearly half a pound.

Anyway, this time I plan to make the most of my single status, and the freedom that comes with it, by doing something really meaningful with my time - shoe shopping. I've found a few pairs of shoes that really, truly speak to me. The next step is to buy them all, and live with them for a little while, seeing how they get along with my life and my wardrobe, before making a full commitment and dubbing the winning pair my sole-mates. And since, if the past is any indication, I have anywhere from 2-3 days of single-ness left, I have plenty of time to tackle such a monumental task. So I won't keep you waiting much longer. Here is a list (in no particular order) of the cutest shoes ever made, by any label, ever, and exactly what I love about each pair:

1. Christian Louboutin Gressimo Gingham Knot Pump, $875: Not only are these adorable gingham platforms fresh and fun, they are the perfect pair to pick for your next picnic. In Paris.

2. Christan Louboutin Lady Peep Slingback Pump, $895: These shoes are not only patent leather, one of my favorite things ever, but they also feature several beautiful colors at the same time! So ingenious, and so versatile, which makes them a real steal when you stop to think about it!

3. Nina Ricci Floral Maryjane Pump, $1295: These shoes are so pretty and romantic, they make me want to find another boyfriend just so I can properly debut them. 

4. Christian Louboutin Studio 120 Peep Toe Pumps, $1895: These studded cream peep-toes are so pretty, they almost make me want to plan another premature wedding to an undeserving boyfriend who never lived up to his potential. Sniff. But since I am single, I think I will wear them out to dinner with the girls. At least then I will have an appreciative audience!

5. Alexander McQueen Leather Lace Pump, $935: Like every socially-minded fashionista, I immediately bought up every last Alexander McQueen item I could find upon the tragic news of his passing. He was a legend, and these stunning shoes are just one of many, many reasons why.

6. Fendi Deco Suede Pumps, $725: I am not usually a suede fan because, let's face it, it's usually dull. Not shiny or sparkly at all. But these fuchsia pumps are different. I love them because the color is so gorgeous, and the style is so feminine. And I firmly believe it's important to rotate your fuchsia pumps so that you aren't wearing the same 23 pairs all the time. It's such a lovely, versatile color.

7. Manolo Blahnik Sequined Pascalare Over the Knee Boot, $1550: I usually don't go for Manolos, as I don't find 3-inches to be an acceptable heel height. If you are going to go that low, you might as well wear flats! But these glittery, mile-long black boots teeter on a perfectly respectable 4-inch heel, and, aside from looking fabulous, do the very practical job of keeping your legs warm in the winter. Genius!

8. Miu Miu Bow Front Maryjane, $595: Yes, these are inexpensive, but don't worry. I promise to make it up to you elsewhere on this list, and, in my opinion, Miu Miu shoes are wildly underrated. I love them because they are feminine and funky. These shoes are so pretty, they are like little French macaroons for your feet. Even though they were made in Italy.

9. Fendi Tasseled Pump, $860: If I ever (God forbid!) found myself appearing in front of someone scary, like a judge or a tax accountant, I would want to be wearing these shoes. The menswear-inspired style  means that they will definitely take you seriously, because you will look so smart, and the height will give you a little extra confidence. Too bad they only come in green or brown, two of my least favorite colors!

10. Miu Miu Patent Leather Peep Toes, $670: Only Miu Miu could make humdrum colors like nude and camel seem so girly and exciting. Wear these when you want to be taken seriously, like the first time in a brand-new boutique or for an audition. The perforated trim will make you look so professional!