If the shoe fits, wear it

Any self-confessed shoe addict has definitely been to this sole haven at the third floor of Adora. Each pair of flats, mid-heels, high heels, platforms, wedges, sandals, pumps, and boots is discerningly selected to suit any occasion and lifestyle. The best part is that you need not consult your financial adviser to purchase a pair or two, or more. You will delight in their accessible price range.

The ultimate shoe guide for fall

Carrie Bradshaw would definitely go crazy here. Adora’s Shoe Mecca has the latest footwear trends for fall from tough-chic boots to ferociously fashionable high heels, and fierce flats — from brands such as Schutz, What For, Pretty Ballerinas and Stella Luna.

Schutz is about attitude and innovation. “We truly believe in living for pleasure,” said Alexandre Birman, vice chairman of his family’s Brazil-based footwear company, Arezzo & Co., and designer of his line, Birman. “There is a gap where smaller, branded shops with high quality but affordable footwear are missing in the market. Schutz is similar to what you see with Michael Kors or Tory Burch, but it’s a little bit more mature,” said Birman from an interview of Jacquelyn Lewis (September 2012). This season Schutz takes references from the turn of the century, back to the future, folkloric, and male minimalism. The Golden Age turns out with different kinds of glitter, crafted ornaments, baroque details, lace ups and high back shoes in completely black. The futuristic versions have acrylic heels while the folkloric pieces come with embroidery and beads, colorful details, distressed details, vegetal leather and aged metals. 

The What For woman takes the fashion lead. She is not afraid to experiment and mixes urban casual with effortlessly easy city chic. What For provides high fashion essentials from contemporary casual to modern luxury. Metal studs add edge to timeless pumps and peeps while pretty bow pumps are given modern bold heels for a fresh take on the classic. Sleek moccasin-inspired pumps get a tough metal trim. Fall boots lend a touch of edgy modernity. There are casual versions for the stylish city woman. Modern classics like the Chelsea boots and lace ups are given tougher leather welted soles and rugged rubber outsoles. Casual elements like quilted leathers and buckles transform stilettos, ankle and knee boots into luxuriously fashionable silhouettes. The What For woman‘s philosophy mixes fashion with freedom and fun. The latest collection will definitely make her ahead of the fashion pack.

Take a break and keep your feet happy. The flat provides both fashion and function. Take your pick from Pretty Ballerinas. It is a creation of a long line of history and tradition. To this day, after four generations, the footwear is ethically sourced and handmade on the island of Menorca, Spain. Just take a look at the feet who don them — from fashionable and influential celebrities like Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson, Kylie Minogue, and Katherine Heigl. Whatever you fancy, Pretty Ballerinas has it. Some models have remained unchanged over 40 years. Each shoe shape has the name of a female icon or silver screen legend from the ‘40s to the ‘60s. Made in different casts to offer a variation in shape, the collection has over 100 colors, and fabric patterns. This season, get back to nature with earth tones — from the softest suede in rust, mustard, forest green, and brown.  For a feminine take, romantic chiffon flowers accent the flat. Pretty Ballerina also has a version of the current camo trend combined with flou colors. Then, pierced lips and tartan trousers provide a punk chic to the latest flat. There’s also gradient, these ballerinas fade from dark to light and one color to another.

Stella Luna takes inspiration from the Parisian architecture landscape — from the minimal modernism and romantic art Nouveau decadence. The balance of the minimally demure and the magnificently opulent is juxtaposed in perfect harmony. Fall heels are modern with a perfect balance between linear and sensually luxurious. There are versions in patent leathers and exotic reptiles for the tough chic look and soft suede with a nonchalant vibe for the cool Parisian style. Quilted leather embroideries and laser cut suede mimics the baroque ballroom floor or the ornate plasterwork of a Parisian boudoir while molded leather studs echo the grand foundation stones of a period of Parisian architectural masterpiece. Elasticized lace ups spiraling up the front of boots, on the other hand, look like wrought iron fences are the period. The collection is about the Parisian chic sensibility — the balance of the decadent with the demure, the sensual with the strong and the casual with contemporary chic.

Adora’s Shoe Mecca is the go-to place for all shoe lovers. Their shoe collections complement each other and each brand has a distinct character and personality. There is definitely one for every style personality and lifestyle. There is definitely one that will fit. So wear it.

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E-mail Joyce Oreña at jo@joyceorena.com or follow her on Twitter @joyceorena.

The Shoe Mecca is located at Adora, 3/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati. Tel. No. +63 2 217 4029.