Q. I have an 18-year-old daughter who is 6ft 1in tall, slim, a size 10/12. Yes, we do have trouble with trousers not being long enough but her main problem is shoes: she is a size nine. Is there anywhere that supplies fashionable shoes at an affordable price (she is a student)? Most of the trendy shoe outlets only stock up to size eight - consequently this is a real problem.
A. Not that long ago, a woman who wore size 6 shoes would have been considered large of foot. Now, she's the average - and there's many with hooves far heftier than hers. Recent sales figures show that the average woman's shoe size has gone up from a 5 in the past five years.
This means that demand for the biggest sizes, such as 9s, 10s and 11s, is also rising and, as a result, stores such as Debehhams, Evans and Simplybe are stocking larger shoes – all at incredibly low prices.
Your daughter will also be glad to hear that many top celebrities in the Bigfoot club include Nicole Kidman (size 9), Jerry Hall (8), Paris Hilton (9), Macy Gray (10) and Kate Winslet (9) – so she’s not alone.
As someone who has worked as a fashion stylist for well over a decade, I’ve had to root out the places that stock gloriously fashionable shoes in larger sizes on an almost daily basis. Most models are not only incredibly tall but their feet also tend to veer towards the larger end of the scale, so let me share my style secrets with you.
Cinderella Shoes in the Stephens Green shopping centre is one of my favourite stores when I’m on the look out for seriously sexy shoes in bigger sizes. The store stocks ladies shoes from size 8 to 12 and that includes everything from cosy winter boots to sassy heels - perfect for a night on the tiles.
Footwear is sourced worldwide to form an extensive collection, all available in sizes 8 – 12. (European 42 – 46) Their collection is ever changing with the seasons and always staying in step with fashion, with lots of new styles adding to their collection on a monthly basis.
I have also discovered that Evans sell shoes in large sizes and wide fittings. Similarly to their clothes, sizes are generous, so if you usually take a size 9, try a size 8 there. The prices are also very attractive starting at only 30 euro.
Most recently Debenhams has added larger sizes to its footwear line. Currently, the largest shoe it stocks as standard is a 9, but demand for this size has now outstripped size 4, which was the standard measurement 30 years ago and they will soon be adding a slew of bigger sizes to its existing range of high fashion styles.
So, considering the incredible and diverse range available on the high street your daughter should feel spoilt for choice – now she has no excuse not to put her best foot forward.
For more hints and tips go to: www.prettybigshoes.com
