Things to do before I die. In some ways that’s not a very cheering topic I know and yet having just watched the Bucket List (with my beloved Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson 🙂 ) I am reminded of the need to make each moment count – and that means making the most of achieving my dreams.
It’s probably an understatement to say shoes are my weakness – I stopped counting last year after a cull left me with 70 pairs and I know I’ve added significantly to the stash since then ;-). As a child I was only allowed shoes in black or brown and if a party then wonderful patent. I do recall the one and only time I was given a pair of blue T-bar shoes – I loved them so much my mother had to wait till I was asleep before she could prise them off my feet. Nowadays my collection comes in all colours, shapes and sizes and I consider the choosing of them as important as picking the right brooch or neck scarf to complete an outfit.
Having read an interview a few years ago about Amanda Holton in a London show and having her toes measured for shoes I have always thought it would be grand to have shoes made to measure. For reasons unknown I assumed it would cost a fortune and put it to the back of my mind until out of the blue yesterday I did a Google search and was astounded at what I discovered.
Yes you can definitely break the bank with a visit to London’s Anthony Andrews. £1400 plus Vat (or more!) for a custom made pair – but since this actually involves making a mould of your foot you can be sure it’s certain to fit. There are many companies to choose from including Taylor Made shoes who combines 150 years of history with a modern twist by using a 3D scanning system to create a full digital cast.
Well all that is still certainly past my budget but how about this – a two day course with Marsha Hall resulting in your own shoes for under £300! For an experience like that that’s certainly within my budget if I cut back on a few non essential frivolous buys! I know it’s not quite made to measure, but if you’ll pardon the pun it’s a step in the right direction 😛
Best of all Marsha offers gift vouchers so I know what I’ll be asking family and friends for my next birthday.
Of course if you fancy having a shoe designed to your specification then why not let the computer do it for you – Shoes of Prey runs a programme which lets you pick the size, shape and then fill in the rest of the details yourself!
Modern Living-Vintage Loving 
Great post! I too am somewhat of a shoe hoarder. But really, there could be worse things? 😉 Erin xx
Hi apologies – just noticed my reply didn’t come up! Wanted to say yep shoes are things of beauty and there are definitely worse things to have a passion for 😉