It seems that I have an alter ego -- my stilettos. They have a life of their own. But they are nothing unless I step into them. Or are they?

My stilettos have been many places -- LA, NY, Paris. If those stems could talk!

I’m my very own art project everyday, sifting through my closet to create the day’s living art installation. But the shoes are key. Shoes can define a mood. An era. They will change your gait by their physicality. Small, round, demure flats say one thing. Small delicate movements. I’m ok with those but I’m kind of a higher heel girl.  A bit of a swagger. Or more of a sway, side to side. I learned that in France. French girls have a particular way of walking.

For me, the magic is in the shoes. I can wear an old, worn pair of jeans, with a white wife beater and leather jacket everyday. But the defining moment will be if I pair the outfit with my motorcycle boots, a silver sandal that wraps up and around my ankles or THE STILETTOS.

Coming from a shopaholic background that I’ve had to reign in severely, I’m telling you, it’s all about the shoes. You just need a few pairs of fabulous shoes and everything else will come together. I have a dress from Forever 21 (yes, it’s true!) that cost me $24.80. Paired with the right shoes, I’ve had people begging me to tell them what designer dress I’m wearing.

And the shoes should had longevity. You should be able to keep them, like works of art, and have them stand the test of time.

It’s also not about expensive = fabulous. A shoe I’m coveting is from Oaknyc. The “Wild Cut Out Wedge”. They are $186. Not cheap, cheap but not top designer over the top prices either. Also, if you love a pair of shoes, wait until the sales. I know, you’re worrying they will be sold out or your size won’t be available. But the way I see it (and it’s how I view life), if they were meant to be yours, they will be there at sale time. It’s the zen of shoes.

Because as great as they are, they will not make or break your life. There is always another shoe that will replace the one you were pining after.

I don’t believe that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. I think its the shoes.