How can I contact you?
You can email me at pinkhairedprincess@hotmail.co.uk or message me on my Facebook page (link found to the right) or leave a comment in a post. I love to hear from you.
I'm a PR company/brand and would like to get in touch, how can I do so?
You can email me at pinkhairedprincess@hotmail.co.uk
How can I keep updated with new posts?
I usually post once a day, sometimes I can get a little behind though. On my Facebook page, you'll find automatic updates when I publish a new post or can follow this blog or add me on Bloglovin (links in the sidebar).
Who's Pink Haired Princess?
My original style blog is Pink Haired Princess (PHP) and I started The Shoe Girl Diaries (TSGD) after PHP. Both blogs and 'people' are me!
Are there any contributors to TSGD?
No, I do all the work, the photos, writing, blogging, everything myself (for both blogs).
Who takes the photo of the shoes on your feet?
I do! I twist myself into some strange positions to get the best shot, but seeing as I've been doing this for nearly 2 years, I have it down to a fine art now!
Is it always your feet in the photos?
Yep every time.
What size of shoe do you take?
Usually a UK5 EU38, although I occasionally have to buy a 6/39 and I'll always state this in the 'Fit' section of each post.
What camera do you use?The same I use for both blogs, a (pink) Samsung L201. As of May 2012 a Nikon D3100 DSLR.
How many images do you take?
For the foot shot, I'll take around 20+, on days I'm rushed, it's maybe 8 or so.
Do you edit/photoshop the images?
I used to use the basics to resize, crop etc but this year began using Photobucket and adding tints and frames to the images.
How do you narrow it down to that one shot?
I try to find the best one and by that I mean it's clear, shows the shoe well, the lighting is good and the colours are realistic. I usually have a hard time doing so-but am learning to be ruthless and bin the others! Also I try to capture a different side to the shoe each time I feature it.
Can I use your images for eBay or other sites?
Actually nobody has ever asked me this (for eBay), they just steal them instead! However, it's a point I would like to make. I would kindly ask that you do not take these images for use on eBay-I sell there too and it takes me ages to photograph for there and this blog, but I do it, so I don't think it's fair to take my work if you can't be bothered. I have in the past reported stolen images to eBay (and the listing's have been removed) so be warned! For taking these images for blogs or something similar, I would just ask that you are respectful and always link back to my blog and don't try to pass the images off as your own. I really don't want to have to start tagging them.
What is the background for your photos?
Haha, I have very limited space in my bedroom (too many shoes!), so I have this little pathway that leads from the door to my bed and to my wardrobe-I usually stand in front of the drawers at my wardrobe. I just have a little teeny space and that's it! Sometimes I will pose in other places but I always feel very conspicuous doing so outdoors (especially if it means twisting into my weird positions)!
Are all the shoes you feature your own?
Yes. I still have numerous pairs in storage from years ago that haven't been unearthed yet! I've been buying my own shoes since I was 12, so I've had a long time to build my collection. My Mothers words were "if you want to wear fashionable shoes, you can buy them yourself"!
Where do you store your shoes?
In my bedroom...yep it's a tight squeeze! I have some fabulous shoe storage boxes with drop down fronts, so they can be piled floor to ceiling and it's easy to get shoes out (without wrecking the entire pile). I also converted a wardrobe into an Irregular Choice shoe closet and I have piles of shoe boxes everywhere you look!
Do you buy all your shoes yourself?
Mostly. My parents will very occasionally gift me some pairs for birthdays and Christmas! Any pairs sent by PR companies will be mentioned in the post (although it's only happened once)!
How can you afford them?
That's what I choose to spend my money on, with some people it's gadgets or their car or music/gigs, I'm all about the shoes....and the makeup and jewellery and dresses!
What happens to pairs you no longer wear?
If they're well and truly knackered, they go in the bin. If they're in good condition, I'll either sell them on eBay or give them to a local charity shop. I've probably done this with around 150-200 pairs in the past few years.
Do you ever wear flats?
No. I haven't worn flat shoes since I was a teenager-I can't actually walk in flats!
Would you consider going back to the 'one pair/one day' challenge with no repeats?
Em....never say never-it was very restrictive, especially towards the end, when you knew you only had 20 pairs left and the weather, occasion and outfit was pretty much predetermined for those 20 pairs (which is impossible to stick to). It was good at getting me out of a rut of wearing the same faithfuls and ignoring the rest though. The challenge has changed my way of thinking and dressing, even now I try to keep it interesting by regularly rotating the pairs I wear.
I'm looking for shoe sizing info, can you help?
For around a year now I've included how a shoe fits, the fastenings it has (if you can't see from the image) and how comfortable and easy they are to walk in, in each post. If you're still in doubt or I don't own the particular shoes then you can always email me or send a message on my facebook page and I'll try to help. Please note in all cases, it's only my opinion and personal experience.
Can I start my own shoe challenge?
Of course you can-although I think I was the first to start a 'shoe based outfit of the day type challenge', I don't 'own' it! I like to see how my original concept has inspired many other bloggers and really taken off around the world.
I'd like to buy a shoe I've seen on your blog, but can't find it in the link you've given.
I try to link to the main/official site for the brand. Unfortunately the shoe I'm wearing isn't always in stock as it may be an older style or discontinued-out of my hands I'm afraid. You can always google the name and brand and see if you can find another stockist or email me for help and I'll do my best.
I like the tights/leggings you're wearing, where are they from?
For the past year I've included this info in the listing. In older posts, I used to mention the tights if they were anything unusual (i.e. not your standard black tights).
I really like the nail polish you're wearing on your toes, where's it from?
Just comment in each post and if it's recent enough I should remember what I'm wearing.
Would you consider including a break-down of the makeup you're wearing in the FOTD (Face Of The Day) shots?
My emphasis is still on this being a footwear blog, so I don't think it's the forum for including that info. It's only more recently that I've started sharing those pictures. Again, if you're really curious, leave a comment and I'll hopefully recall what I used. Sometimes, I'll do proper FOTD break-downs on PHP with the same pics.
What do you mean when you say 'easy to walk in'?
I mean, you can walk at a reasonably fast pace without wobbling or falling over or with discomfort (such as your foot slipping out of the shoe or being crushed).
Any tips on how to walk in high heels?
It comes naturally to me, so I'm never very sure of what it is I'm doing that others aren't. I walk with a wiggle which I think comes from wearing high heels and I guess just always try to walk confidently. Practise makes perfect.
I always wear flats and really can't walk in high heels but have an important event where heels are required, can you help?
Don't try to wear anything you're uncomfortable in and know your limits. One persons idea of a high heel can be completely different to anothers. If you really need a higher heel then I would suggest a wedge. Kitten heels may look the lowest/safest option, but the base of the heel is usually very small and will cause wobbling. A wedge however has a larger base for you to walk in-like a flat, so this should come more naturally to you. Check the base though, some wedges can have a very narrow sole, so look for something more suitable. Failing that, try something with a chunky high heel, again your base is larger so you're less likely to fall. Small platforms can also help with the aching legs, taking some cm's off the heel height.
My shoes are slightly too small, anything I can do?
Real leather shoes will stretch a little with wear-you'll just have to ride out the discomfort at the start. Or you can take them to a shoe repair shop to be stretched. Failing that I've heard alcohol soaked newspaper inside can help or fill a little zip lock baggy with water and poke into the toe box of the shoe and place in a freezer. Take them out once the water has frozen and carefully remove the bag (once it's defrosted) and the shoes will hopefully have stretched a little.
My shoes are slightly too big, what can I do?
This is easier to fix than them being to small. You can buy all sorts of insoles and heel grips these days which can work miracles.
My shoes are so uncomfortable, what can I do?
Some shoes feel like comfy slippers the first time you wear them, others need to be broken in. Unfortunately there's not a lot you can do without some level of discomfort. Try wearing the shoes at home with thicker socks for short periods. Then build it up to longer spells and removing the socks. You just have to keep wearing them until miraculously one day, they no longer hurt. My sister swears by Compeed's, they are jelly like cushioned, stick on plasters that act like a thick layer of skin to protect against blisters and are a must-have for protection and prevention!
Any tips on how to store shoes?
It really is important to keep shoes in boxes or at least separated rather than 10 pairs all thrown into one large box. No matter how careful you are in that situation, the shoes are going to get dented or scratched against the other pairs (I used to have to store my shoes like this at Uni due to lack of space). As I've mentioned, I have sturdy boxes that can be piled high with easy access and the shoes are completely safe inside (unfortunately there is no link for these boxes-I got them years ago and haven't seen them anywhere since). I realise not all shoes come with boxes or boxes you'd like to keep, but there are lots of shoe storage boxes available nowadays.
How can I protect my shoes?
Most of my shoes are made from suede or fabric and usually don't require shoe polish. A little Vaseline can help prevent creasing in patent shoes (just massage it in). Try not to get suede shoes wet...if you do, you can buy a little suede brush, which can usually help with staining. Otherwise, store your shoes carefully, especially those with embellishments. Buy or make little dustbags for travelling and they're also great for storing very precious pairs in your collection. Also try not to take shoes off by using one foot to push the back of the other heel-you're just going to get the shoe all misshapen.
