Erica Mitchell and Domeakia Snyder are shoe-loving sisters who both owned over 300 pairs, even before they were in the business of selling them. In 2012, the fashionistas who always wanted to own their own business launched an online ladies shoe boutique called Goddess Couture Boutique (GCB). The fun part of Mitchell and Snyder’s endeavor may be testing out the merchandise. The sisters buy shoes and evaluate quality and comfort, before advertising them. The entrepreneurs sell shoes to customers nationwide and internationally through http://www.houseofgoddesscouture.com/. For shoe lovers who like the look of Christian Louboutins, but who seek affordable options, shoe prices typically begin at $50.
“For Goddess Couture, me and my sister’s motto was you can look like a celebrity for affordable prices,” Mitchell said. “It works out perfectly. We have two different styles. She’s more conservative, so she picks more conservative shoes. I pick statement shoes, so together we pick…the shoes that fit our personality.”
Snyder currently lives in Baltimore. Mitchell, a native Baltimorean, recently moved to Florida and is also a successful shoe-styling expert. Mitchell has been styling celebrities since 2013. She focuses on selecting shoes, when many other stylists focus on putting outfits together. Mitchell can deliver affordable shoe picks or high-end selections. Reality TV personalities, Love Majewski from VH1’s Mob Wives, Krystle Couso of Jerseylicious and Alexandra Dilworth from Bravo’s The New Atlanta are clients who wear Mitchell’s footwear selections, after she searches for shoes that may look good on clients.
“Once that shoe is on that client, it represents me as well. I get a whole bunch of shoes based on their style and what they have worn in the past,” Mitchell said.
What shoe trends can you expect this spring? Mitchell shares that sticking to leather strappy sandals is still en vogue. Denim and retro styles are making a comeback. Shoes made with leather and cloth material tie ups are also being produced. For women seeking to sport a funky shoe trend, Mitchell believes that colors and patterns will be in demand this season.
“Teal, orange, yellow, violet and purple are the season’s trends. If it’s colorful, people tend to like it. Shoes with a lot of designs like checkers, strips, polka dots, flowers and tie dye are already being requested for Goddess Couture to carry them,” Mitchell said.
Do not scratch wedges and flats off of your what to wear shoe list. Mitchell reminds that these styles can offer a good daytime look.
“Wedges are very comfortable to wear nonstop. There also are some fabulous flats. You can also find gladiator sandals,” Mitchell said.
During work hours, Mitchell cautions about wearing weekend looks like peep-toe shoes or flip flops. If women prefer to wear pumps, Mitchell estimates that three-inch heels would be acceptable for many workplaces.
“Three inches is also a comfortable zone and it’s comfortable for your feet. You can still look fabulous in a three-inch heel,” Mitchell said.
And what if new heels hurt your feet?
“I always tell people to invest in Dr. Scholl’s insoles. They are your best friend. Put them down in your new shoes and break them in, especially if you know you’re buying shoes for an event and you’re standing long hours,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell believes that women of any body type can wear any shoe as long as they are matched well with complimentary clothing and accessories. Wearing bangle hoop earrings to work is a fashion don’t in Mitchell’s book but she gives pearl earrings a thumbs up. This spring season, Mitchell recommends wearing pearl necklaces that fall near the collar. Wearing stud earrings will allow women to wear their hair up or down. However, during time spent away from the office, wearing bold jewelry is this season’s trend.
“I see that chunky jewelry is coming back,” Mitchell said. “Fashion comes and goes, but style stays forever. Customers can turn everyday fashion into their own style by making it into their own.”
You may visit http://www.houseofgoddesscouture.com to view GCB’s shoe inventory. Please visit www.askericam.com for shoe styling tips, to see one-of-a -kind shoes posted in Mitchell’s blog and to contact Mitchell for a styling consultation.