Over the summer, I discovered two very nice Spanish footwear brands, Ángel Alarcón and Alma En Peña, while searching for a pair of green or purple shoes to match an outfit. Green and Purple aren’t colours I would wear often, so I set a budget of under £150 per pair, primarily due to cost-per-wear considerations.
When deciding whether to buy an item of clothing, handbags, or shoes, I base my choices on cost-per-wear. For items I use frequently, I’m willing to spend more, but for pieces like a pair of purple or green shoes that I’d only wear occasionally, I’d hesitate to go beyond £150.
I wanted good-quality, colourful leather shoes, which are surprisingly hard to find nowadays at this price point. After failing to find suitable options in the UK, I expanded my search to Spain and was immediately captivated by the stunning array of colours and designs these brands had to offer.
Alma En Peña
Alma en Peña is a Spanish footwear brand renowned for it’s blend of elegance, comfort, and craftsmanship. Known for it’s unique designs, the brand often incorporates intricate embellishments, luxurious materials, and bold yet timeless styles that make a statement. Alma en Peña’s collection caters to women who seek fashionable yet versatile shoes for any occasion, from chic sandals to sophisticated boots. With an emphasis on quality and attention to detail, the brand has carved a niche for itself in the global fashion landscape, making it a perfect addition to your wardrobe.
Ángel Alarcón
Ángel Alarcón is a Spanish footwear brand renowned for its sophisticated and elegant designs, particularly high heels. With all production and design based in Spain, the brand emphasises craftsmanship and premium quality. Ángel Alarcón shoes are celebrated for their modern aesthetics and attention to detail, catering to women who appreciate stylish, high-quality footwear.
The Cost Per Wear Principle
The cost per wear (CPW) principle is a method for evaluating the value of a clothing item, accessory, or footwear based on how much it costs relative to how often it will be used. It is calculated using the formula:
Cost per wear = Total cost of the item ÷ Number of times the item is worn.
This principle helps justify spending more on high-quality, durable pieces that are versatile and will be used frequently, as they offer a lower CPW over time. Conversely, it discourages overspending on items intended for rare or occasional use, as their CPW would remain high.
For example, a £200 pair of shoes worn 50 times would have a CPW of £4, while a £50 pair worn only twice would have a CPW of £25. This approach aligns with sustainable and mindful shopping practices, prioritising longevity and utility over impulse purchases or fast fashion.
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1 Comment.
Thanks Ma’am for sharing your insights.Detailed information leaving us with only one choice to make .when ? The CPW principle makes sense as high fashion dictates, wear once and off to the skip . Thanks to SHEIN & Temu . Some may not have ever heard of these . You my friend are in the 10% of the 10% . Blessed .I have flat feet so comfort rules if I don’t want to be limping days after the event . But I love the conservative heels and vibrant colors . They are not 6inch stilettoes so will definitely be visiting someday