For those who follow me on Instagram and know me in person, it won’t come as a surprise to find out that the mustard Medan is my all-time favourite shoe. I can easily imagine myself wearing it on any outing! The Medan matches seamlessly with my wardrobe and adds a touch of originality to my outfits. It is also a very versatile option that fits in well with any dress code. Moreover, it brings a pop of colour which is always a welcomed addition. So now, I am going to describe a typical day of mine and let you reach the conclusion that the Medan is the ideal companion for all your activities. Without further ado, let’s go!
Rise and shine
In the morning, I will be running errands, attending appointments or having work-related brunches. For these occasions, I opt for a casual and sporty chic look. I would either wear cotton midi-dresses or a pair of jeans with a shirt or a blazer. When it comes to footwear, I choose the Medan. It combines the best of two worlds: the comfort of sneakers and the elegance of formal shoes. Quick tip: if you want to wear jeans with a flat shoe, go for the 7/8 jeans. It is a pair of pants which is an inch shorter than regular ones. It may sound insignificant, but that missing inch creates a clear visual distinction between your clothes and shoes, thus elongating your silhouette. Now, if you don’t have 7/8 pants in your closet, no worries. You can just roll-up any pair, and voilà!
Stroll and lounge
The afternoons are mostly allocated to family time. On most occasions, it consists in going on a stroll around the village or just catching up. In these times I need something that is cosy for indoor seating, pleasant for outdoor setting, and enjoyable for a post-lunch walk. So, I usually end-up wearing jumpsuits or loungewear layered with mid-length kaftans in loose and flowy fabric like lace and silk. Trust me, the contrast between the softness and delicateness of your outfit with the sturdiness of leather is a beautiful combo! The Medan has that edgy leather look. Yet, once you try it, you would experience the true feeling of walking on a cloud.
Connect and dine
The evening is my favourite time to do my writings. In fact, I am writing this blog post at 11.30 pm. Yet, sometimes, I have to attend a work event, a social gathering or a personal function. On other occasions, I simply feel like going out. I usually end-up wearing a tailored and structured suit or a semi-formal dress. In these situations, it is typical to connect, network, and work the room. As we all know, these receptions can be boring or life-changing. It can go either way. In both cases, you don’t want to remember that night for the feet-crushing shoes that you had to wear. Until I started wearing Rana Cheikha shoes, I’ve always had to compromise. For the heel lovers out there, I see you coming. Wearing heels is the default option for such outings. I am sure that Rana’s block heel boots are reliable, but walking in heels is hazardous, awkward, and cumbersome - at least, that is my opinion. A good pair of shoes can be an immense source of confidence in a public setting; and that’s a job for the Medan.
I make it sound so easy, don’t I? Well, that is because I’ve made it to a stage where I know what my personal style is. To be honest, it didn’t happen overnight. Do you know how many shoes I bought and didn’t wear more than once? My commitment to my mustard Medan came after a long journey. Moving in the right direction consists in telling yourself that some types of footwear don’t suit you. For instance, I just had to admit that walking in towering heels isn’t for me. I was on the search for eye-catching shoes that check all my requirements. Once I came across Rana Cheikha, I was charmed. The X stitching, the label’s signature, of the Medan didn’t leave me indifferent. Also, the mustard colour provides a perfect contrast to my outfits, which are generally characterized by hues of blue, green, yellow, brown and white (and if you havn't already, The Medan Moccasin, what IS is all about? is a great read and article dedicated to telling you more about them!). Lastly, it demands knowing your body type. I know that the shorter the heel counter is, the more flattering a shoe will look on me.
So, whenever you have covered all these elements, you will pick the perfect pair of shoes. My mustard Medan was my first ever Rana Cheikha pair. It has been with me for two years and I am pretty confident that it will last a lifetime. Rana Cheikha is known for catering to all tastes. Go and check her collection out to see if you can find the equivalent of my Medan to your closet … and heart!
Signing-off: Christelle from The Way It’s Worn
(And what’s TWIW? It’s about: “Shaping a fairer Lebanese fashion industry by connecting the dots between wearers, pieces, artisans and designer”.)
Follow Christelle on Instagram @christelle.ed
& on the website thewayitisworn.com/