Once upon a time, there was a girl who thought shoes consisted of One Big Choice: Reebok vs Nike. Then she discovered skirts, and got a job. About this time, her best friend adjusted her world's axis with Four Verra Important Words:
Shoes Make The Outfit.
Marilyn Monroe Agrees. And Demonstrates.
The girl never wore gym shoes again, except to the gym.
She blew past Payless Shoe Source without a backward glance.
She spent long afternoons in the Macy's shoe department.
When feeling cash flush, she wandered through Nordstrom.
It was like a new crush, the sweaty palms and racing heart when HE looks back at you.
Zappos became a loving, caring friend, one who answered every order with a happy email.
Franco Sarto leather showed off her calves and clicked sexily down the sidewalks.
Bandolino and Etienne Aigner, once exotic, now anchored her shoe racks.
(Side note: The girl never lost her mind. While Jimmy Choo is probably a very nice fellow and an excellent dinner companion, he asks for a whole paycheck for one pair of shoes. The girl also likes a roof over her head and food in the fridge. Call her crazy.)
Suddenly, TRAGEDY!
Ankles swelled with disease.
Joints waved a white flag.
Toes wept for gel inserts.
One afternoon, while limping across a large parking lot to their car, her hubby turned to her asked, "I notice most older women wear more comfortable shoes. Why aren't you?"
W H A T?
Umm, would you repeat that question?
She stood up straighter. She walked with purpose. She threw her shoulders back. And she gritted her teeth. Ohhhh, it hurt alright, but she'd rather drink Drano than admit it.
The next year, she began reading shoe descriptions a bit more closely. How tall is that heel? 4"? Got anything in a 2.5"? She began to wander through the "walking shoes" section, searching out anything with a hint of style, a touch of heel, perhaps a wedge, but with a newly coveted squishy sole.
And then it happened.
While sitting at a Starbucks, she saw a gorgeous young girl. Long legs. Short shorts. Wicked Gorgeous Shoes. Something like this... And the girl limped to the nearest seat and plopped down. With Relief. The older girl smiled in sympathy.
Own it while you can, Sista. It's a beautiful time.
Cuz the fact is, I would if I could.
Then the older girl, in her -- god help her -- sensible shoes, got up from table and walked away. "Walked" being the key word here.
Anyone else suffering in the name of fashion?
This post was inspired by Brenda over at Grrlguide. She sends her sympathies from the pedicure chair. Thanks, Brenda!
I was speaking with one lady in her 50s and she had on a pretty high heel. I mentioned that and she told me she'd be wearing heels until she was 100. Said her mother still did all the fixings with make-up and all, so I can see she would do the same thing. She looked good too!
Posted by: Totsymae | 07/19/2011 at 11:03 AM
Hilarious!
I experience the opposite: my husband asks me why I never wear heels and why all my soles are rubber (think Aerosoles)even if heeled. Leather soles may be more sought after with people w regular feet, but I see them and I know I'll get shooting pain down the side of feet within 30 minutes.
Posted by: Jennifer O. (@litendeavors) | 07/19/2011 at 11:05 AM
I opt for stylish yet comfortable. You can find both, though it's not easy!
Posted by: Kelly Hashway | 07/19/2011 at 11:06 AM
I have a few pair in my closet that are "for sitting dates only". Since that just doesn't happen in real life they continue to gather dust. My red Ecco flats get more fresh air than all my high high heels combined.
Posted by: eden | 07/19/2011 at 11:23 AM
TOTSYMAE -- That lady sounds just like my Nana (great-grandmother). She wore 2" sandal heels and matched her purse every single day of her life, even if she wasn't leaving the house. I loved that!
JENNIFER O -- Welcome! And see, you're the smart one. How about you get a pair of heels on the condition that hubby gives you a 30 minute foot rub afterwards. That'll make him appreciate your current shoes. =)
KELLY -- It's the elusive combo!!! I'm loving the brands, Sofft and Born, though. Also Naya.
EDEN -- Exactly!! I finally consigned my gorgeous red Two-Lip stilletos because... really... it's hard for them to look with three layers of dust on them. Sad.
Posted by: Girl Parker | 07/19/2011 at 01:49 PM
EDEN -- hard for them to look "smokin hot"... that's what I meant to say. Guess I should go eat.
Posted by: Girl Parker | 07/19/2011 at 01:50 PM
I still sported the hot heels...till I was prego. Since then, I love me comfy shoes. Even now, I'll put a pair of heels on, only to kick them off when I see my black flats sitting next to the door.
Sigh.
Posted by: amber | 07/19/2011 at 07:37 PM
Good for you for saying no to the Jimmy Choo's.
Being able to walk, hike, and run beats wearing smokin' hot shoes for 10-20 years and then being virtually disabled for the next 50, in my book. (2 1/2 years after giving up even low heels for flats & orthotics, I still have some foot pain, but at least I have avoided surgery so far, and it's not crippling like it was in the beginning.)
Posted by: Beverly Diehl | 07/20/2011 at 07:35 AM
AMBER -- It's so true. Don't tell JP, but I could probably whittle my shoe wardrobe down to the two pair of walking sandals (Borns) sitting by the door. Shhhhh....
BEVERLY -- OH MAN! I so hope you don't ever need to have surgery. I think my last pair of ridiculous shoes was bought last spring for my best friend's wedding. Even then, I kicked them off at the reception, in favor of cowgirl boots. The pain just isn't worth style points. You are a smart lady!
Posted by: Girl Parker | 07/21/2011 at 08:42 AM