If the Shoe Fits, Here is my Credit Card!

Yesterday, I hit the Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale along with my two shoe divas in training aka my daughters. First department? You guessed it. We came home empty-handed. I have decided to forego the quick fix in order to save for my first pair of Louboutin's. Up until recently, I would have picked up those silver Tory Burch slides on sale to add to my collection. I used to troll Payless in search of a designer-inspired flat. To paraphrase a disco era song, " So many shoes, so little time, how can I lose? "

That was then; this is now. Well, all right. I confess. I am sometimes tempted by the cheap thrill...or less expensive thrill, as it were. Somewhere along the line, blisters and peeling plastic changed this girl's mind. I remember like it was yesterday. OK, it was two years ago. I was wearing one of those really cute outfits assembled from my closet. A crisp white blouse tied over a navy camisole with an adorable navy short skirt. I added some pearls, a rattan and white tote, and darling navy embossed flats with a pointy toe. I was channeling my inner Parisian. I definitely had a spring in my step as I strolled from my car to a meeting. The meeting was going along well until I recognized a pinching feeling in my toes. The day was warm. Synthetic materials do not breathe. I remember this from The Official Preppy Handbook.

I subtly attempted to extricate my toes from the unbearably pointy toe box, quite a feat as I was standing at the time! I had this cartoon a-ha moment where I envisioned my new set of eternally pointed feet. This evolution could actually be rather useful, except when rounded toe shoes are in style. I bid my good-bye's and tried to remain fetching as I sort of hobbled from the meeting. Image is everything.

When I got to the car, the shoes came off and I drove home barefoot. Not only did I have blistering toes but now my cute outfit was ruined! After all, the sum total of an outfit is only as good as its parts!

My take-away from that day, though, is this. In shoes, as in life and friendships, you get what you pay for. Sure, your proverbial closet can be filled with uncomfortable plastic shoes you will wear once or twice. But, given the choice, wouldn't you rather have a closet of beautiful, authentic shoes that will last forever? Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?