Kate Spade
I was recently watching one of my all-time favorite movies, “Sex and The City,” and even after numerous viewings, I teared up during several scenes. I love when sweetCharlotteangrily screams “NO!” at Big when he tries to talk to Carrie after leaving her at the altar…or the stairs in her case. I also totally relate to the scene where Charlotte, Amanda and Samantha decide to go to Cabo after peaking at a still sullen Carrie sitting on the couch, and, what girl doesn’t love the scene when Samantha spoon feeds Carrie in Cabo? These are true girlfriend moments and equal any of the funny and romantic parts of the movie.
Yet another scene that always touches me is when Big puts that gorgeous cobalt blue Manolo Blahnik pump on Carrie as he proposes in the closet. So loving. So fitting. Wait, the gesture or the shoes?!
Okay, I admit it: I am a self-proclaimed shoe-a-holic. There, I’ve said it. Anyone who knows me is aware of this. I never deny it, I never hide it, and I certainly know I am not alone! Have you seen the TV ads for JustFab.com…an entire website dedicated to finding you that perfect shoe complete with a shoe consultant? Have you watched “House Hunters” and died every time a giant walk-in closet is revealed? But, where is HE going to put all HIS stuff?!
What is it about shoes and women? Maybe it’s what I like to call the “Cinderella Syndrome.” It is said the Disney princess is proof that “a good pair of shoes can change your life” and, although I may not agree that a prefect pair of pumps can literally change my life, I do agree with this Marilyn Monroe quote.
Remember playing in “high heels” as a child? What about all those adorable Barbie pumps? Were they fun or what? I am not, by any means, a Wizard of Oz fan, but I get the magic of those ruby slippers Dorothy wore.
For me, shoes provide an avenue of style and fun. They also are a matter of comfort…both internally and externally. Being a “plus size” woman, I forever struggle with clothes fitting just right. This is not the case with shoes. I know I can walk into any shoe store anywhere and find a fabulous fit!
As I said before, you know and I know I am not the only one who is obsessed with shoes. Take my dear friend Christie who has more style in her pinky than I do in my entire body but is, at the same time, the original “save the earth” momma. Yet, during hurricanes in herFloridahome, what does she take with her? Photos and shoes! Now that’s a girl I can relate to! Then there’s my high school friendBeckywho worked for two high-end and reputable shoe companies before going back to college to get a late-in-life college degree. I am so proud of her and I’m also proud that, where is she today? Working in the shoe industry and living a fabulous life of fun and travel.
My husband and daughter make fun of my devotion to shoes, but trust me, she is right there with me. On her Christmas list? Shoes. Birthday list? Shoes. Have I created a monster or a fashionista…are they the same thing?!
No essay on shoes would be complete without mentioning Christian Louboutin. For those of you who don’t know, Louboutins, or “Loubous” are the most coveted shoes in the universe by those who can afford them. Prices start at around $1,000 and can go up to tens of thousands. Yes, TENS of thousands! You may have seen them. They’re the shoes with the trademark red lacquered soles. Would I ever spend that much money on a pair of shoes? Probably not, and I have to wonder if they would be as trendy as they are without those red soles. Yes many of them are works of art, but so are Manolos and other brands. I am therefore convinced that JLo, Cameron, and all 500 Kardashians wear them just to show they can. This, annoys even this shoe-a-holic.
Even as I contemplate my next purchase, I instead admire someone like Kate Middleton who wears her trusty nude pumps over and over. I also treasure the card that hangs in my closet that my friend Ana gave me during a trying time, which asks, “Do these shoes go with my stress?” I love it so much I used the wording for a board on Pinterest. Yes, I OF COURSE, have an entire board just for shoes! One of the coolest pins I included is this photo of the sole of a bride’s shoe that has a surprise love note written on it from her groom. That, my friends, is much more special to me than a red sole.
I have no plans to therapeutically address my shoe addiction and most likely will continue to stock my closet. I know it’s excessive and impractical, but it works for me and if the shoe fits…
“Never look back. If Cinderella went to pick up her shoe, she wouldn’t have been a princess.”
Beyond Words 
Back in the day I was a shoe fanatic. I wore a 4.5 so whenever a beautiful pair crossed my path I had to have them and did!
Now as a 50 something and not a 4.5 anymore, my passion has waned. Your post tickled that place from way back when and I might just head out today and look for a pretty pair instead of a ‘needed’ pair!
LOVE THIS.