Shoe-fficiency.
As I sit massaging blisters that dot the pads of my heels, battle wounds from maneuvering through a Monday in 3-inch St. John calfskin d’Orsays, I wonder if I’ll ever turn into one of those women who bravely marches through the subway sporting sneakers and socks over their pantyhose and under their Calvin Klein suits. I’m reminded of a particular episode of Sex and the City when Miranda, shortly after she moved to the dreaded side of the Brooklyn Bridge (or, Brooklyn) from her beloved Manhattan, complained to Carrie about how sore her feet were after walking a far distance from the subway. Carrie, clearly on the right side of the bridge, asked why Miranda didn’t wear sneakers and carry her shoes like everyone else, to which Miranda replied - and I quote - “Stop. You can take me out of Manhattan, but you can’t take me out of my shoes.”
What is it about our egos that refuses to embrace practicality - L.L. Bean duck boots when it’s cold and wet; Reebok hightops when you’ve got to get somewhere quickly - and instead embrace the idealism of making our way through the day in 3-inch heels with the occasional Band-Aid poking out the back to shield us from abused Achilles tendons? The ancient Greeks had a word for “tragic pride”: hubris. Then again, they typically got around in gladiator flats, and while theirs may have helped build the Parthenon, my modern day version are bejeweled and meant for pairing with twill shorts and a venti soy latte from Starbucks. The truth of the matter is, we affiliate lots with our shoes: our wardrobes; our moods; our plans for the day or evening, and heck - I’ve even gone with a flat over a stiletto depending on how long my bangs are. Shoes can be icing on the cake (us!), and whether that confection comes in leather, pleather, suede or satin, it truly can help a girl put her best foot forward.
Besides, being practical is for your 30s.
(Is This Shoe Hot or Not?)
Loading ...Posted by Karyn on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 | Boots, Flat, Sandals |
1 Comment to Shoe-fficiency.
Being practical is for your 30’s??? Get real - perhaps in my 90’s I’ll be practical! I know women in their 70’s and 80’s who refuse to give up their heels - and they look FABULOUS.
I “commute” in kitten heel (about 1-1/2″) black suede pumps, then change into my real shoes. Wearing sneakers in the subway isn’t brave, it is a fashion faux pas!
November 20, 2008