Most words that end in “aholic” are not necessarily a good thing. However, I would argue in this case it represents more of a fascination that has its origin from the days of Saturday shopping excursions with my mom and sisters while I was growing up. There was one shopping mall for a long time in my hometown and then finally another which became the ”go to ” shopping venue with major department stores like Macy’s when it was still magical to shop there. In additon, we only lived about 30 minutes from Philadelphia’s premiere shopping mall, King of Prussia. It was there all my shoe dreams came in to focus and a place where my love affair began.
[Photo Credit: Wix Stock Photos]
My love affair may have begun but cash and lack of credit card was a severely limiting roadblock until my first job out of college making decent money for a 22 year old . With cash and now credit card in hand I was like a kid in a candy shop but it was better because shoes lasted longer than candy and no calories.
Every season I would stalk the ladies shoe department of the most upscale department stores at first just window shopping admiring the beautiful colors, styles and textures. Boots have a particular appeal to me having grown up in the cold winter weather of the northeast. But when I spot something special it is always “love at first sight“, “when you know you know“ and I became very discerning with the craftsmanship of what I came to view as works of art. My closet is stocked with a diverse array of shoes and brands carefully chosen for the design, color, fit and quality.
Sometimes, I like to buy a good find in every color....Yikes, I just actually wrote that down for someone to read. The #ToryBurch Minnie flat comes to mind here as I have multiple colors. I can’t divulge the exact number of Tory Burch shoes I own because a lady never gives away a secret. Other favorites that have staying power in my closet include #StuartWeitzman, #SamEdelman ( a staple brand everyone should own) in flats, heels, sandals as well as boots. Then there is #RagandBone which is possibly my favorite new brand I discovered a few years back at #Neiman Marcus.
#EileenFisher, #ViaSpiga , #jonJoseph, #JMcLaughlin, #Ugg, #Aquatalia, #Viscata ( a European espadrille maker), #Nike, #Adidas, #ColeHaan, #Chaco’s ( yes even I like to wear these earthy sustainable hiking sandals) , #BCBG, and #Frye.
This may be a good place for you to check out a great companion post “Fashion: Top Favorite Brands “ at the following link:
[photo credit: wix stock photos]
Are you weary yet? There are more, many more but these are some of my favorite shoe brands that have stuck with me over the years. When the time comes to make room for new design arrivals it is hard to pry any of these classics out of my closet but being the organized diva I am some have to go each season which feels like losing a good friend. When I think of the miles I have put on some of them and the places they have traveled it feels a little sad to say goodbye but then it is time to move to new discoveries at the #Nordstrom seasonal clearance sale , #NordstromRack and #NeimanMarcus Last Call. Oh the bargains I have gotten there.
I once had a conversation with a mom friend when my kids were in elementary school that told me she owned 3 pairs of shoes. It was a surreal experience I could not quite wrap my head around. I was a little in awe of her and sad for her at the same time. She could never know or appreciate the craftsmanship of a good Italian leather shoe or the joy of receiving multi pair shoe purchase discounts. I started asking around after that conversation and learned I might be a bit of (dare I say it) a Shoe-Aholic. I may have made up that word but the label is 💯. I took stock of my shoe buying practices and I told myself I would never set foot in a shoe department again and would hide my “favorite” sites and bookmarks on my computer. I deleted apps but my love was too strong. I went crawling back, reinstalled apps and found my way back to the forbidden shoe sites that had led me astray.
In the end like any other “addiction” it was time for an intervention so I have scaled back my frequent trips to my favorite websites and limit my in person visits to certain celebrated ladies shoe departments in town. Less is More and the standout brands I have mentioned still hold a power over me. I have reverted back to more window shopping than acquiring ( sort of) but my love affair goes on. However, for now we are having a long distance romance. Not sure how long that will last so I will keep you posted..... Ciao!!
XO & #StayCurious
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