Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Who REALLY owns walking shoes?

So, my family is about to depart on a week long adventure to Europe. I have much to do in preparation for this trip and I really haven't done any of it. It is kind of stressing me out. We leave this Saturday. For all those that know me, or for those that don't (you will now learn), that I like to plan things out maliciously. I don't like to be unprepared for anything. Especially when it comes to the weather. If it rains, I will have my umbrella. If it is sunny, I will have my sunscreen. If it's cold, I will have a jacket. Therefore, I have Weather dot com on a continuous internet stream that refreshes every 2 minutes, with alerts that "bing" every time there is a change in the weather forecast and my weather day planner nicely nuzzled in my purse for me to take notes in. Ok, not really. But that did give me an idea....

Not only do I worry about the weather, but I worry what shoes I am going to wear. Now normally, I like to plan my outfits around what shoes I am going to wear. Tall shoes require longer pants. Shorter pants require shorter shoes. You see where I am going with this... the list could go on forever. So, knowing that I had this trip coming up I started to worry (yes, worry) about what shoes I would wear in Europe. It wasn't necessarily a worry like, "Which shoes will look best". It was more of a worry like, "Which shoes aren't going to leave my feet a bleeding mess at the end of the day?" Yes, I would throw fashion to the wind if it meant I had comfortable shoes.

I took a look at my shoe rack and thought, "yea, none of these are going to work." I find it difficult to purchase any shoe that has a rubber sole. It's just not in me. I can't do it. I feel like a boy if i don't hear the "click, click" of a stiletto as I walk.


With that said, I took to the internet in a search for a comfortable, yet stylish walking shoe. I spent days visiting Zappos. I even summoned the advice of my friend Marianne and would send her links to the shoes that I liked. I finally decided on this shoe:


Zappos is fabulous and has FREE overnight shipping. Awesome. It was like Christmas morning when I got home from work and saw the package nicely hidden behind my flower pot on the front porch. Gosh those UPS men are considerate. Anyway, i torn into the box relishing in the cutest of my new shoes. I immediately put them on. After reading online about them (another clue as to my OCD of being prepared), they didn't get the best reviews. I was determined to be not believe any of the "these are horribly uncomfortable" reviews. However, within 5 minutes, my feet were already killing. "I don't have the time, or the patience for that matter, to break these shoes in." I promptly returned them to their box.

I finally decided on a new pair of shoes. They have been ordered, delivered and wore once to assure safety and comfort. My shoes might scream "AMERICAN TOURIST" - but at least I will be comfortable.

Now please, no comments on how many shoes I have. In my opinion, it is not enough. I really do think that I need one more pair of black, pointy toed, stiletto pumps. But this time, the heal will be 2 inches, instead of 3. And that my friend, is how I rationalize 15 different pairs of black shoes.

15 comments:

chiggidy said...

it's really too bad that those shoes didn't work out for you. they are STINKIN' cute.

Daybreaking Dickersons said...

I love your shoe rack. I need to get one. My closet is a disaster. Will you come over and organize for me?

Mar said...

So show us the picture of which shoes you ended up with!

alisa said...

i had great success all over europe in a pair of chacos...wise investment if you ask me.

i don't think you own too many shoes. is that even possible?

Nicole M said...

Natalie you must tell me where you got a shoe rack...I've been looking for one like that but haven't been successful in finding anything! The one I have now is ghetto (with plastic pockets) and only holds about 14 pairs of shoes. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Natalie said...

Nicole - I got the shoe rack at Target. But I got it about 2 year ago. I will tell you, it was super annoying to put together, but well worth it in the end.

Anonymous said...

So, I wanna see a pic of the shoes! Love zappos, overnight delivery is the best. Have fun in Europe, I can't wait for those pics!

Miranda at Marz Haus said...

Natalie,
As a fellow no-flats kind of gal, I'm with you in your pain. May I suggest a pair similar to the slight-heel wedge loafer I trekked through Europe in this summer? Scored then at Nordstrom Rack. Also, thought you'd appreciate this email I just received from Frosty Darling on 3rd South:
----------
Hello Frosty Darling Fans,

Have you had your eye on any of the cute flats at Frosty Darling? Now's
the time to pick some up for 25% off! Sale runs until October 13.

Hope to see you soon,
Gentry
----------

AND NOW, FURTHER ADO said...

Well, last time I was in Europe the only way I survived was by wearing a pair of... Oh wait! I'm not "well traveled" like those fantastic Harris girls...I've never been to Europe. Have a blast Harris clan and spend a euro in my honor!

mandorama said...

Nice rack!

lily and el gringo said...

Hey cuz, how is life. Just wanted to let you know that We are out in the world of blogging. Hope you are enjoying life. GO UTES!!!!!

Kim / Belly Button and Co. said...

NATTY...
MY MOST FAV WALKING/TOURING SHOE HAS DEFINATELY BEEN THE DEISEL AVA SHOE... THEY ARE VERY COMFTY STYLISH, THIS SHOE INDEED WALKS THE TALK CHECK THEM OUT... I GOT A PAIR ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO FROM THE NORDY'S RACK... ASPARAGUS GREEN AND LAVENDER... THEY ARE SUPER CUTE... I TOO HAVE THE SHOE THING GOING ON... HOW DO YOU RATIONALIZE 4 PAIRS OF THE SAME KIND OF SHOE? PLEASE LET ME KNOW... CAUSE I AM STILL TRYING TO CONVINCE COREY THAT I "NEEDED" THAT PAIR EVEN THOUGH THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THAT PAIR OF SHOES AND THE OTHER THREE WERE A LITTLE JEWEL BLING BLING ON THE FRONT... MEN... WILL THEY EVER UNDERSTAND WOMEN AND SHOES????

Anonymous said...

You could tape quarters to the soles of your rubber soles, so you can still hear "click,click".

Andy and Kimi said...

Natalie,
So fun to find your blog and see what your up to these days! I hope you had a great time in Europe!
-Kimi (Livingston) Christensen

Sarah said...

Got here through Miranda...love the shoes, love the rack, love everything. Also loved New Moon, and Eclipse even more.