Friday, April 11, 2008

Addictions

I Love shoes. I have an addiction to shoes. I'm currently in a support group for this addiction because my beloved said I had to get a hold of this habit. He said it was tearing apart our credit cards, not to mention his heart everytime he opened a statement. He has me under careful watch considering he's the only one in my support group, which I suppose would make him my counselor. So therefore, if I fall off the wagon, he's the one to blame.

I had a breakthrough the other day when I realized when this love of shoes began.

This is my story:

I was 15. A freshman in a strict academic private school. We did not have fun in school, we were there to learn. We had college textbooks, because college was the goal. There was no time for social activities, football games or flirtations. We were there to get an education, get into the country's top universities and become lawyers and doctors.

We wore uniforms because mornings should not be wasted on thoughts of "what to wear."

These uniforms were plain and simple, for there was no time for fashion. They were made of synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and 15% cotton.

The goal of such uniforms was to make sure the girls looked square. No curves allowed, for curves are distractions, especially to the post pubesent boys.

They succeeded. No curves are found in khaki, box pleated skirts and square, dark blue sweater vests.

No curves, no color and if you showed too much skin you would get a blue uniform violation slip and be sent to detention for an hour.

"I will not be different. I will conform to the uniform standard that is set in place for the success of my education and future career."

Everything was uniformed...except the shoes.

We were able to wear anykind of shoe, that is as long as they were brown, black or navy blue.

And so...every summer I went on the hunt for the perfect shoes: One brown pair and one black pair.

I rebelled against the 1 inch heel rule, just as I rebelled against the rule that stated all skirts must hit below the knee cap. And whenever certain teachers came around, I would do this thing where I would bend just a little and get shorter (which isn't too difficult when you barely reach 5'5" in two inch heels) and they wouldn't seem to notice the rebel that I was when it came to fashion.

Once out of high school, that desire to have the perfect shoes followed me.

Shoes make me happy, because there is a satisfaction in shoes that no other kind of clothing can give you. Whether they be mules, slingbacks, stilletos or even cute flip flops, you can always find a good pair of shoes (except for esperadille's, they make my ankles look fat.)

But there is truth in what I am saying. It doesn't matter what stage of life I'm in, I can always find shoes that make me feel...pretty. During those wretched " lady days" when nothing fits, my shoes always fit. During most other days when nothing fits, I can always find shoes.

I go on these hunts for perfect shoes. Many times, when events are coming near, I will pick the shoes before I choose the dress. I will spend countless hours going from store to store, comparing, admiring, etc.

I haven't felt my feet since 1998, but that's ok with me, because as far as I'm concerned, the prettier the shoe, the more they hurt.

This is why my husband thinks I have a problem. That, and I tend not to notice how much I spend. But is that really a problem? I can control it anytime I want to.

I'll prove it. I will walk into Aldo's and not buy anything. I'll head over there right now. Where's that wagon?

P.S - I found these at http://www.piperlime.com/. I love that site, they have great shoes for good prices and if you are lucky you can find them on clarance. These of course are not on clearance. Are they not the hottest shoes ever! I'm coveting them so much!

9 comments:

Kristen said...

I have so many addictions. I feel your pain. There's probably some support group out there. I'm searching for one for my sweet tea habit!

As soon as I can, I'm adding you to my blogroll.

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Very cute post. If I had more money I think I'd be a shoe addict too. :-)

Jennifer Owens said...

I wish I could say that I had some big story for my insane shoe addiction. But I suppose for me it comes down to the fact that shoes bring out the vain and materialistic side of me and I must have things that are cute! Your husband and my husband should get together and lament about their wives addictions. And we can go out....and shop for shoes! (o:

Loved your story and your taste in shoes!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Those ARE gorgeous shoes!

Keetha Broyles said...

I too love shoes - - - but have given up those stilettos for things more comfortable. Now I look like the little middle-aged Kamma (grandma) that I am. Hehehehehehehe

Exactly WHEN did my mom's hands jump onto the ends of my arms??????

Keri said...

Cute post!!! :)

Table for Four said...

Hi,
Your private school story reminded me of when I was in high school and we had a uniform. The only exception is that we could wear any sort of vest or sweater. Since I was in the deep South, sweaters were out, but I had 25 or so vests. When I graduated from HS, over half of my closet was devoted to vests. If only we could have gotten sassy with our shoes... Enjoyed the post!

Heather J. said...

I, too have a shoe addiction.
I have been on 24 hour shoe watch.
I am not allowed to buy any more shoes.
I need those heels. I have no idea wear I would wear them, but I need them.

Anonymous said...

Im with you! I adore shoes. I can always find shoes anyway even the boating catalog!

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