LauraElizabeth I would probably prioritize the pumps since you'd get more mileage out of them and since OR doesn't stay hot for too long.

I think it depends on when you will be able to buy another item to add to your wardrobe. If you think you'll be ready to buy something in a month or two, then I'd get the shorts now (they are probably on sale too). Then you can wear them for a while, save up for the shoes, and get those in the fall when you will thinking about wearing them.

If this will be the only purchase you can make for several months, then go for the shoes.

SiHaya, I think you are right about how much I'll be able to use a good pair of shoes over shorts. The pumps would definitely be more expensive, but I think they will be a good investment. And you are right, Nicole, shorts will be on sale too... I'll have to shop around. Who knows... I could find shoes AND shorts discounted to within my budget somewhere online, too!

Thanks so much for your help! My husband doesn't always understand why I get so concerned with what I spend my clothing budget on! :) I guess I don't always understand it either, but I want to make good choices! When I was younger I would buy poorly made items because they were affordable and I could leave the store with something in my hands, but thanks to YLF and this forum I'm seeing that quality is better than the quantity of items in a wardrobe! Thanks again!

You're welcome - who knows, you might luck out with a good sale or a chance consignment store find. Good for you for paying attention to quality.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Superb advice from Sihaya and Nicole.

Well, I got my pumps today, and they don't fit! They are too narrow for my toes, and started hindering circulation after about ten minutes. I'm so sad, because I've had my hopes set on investing in a good shoe for a while. I suppose I can go to the anniversary sale now!

Keep looking! It's not worth wearing uncomfortable shoes!

LE, that's too bad! The same thing happens to me, too. :( As consolation--the Anniversary sale is awesome, I think you'll find loads of shoes there.

Thanks Becky and Ana! I've decided to go with the yellow Anne Klein impress shoes that have frequntly been mentioned on the forum and Angie's posts - it seems that they are highly recommended!

LE, I have those shoes and they are great! Very easy to keep nice and clean, and the shade of yellow really pops.

P.S. Does it bother you that I call you "LE?" I don't want to shorten it if you don't like it. In my head I say it, "Ellie."

Not a problem, Ana! I like it. :) How do the flats hold up in rain? I figure they are 'not for puddle-jumping' but if I had to walk home (I live on the small campus where I work) would they be okay? I almost wonder if I should keep some wellies in my office - I live in a rainy part of Oregon.

Yeah, I wore them on a rainy day and they did fine. The only downside is that they have a low vamp, so water tends to splash up into them, rather than soaking the shoe material. Does that make sense? They made it through like champs though--when they dried, I just rubbed them with a cloth and they were good as new.

Do you live on the coast? Wellies might be a good investment for you then, especially if you walk short distances outdoors, but do it often.

That's good to hear! Yes, I live close to it. I have some bright red waterproof ankle boots, but I'm eyeing some tall purple ones now. http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2.....n/s/9.html

Laura, I have a pair of wellies and wear them regularly in the spring when the snow is melting and everything is one big muddy mess. My friends and family tease me little bit--but I just say..."my feet are dry, are yours?" that usually helps them change the subject. I highly recommend wellies to anyone who likes to keep their feet dry. Even if you only wear them a few times a year. They are not expensive as far as footwear goes.

Thanks Nicole! I sometimes felt a little obvious with bright red rain boots on, but I think you and Ana are on target about their worth on a rainy day!

J. Crew always carries cute Wellies as well.

They do! They don't have as long of a shaft for my leg, though. :(