YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The End of My Okala Era

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The End of My Okala Era https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:22:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788696 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 14:47:08 +0000 Angie 1788696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, ladies. It's all good.  LOVELY to see you post again, mrseccentric, and you look fab in your fun stye.  DonnaF, I have suede Sole Society pumps, which are a bit better.  cheryl on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788642 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 11:29:04 +0000 cheryl 1788642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ :( I'm sorry you have to say goodbye to a wardrobe workhorse that you loved but on the bright side, your current shoe wardrobe is fantastic! I haven't been able to wear heels for a while now so I feel your pain but I happily wear my flats. You really do have a gorgeous footwear collection. :)  Karie on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788453 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 20:18:06 +0000 Karie 1788453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear you on that - I can not abide a shoe that isn't comfortable, no matter how pretty the shoe. On to the next! Anonymous on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788419 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 18:21:15 +0000 Anonymous 1788419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So sorry to hear that, Angie. Boy, do I know what it feels like to say goodbye to fab shoes. Your feet need to come first, though, and they speak loudly at times. mrseccentric on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788411 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 17:55:26 +0000 mrseccentric 1788411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ oof!  It's so hard to say farewell to fabulous shoes! About 15 years ago I developed a problem with my pelvis and nerve damage. Between the two conditions it's excruciating to wear anything save low, flat, broad heels with no padding. Padding actually makes my problems much worse.   I've found it difficult to find shoes which work for me at all, even aside from the aesthetics angle. This didn't help me to commit to buying only shoes which i could stand to wear, and i have a few unworn pairs in my closet to attest to this struggle. Fortunately I've always had a bit of a utilitarian/equestrian vibe to my style and Victorian/Edwardian influences also. Some version of work or paddock boots make it possible for me to put on the miles I need for my physical and mental health while looking great too. These are the Laurel bootie by bed stu. They're perfect for my fussy feet, nicely made with great details like the nails on the heel, and the zipper makes for easy off and on. The company has a big focus on walking-friendly shoes which is quite refreshing, i'm saving up for more. Shoes are wonderful, but so vexing too! Let's have a sprinkle of shoe fairy dust on the forum here to help us along DonnaF on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788382 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 17:11:05 +0000 DonnaF 1788382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Okalas have always been too high for me, but these Sole Society heels are exceptionally well-balanced and just a bit lower which makes a huge difference. I have no idea why I can wear these heels when others 1/2 inch lower give me problems. I lack foot padding and my right toe barely bends. If you ever get a hankering for Oakland type heels, I recommend trying Sole Society. Angie on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788362 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 16:11:18 +0000 Angie 1788362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ HAH. Thanks for the giggles and compassion, ladies. Lots of wise words here.  Like many others, I make NO compromises for foot comfort, so this is where I am now. Not as good as before - but no reason to complain either. Isabel, you are brilliant. Jill58 and Jaime. YES. That’s exactly what’s happening to my feet. Shrinkage. No padding. Need smaller sizes. Joyce, you are dead right. I’m keeping the floral pumps for Summer nights out. Sharan, thanks, and you absolutely need very comfy shoes when you commute on foot. Bella, what a lovely thing to say. Thank you. Eliza on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788321 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 14:12:22 +0000 Eliza 1788321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie- sorry for your loss. So important to keep it real with what works for our feet. The heel heights you now prefer are what I can manage also. There are more appealing options that ever in this range. I must say, I look forward to sharing recommendations with you; our feet are similar enough that there has been overlap in both style preferences and fit. Onward, indeed. Elizabeth P on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788319 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 14:06:57 +0000 Elizabeth P 1788319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was never able to think of my Okalas as an all day walking shoe like you did, but I still really enjoy having them for office wear when I'm not doing a ton of walking, and for dressier occasions.  I'm sorry they don't work for you any more, as it means your feet are getting fussier.  But you certainly DO have great options!  And may the future options always be plentiful. Isabel, fantastic poem. RobinF on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788302 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 12:40:49 +0000 RobinF 1788302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm always sad when it is time to see a favorite go. I admit, I tried on some of the Okalas last year in Nordstrom Rack and wasn't sure how you all can wear them, not comfy for me but I have never been a heel person. I sure love your current shoe collection though! So many gorgeous choices. Jaime on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788296 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 12:32:19 +0000 Jaime 1788296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have lost my tolerance for heels as well! My feet actually hurt a bit looking at some shoes :-)  My need for comfortable feet has far surpassed my need to look fashionable. Bijou on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788278 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 11:47:12 +0000 Bijou 1788278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great reminder that when the time is right, we have to let some things go. It is incredibly strange how something that once worked, suddenly doesn't. I love your attitude, that it is just time to move on. Onwards and upwards! Aquamarine on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788275 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 11:40:03 +0000 Aquamarine 1788275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm sad with you! Seemingly overnight, we develop foot issues. Now I understand why our mothers/grandmothers/older women wore such SENSIBLE-looking shoes years ago. Not because they stopped liking pretty things, but because they couldn't tolerate them anymore. However, we have SO many more choices now and I am confident that shoe manufacturers are no longer ignoring the needs of women with fussy feet, although we are paying dearly for more comfortable yet still stylish shoes. This year I bought $450 Aquatalia booties <gulp> but they are worth every penny to me. I'll forgo other clothing items so that my feet don't scream in pain. Anonymous on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788261 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 10:41:19 +0000 Anonymous 1788261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I didn't take it as complaining, Angie.  I read your comment as things change, we roll with those changes.  You did just that.  I commend you for having the brains to not torture yourself.   Jane on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788246 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 08:08:17 +0000 Jane 1788246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ really good to hear about the move away from heels, it makes me feel more comfortable with my footwear choices I only wear heels for work, I stick with low boots for weekends and the walk to work and I love sneakers too. I like to see your choices, thank you for sharing Angie bella on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788231 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:34:46 +0000 bella 1788231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I still like those shoes a lot :)  You really live what you preach Angie. I am not surprised to see that you have a small but extremely wearable collection of shoes. Something to emulate! minimalist on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788223 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 04:43:09 +0000 minimalist 1788223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a sweet farewell. I saw Okalas in black yesterday at Whole Foods and thought of YLF. I looked down at my Mephisto Helens, shrugged, and finished shopping. Heel height isn't the deciding point for me these days; I'm chronically so tired that any effort at all presents a serious hurdle to choosing any given footwear. Favorite ankle boots have laces? Maybe I can make do with the zip ones instead. But, zippers require effort, too. Both closing them at the beginning of the day, and opening them at the end. As do socks. These decisions have to be thought through, you see! Looks like I'll be expanding my wardrobe of slip-on sandals with arch support, and keeping up on my pedicure appointments. But I'll always have a fond spot for Okalas and all the love they enjoyed here. Numbers-wise, has any footwear item graced more WLF feet than they? Firecracker (Sharan) on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788209 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 03:56:47 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1788209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I love your low-heeled shoe collection. Interesting to hear about the change in your footwear tolerances. I'm finding since my job change last fall that I am wearing the heck out of my flat or nearly-flat shoes and rarely wearing my heeled booties anymore. The main factor for me is the 1/2-mile walk between my house and the bus stop. I used to drive to my previous job. Anonymous on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788206 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 03:54:02 +0000 Anonymous 1788206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep, they were good while they lasted. Good thing you have other options. I'm right there with you on heel height. always trying on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era/page/2#post-1788197 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 03:30:05 +0000 always trying 1788197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Footwear is just one of those things that we have to change as our "parts" demand as we get older.  You have a very nice collection of footwear.  Luckily there are a lot of styles now to still have very nice fashionable shoes, sandals, sneakers, booties, etc. to keep us happy.  Jaime on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788193 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 03:21:59 +0000 Jaime 1788193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gasping with agreement Angie. I have noticed that the padding under my feet has become even less tolerant, or simply thinner, just when I am in the mood for a slight heel. My Okalas are still with me - there were and remain primarily for going to the opera or holiday dinner sort of shoe, and even block heels that are too high are impossible for me to wear anymore. Isabel your poem made my morning! deb on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788188 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 02:55:23 +0000 deb 1788188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isabel, that is great!!! All hail the block heel! Sveta on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788187 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 02:54:46 +0000 Sveta 1788187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, you did have a great time with your Okalas while it lasted. However your current footwear collection is beyond fabulous too and I am sure you have a lot of fun with it. Happy feet is the most important thing, right? Anonymous on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788185 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 02:45:26 +0000 Anonymous 1788185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fabulous, Isabel! What a way to give the Oaklas a send off! Angie, much empathy with your fussy feet woes. It happens and your feet will be happier and healthier because you listen to them. Isabel on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788182 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 02:32:14 +0000 Isabel 1788182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am taking moment of silence... Oh dear okalas Thee shod and thee graced The Peripatetic base Whilst Fulfilling thy duty Amongst seasons of beauty Alas , foot padding wanes Producing great pains 'Tis time for adieu Boo hoo, boo hoo. rachylou on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788179 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 02:14:51 +0000 rachylou 1788179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So sad. But just in time for the block heel trend. columbine(erin) on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788177 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 02:11:14 +0000 columbine(erin) 1788177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh dear, I will be sad not to see the Okalas anymore. They are just so beautiful and feminine. The block heels of now have their own beauty though.  JAileen on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788163 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 01:32:14 +0000 JAileen 1788163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Okalas are such pretty shoes. But I would not risk my foot health for any shoe. Joyce B on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788162 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 01:28:58 +0000 Joyce B 1788162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with you that shoes should be comfortable and I know you already made your decision but after/ while having to wear gear shoes that are safe for Winter it may take a little thought to readjust to the previously loved dressy shoes. I will be more patient with the transition to pretty shoes because it may be a case of Winter feet for me, it is hard to tell just now. Carla on "The End of My Okala Era" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-end-of-my-okala-era#post-1788161 Thu, 16 Mar 2017 01:26:05 +0000 Carla 1788161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm riding the same train, Angie et al. 2016 was a year of genuine foot change for me, with loss of volume and padding - just as described. I'm seriously thinking of doing like Ellen Degeneres (and the featured blogger from today!) and wearing sneakers with my trousers.