yes, milehighstyle, i know that many i work with wonder how much i spend on my shoes---but honestly, its probably less than many of the just out of school kids i work with spend on going out each weekend, and they last a lot longer!
i am one of those " all the shoes", and i don't worry about it....

Just to add, my philosophy is that paradigms only shift when someone takes the initiative (and the brunt of any possible fallout) to shift them. I understand completely that being perceived as competent is crucial in any profession. At the same time, if I conform to irrational expectations, I'm only serving to reinforce them. I'm a relatively young female minority in a position where that's uncommon, so I'm already challenging norms anyway. Why not bring my own style to to the table as well? I like setting a new standard for women who may follow in my path.

This is of course taking into consideration that groundbreaking generally comes at a cost for women pushing boundaries in any area of life, style included.

An emotional thread with lots of food for thought and wisdom.

Anna, on this forum, you are known as the the one with ALL the shoes - probably in Seattle too - and in the best possible way. You are Queen Off Kilter, Queen Wackadoodle, and Queen Trendiest Of Them All. Of course your footwear reflects this style persona - and it’s a good thing. We need all extremes covered in fashion and style, and you represent that side of the continuum. It’s eye candy for more people than you think. The most important part in all of this is that you enjoy your footwear, Anna. It’s a hobby, they’re your wardrobe pets, and they make you happy. Your footwear strategy does not work for everyone - but it works for you. And that’s what personal style is all about. Rock on.

OF COURSE intelligent people can have an interest in fashion. I have never understood the negative judgement. And speaking of judgments, it’s best to judge the outfit - and not the person. That way we are free to formulate an opinion about the aesthetics without making unfair and inaccurate judgements about the wearer.

When it comes to standing out, being the tall poppy, or defying your environmental norm - again, it’s a personal decision. If it makes you happy, feel fab, and allows you to sport your aspirational style - go for it. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, inauthentic and unfab - you probably want to rethink your strategy. Blending in can be as desirable as standing out. I understand why Lisa and Gaylene adopted their footwear strategies because it makes sense for them.

Finally, I also would like to commend Traci on how astute she is about perceiving inaccurate judgments. Someone makes a choice that is suited to them for their reasons. They are not judging you negatively because you did something different - or at least - they shouldn’t judge you negatively for adopting a strategy that is different to your own. Take the time to understand their reasons for doing what they did. It’s always better that way.

(And good for you, Una).

I love YLF I am on Vacation so I won't be commenting on everything but I have read everything. Sometimes our comments get lost in translation. Or we tend to project onto others from our own situation.
Each and everyone of us is as unique and individual as a snowflake or a blade of grass. We all.add to the tapestry of life. We may inspire someone without evening knowing it.
I know Anna and Una and n Lisa inspire me for totally different reasons and our style fashion choices are as different as night and day. I was a stalker for a long time because I had no sense of fashion or style dieection.
I enjoyed how people from many different backgrounds could relate in one way or another to each other on more than a fashion level.
As far as shoes I am quirky and comfortable. I enjoy my self titled "extra freak flang and wave it proudly" when we stay true to ourselves we give others permission to do the same.

Peace be unto you all.

Finally got back to this.
I fully realize that for some situations and professions dressing not so conspicuously really matters. I'm full aware of the double standard in academia, my father did research at a university. Also in many other professions, mother was a patent attorney. If you look good, then you can't be intelligent enough for your career. I also know students are extremely harsh on their professors. A family friend growing up was a professor in pharmacy, she always dressed well and fashionably. But she was also a tough as nails professor.
Not everyone is adventurous in fashion or life. But we shouldn't put down those that push the envelope.
For example Dolly Parton has said on more than one occasion that her fashion idol growing up was "the town tramp". She is also hugely talented and a very savvy business woman.

Speaking of Dolly Parton has anyone ever been to Dolly wood? It is on my secret bucket list of places to travel. I fell in love with her back in the 80s in 9 to 5. That is one good looking honest woman with the voice of an angle.

Traci took the words out of my mouth. Someone voicing their perspective and their personal decisions regarding any aspect of fashion should not be taken as judgement on someone who does something differently. I may make certain choices depending on the field I am in, the position I hold, the city I live in, the people I work with, etc. But simply because those are the right decisions for me does NOT mean they are the right decisions for someone else. Someone else's perspective might help me change my own perspective, or it might entrench my own views even further, but it need not do either if I am confident in my choices.

I didn't see any judgement of others in any of the comments on other threads. I saw bright, professional women stating what worked for them and why. I didn't see anyone saying that all women should feel or act the same way.

I think in general, unless you're conscioously striving not to, people tend to be judgmental of those who spend money (and time too, but money in particular) on things they don't value. My fiancée can't fathom spending more than $40 on jeans or why one would need more than 3 pairs of shoes (clearly, I don't agree, but we don't judge each other for it!) I have a substantial, even ridiculous, collection of books and loose leaf tea that some might find excessive (though I know how much I spend on those items and it's reasonable cost-per-use, and we have sufficent storage space to make it possible.) Years ago I couldn't imagine spending more than $50 on a purse; now I have a couple Kate Spade bags that I got on a good sale and have proved to be good, durable pieces, but I don't value bags enough to go from 3-4 to 30-40 of them. I keep trying to remind myself when I start to get judgy about someone else's hobby/financial priority that as long as it's not something that's hurting someone else, it's just a matter of our having different values, priorities, and means. It's hard to remember that; and despite that I catch myself doing it occasionally, I don't like being judged for my priorities at all, especially when it's something that is very fun and happy for me (my pets, books, etc)

This is from a wedding blog but I think it's totally relevant, about luxury shame and one-lowmanship:

http://offbeatbride.com/2013/03/one-lowmanship

I agree with Traci. We all make our choices based on our own personal situations - and that doesn't mean that we are judging someone else who makes different choices. I once had a job where it would have been horribly insensitive for me to be "the woman with all the shoes." At another time in my life I had a job where it was just fine (and fun!) to be known as "the woman with all the shoes!" In both jobs I was making a conscience decision to present myself in a specific way. It had nothing to do with a double standard or being concerned that if I looked good people would not take me seriously.
I completely understand your desire to wear your shoes (you have an enviable collection!) - and I also understand Lisa's reasons for choosing not to - both reasons/perspectives are legitimate and neither should cancel out - or be perceived to be critical of - the other!

Hmm, I just read this entire and very interesting post. In my life, I haven't experienced people judging me for my shoes, and I certainly have a wide and nice selection numbering just shy of 100. I don't find that what I wear on my feet or elsewhere diminishes how people perceive my intellect. I am certain that I'm judged for my professional ability and integrity. I think people look at what I wear initially, but I believe my personality is what makes the bigger impression. I can and do wear whatever I want - jeans and tees, sweats, scrubs and sneakers, or pencil skirts and pumps. What people leave with is my empathy, years of experience, knowledge and the confidence that I am going to try my very best to help their child.

Such a great thread! I can relate to all the balancing of perception vs. Who cares/ does it matter. I'd rather err on the conservative side, but the biggest aha! was finding my own groove/ comfort zone. Since My biggest footwear investment is for AT work, and I have fussy feet, and I may have long hours and am up and about, I began to see how to blend comfort and style in a sort of signature way that kind of signals the serious professional aspects but creates interest. . That is why I gravitated to oxfords, loafers, ankle boots, and some more classic ballet type flats. I DO get some comments, compliments actually, and at time I wonder, is this a good thing or bad publicity/ notariety?-- but I somehow find it satisfying that said shoes, which might be " different", are pretty clearly functional at the same time. This kind of balance, admittedly it may be a kind of justification, makes ME happy though it does not have to be a goal for everone. It also gives me a target for updates, looking for interesting color gradations, great leather detail, style tweaks but really demanding that happy- foot
feeling.

Wow what a great thread - I do have a job in which I am judged by how I am dressed and look - literally every day families walk into my building and based on my look decide if I am competent enough to be a principal without a word being said.
Knowing this I do run with it a bit - I like to push the edge and be slightly overdressed and bring the drama in outfits.
My new staff have come to appreciate my style and I am known as the style Diva/Fashionista by them - At the same time I am also known by them as pretty darn smart, tough and nails and competent at my job.

I think we all find the style that works for our job and who we are and that is wonderful. One of the reasons I love YLF is getting to see all the different ways people present themself to the world. I admire all the different looks and styles.

I wonder to what extent what Kari wrote is accurate, that people tend to be judgmental of those who spend money on things they don't value? My mother is 500% critical of those who don't spend money EXACTLY according to her values even though those choices don't affect her. Drives me nuts. Maybe that's why I try not to judge, especially because it is none of my business. Except of course I try to instill my values in DD and convince her that buying at F21 is throwing away her money since stuff falls apart almost immediately.