Wow, I am so grateful for all of you who took the time to weigh in on my shoe collection. I can't tell you how helpful it was! In some cases, you gave me just the push I needed to let go of dead weight, and in other cases, my heart pushed back enough for me to know which ones I really loved! It also helped me to hone and focus the true needs in my shoe wardrobe.
Shoe shopping list: flat sandal, flat pointy toe shoe, med/low heeled dark bootie, nude wedge sandal, wild card (wedge sneaker maybe?)
I have discovered that I would like to find more stylish and/or better quality replacements for: 16b, 19a, and 23 (but will keep them until they are replaced).
I will keep experimenting with 11, 12, and 13 (but in a perfect world, would gladly replace all three with one great nude, heeled, sandal).
I will be keeping these (although a few of them may not be seen in public until styles shift): 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 17, 18a, 18b, 20b, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30a, 31b,c
I will get rid of these with only a few pangs, but mostly with a happy heart: 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 16a, 19b, 20a, 26, 27, 29, 30b, 31a,d
For those who want the FULL scoop on the whys and wherefores of it all, here's the breakdown:
1. I somehow knew that this shoe would be universally loved. Unfortunately it just doesn't want to stay on my heel. I have been able to wear these for occasions when walking was at a minimum, but I just don't think I can keep them. I would rather pass them along to someone here who will love them.
2. I'm little sentimental about these and I love the look enough to maybe keep them around until the styles come back around to agreeing with me. Plus they are great quality.
3. I know, I hear you. I have no good defense for keeping these. (Although I'm a little surprised that some liked these more than others...) When they were more in keeping with the fashions, they sure did make my legs look great! I would be tempted to keep them longer if it the elastic near the buckles wasn't stretched out and in need of repair. Good memories. Time to move on.
4. Most. Flattering. Shoe. Ever (on me). Of all time. And relatively comfortable for the height. I could hug the few of you who liked these. I have two pair because they are just that awesome. They may have to lay low for a time, but I don't think I can part with them until I find an equally flattering counterpart. I think this will be my most controversial decision.
5. Yeah, I know... Not keepers. But these used to look so cute... And they're Fossil. But not as comfortable anymore. Ugh. I know, I know.... Buh-bye.
6. Universally liked, I see. I do think I these are pretty classic. They are relatively comfortable. I'm not in love with skinnier heels - feels a little precarious - but I may be able to keep them around a bit longer. They are starting to get a little worn, so I probably can't get too much more use out them.
7. I still have fun pulling these out from time to time. They are totally different from the rest of my shoes and are just right for an occasional fun pop of color. I can't see keeping them for very much longer, but I still enjoy them some.
8 and 9 - These are my go to shoes right now. They have both gotten enough wear that I may have to upgrade soon to the Okalas. #9 are especially comfortable!
10. I bought these before #8 and the Nine West are so much more comfortable and current that I have ignored these. They are good quality and have very little wear, but I will let them go. (Although I do particularly love the thicker heel.)
11. I was really interested in what you all had to say about these. I really like them a lot with a number of my outfits, but I just am not sure if that is enough to outweigh the comfort factor. Everything about these shoes is comfy except for the angle of my foot in them. They aren't even all that high - there is just something odd and painful when I walk too much. I may experiment just a little more, but if they are too painful, I will offer them up to the forum.
12 and 13. I am really glad for the help on these. I went through a big yellow accessory phase, but my clothing has since changed and I'm not as excited about the yellow as I once was. I like the idea of keeping one of them (leaning towards 12). I will make a conscious effort to wear them and see how they feel (literally and emotionally). I also like Marley's idea of getting a yellow pointy pump to replace them both.
14. I think I am the most surprised about the reactions to this shoe. I bought these less that a year ago, and I was thinking that this (almost) flatform was definitely in style and not dated (like the shoes with the platforms in front and higher in back (like 3 and 4). But I really don't know my stuff when it comes to shoes and how current they are. It is also extremely comfortable - one of the most comfy pairs that I own. I will be happily swimming against the current on this one, as I really enjoy wearing this pair.
15. These are out. Too worn, and dated. But they have survived this long because they are comfortable and flattering, and nude (the trifecta of my criteria for the perfect shoe).
16a. I think that I want to love these more than I do. They are comfortable. But is that enough? I think not, since I always grab 16b instead.
16b. I get more compliments on these crazy sandals than almost any other pair of shoes that I have! But this is Florida... so I take that with a (huge) grain of salt. I would gladly give these up, but I have to replace them first. A pair of flat sandals with very little touching your skin is a requirement for living in this climate. One cannot exist on the weekends without them. Period.
17. I love these sandals so much, and am thrilled to have a flat pair of sandals that are comfortable and unique (convertible straps). They are not powerful enough, however, to do all of the heavy lifting in the sandal department, so I need to look for others to fill in the gaps.
18a. These fulfill my secret desire to be a ballerina, and the slight point and wrap ties make them work with several outfits. I'm keeping them!
18b. Another controversial keep. So. Very. Comfortable. Like walking on clouds. I know that they won't win any style points, but with certain outfits, they feel very "me" - similarly to how 18a feel. The happiness factor trumps style on these.
19a. I agree with all of the love these have gotten. They did stretch out just enough to make them hard to keep on my heels. Ugh. I will keep trying to find a solution for that, but may have to replace them with better fitting ones.
19b. I want to love these so much, but I just never wear them. They don't look right with my outfits... Oh well. Gone.
20a. These are done. They are pretty worn and I don't reach for them anymore...
20b. These are definitely old, but I have kept them around because they are the most comfortable walking shoe, while still being flattering, particularly in hot weather. I do think that my Keds or Converse have pretty much taken their place, but since I have the room, I may hang onto them for that once a year thing when no other shoe will do the job...
21-22. Keep. That's a no brainier. (21a are solely practical and can replace my Sketchers).
23. Wild card. These are just totally unlike anything I have or have ever worn, and I have had a little fun trying them out. When I wore them this spring, people thought I was so cutting edge (remember, this is Florida). In a perfect world, I would replace them with something sleeker and truly stylish. This was mainly just an experiment to see if I would enjoy a wedge/sneaker. I'll keep them around for cooler weather and play a little more, then (maybe replace) and pass them along.
24. In what seems to be another unpopular choice, this pair of shoes is one of my favorites. I have had a really hard time finding booties that look good on me and with my clothes. These are also fairly comfortable! I can even wear them in warmer weather without feeling like I am going to die.
25. Popular choice - keeping. These will be good when the weather cools down. They aren't as comfy as 24, though.
26. Gone. Sooooo gone. These are old and cheap, and the only reason they have stayed around this long is because they are the perfect hight and color to wear with pants and jeans, and are also closed toed. I will be replacing them!
27. Also gone. I keep thinking someday I will visit cold weather again... But by the time that happens, I will probably want to buy updated shoes.
28. I am thinking since I have the room for them, I can afford to keep these...
29. I was kind of curious what you all thought of these. They are really great quality boots that I got at a steal years ago. The heels are terribly scuffed (as in need to be taken to a repair shop) and they have some slight comfort issues (not deal breakers though) so I couldn't decide if they are worth keeping. I had determined to let you all decide for me, and the forum has spoken. They are gone.
30a. Keep, keep, keep! I can't wait till the weather is cold enough to wear these again. They are incredibly comfortable, and I just love them!! If I could only keep one pair of shoes, these would be the ones. I'd have to go barefoot in the summer.
30b. I have had some fun with these, but they are pretty high and the quality is lacking... It is time for these to go!
31. Sneakers and ballet flats are out of here! Crocks and flip flops will continue to be my (not so secret anymore) shame.
Whew. That was exhausting. But awesome!
