Musings on footwear, comfort, style and pleasant surprises

I had to go to Mark's Work Warehouse today to pick up the guys some underwear and socks (normally they would go themselves but both are down with the stomach flu - thank goodness for more than one bathroom!).

Anyway, while there I thought I would look around. I haven't looked at the ladies merchandise in there for years. I was very pleasantly surprised at many of their items. They are following many of the popular trends and had some fab stuff. They also had a great collection of the most adorable rain footwear.

It got me thinking about how I automatically dismiss certain retailers based on previous merchandise or assumed " frump factor". This isn't fair of me and also limits my shopping options. For example there was a fab pair of slim cargo pants at Mark's that I tried on and much preferred to the pair I just bought. I'm trying to purchase more things locally to maximize my shopping dollar and support my local economy. I need to keep these other stores in mind.

In relation to this, many of you know I dislocated my left knee in a running accident about 4 years ago and have had problems with it ever since. My latest MRI was not good....significant cartilage damage under the knee cap as well as remaining damage to the bursa. I am finding heels harder on my knee and now with the addition of bunions, comfortable shoes are becoming more and more important. Gone are the days of shoes like those gorgeous green Poetic License pumps I used to own. Even my Doc Marcie's are starting to bother my knee.

So while at Mark's I thought I'd look at their shoes. I know they are 100% leather and the quality decent. I found a pair of pewter leather peep toe wedge shoes that are the same style as the Cole Haan wedge shoes. I think my feet squealed in delight when I put them on! I bought them right then and there...not a pinch or rub anywhere. Are they the most stylish thing going? No. But my feet and knee need to be happy. And I think that with a great outfit that is still stylish and current they will be fine.

So my lessons learned today are:

1. Don't discount a store cause it isn't "hip".

2. I'm no longer willing to suffer for fashion.

#1 casual outfit in window at Mark's featuring roles BF jeans, plaid shirt, cropped citron denim jacket and sandals.

#2 cute rubber boots

#3 pink striped trench

#4 the shoes I bought

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12 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I think those shoes are quite cute, actually! Sure, maybe not THE most stylish, but not bad...and if they are comfy for your feet, well, comfort is stylish. (-:

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Agree, those are cute. And I rather like the paisley rain shoes.

Nebraskim

I would totally wear that citron jacket and any of those rain footwear. I, too, am of the "no store unturned" philosophy. And anytime cute, painfree shoes are found, snap on them!

Kristin L

I think the shoes are pretty cute. And if they're comfy and don't hurt your feet, then that's makes them better.

Gigi

I remember being in college and going with my mom to a nearby farm-type store. I too was surprised at the well-made, practical, yet stylish clothing. I did end up buying some favorite pieces there. Unfortunately, with the size inflation, I am now sized out, because those stores usually just carry the most average sizes. It's too bad, because you can really find some winners in stores like that!

I think the shoes are cute. I think the metallic fabric helps the style quotient a lot. And if they make your feet happy, that's worth a lot!

Jaime

Your smile is your best accessory Shannon and the ease your feet and knees will feel is much more important than the exact style of the shoe. And wincing from foot pain never flatters. Great post!

Beth Ann

Just came back from DSW on a hunt for fab, but practical, footwear. I see the beginnings of bunions, even though I don't have a lot of pain yet, and I want to be free to move in even my dress shoes -- movement makes me feel alive, so no more "decorative" shoes that make me perch on a bench and watch the world go by! I can still wear 3", but only with a perfect fit and a bit of cushioning, along with a truly stable heel. And not every day! The shoes you purchased are for a stylish woman who has places to go!

I'm also learning how much I prefer trying things on to buying online. Even handbags! I need to see them on my body to know how they'll look on me. I like to feel fabrics in my hand and look at the construction of a garment before I buy. Now, while I live in a large suburban demographic, I don't have lots of time to shop, which means I have to take advantage of what's close by. This is part of the reason that Kohls items appear in my wardrobe so often. I have to learn to bypass the frump and see the best items in the store. This sounds like your experience in Mark's.

So sorry to hear that your knee is acting up! I hope comfy footwear helps!

Two excellent lessons to learn, TS!

I am starting to get on team comfy footwear. So yay for your happy shoe find!

Neel

Those shoes look so comfy ... My feet are squeeling in delight too! And yay for not leaving any retail stone unturned. I cannot wear uncomfortable shoes! Too many bad experiences that I could care to admit! Pointy toes are not working for me. I can wear them with a bit of discomfort, but I love the comfort of my round toes and sneaks. Comfortable might not always be trendy, but stylish ... Why not?

I wish they allowed crocs in offices and restaurants, bwahahaha! They are the most comfortable shoes for me!

Glory

Shannon great find. I went to Marks last year looking for a fused long jacket. I had looked everywhere and lo and behold. They had a great version that I have worn to death. I recently picked up an excellent tshirt - with a tone on tone owl embroidered on the front. The shoes look wonderful - I think they have a similar one is nude.

Suz

Great finds, Shannon! I, too, was in a Mark's yesterday, in my case shopping for undies for my mother, who likes their offerings in that department. And I saw the cute rain footwear, too! I didn't buy anything for myself, but I agree it is always worth giving retailers a look over and makes sense to support our locals where we can.

Niefern

Active Member

The shoes are very nice and foot confort is of outmost importance!

Karie

Well I just love that outfit in the window! The citron jacket is beautiful. And your shoes are nice too. I am with you - no more suffering for fashion!

Transcona Shannon

Thanks for the sympathy ladies

I seem to be on a new style quest now to merge absolute comfort with current items. It will be interesting to see if this change will result in me feeling frumpy.

Jules

Thanks for the Marks tip - I had actually stricken them from my list a couple of years ago. But I am looking for a gear-ish but reasonably stylish rain jacket and keep coming up empty-handed. I was actually going to check out MEC but truthfully, I don't need THAT level of gear - it's more about soccer-MOTG needs than actual hiking etc.
I will definitely take a look at Marks!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Leave no retail stone unturned.

Every retailer should get the chance to start afresh each season.

Love your attitude, Shannon. Thank you. xo

shedev

I think the shoes are really cute. They are a little lady like, but the color gives them that little bit of Shannon spunk. Big yay for comfort. Sorry the Marcies are giving you trouble.

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