It was the outcome of a conversation at work. Long story, but I decided I needed a pair of designer heels to signal to the world that I was serious. I wanted to prove (to myself, mostly) that I’m a successful, grown-up woman who can do all the serious career things.
And so, my friend who lives and breathes designer shopping, excitedly took me to Pitt Street the very next day.
I had some major ‘Julia Roberts on Rodeo Drive’ vibes to be honest. I pretended like I go into stores that sell thousand-dollar shoes all the time, but as you can guess, I have literally never been in one.
Anyway, I didn’t buy any. It was a little disappointing in the end – not for my wallet, which was totally supportive of my decision. Definitely for my friend.
But life is full of unexpected lessons, so here are some thoughts I had following the great Designer Shoe Store Trail of 2019.
- Price does not equal comfort. I had this idea that if you paid a lot of money, these heels would magically not hurt your feet. This is a lie! In fact, those Louboutins were red-soled harbingers of death to the balls of your feet. Also, my ‘plump’ feet didn’t really fit into them or any of the fancy brands, except Salvatore Ferragamo, which is made for well-heeled (pun intended) ladies of a certain age who brunch in Double Bay.
- It’s hard to rewrite your money script. I’m a massive tight-arse when it comes to clothes and shoes. Who was I kidding? Like yeah, I’ll shop at the usual suspects like Wittner and Nine West, but I ain’t paying full-price. So it’s hard – impossible even – to go from $100 for a pair of shoes to literally ten times that. And then I started thinking about all Nike Air Maxes I could get for that much (to add to the slightly obscene collection already going). Well, anyway, is it any surprise that I abandoned the whole plan? This isn’t a bad thing – it’s part of mindful spending to know what you’re willing to drop your hard-earned dollars on. Or not.
- Self-confidence is about what you think, not what you wear. Sorry if this sounds like a motivational quote from Instagram. Like, it’s still important to look polished and professional. But I was expecting that buying some shoes would convince me that I’m legit. Maybe banish some of my impostor syndrome feelings. It turns out the only way to do that is through some serious inner work. Ugh, so much harder than just going shopping. In fact, that’s how it always is. Buying stuff is never a replacement for self-development. Annoying!
April 3, 2019 at 9:57 am
I’m sad u didn’t buy the shoes 👠 ☹️
Thanks, Sarah
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April 3, 2019 at 9:28 pm
Haha I have no regrets!
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April 4, 2019 at 8:12 am
Love your writing. Totes agree and get it. With my challenged feet I need to shop at Zeira. I’m usually the youngest purchaser trying to locate a pair of shoes for my bunioned feet that look just a tiny bit modern and fancy. But hey nothing under $250. So I’m qtr the way to Loubou’s. Hate wasting money on shoes!
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April 3, 2019 at 9:17 pm
Ouch that’s tough. I salute my bunioned sisters just trying to deal with their imperfections! We all are, in different ways…
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April 4, 2019 at 10:47 am
So can you have mindful retail therapy? I was feeling battered by the universe the other day and dropped a hundred bucks on the limited edition, nearly sold out Dark Side of the Moon winter cycling jersey, with that image from the album cover on it. I had all sorts of reasons why it was okay to buy something I already have 2 of. I am yet to regret it, although that may yet happen.
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April 12, 2019 at 4:37 am
Yeah, I’m back on my second life with docs, I think I’m a year or two more vintage than your good self
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April 12, 2019 at 11:37 am
Hey Fierce Girl, yeah I’ve been extending myself for comfortable and cute doc martens, that’s my weakness, but comfortable is the key word. Plus they last a long time and become old friends. Keep up your blog.
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April 12, 2019 at 1:44 am
Ohhhh I loved my Doc Martens (in the 90s). Which just proves if you live long enough your favourite fashions come around again to remind you of your age and mortality.
Thanks for the kind words!
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