So I did something the other day that I never, ever do: I impulsively bought a pair of $150 shoes. (I'm not saying this to brag, by the way! There's a point to this.) These shoes:
Oh, and they look like this from the side:
That's right, they're crazy shoes. And I promise you, they are ten times weirder and more striking in person.
The reason I bought them was a bit ridiculous. I'm going to be in my friend Rachel's wedding in a month, and all the bridesmaids are supposed to pick out their own spring-colored shoes. So I ordered a lovely pair of seafoam green Jeffrey Campbell wedges, but when they arrived they were too small, and when I went to re-order they were all sold out. Then I spent hours online trying to find a different pair of green shoes (since the other bridesmaids had already claimed the easier-to-find colors, like blue and pink), but I couldn't find any that I liked in my size.
Needing a break, I hopped over to the Solestruck website, and found the pair pictured above. It was instant love once I saw the side view, and I was sleepy, and feeling sick, and so tired of searching for wedding shoes that the crazy thought passed through my head: "Maybe Rachel would let me wear these in her wedding." I ordered them immediately, and when they arrived yesterday I got to laugh at myself as I realized how absurd it would be to wear these shoes to a wedding.
Unfortunately, after wearing them around the house for a good two hours, I am now deeply attached to them and can't bear the thought of sending them back. And that's why I'm telling all of this to you, dear readers: what do you think I should do? I understand that most of you would never wear these shoes - either you don't like statement shoes, or they're not appropriate for the office. Thankfully, though, I love statement shoes, and don't work in an office :) While I wouldn't wear these multiples times a week, they do go with a surprising amount of things in my closet. What do you think? Is $150 just too much to spend on a pair of crazy shoes? Should I be a responsible adult and send them back?
Those shoes are insane, but if you think you'll wear them enough to the point you're comfortable with the cost-per-wear, then I say keep them.
ReplyDeleteIt's like my animal print booties - they're over-the-top, but I love them and no I don't wear them as much as, say, my riding boots, I do wear them and I'm fine that they were more expensive.
I think I'd wear them enough to feel comfortable with the cost-per-wear ratio. And sometimes it's fun to have a pair of semi-expensive, offbeat shoes that you don't wear all the time, but that make you really happy when you do wear them.
DeleteAlso, I think they're pretty cool and I would totally admire you if your rocked those out.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see them on you. See what you wear them with. I hope you enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I had so much fun "playing dress-up" and planning outfits around them!
DeleteI think you would be too sad if you sent them back!
ReplyDeleteI think I would!
DeleteI could see you making great use out of those shoes, Stacey. Plus (obligatory cliche), you only live once. Keep 'em!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you think, Cynthia! I'll only live once, so I might as well wear the weird shoes that make me happy :)
DeleteThe mother and cheapness instinct in me would say, "Hey girl, are you crazy? Send them back". But...I once bought a $150 pair of Cole Haan shoes on a whim breaking my cardinal rule of never buying anything full price and I eventually wore them out. It would be interesting to see how you style these.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty cheap too - normally I don't buy clothes unless they're on sale and less than $50. But shoes are my weakness :)
DeleteAnd sometimes it's hard to tell what impulse purchase will turn out to be the piece of clothing that you'll wear to death. I've put a lot of thought into purchases that I've only ended up wearing a handful of times, and I have some pieces that I bought on a whim and wear a few times a week.
My general rule of thumb is not to get crazy expensive shoes that I can't see myself wearing everyday. If i can see myself wearing them everyday then I'd get them, otherwise I'd wait for a sale!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I can count on one hand the number of clothing items or shoes that I've spent more than $100 on, and I made sure that whatever I was buying would be wearable multiple times a week if necessary.
DeleteIf you'll wear them, keep them. Everyone needs a pair of crazy shoes and it's not like you bought a pair of Manolos or Alexander McQueen shoes.
ReplyDeleteIt's my dream to own a pair of Manolos someday :) Although I may never be able or willing to part with that much money for a pair of shoes!
DeleteAs a high school student strapped for cash, all I can say is...what IS the point of growing up and making money if you can't occasionally spend it on fabulous finds like this? Seriously, Stacey. Keep them, save being a "responsible adult" for things like groceries :)
ReplyDeleteIF they go with lots of things in your closet & you'd get use out of them - keep them! I hate returning things - hassle and I also get weird attachment issues for things I buy!
ReplyDeleteBut no, can't wear to a wedding, if only because they're gray and you want to be cheery and bright as a bridesmaid. It's your BM job (sigh). BUT they do match your blog name and theme :D
xo
The Fashionable ESQ
http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/
As far as shoes go, $150 isn't that bad of a price tag. I'm saving up my pennies for what will likely be a $300+ purchase of Fluevog shoes (seeing as you like these, you should check out Fluevogs!) later in the year, for instance, and that's fine with me because they are unique, handmade and of quality. So... are these shoes worth the $150? Are they comfy, wearable and something you will adore? If so... keep 'em!
ReplyDelete