Fashion is annoying

[vettecat]

I've been needing new shoes for a while, and decided I really have to get some before Rosh haShana. Fortunately one of my cousins married a guy who works in his family's shoe store (relatives can be useful). So I went out there tonight to look for shoes.

I've been wearing the same style for years; I don't like shopping, and once I find something comfortable I just get it in a few different colors. So I'd gotten into the habit of calling up cousin J. every once in a while and saying, "Hi, could you send me a pair of the shoes I like in black?" Nice and easy. But when I called recently, he told me the style I like has been discontinued. Eeeek! Thus the trip out to the store (in Lexington).

I thought I would just get the most similar thing I could find. But that turned out to be more difficult than I expected, because the type of shoe I like (a short pump with a low front) is apparently not in vogue right now. (Several similar styles had also been discontinued.) All the companies are making shoes that come up very high in the front, which, apart from the question of whether I like them (which I don't), I can't wear because I have a high instep, and they cut into my foot.

I commented to J. that it was very unfair that nobody was making the type of shoe I like, and he agreed that it makes life difficult for the people who can't wear those shoes... but there's nothing he can do about it, that's what the manufacturers are sending them. I can't understand why they all make basically the same shoe at the same time. Wouldn't you think somebody would want to capture the piece of the market that wants the other kind?

For the moment, I got a pair each of the two styles that seemed most acceptable, so I can try them over the next few weeks. Hopefully at least one will be comfortable enough for regular use. But I still want my favorite shoes back. Guess I'll just have to wait out the fashion cycle, and hope it's short.

On the way back tonight, I saw two interesting license plates (both from NH) which I thought might amuse people. One read "KTRINA" (I imagine she's feeling self-conscious right now!) and the other read "1017FNX" (which I thought might particularly interest gnomi)... :-)

Comments

Shoes

[cintyber.livejournal.com]

I also have a hrd time with shoes. I can't wear heels and I have no arch. I have found this one pair of flats that work but now can not find it anymore. Maybe we can join forces and go on a shoe hunt somtime?

I swear the fashion industry is setup to offer things that will cripple thier shoppers within a very short timespan.

Re: Shoes

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

We can try, if you don't mind shopping with someone who hates shopping... where would you go?

I suppose there may be an amount of "they'll buy more if they wear out" involved. (sigh)

Re: Shoes

[c1.livejournal.com]

I've been fighting this for a long time myself- it's part of the reason why I only rarely wear dress shoes.

Re: Shoes

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Most guys don't wear dress shoes often, from what I can tell... unless they're lawyers.

[gingicat]

I got shoes very similar to the ones you usually wear at Payless.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

I'm impressed by your memory - I never notice peoples' shoes! What brand are yours? I wonder if it's one of the discontinued styles, or something different.

[gingicat]

Dunno, I'll have to check when I get home from NYC.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

You don't memorize the names of all your shoes? :-) That's fine, no hurry...

[catalana.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I hate shoe shopping. I mostly wear my comfy black tennis shoes, because I need things I can stand in for a fair amount of time without destroying my feet...but some of the dress shoes out there are insane! Way too pointy and high.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

I'm also on my feet most of the day, but I actually find my (previously) normal shoes more comfortable than sneakers, which usually seem too bulky and heavy. My usual pumps have maybe a 1" heel, but it's wide so it's not so noticeable. Skinny heels are much harder to maneuver in.

[gnomi.livejournal.com]

It would not at all surprise me to learn that the person with the "1017FNX" plate worked there -- they've got their studios in Lynn, so people from NH working there makes sense to me.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

I imagine it's probably someone fairly well entrenched, it doesn't seem likely that a transient worker would feel that connected.