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| Something to make the ladies jealous... | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 20 2008, 04:08 PM (1,468 Views) | |
| Aqua Letifer | Apr 22 2008, 05:31 AM Post #51 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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Total waste of time and money if you ask me. Shoes are just plain going to get scuffed up. Trying to keep them pristine is like trying to keep the tide down. |
| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| QuirtEvans | Apr 22 2008, 06:00 AM Post #52 |
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I Owe It All To John D'Oh
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Amen. I used to do the sneaker thing when I lived in San Francisco, Deb. It was a more casual city. Then we went business casual almost every day, and I dumped my dress shoes for Mephistos.
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| It would be unwise to underestimate what large groups of ill-informed people acting together can achieve. -- John D'Oh, January 14, 2010. | |
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| DivaDeb | Apr 22 2008, 06:04 AM Post #53 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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Men seem to enjoy the way women's legs look when they wear heels. If we have on skirts for work and have to walk a good distance in the elements to get where we are going, it's neither wasteful nor silly to wear a pair of jogging shoes to get where we're going (think of them as transportation, rather than footwear if you must) and change into shoes that are more suitable to our surrounds once where we're going. It saves a bundle on the nice shoes, huh? Keeps them nice much longer, and because women's shoes are not made to run medley races in, it's also much kinder to the feet and legs during the commute. I don't do that in KC because we tend to park close to the place we're going...but I sure as heck would do it in NY. Suffice to say that in my line of work, trainers and jeans just don't cut it. I would bet anyone that I've spent a lot less money on shoes over the years by buying great shoes that have lasted me many years because I take care of them, than women who buy very trendy shoes and wear them a season or two then buy again. That's not a wasting money, that's making a smart investment and protecting it. |
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| Aqua Letifer | Apr 22 2008, 06:14 AM Post #54 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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I'm sorry Deb, I really just don't get this. Men seem to enjoy the way women's legs look when they wear heels? Is that really any reason to wear them, because men like them? If wearing more comfortable shoes is kinder to the feet, why not wear comfortable shoes, all the time? Why in the world pay 800 dollars for uncomfortable shoes, esp. if a big reason to wear them is because other people like them? I just don't understand that.
This is along the lines of what Quirt was saying, but you reach a threashold with quality. Shoes are not meant to last forever and they certainly won't by any means. After a certain price, you're paying for designer labels and not the quality of the materials (and that price sure as heck isn't anywhere close to 800 dollars, so I don't buy the "investment" explanation). The shoes I have last me about a year and a half per pair, and I wear them every day. I think a large part of it is, they conform to my feet and how I walk so they get worn out evenly. At any rate, I tend not to buy expensive stuff that isn't going to last. If my shoes get dirty, or I lose a pen or something, I'm not at all upset because I didn't pay an arm and a leg for those items. |
| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| Axtremus | Apr 22 2008, 06:32 AM Post #55 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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![]() Foot binding |
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| DivaDeb | Apr 22 2008, 06:37 AM Post #56 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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The "men seem to enjoy" was not the *reason* to wear them, Silly! It's an assessment of why you (perhaps you're not a man who appreciates women's legs when they're wearing heels) might want to reconsider thinking that there's no good reason for women to wear and take care of good shoes. I enjoy wearing heels. I think all women who wear heels enjoy that, or they don't wear them. I was merely pointing out that there are a good number of men who see them as an attractive part of the female wardrobe. I don't buy them for you guys, I buy them because they're what looks good on me, with the clothes I need them to look good with. Frankly, when I dress for a concert or other performance it is *at least* as important to think of how what I am wearing is viewed by others as it is to think of my own comfort. That may not be the case in your type of work, but it certainly is the case with many. As for the rest of your thinking on the longevity of shoes, it's correct for men, but totally bogus when it comes to women's shoes. Yes, shoes can wear out if you wear them every day in the rain and don't take care of them. But, unless you're calling me a liar, I am living proof that a great shoe can outlast a lesser shoe (because of it's classic design and superior construction) and indeed, last a lifetime thereby making the purchase a better investment than a string of cute little shoes at 1/3 the price. C'mere boys...have a look at my closet... you really should. I'm a poor person by the standards of this forum. I know how to make the most of what I have. You guys are funny. So unwilling to understand the perfectly sensible merely because it doesn't fit your frame of reference for your own clothing and lifestyle. I have a pair of shoes I bought, a pair of black pumps, in 1979 for 275.00, adjusted for inflation, that's somewhere in the neighborhood of 865.00. I wore them last week to the symphony, if the picture of me and Jane Eaglen had included my feet, you would have seen nearly 30 year old shoes that look brand new. Waste of money? |
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| 1hp | Apr 22 2008, 06:37 AM Post #57 |
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Fulla-Carp
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As with everything else, some women can wear a pair of heels, and some can't. It's all in whether they can walk in them really. When it all comes together it looks great, imho. Go for it MP. As for wearing sneakers to work to save the good shoes - no different than when I lived in Norway. Used to wear snow boots to work in the winter, and change into indoor shoes when I got to work. :rolleyes: |
| There are 10 kinds of people in this world, those that understand binary and................ | |
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| The 89th Key | Apr 22 2008, 06:49 AM Post #58 |
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People buy expensive stuff they don't need all the time, but it makes them happy and that's fine by me. I personally buy 15 dollar sunglasses, 50 dollar shoes, and 25 dollar watches. However, at the same time I will buy a very large HDTV and if needed will install a granite kitchen counter top whenever I buy a new place of my own, because those are things I like and will use often. Very few things in life are needed, and I might not get why someone will spend 200 bucks on sunglasses or 800 bucks on shoes, but in this [shh]recession[/shh] I figure it can't hurt!
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| Aqua Letifer | Apr 22 2008, 07:01 AM Post #59 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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Spoken like a true consumerist fanboi. In my opinion, placing any emphasis on material things beyond their utility skirts on vanity, and "because it makes me feel good" is, in itself, not a good enough reason to do anything. |
| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| RosemaryTwo | Apr 22 2008, 07:18 AM Post #60 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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Just so we all stock our retirement accounts well starting at a young age, people. ![]() Don't be irresponsible.
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| "Perhaps the thing to do is just to let stupid run its course." Aqua | |
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| 1hp | Apr 22 2008, 07:20 AM Post #61 |
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Fulla-Carp
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All work and no play makes AL a dull boy. |
| There are 10 kinds of people in this world, those that understand binary and................ | |
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| DivaDeb | Apr 22 2008, 07:31 AM Post #62 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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you play WoW for the greater good? No...you have everything you need to play it (your computer equipment is, I'm sure, outfitted to be what you need to make the game run the way you *feel* it needs to run). You may not give a cr*p what you look like, but you have big bad game vanity, Bucko! :lol: |
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| blondie | Apr 22 2008, 07:32 AM Post #63 |
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Bull-Carp
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When I was MPs age I spent plenty of money on shoes. Nice ones. I trudged all over university in heels. High ones. I did it for me. They didn't hurt so much. The expensive ones were more comfortable to my feet. Less blisters, easier on the balls of my feet. I took care of them b/c I didn't have lots of money. They were important to me, just as other 'things' were important for others. Then my skirts & dresses just looked better, hung better, were cut to be worn with high heels. Clothes for girls in their 20s. I liked variety & lots of style. So did my girlfriends. And yes, I felt attractive in them. Who doesn't want to feel attractive in their 20s? Heck, I didn't want to look like one of my old nun teachers in my university classes in ugly black Naturlizers, the same old black straight skirt & button-up cardigan. And I liked going out dancing with my friends. So much fun. Good to socialize, to meet, to know others. It's a developmental thing. And so what? We all celebrate our feminity, our sexuality in our youth. That's the time for doing it, isn't it? Now it's lower heels, running shoes, and yup, Mephistos. But nice ones. I don't go out much, or dancing, or in groups. It's running or trudging off to an occasional classical concert. And it's mommy stuff, wifey stuff for the family. Different developmental times. I wear different styled dresses & skirts. Nice still. Variety still. Stylish for me. I still keep care of them. I do save some of my old shoes & clothes. It's a good to remember those times back when. It's a way of remembering. |
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| The 89th Key | Apr 22 2008, 07:38 AM Post #64 |
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I disagree (surprise!). For example - the other day JC Penney was having a great sale on dress shirts, so I went and I bought some. Yes all shirts basically do the same thing (utility) but I bought shirts I also thought looked good. They "made me feel good" because I liked the color/pattern of the fabric. Are you saying that last part is completely worthless and not a good reason to buy a blue shirt over a brown shirt? Help me understand your point. |
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| Aqua Letifer | Apr 22 2008, 07:39 AM Post #65 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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I got tired of the game about a year ago. Capping at 60 and doing the end-game stuff was enough for me, and now it's all just more of the same stuff. I continue to play the game because some very close friends of mine are no longer in the area; they now live in other countries and timezones and this is really the only thing we're still able to do together. Laugh if you want but it's a way we still keep in touch. If they all lived close by I can honestly say I wouldn't play the game anymore. I don't know about "the greater good" but I play the game to keep in touch with my friends, not to tank n00bs. Been there, done that.
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| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| Aqua Letifer | Apr 22 2008, 07:52 AM Post #66 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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My point is that the primary focus of material things should be utility. Correct me if I'm wrong but dress shirts are a requirement for your job, and that is your primary focus for buying them. It is for me at least. If I could get away with wearing a t-shirt and 5-year-old pants that fit perfectly I'd do it in a second. But of course I can't, so when I buy stuff for work I might as well pick out stuff I think looks nice. But that's not what I was really talking about. When you (general "you"; man English needs some more pronoun choices) start to focus on the "enjoyment" of a thing, you start down a path that is in my opinion very bad. You start to judge material possessions on how much they cost. Commericals and societal b.s. places "status" on certain items: own this car, wear this stuff, enjoy the "status" it puts you in. In this way you start to judge yourself on your possessions and your image, and not on any kind of inherent qualities. You start to judge others on the same parameters: "keeping up with the Jonses" and being an overall snob about things. You look down on others because your possessions or "image" are better than theirs. You start to love your things and use the people in your life, instead of the other way around. And you know what? This sort of crap is common, common in this area. I suppose the luxury of this way of thinking comes with having an expendable income, but I think it's a horrible way to go about your life. |
| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| The 89th Key | Apr 22 2008, 07:58 AM Post #67 |
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I generally agree that the primary focus should be utility. And as you mentioned in the latter part of that paragraph, sometimes utility is aesthetic or even cosmetic in nature.
I see what you're saying, and *certainly* agree that no one should look down on others for having something that is seemingly "not as good" as something you have. But I also wouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater. I think to one degree you can certainly buy things if you get enjoyment out of them, and that's perfectly fine. I think once you start buying things because of an artificial value placed on it by society or (even worse) look down upon others for not having this or that...that's where the line is crossed and where the bathwater should be thrown. So to speak. |
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| Aqua Letifer | Apr 22 2008, 08:09 AM Post #68 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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You might not believe this but I'm actually really tolerant of this kind of thing. For example, MP bought some pretty 'spensive shoes. It's not something I would ever do but that's not at all relevant. She likes 'em, and it has nothing to do with me, so, more power to MP I say. In short, I disagree with her decision but I'm not about to try to convince her to take 'em back. Not my decision to make. I draw the line when people apply their "standards" to others. Looking down on others. That is something I absolutely cannot stand, and unfortunately I see it a lot. |
| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| The 89th Key | Apr 22 2008, 08:11 AM Post #69 |
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On a completely unrelated note, did you know that Wilford Brimley is supporting John McCain?
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| Aqua Letifer | Apr 22 2008, 08:26 AM Post #70 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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:lol: :lol: Of course he is!! Wilford, from what I understand is an avid Republican. He's a big supporter of cockfights and I figure that falls under conservative jurisdiction. Only reason I say that is because I can see PETA types getting bent out of shape about that, and they're usually more liberal-minded. |
| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| DivaDeb | Apr 22 2008, 08:36 AM Post #71 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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Wait...I think *you* are the one applying your standards to other people, not the other way around!!??? You are the one saying things are "wrong" and "vain" and stuff...I don't think anyone's suggested that you, personally, should buy more expensive shoes?
uh huh But you don't need to do even that....and never did. It was "beyond utility" as are any number of things you spend money on, whether or not you'll admit it. It's just that when it's somebody else's expenditure, you're quick to judge it, and when it's your thing, you can justify. I, on the other hand, wish you nothing but great playing games and the best sound/video equipment or instrument...whatever makes your life happier as long as you work to pay for it and buy what you want. (and it's legal etc etc...have to cover my a&& in case my post gets parsed by Counselor Q ) You sure can't hurt me by suggesting I'm vain. In fact...I believe I said as much in a post yesterday. It's part of my job to look certain ways at certain times and I have always done it very well. It's getting HARDER, but I still do my best. You like movies...so you can't be lost to the importance of playing a role. Much of what a woman in the arts does is exactly that, whether on stage or off. It's expected, and that's fine, because it's fun. The biggest problem I have with your take in this thread is that you are being so judgmental about a person's motives for buying an expensive pair of shoes...as if the downfall of civilization might eventually be attributed to an investment in quality footwear. You could not be more off-base when it comes to your judgments, at least with regard to me. I dress a certain way for certain aspects of my life because it's expected (and it should be). I haven't had to buy any 800 dollar pairs of shoes because 20-30 years ago, I spent 1/3-1/2 of that and I still have my shoes, and am still getting good out of them, something which you refuse to acknowledge is possible. In other words...all this argument could be spared if you would just admit that you didn't expect it was possible to get 30 years good out of a pair of heels, and that getting 30 years good out of a pair of shoes purchased for 275 bucks in 1979 doesn't really constitute frivolous vanity and may, in fact, be pretty danged shrewd. I bought that particular pair of black pumps because 1. they were/are gorgeous shoes and 2.they felt GREAT on my feet. I guess if you've never experienced the difference in what a really great pair of heels can do for you (unless there's a secret you want to tell us, I'm assuming you haven't had this experience) you can't possibly judge that the money for a high quality pair of heels isn't worth it. There simply isn't any comparison with regard to comfort and beauty. Let's face it...men's dress shoes have a pretty narrow range of comfort/style/color/shape options compared with women's shoes. That's mostly because you really can't see them that well under your trousers, and it doesn't make a whole lot of difference how your foot or leg looks because we can't see them. Women's shoes are different. Two pairs of similar appearing shoes can be very differently engineered...most of time, the more expensive ones fit/feel/wear a lot better than the less expensive. I have bought many pair of less expensive shoes over that same 30 years, of course. I don't buy only expensive shoes. I haven't bought any *very* expensive shoes in years because I don't need to, I STILL HAVE THE ONES YOU SAY I CAN'T POSSIBLY STILL HAVE AND BE GETTING ANY GOOD OUT OF. :lol: Vain? Yeah, so what? It is fun to dress up, look pretty, wear colors, etc. I have no complaints, and I bet I've spent quite a lot less total $$ on 'fashion' than folks who routinely buy less expensive, trendy stuff that they wear for a very short time. THe primary focus of an opera singer's apparel is never going to be "utility" in the sense you mean it. "Utility" for me is painting an artistic story with my attire as well as my voice, carriage, etc. I learned about buying clothes from my voice teacher. My mother was from the cheaper is better school of clothing purschases. That works for jeans and t-shirts, but it truly *is* wasting money for formal wear, unless you are the kind of person who has a formal occasion once a decade. For years, I had the kind of career that required I dress in formal and semi-formal attire for shows, concerts several times a week, sometimes two times in a single day. Cheaper is not better if you're going to be working it that way. The better option, in my opinion, is to invest in quality and take care of it. 800.00 is a little less than three months worth of pointe shoes by the way. She'll definitely get more good out of those shoes than three months. |
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| Aqua Letifer | Apr 22 2008, 08:58 AM Post #72 |
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ZOOOOOM!
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I can say with a completely clear conscience that what I get out of WoW is keeping in touch with my friends, and it gives me something to "constructively" work on. That is, it gives me a reason to mess around with math. Were it not for either of those things I would not play the game. Other games, yeah, that's just for fun. WoW's a bit different. And I don't necessarily judge other people with their interests. I don't get it and while it may be a waste of money in my eyes, it's not my decision, like I said before. But being a little too interested in material things makes me wary because vanity is what's around the corner. Even vanity itself is okay, so long as it doesn't affect me any. But if someone goes so far as to judge themself based on their appearance/material things, they're usually quick willing to apply that to other people. That I very much do not like.
Whoa hey, I'm not suggesting you're vain at all. The shoe thing makes sense to me. That's an awful big down payment but if they've lasted a few decades I suppose it was worth it. And as you said, it's necessary for what you do to look a certain way. Don't really see a way of getting around that.
Well, kind of. It may not lead to the downfall of civilization but it could lead to problems. For example you could start down that path of vanity. And if we're going to be completely honest here, the only reason I care about that is because it affects me. I may not agree with your shoe-buying criteria Deb, but I really can't see you trying to hold others (me) to your own standards so it's all good in the hood.
Yeah, well, I'll agree with the first part but not necessarily the second. ![]()
Yeah, having a pair of shoes last 30 years is quite a
Well again, that's fine if that's your thing. It's certainly not mine and I see no value in it. Yes, that's my opinion. But I'm fine with other people dressing up if it pleases them, just as long as they don't expect me to do the same. As is the same with you; I'm sure you don't mind my opinions so long as I don't try to tell you what you should or should not be doing. [Kenny] We're all different. Live and let live. [/Kenny]
Like I said, that's kind of a requirement, so the way the shoes look in this instance is part of the utility. I don't expect you to go out there in a pair of Nike's. Unless you were doing Rent or something.
Well maybe, but I suppose I'd rather have the peace of mind in knowing that if something happens to my stuff, it's not going to put me out too much if I have to have it replaced. |
| I cite irreconcilable differences. | |
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| DivaDeb | Apr 22 2008, 09:27 AM Post #73 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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Something happened to my stuff! I had my bags in the boot of a car in a carpark in London. Some rat-finks broke into the car and stole my bags. I had just arrived for a three week tour of singing and auditions, so my bags were loaded with formals and two pairs of my great old shoes. The police came and we filed a report. Never got the bags back, but my insurance did pay for the stolen contents. I still grieve over my favorite pair of black Liz Claibornes and my irridescent snake skin pumps. Both pair of shoes were around 15 years old when they were stolen ten years ago, and of all my shoes, they were my favorites. I've looked high and low (even on ebay) for shoes that are enough like them to fill in for them, but nothing compares to their beatiful look and the divinely comfortable fit. Argh...still makes me mad. I'd have given them everything in the car...given them the CAR...if they'd just let me have my shoes! Caring for women's dress shoes is pretty simple. I have had good luck with stuffing them with tissue or paper towels as soon as I'm out of them. That keeps the sweat from ruining them and also helps keep the shape nicely. I don't use trees, but I do put those little stretcher stick thingies back in place...I don't know if that does anything or not, but it's just part of my ritual. My good shoes go in boxes on a shelf. If they're smooth leather, they get polished and conditioned when they need it. I've never used that weatherproofing stuff because I don't get them wet. If a heel starts to pull away, or the tip is worn, I get them fixed quickly, rather than waiting for the heel to come off, or the leather of the heel to be ruined because I didn't get the tip repaired soon enough. If I wear them outside, I am careful...I don't step in holes or puddles. If I'm driving, I slip on other shoes. You can ruin the back of a heel driving in them just once. My gowns, I have them cleaned, store them on good hangers in cotton garment bags. Needless to say, I too have clothes I throw on, and shoes I kick off. I just don't do that with my nice things. And I am vain...I know it. It's a character flaw I acknowledge, no sense in denying it. I don't indulge my vanity in the ways you suggest though...I'm so vain I think the Jones's should be keeping up with me :lol: |
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| blondie | Apr 22 2008, 10:36 AM Post #74 |
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Bull-Carp
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What Deb said ! I bought 2 pairs of pigskin Swiss Bally's back in '79. Paid $225 a pair. Perfect shoes with a stacked heel. Fit well & looked great. Got the matching purses too. Lost the taupe ones in one of my moves. Still miss them. Still have the navy ones. Still wear them. Timeless things. Easy to care for. Yet they don't go with everything or go everywhere. Every shoe has it's purpose, it's time & place to be worn. Some are multi-purpose, some aren't. Men don't understand women or their shoes. They never will. |
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| ***musical princess*** | Apr 22 2008, 10:47 AM Post #75 |
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HOLY CARP!!!
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I know i'm vain but it doesn't bother me. I don't think it's a bad quality at all. I think it's only a problem when you start thinking you are superior and acting on it. Why is it a bad thing wanting to look and feel nice? I likes what i likes and i work hard to get it. AL, why do people go on holiday? They get a chance to relax, away from stress and have 'me' time. What's more self induldgent than that? Yet when it's over it's over. At least i have a pair of shoes to show at the end of it. (On a much more serious note ( ), the damn postie did not deliver this morning. :angry: HOPEFULLY they'll be here tomorrow)x |
| x Caroline x | |
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12:29 AM Jul 11