Shopping Spree

[dreamshark]

Faced with the possibility of an interview with a company that consults to Fortune 100 companies, I realized that I had no choice but to go shopping. I do not always enjoy this, getting particularly grouchy during the shoes portion of the trip (fewer than 10% of the shoes in a typical shoe store are even available in my size - 11W, and of the shoes I try on that are ostensibly the right size, about 75% of them still don't fit right). However, by taking a "money is no object" approach, and driving all over the metro area to find the shoes, I was able to get everything I wanted. I started out in sweats and tennies and walked out of the first store wearing a full black wool-blend skirt, blue silk blouse and black/white vest. With the thick gray socks and tennies, which looked ridiculous. Then I went to Wilson leather, where I exchanged my distintegrating canvas purse for a sleek black leather one. Tried every shoe store in Southdale without finding a single pair of black shoes that didn't pinch or hurt. Drove to Maple Grove (from Southdale) because I had once found a pair of stylish, comfortable shoes at the Schuler's on their silly little fake Main Street. They had a perfect pair of black shoes in ALMOST my size - (11N but no 11W), but called another store that had them in 11W and put them on hold for me. Then, on the way out the door, I spied a pair of beautiful black leather boots with a wide enough toe that I thought they might fit. By a miracle, the 11N fit almost perfectly. A little tight on the right foot, but the leather is so soft I think it will stretch. The tall boots looked really spiff with the long skirt, so I bought them and wore them out the door. But I still wanted the low boot/shoe, which I think looks more corporate, so I stopped at Miracle Mile on the way home and bought those too. Whee!

I then spent the rest of the day going through my closet, trying things on with the new skirt, and even throwing out a few old things. I'm going for a black/cream/blue look. With the new pieces to pull it all together, I have quite a few outfits now that look to my unpracticed eye like I could wear them into the most corporate setting. Today I plan to throw out some shoes. Because it's so hard for me to find shoes that fit, I have a very hard time throwing out the old ones, even when they are falling apart. I've been attacking this problem gradually by trying to throw out at least two pairs of old shoes for every new pair I bring in. Some day I may be able to see my closet floor again!

I managed to spend an incredible amount of money on this - almost the equivalent of my first two unemployment checks (always assuming I manage to qualify for unemployment). But I feel a lot more prepared for job-hunting now. No matter where I end up, I just might go into a phase of dressing up a little more at work.

Comments

[skylarker.livejournal.com]

I totally relate on the matter of shoes. I'm glad you found a couple things that fit right.

I, too, wear a size 11, though I don't know about Ns and Ws. I've found a few things that fit at Payless, but they tend to fall apart all too soon. I've worn my Birks to death: the soles are only half there in places. My favorite walking shoes are the only thing I can wear comfortably, and they are thick-soled hiking shoes that are heavy and clumsy for office wear - and after a couple years of constant wear they aren't looking very spiff. One is even developing a crack between the upper and the sole. When the house sells I will have to make a point of getting some new shoes and boots - I'll want a complete list of the places where you found nice things in size 11. :)

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

It's not a very long list: Schuler's.

Naturalizer makes a large selection of sizes, and specializes in comfortable shoes that are also appropriate for work, but I have been consistently disappointed in the selection that they actually carry in their small storefronts. YMMV. Nordstrom's (Mall of America) is reputed to have an unusually good selection of brands and sizes. I went shoe shopping there once and found more than usual, but not nearly what I was hoping for. Schuler's is my favorite. They specialize in comfortable walking shoes, ranging from things you would only wear on a trail to work-appropriate shoes and boots. Unlike Naturalizer stores, Schuler's carries multiple name brands. My personal favorite is Munro, because they just happen to fit my foot better than most. They are not cheap, however.

[skylarker.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I only buy PayLess when I can't scrape up enough $ for something more durable. Quality pays for itself by lasting longer.

[dreamshark.livejournal.com]

Although many people cherish the belief that quality pays for itself, that has not been my experience. I've bought lots of shoes at Payless, and some of them have lasted amazingly long (I'm wearing a pair right now in fact). More expensive shoes look better, and might last a little longer, but they certainly don't last 4 times as long. I treated myself to expensive shoes that fit because I need them for work, and apparently there are a surprising number of folks in the world that judge people by their shoes. I rarely notice shoes myself.

[skylarker.livejournal.com]

I've only bought a few expensive shoes in my life: the Birkenstocks and K-Swiss outlasted any of the cheaper shoes by double or triple the time. I've never gone for the kind of expensive shoes that don't look very durable. I haven't seen much available along those lines in my size.

[serendipoz.livejournal.com]

I've worn my Birks to death

You can get Birks resoled - in fact you can replace *everything* except the straps for about $50/pair (not cheap.)

However, I've also discovered that Sams Club has a real Birk with a fake name (Betula(?)) for sale at the beginning of the summer for $38/pair, no matter the size. I consider this a great deal. If you're interested let me know your size and I'll look for them there.

[skylarker.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I've had Birks resoled before. The Betula sounds like a good deal; I don't know how I'll be fixed for cash next spring, but will try to remember to ask you about them then.

[marykaykare.livejournal.com]

I feel your pain re: shoes. I wear an 8N. I was at The Bon today because they were having a great sale and there were some shoes I actually liked at good reductions. Only none of them came in anything but medium. This is further complicated by the fact that I can wear more than a 1" heel and really need things that tie or have straps or something as my heel is even narrower. Sigh. I'm willing and able to pay good money for shoes, but they just aren't there.

MKK

[serendipoz.livejournal.com]

Where did you go clothes shopping?

I highly approve of Schuler shoes - they even explained to me why I am so hard to fit - I've square feet, which is bad enough, but the 3.5" arch in the middle means I have to have longer shoes in order to fit my arch. I have a recommendation from one of the Schuler Shoes people for yet-another-shop (run by her father) where more expensive, and better shoes are.

Thanks for the shopping note!