Shoes

I used to be a shoe girl. Like in Jr. High. I wore a uniform from 1st grade through high school (which I loved, by the way!) so I used shoes (and my winning personality) to make myself stand out. I had a pair of kelly green platform patent pleather beauties that were the quintessential "Lizz Shoe" for years. (My mom even saved them for me in my memory box.)

However, once I moved to New York, funky shoes went out the window.  I pretty much lived in Chuck Taylors all through college. I still have my first pair, which I can't seem to part with. Sometimes I think it's cool that they've been all over NYC...like that makes them part of something big. By the same token, sometimes I think they're kinda gross.

I walked everywhere I went, so function was my main concern. And since I worked in a kindergarten classroom and nannied for 4 years, being able to chase after little ones and play at the park became much more important than looking stylish. Which is also probably why my wardrobe morphed from quirky thrift-store finds to jeans and t-shirts.

I received an Ann Taylor gift card for Christmas my senior year of college. I was starting a job in corporate America the next year, so I needed a wardrobe upgrade. I picked through the sale racks and came away with several pieces that I would live in from 9-5 (oh, who am I kidding, it was 9-9) M-F. But to complete my business casual attire, I needed some new shoes. Chuck Taylors would no longer suffice.

So what did I do? Stop in one of the gazillion boutiques in New York? Head to Macy's for grand selection? Look online for a great deal?

Nope, I went to Kmart. And I bought exactly one pair of brown loafers and one pair of black...I don't know what to call them. 'Loafers' would be too nice. They were more like orthopedic shoes. Or an uglier version of the clogs that food service workers wear.

I think Mine threatened to kick me out of her apartment if I continued to wear them. I didn't care, they were comfortable.

Looking back, I can't believe she didn't hold an intervention. They were hideous. Although, she did make a habit of getting me cute shoes for my birthday...significantly kinder than pitching my ugly ones out of her 3rd story window into Lexington Ave traffic, which I'm sure crossed her mind.

ANYWAY, those days (and shoes) are behind us now. I will never claim to be exceptionally stylish, but I think my shoe collection has gotten notably better. Luckily, others caught onto the fact that not everyone wants to (or should) wear heels, and there is now an abundance of cute flats available.

I caught myself grinning at my shoe rack, proud of the fact that I have several pairs of shoes that I can wear with my head held high. In fact, I even get compliments on them sometimes. (Can you believe that, Mine?!?!) So I thought I'd share with you some of my favorites.

I love these shoes for work. They are comfy without appearing sloppy. I think all of the details give them a luxe look. (Target)

These are probably the pair I wear the most. I love them with jeans, and they add a nice pop of color to a mostly black and white work outfit. (Target)

I finally found a pair of black flats that I'm willing to wear on the weekend. I should probably get a nicer pair as well, but I like the rough look of these. (Kohl's)

These bad boys are probably the brightest thing in my closet. I actually snickered to myself the first time I walked past them on the clearance rack. "Who would wear those?!" But then I realized that they were actually quite cute! (Oddly enough, this is how I've discovered several of my favorite wardrobe items...) The first time I wore them with dark ankle-length jeans, I felt more pulled together than I had in years. (DSW)

I got this pair for my birthday from Kate. I picked them out. She wasn't even with me. In fact, I'm not sure if she knows she bought them for me... I like that they are silver and cream, which makes them a neutral for almost any outfit. And it's fun to have a little pattern! (Target)

Plain brown flats are another essential. I usually lean toward a chocolate brown, but I really like the weathered tan color that these have (and they're not real leather!). I also like that the metal embellishments aren't 'girly'. (Target)

I only occasionally wear heels, and when I do, these are my go-to pair. I love the shine, the color, the buckle, and how the heel is just a little guy, so they're easily manageable. (DSW)

So, how did I do? You can probably still tell that I won't spend more than $25 on a pair of shoes (running shoes excluded), but I'm ok with that. Baby steps.

In the meantime, I think I need a couple more bright pairs for summer. But maybe not this bright.

Are you a shoe person? Any brands that you swear by because they last forever and/or are stylish without sacrificing comfort?