About a month ago, I decided that I needed a shoes overhaul. It was a dire situation. Each day, I hoped that no one looked too closely at my feet, because my shoes were dingy and there were rips in unsightly places, and unfortunately they weren’t cool rips like ripped jeans. My beloved gold shoes that were bedazzled with jewels had one large one that kept falling off. I would usually find (rescue) it, and engineer it back onto the shoe, but one day it never came back(so long, little friend). I kept wearing the shoes, but knew it was time to let go. As a teacher, I’m pretty tough on my shoes, and some of mine were far past their expiration date. Well, this may seem a bit dramatic, but it seemed like a valid reason to go to DSW. I would throw out some of my old pairs. “Make new friends, but keep the old,” as the Girl Scouts taught me.
I don’t always have the best of luck at DSW, but the stars aligned for me on this particular day. There were three things I was looking for – gold flats to replace my beloved bejeweled pair, black boots (I gave my old pair away, because I felt like a pirate whenever I wore them), and a pair of black work shoes. I scoped out the regular aisles, and then headed towards the clearance section. I am typically lucky if I like one pair of shoes in the clearance aisle. But, today was not that day. I found FIVE pairs I liked. Yikes…I had to make some decisions. I eliminated the leopard print Michael Kors heels, but could not let any of the other ones go. My black DSW bag was so full that I was embarrassed to make my way through the store, even though I was surrounded by fellow shoe lovers! It got worse. While making my way to the register, I found a cute pair of gold Steve Madden’s (and they were on my “need” list!). I added them to my bag, and knew I had to check out ASAP. I had to weave my way through the store, because my bag was so full, that I could not pass someone in an aisle, without knocking them out. I was almost in the checkout line, when a “mobile cashier” aka a guy with an iPad (technology these days) stopped me. He then proceeded to ring me up right in front of the entrance, where everyone could see how many pairs I had bought. I quickly paid, and bolted.
Here’s my sweet loot with info where you can get them. Comment with your shoe steals!
- Leather Ankle Booties (Listed for $99.95 at DSW.com, but I scored them from the clearance section for $59.97) They also come in gray. They did cut my ankles a bit at the top after a long day, but I think I just need to break them in. I did try to wear all my new shoes in the course of a week, so my feet were not happy!
Dolce Vita Hix Booties (Sorry, for the toilet in the background…I told you I only live in a one bedroom apartment!)
2. Black Riding Boots w/a Heel – Comfortable enough to wear all day! (Listed as $99.95 at DSW.com (brown is only $69.94), but I got mine for $59.96 from the clearance section).
Steve Madden York Boot – Used my ninjas skills for this pose. You’re welcome.
3. Sensible Black Work Shoes w/a Low Heel – They’re pretty comfortable, but typically any shoe will bother me a bit by the end of a school day. The iflex has to mean they’re comfortable, right?! I like that they’ve got the pattern on the front to give them a little pizzazz. I didn’t see these exact colors on DSW.com, but they have several options. They cost me $29.96 from the DSW clearance section.
Anne Klein McKinley
4. My new gold shoes! These were my one full price (DSW full price that is) buy. Sometimes, I feel guilt, and have to buy one full price item when I get a bunch of deals. Don’t ask me why. ($49.95 in the store or online) here . I really love the look of them, but they did hurt pretty bad by the end of the day. Like, I can’t walk anymore because the skin on the back of my ankles got rubbed off. Sorry for that visual. It’s grown back by now if that makes you feel any better. I’m hoping I can break them in soon.
Steve Madden Elements in Nude
5. And, the elusive $13 shoes! I love the color of these, and have probably worn them the most out of all my new shoes. They definitely pass the teacher comfort test. Unfortunately, I can’t find my exact $13 pair online, but they have a bunch of Danzeys in different colors and patterns for $21.95. I love these mint snake skin ones (love me some animal print) and fun flamingo print ones.
Mix No. 6 Danzey in Light Green – Sorry, my feet look so freakish here.
So, the moral of the story is set goals before you go into DSW. I thought of that inspirational quote, “Shoot for the moon, and you’ll land among the stars.” I had a few “must gets” and ended up with FIVE pairs of beauties. Also, it seems like you can find better dealios if you go into the store. Oh, and they also gave me a $20 coupon for my next visit (because I obviously still need more shoes). Happy Shoe Shopping!
