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| I HEART Coach. |
For shoes once described as "not exactly good looking, and not you one bit," these Coach flats have been kicking it in my wardrobe for over a decade now, so I'm going to go out on a limb and say they were probably a good investment. They are a result from a Macy's shopping spree made at a New Year's sale, oh so long ago, whose purpose was to separate me from the Doc Marten brigade at the cafe that I was working at the time. I was sick of looking like every other slightly pierced and tatted downtown chicita, who stomped around in some variation of a thrifted black concert Tee, all wearing what seemed to be the same baggy pair of Levis lashed up with studded belts and grounded by the ubiquitous pair of black Doc Marten boots.
Our non-conformity was getting to be a little too matchy-matchy for my taste, so all of a sudden I took up this persona of a prepster from the 1970's. Meaning a penchant for browns, greens and orange corduroys, flattering novelty T-shirts from the era, tweed and/or gingham, and
an intense admiration for anything with elbow patches. Oh yeah, and lots of brown and tanned leather. These shoes stuck out like a sore thumb at the cafe, and pretty much every where else. They look like an upscale version of a bicyclist's shoe, and weren't particularly hip or pretty, but for some reason I really liked them. Perhaps its the yummy butterscotch-y leather, which I seem to have a weakness for. Possibly it was because I knew everyone would hate them. The ugliness seemed to have constantly been remarked upon. But, for the record, over time, they seem remarkably photogenic. Case in point can be seen HERE.
They've recently be downgraded to "walking shoes." Meaning they are slipped on whenever I plan to do any sort of ambulation that'll take me farther than a mile. I love strolling around Ballard, Phinney Ridge and Greenlake, my stomping grounds. I like how you can really get to know your 'hood, when travelling by hoof, and these classic Coach kicks are a great way to do it in style.
24 comments:
Love them with the tights! Isn't it funny which shoes turn out to be our Old Faithfuls?
They are great shoes! And I love the tights! I recently bought a Coach purse at a consignment shop and I am so excited to have it...I have always wanted one. Its in mint condition. Have a wonderful day, Bella!
Even I have a couple of such shoes which are my go-to pairs whenever I feel like stepping out for some serious foot-work....I think our wardrobe would be incomplete without such sturdy & loyal pairs! :)
They look fine to me, Bella! And if they have lasted you 10 years and are still getting you around in comfort, then they were definitely a great buy.
You made me chuckle with your description of the "uniform" that you wanted to break free from. I can understand the desire to find your tribe and feel at home, but if everyone dresses the same, they have just adopted another uniform, albeit a different one from the mainstream. Good for you for choosing to walk your own path in your comfortable shoes! xxxx
I love your socks. they are goo and faithful shoes. lucy
I'm pretty sure I wore that same outfit Bella. It is funny when you feel like your unique style becomes mainstream and you did just what I would have...changed it all up! When I was in college I switched out my docs and sun dresses for greek sandals and sarongs and crazy ass brands in my hair. I think these coach shoes are sweet and unexpected.
I love those shoes! I'd wear them for sure. Classic styles are "classic" for good reason ;-)
PS Cutie, I had plantar fascitis a few years back and there's an exercise you can do that eventually cures it. Email me if you want details.
Spashionista (Alicia)
lolzzz that 'uniform' is still my favorite :)
i'm loving that comfy shoes that made the difference when everybody around you was wearing that dr.martens uniform (I understand it so well!!!
and love your genuine attitude and pretty tartan tights!
besos & walks
Some shoes just become old friends! Nothing like a great pair of tights to add color and character. Even when talking about shoes your writing soars, probably because it's not just about the shoes.
Those tights are so cute? Or are the socks?
I have a pair of old shoes that I can always rely on to be comfortable. It's hard to part with them when they feel so great!
I so agree about getting to know our hoods by walking them, over and over. And comfortable shoes make this possible : > Love these flats and the wow tights. xoxoxo
I walk all over, so I love a good walking shoe! I have a pair of Coach sandals that I wear to death in the summer (can't wait to get them out again!), surprisingly comfortable.
I like that you rebelled against the style norm. :)
I love walking, too - it's the best way to connect to your environment. And I love your tights!
I love a good pair comfy shoes that last a long time. And I agree, walking is definitely the best way to get to now a place and see things. I also love that you decided to wear something different to the style normalities of where you work.
"Possibly it was because I knew everyone would hate them." That is the best reason. :-) xo
As a walker, not a driver, I have found it to be the best way to explore a neighbourhood. I still haven't found the perfect pair of walking shoes yet, despite trying a number of expensive brands. Sounds like those Coach Mary Janes were a great investment, and I love your description of your style rebellion. The "uniform" you describe being worn by the staff at the cafe is my go-to days off outfit ;)
Hi there! I think they are really cute-not only do they look lovely with those tights but being a perfect walking shoe makes them so versatile and super stylish! xxx
Isn't it fun to wear something you suspect other people won't like. I love your style Bella!
Hi this is Alexandra from silhouettedefemme and I would say those are very cute shoes you have there they look comfortable too! I would also like to say thank you for the comments you leave on my and my moms blog we really appciate it!!! Thank you byeee <3
I also have lots of old comfortable shoes that I refuse to give up!
I really like the fact that you don't want to look line any tatted downtown chiquita!
Those shoes are right up my alley! I love them! And love the bright tights!
xoxo
Lynn
PS -- isn't it fun to be different?
Love the shoes, love the story! I so totally know what you are talking about, that look you described was big in San Diego too ha ha! You are the best. Are you watching the Oscars this weekend? XO, Jill
very cute shoes and tights!
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