THE CITIZEN INDEX

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Shoe Shine: The Anatomy of a Shoe Fiend

The Shoe Fiend is at first possibly difficult to recognize. Until you open the closet and settle your gaze upon what looks to be a dragon's lair for shoes. They may be in a big pile, or most likely carefully stored and archived. Shoe boxes, shoe bins, shoe caddies, the the storage options are varied, but the result is always the same: a woman (or man) obsessed with shoes. 

Are YOU a shoe fiend?


My realization has only been recent- that I indeed am a fiend of shoes. I do love them. I love wedges, platforms, platform wedges, boots, booties, a fun pump, a cool stiletto, a nerdish sneaker, a ballerina, a boat shoe, a loafer, a loftie, a shortie, shootie, a shoe. If it's a shoe, chances are, I am going to love it.

I thought my shoe collection was modest. Well, modestly let me share this: I have more boots and shoes than I have outfits to wear in a month. And that's NOT counting the pairs I've purchased in the intent to re-sell, in my size, so they haven't QUITE made it to the inventory, just in case I might need to wear one for "an outfit post." Shoot, I have so many shoes, that I'm losing room to store clothes in my closet. Dear friend, or foe- I am a shoe fiend.


Some of my favorites seem like old friends- several who have found better homes. (Clockwise, starting from the left: Miz Mooz black leather slingback, size 7, almost new: sold on eBay; Prada penny loafers in a bedazzling emerald green, size 6.5 are on a shelf at Beats + Bohos; Nine West navy nylon slingbacks in a stacked heel (try saying that 3 times) not yet transitioned to the "to sell" pile (they sure are pretty!), Fly Girl vintage 90's pumps with fringe- has found a great home with one of the best dressed lassies in Sacramento; red leather vintage 70s platforms- sold on Etsy, vintage Mid Century plaid rain shoes; patent platform creepers by Bamboo (sadly, only lived with us a short while) and some amazing gold lame and clear lace up booties circa the New Romantics of the 1980s (so very Adam Ant, yeah?) that are JUST waiting for the right golden goddess in a size 6.5; lastly but not leastly- a phenom pair of 1950s mid-heel pumps of satin and just tasteful dallop of bling- perfect for cocktail parties, and on sale here.)


A shoe fiend has a fascination with footwear- and tends to specialize in her/his obsession. The fiend may fixate on a certain heel, print, color or material or a specific maker. A shoe fiend has more shoes than occasions to wear them. A shoe fiend feels giddy when first opening the box of her newest acquisition- it is a heady, nearly intoxicating experience when putting them on for their premier voyage. The shoe fiend may think of shoes constantly- shopping for them at charity shops, online, in friend's closets. Some have even been known to host "Shoe Shine" parties, showcasing all manners of fabulous shoes, and their fiendish (however friendly) wearers.

Shoe Fiends can be easy to spot, and are hard to ignore. Just look down and admire- they are sure to be wearing a pair of killer kicks.

Friends and Fiends!
Now it's YOUR turn to shine. Add a link to you in a pair of shoes that make your day, your night, your life- and please share in the comments your opinion of what makes a shoe fiend. Thank you for your participation!

25 comments:

Sheila said...

I'm a major Shoe Fiend - I think I am close to 90 pairs of shoes! I have added my very first pair of Fluevogs (acquired about 10 years ago) to Shoe Shine! So appropriate!

Love this, Bella! Thanks!

Charlotte Issyvoo said...

Of course I'm a shoe fiend! I was a high heel shoe fiend until I became disabled. Now I have to find interesting flat shoes, with flexible soles, that are easy to fasten, have some arch support... and still look good. You'd be amazed at what a collection I've amassed! My heels? In boxes in storage. Even after five years of disability, I can neither bear to look at them nor to part with them, so great is my grief at no longer being able to wear them.

Suzanne said...

Ummm…yeah…shoes…no, I don't have too many. Is that even possible?

I've included a shot of some of my friends here when I did a post on my closet.

BTW…my husband is just as much of a shoe fiend as me…I need to do a post on his shoes.

bisous
Suzanne

Unknown said...

I love shoes. Handbags, not so much.

I can never have enough shoes <3.

Monica, www.pear-shaped-gal.com

Anonymous said...

I'm obviously not trying hard enough to be a shoe fiend. With your permission, I'll get to work on adding to my collection ASAP.

Vix said...

I'm afraid I am a disgrace to women the world over, shoes, chocolate & handbags just don't bother me.
The last time I bought a pair of shoes retail was 3 and a half years ago (and they were reduced to clear)!
I rely on finding good stuff second hand (or Helga, who has a knack of finding stupendous footwear for me in Kiwi op shops!)
I'm the cobblers best friend, though. I'm always in there getting my old boots reheeled! xxx

sylvia @ 40PlusStyle said...

My focus never used to be on shoes, but somehow that has changed recently and I'm adding shoes to my collection in rapid speed. I love how they can transform a look and make an outfit edgier, chicer, elegant etc.

Patti said...

Your collection is spectacular - ooh, those gold lace-ups! I contributed my very pedestrian, but unbelievable bargain! boots by D.J. Pliner. xoxo

Susan B said...

Total shoe fiend here. Lately I've been finding WAY too much temptation!

The Style Crone said...

I too am happily a shoe fiend. As a collector, this category has not been neglected. Thanks for hosting Shoe Shine Bella, and providing a platform for the accessory that embraces our feet.

Dawn Elliott said...

I just had to repost my "Shoe Fetish" post for your link-up, as I, too, am a bonafide shoe fiend...and I'm proud of it! Still...how fun it is to see that we're not alone.
I especially love your red Etsy sandals. Thank you, and keep the shoe posts coming!

Adrienne Shubin said...

Also a shoe fiend. Zappos and I are best friends.
Love seeing all the great kicks here today!

Ana from Mrs. American Made said...

Well, you know my thing is Made in USA, but shoes made here are hard to find. I am with Adrienne in that I love Zappos.com since they allow for a "Made in USA" search. My mission keeps me from buying too many pairs of new shoes, which is not to say I did not start out with way too many pairs! : )

Unknown said...

I am THE shoe fiend, thank you very much!I consider it to be my duty as a fashionista to show off as much footwear as possible. Besides, my physical therapist says it's actually good to walk in different heel heights. It works different sets of muscles in your feet and legs. Can you say "enabler'? ;-)

Thanks for hosting, Bellisima Darling!

Alicia

Tilda E. said...

I have exactly 47 pairs of shoes, all but 2 of them thrifted. As of yet, I have no organization for my collection---so consequently I am always pawing through the pile, looking for the missing mate for the pair I want to wear that day, ha ha!

No Fear of Fashion said...

Every woman loves shoes. The more the better. You would laugh if you saw my shoe closet: lots and lots and lots.
I like your cream pumps best (and the red clogs... feeling right at home haha).
Greetje

No Fear of Fashion said...

By the way, I am linking to Shoe Shine in my next post (next Monday) as lots of people have already visited my post of this week.
Greetje

mispapelicos said...

I am soooooooooo glad to see the shoe shine comunitie growing.
Will you join Share-in-Style Friday.
You always rock plaid.
Much love.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Helga said...

I most certainly AM a shoe fiend.......I've got more pairs of shoes than I've had hot dinners! XXX

Vix said...

Jon wants to show off his latest second-hand find, snakeskin boots by R Soles! He's definitely more of a shoe fiend than me!

SeƱora Allnut said...

I think I'm not a shoe fiend at all, because I try to save my energies just for a few pairs, and I own not more than ten pairs of maryjanes and five booties, but I still love so many shoes and booties!
I've always been a huge fan of martens, and fly london booties, and clarks, and El Naturalista, and Art!, and many others!!
besos & shoes

Hollie Black-Ramsey said...

Thanks for giving me the heads up about this on Facebook! I'm enjoying these linking up thingies!!

Mrs. D said...

You know me, I'm a total shoe fiend... At 200 or so pairs, I would even classify myself as insane!
I'll share the latest pair of shoes I posted on the blog :)

styleosophy said...

I am a total shoe fiend...it's a bad habit that I'm not trying to break. Handbags too.

Idee Fixe said...

Shoe fiend? Of course! Shoes always fit, especially when you're as tiny as me & have a hard time finding clothes to fit. I probably have everyone beat, started collecting vintage shoes back in the late 70s, wore them (and still do), then also added new pairs as time went on. In my closet right now are about 25 pairs. That's just one closet, they are stored in every room in the house including the basement & attic room! I can't choose one pair that makes me really happy, it all depends on my mood. Sometimes its my dirty old Converse high-tops, sometimes a pair of great old vintage stilettos! XXX