Fabulous shoes are a distinct weakness of mine, a harmless but expensive flaw that I share with many of the female population. I can't say the entire female population because I have been treated to viewings of truly terrible shoes in my lifetime. Usually at Wal-Mart after 10 p.m. What is it about Wal-Mart and nighttime that brings out the fashion victim in so many people?
I had oodles of beautiful shoes when I moved North. Stilettos, sandals, espadrilles, cowboy boots, biker boots, flip flops. I did not have winter boots. These are winter boots:
Ugly, aren't they? They are Sorel boots, tested to -40 F. I didn't know those kind of temperatures existed in the populated world. I also didn't know these boots (or anything like them) existed. So when my Northern-born-and-bred friends told me to get boots after I slipped and fell (multiple) times in my first Northern snowstorm, I took their advice.
I bought beautiful boots. Buttery chocolate colored suede boots. Four inch heel boots. Fabulous boots. They looked a little more like this:
They are NOT winter boots. This explains why I fell twice more on my way to class the next day while proudly wearing my new purchase. I skinned my elbow, I bruised my bum, but they were fabulous. My friends assured me of this after they recovered from their giggling fit. I protested heartily that I had taken their advice. I bought boots! Why was I still falling? They then each grabbed an arm, man-handled me back to my Jeep, and took me shopping to learn what Northern winter boots were.
I now am the not-so-proud owner of a fully insulated, very warm, waterproof, disgustingly practical pair of winter boots. (And I kept the beautiful ones. I accept my weakness.)
*Boots are Sorel and Louboutin, respectively. Images are from brands' respective websites.
