Label whore would not be a title I can don.
Shoe-whore, on the other hand, is one I can wear.
Ever since my twenties, when I outgrew my awkwardness with my height (5'9) you could find me, on any given day, clacking my way about town wearing some sort of heel. As I got a little older they changed from platforms to stilettos. I have never had an affinity for sneakers or sandals but with a little help from my friends at DSW, I shall overcome. I wear my title of shoe whore with a little shame but some pride as I shop at the aforementioned budget shoe-whore store.
I have attended meetings at SWA ( Shoe Whores Anonymous). These meetings are quite depressing and are usually held in locations typically adjacent to a mall or boutique of sorts. This is done to "shoe frenzy" you up and get you primed for the "tough Love" that ensues. The sessions are really eye opening. Men and women ( shoe whoriness is not solely for women) recount stories of losing all their money and having to resort to prostitution to buy shoes. They stood on corners with signs that read "will work for wedges" or "Blow jobs for ankle boots"
I even heard a story of an affluent family of shoe whores that would perform Gang bangs for Gucci T Straps.
It really makes you reevaluate your addiction.
At SWA we are shown videos of people missing feet or tribes people that wear leaves or nothing at all to cover up their tosies in an attempt to put things in perspective.
I've donated pair after pair of shoes to the "Warm Feet Warm Heart Foundation" and most recently donated about 1/3 of my shoe collection to Salvation Army's "Shoe Drive for the People" This is a program that puts shoes on your feet so you can get to steppin' for that job. But to no avail. You can take the shoes away from the shoe whore, but the shoe whoriness remains.
Cue my recent DSW Premier Member Awards certificate in the mail and toss all of my hard work out the window. Damn you DSW premier member awards!!!!
I've actually been able to purchase sandals for a mere 2 cents with these awards certificates. I guess that goes to show how much shoe shopping I do.
There are many locations available for that budget shoe fix
and the one in the Southland Mall near my home is one of the crappiest in town.
I have been to locations in Southern California, Atlanta and all over Florida and seriously, the one in Cutler Bay is lacking.
The employees here are very friendly and helpful, so at least they have that going for them.
With that said, It's actually where I do the most damage.
Rows and rows of T-straps, Stilettos, Wedges, Platforms, Hooker Heels, Sling- backs, Pointy toes, Peek-a-boo toes, Round toes, Kitten Heels, Boots and Sandals abound.
The one thing that could make my experience better is having someone massage me whilst some strapping young lad shoes me, style after style, as I sip my champagne. Maybe one day they'll aspire to this level of customer service, until then a friendly smile, my premier certificates and idle chatter shall do. read more