Pix-Elated

53 Comments

• CocoLion replied 8 years ago

  I love shoes, so I will always encourage shoe buying.  Your new options all look great.  But, I will share with you the problem I've had over the past two years, when I got overly enthusiastic about sandals.  I have too many "dressy" sandals. The casual ones get worn out by the end of the season, while the dressy ones (and I think most of your choices look dressy) still look new.

  The Franco Sartos and Sofft look like they have the most day-to-day potential to me.

  ETA -- depending on fit and comfort, the Topshop sandals as well.

• milehighstyle (Linda) replied 8 years ago

  Ha I'm probably the wrong person to give advice on this subject, but - Suz, if they fit your budget and you have use for them and room to store them it's not too much (says the woman who can barely walk into the spare bedroom that's full of shoes).

• Angie replied 8 years ago

  Suz, you wear shoes at home - bonus. Practical. 

  Here's the emotional side of things. You also need to make up for the time you can't have fun with footwear in Winter (snow boots for days on end), so it's not a question of need. It's more a question of fun in a controlled way. 

  I vote silver, gold and white - and black OR blue. 

  I've also bought MUCH more than I need in our shorter warm months, but it's also MY time to have fun with shoes. Here's what I've bought this year.

  • The white boots are absolute workhorses - and I've already missed on on duplicating in my size. SOLD OUT. *sad face* 
  • The silver pumps are comfy but not very robust, or I would wear them more. 
  • The citron pumps are sitting shoes - too high to see clients in, but SOOO pretty on the foot. (Technically bought them in Dec last year). 
  • The patterned pumps will become workhorses - very comfy. 
  • The sandals are an experiment. 
  • Sneakers are workhorses for daily walks with Sam. 
  And I might add another pair of flats. I got GREAT flats last year though, and they are still going strong. 

• Angie replied 8 years ago

  This is what else I am wearing for Spring and Summer - NOT NEW. Some of the styles I wear year round too. Some of the styles are also worn out though, or not as comfy as they used to be - and will be passed on (at least three pairs): 

• Jenn replied 8 years ago

  So, not counting boots, I have:

  2 pair ballet flats (tan and black)
  1 pair oxfords

  1 pair t-strap wedges
  2 pair dressy pumps (brown and black)
  1 pair monk-strap pumps

  1 pair lace-up sandals
  1 pair cognac sandals

  1 pair Chuck Taylors
  1 pair running shoes

  I don't feel like I have an excessive shoe wardrobe, so I wouldn't say you're out-of-line at all. You do have a lot of sandals on this list, though. Do you wear sandals every day in the summer, or do you have need for more casual non-sandal options?

• AviaMariah replied 8 years ago

  I don't believe there's such a thing as too many shoes.  

• catgirl replied 8 years ago

  I don't know what to tell you!  Will you love and wear them all?  In my climate, more than a few sandals would be pointless.  In fact, I'm looking for summery closed-toe shoes. But you have a hotter summer and a dressier shoe style than me.  My threshold is feeling guilty....

• El Cee replied 8 years ago

  My personal opinion is that we gals need a wider shoe selection in the warmer months because the shoes are often the focal point of a Spring/Summer outfit. I say, buy whatever fits in your budget that will make you feel great.

• replied 8 years ago

  I feel like this year, there's a LOT of new looks on the footwear front, AND ones that I'm excited about. Yes to the block heel! I wouldn't want to deny myself trendy shoes because I already had a bunch.

  So I would probably get the shoes I want (within reason) and throughout the summer, keep track of which ones I'm not wearing and donate those the following season.

• Ginger replied 8 years ago

  I, uh, am definitely not going to advise. Remember my ASOS order? Ordered 5 pair, intending to keep 2 pair?  I'm keeping 4 pair.  That's why I have a huge shoe collection.

• Marilyn replied 8 years ago

  No amount is "too many" IF you are wearing them.  I agree with El Cee that we need more warm weather shoes than cold.  I also agree with CocoLion that I wear my more casual sandals much more than the dressy. The smart casual shoes are the workhorses.
  I have no idea how many pairs of shoes/boots I own.  I'm not sure I have the courage to count. :)

• JAileen replied 8 years ago

  I ordered nine pairs of sandals, and ended up keeping three pairs. I have a hot summer and wear sandals every day. All of them are casual.

• Tanya replied 8 years ago

  Another shoe gal here!  Shoes are my favorite items, as I believe that they can update an outfit like nothing else can.  Plus, in the summer, they can add interest to otherwise very ho-hum outfit due to the lack of layers.  This season is especially good as there are lots of comfy choices.
  I like all of your choices and I agree with Angie's suggestion on what to keep.   As long as you would be wearing them all, why not!

  Shoes have been the focus of my spring shopping too.  I am avoiding sandals though since I can not wear them daily to work.  I have gotten five pairs shown below. plus two extra pairs earlier in the winter that I am telling myself do not count as they were $17 each (denim flats and white mini-wedges).

• unfrumped replied 8 years ago

  There's no one answer of course.
  I'm kicking myself for returning block/ heeled peep toe sandals to TJMaxx z year ago because at that time they didn't look as trending and I thought they'd sit unworn ( since were semi- dressy).
  I think it is possible to go too deep into a style if you're one to give it up when you feel it waning, just because things get so little use. Splitting wears, mostly.
  So you might give them all a hard look as to absolute comfort, are some more versatile, would you rather be surprised by a refresher if something turns up for late summer or if a pair turns out to bomb unexpectedly, , do you need more sporty luxe types vs. dressy. I'd be practical, not guilty-- practical meaning discerning, not minimalist.
  OTOH there is the giddiness for me of yay, block heels since I can't even do Okala or z kitten heel. But even then-- they may evolve.

• texstyle replied 8 years ago

  I never considered myself a shoe person but here's a quick rundown of what I think I have. Our season is 6 months of sandals and maybe 4 of closed toe and 2 of boots. More or less. I almost ever require a "dressy" shoe.

  5 sandals that I wear often
  2 more sandals I only wear once in a while and should replace with better options that I will wear often
  1 dressy sandal (also need to update)
  5 casual slip on sneaks (wear these a lot in spring and fall)
  3 booties (black, cognac and taupe, which gets worn most of the time)
  2 flat slip ons, one leopard, one dark pewter (I never wear the leopard)
  1 pair taupe oxfords (never wear these either)
  2 pair of gear sneaks

  Now I see that I need to cull a few and replace a few others ;-).

• Joyce B replied 8 years ago

  I also love shoes but many rule themselves out because they are not comfortable.
  You are showing a nice haul. I think the black and the navy strappy sandals are somewhat similar so maybe choose one.
  Are the gold sandals comfortable? The thin straps will be difficult to break-in if they do not fit right.
  My husband also thinks I have more shoes than Imelda Marcos...
  Enjoy your new shoes.

• Suz replied 8 years ago

  Oh, thank you all for humouring me!! :) And especially for the even more tempting visuals!! :) 

  In answer to the question about wear -- yes, I wear sandals almost every day in our warm summers with temps in the high 20s to 30s C (high 70s to 90s). I do not have air conditioning, I work from home, and I walk miles and miles, usually five miles a day or more in my shoes (rarely in my gear shoes). 

  Denise, you are so right... the casual sandal options get more wear. My Sofft pewter sandals were workhorses for the last two summers. That is why I ordered the black Sofft. I know I would wear it, along with a low wedge taupe Franco Sarto (you have that sandal, too), and my cognac low block heels.

  Angie, thank you for enabling! :) I feel a little less guilty. The only problem is now I want some of your shoes, too!  :)  

  And my plan was also for only one dark sandal (probably the low wedge black since it is more practical for my lifestyle.) 

  In other footwear for spring/ summer I have what's pictured below, PLUS the pony Okalas (no photo) and my white Hi-Ness Cons. I would dearly like a coloured shoe/ sandal as well and might spring for it if I can find it. Fuchsia, maybe? 

  Jenn, the sandal booties fill an almost-closed shoe niche. I don't really wear a lot of closed shoes in summer because my feet get too hot, but it is rather nice to have a few pairs at least. I also have trouble getting closed shoes to stay on my feet (narrow heel) so that is another reason. 

  AV, El Cee, Ginger, Marilyn: Hugs! Thanks for enabling!

  Una, that is the question. I think I will -- the question is, how much? It could be an issue of splitting wears....

  JAileen -- you are admirably restrained and practical. Three is definitely not too many when you wear them daily. I would probably go through three pair in one summer!

  Tanya, I love your beautiful options!! Wish the BR shoe had a bit of a wedge, then it would be perfect for us!! 

  UF -- good point about splitting wears. Hmmm. Maybe I have too many neutrals...

• Suz replied 8 years ago

  Texstyle, that is instructive...you are not an excessive buyer for sure and also you need to walk in your shoes and use your shoes to make a style statement in the heat. 

  Joyce, I hope our husbands don't meet up. Oh the teasing!! The gold sandals are shockingly comfortable for something with such narrow straps. It's bizarre. They all have elastic, which helps. 

• Gaylene replied 8 years ago

  I think Denise makes an excellent point regarding casual vs, dressy sandals. Having a selection of dressy sandals makes sense if you have the dressy summer events and clothes to accompany them. My dressy sandals tend to languish in the closet because most of my summer events tend more towards "walk 5-8 km to meet friends at an outdoor restaurant for drinks and dinner" or "spend the day walking around looking at galleries" or "having a BBQ with friends" -type events.

  A non-sporty sandal that l can wear from sun-up to sun-down, while walking on on a variety of surfaces, is my gold standard. I can never have too many of those. ;)

• Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

  Here's my gauge for what it's worth:

  Will I wear them "out?"  Meaning, do I have so many shoes that I will tire of them while there's still enough life left in them to "donate?"  Now, I'm helped here by the the fact that I am, by nature, The Destroyer of Shoes.  Seriously, it's my Super Power, even if Marvel doesn't know it.

  Of course, I occasionally buy something that just isn't practical, or doesn't play well in my wardrobe, but, for the most part, I want to "use" my wardrobe items. 

  In general, I achieve my goal.  I am being firm with myself about "dressy" shoes at the moment, as those are the most likely to be orphans, but there are few shoes that don't see heavy mileage.  Right now, I'm having the difficulty of choosing whether to replace shoes that are creeping into old age, but still somewhat useful.  I sometimes end up buying a replacement, but babying the older, more beloved pair -- wearing them only with that perfect dress, etc.  This clogs up the shoe rack.  I just can't seem to purge enough!

  If I were cutting characters from your play (and we all know how hard that is), I'd pass on:

  Dove booties -- I think peep toe is limited (but they're cute)
  Next, I'd think more about how you'd style the white sandals (because we're out of practice with white) and the blue (will color in your footwear be easy to integrate?).

  Its a great season for polished casual sandals and shoes with walkable heels -- you might do well to buy more this Summer!

• Greenjeans replied 8 years ago

  LOL, Suz!  How many are too many is such an interesting and subjective question.

  While I personally skew toward wanting to consume less, I don't presume others think or feel the same way.  Here are some of the things I think about before bringing a new object home.

  Do I need it?
  Is it beautiful? / Do I adore it?
  Do I have the space for it? / Where will I put it?
  How does it fit in with what I already have?
  Can I afford it?

• rachylou replied 8 years ago

  I'm counting 8 sandals. That's maybe a pair for every day of the week, and a dressier pair...in my theories. That seems ok to me. I don't wear sandals too much, and I probably have that.

• Debbie replied 8 years ago

  One can never have too many shoes! It is just the way it works.
  I personally don't think you have too many.
  For what it is worth my husband says the same thing!

• Suz replied 8 years ago

  Ha, Debbie! We can start the Imelda club. 

  Rachy, that's a very astute observation. One a day, just like vitamins...hmmm... for 5 months. Actually, one is a "dressier" heeled sandal more for occasional wear. So taking the others (7) that makes 150 days divided by 7 -- that is approximately 22 wears each, on average. Of course some days I would wear a closed shoe instead, but not many. Or not for the whole day. (Often I'll wear two different shoes in a day if i have more than one event/ activity.) I got most of these on sale for a very reasonable price. So the CPW is already less than $5 a pair in one season alone. If they last me longer, the CPW would be less. 

  I am liking this math!!! :) :) :)

  Laura, these are good questions. Do I "need" it? No....not really. Well, I probably *need* one pair or two at most. 

  Do I adore it? Several of them, yes. A few, not exactly *adore* but know from experience they will prove exceedingly useful. 

  Do I have the space for it? Yes. I have a small but highly organized closet and have storage space for footwear. 

  It fits with what I own -- that's exactly why I've chosen these. 

  Can I afford it? Yes, especially at the sale price. I got several of these on substantial discount. 

  Beth Ann, you know I always love your thoughtful considerations. And guess what? We have the same secret Super Power! I, too, am incredibly hard on my shoes, except for the ones I baby, like my pony Okalas and probably these new silver TopShop babies. I mean, I go through at least two pair of casual sandals a year, meaning I wear them to the ground. 

  I'm confident I'll wear the dove booties...for me, there's actually a very important window for these as I discovered last year when I had a black pair. I decided the black was too dark and heavy for me (and anyway, I wore them out, which already tells you something!) but I loved this type of shoe for cooler nights and for the in-between weather of May and September, when I don't really want to wear closed shoes (or heaven forfend, socks!!) but I do want a bit more coverage than a traditional sandal. 

  As for white, I will have ZERO problem styling these. White sandals are a huge HEWI for me. Although my hair is not as light as Angie's, they are good with my low contrast skin/ hair, and pop when I am wearing lights and white elsewhere. I love love love love love white sandals. 

  Gaylene, so true. One reason I like these is that almost all of them are "walk 8 km" sandals for me. But then I have been known to do that in my Okalas. TRUE STORY!!! 

  I basically do not tolerate shoes in my closet that won't go that distance except in very rare circumstances. I mean to say, I could imagine having one pair like that, but most have to do the work I ask. 

• rachylou replied 8 years ago

  Gosh, if you do sandals for five months, 8 is a good solid number.

• Gaylene replied 8 years ago

  You've convinced me! Those shoes need a good home. :)

• deb replied 8 years ago

  I do not believe you can ever have too many shoes nor eyeglasses.

• replied 8 years ago

  I can't comment on how many is too many because I've gone from one extreme to the other in the past couple of years . Lots to few . Everyone's preferences and needs are different - as others have noted . That said , what I have found personally is that summer footwear tends to move through trends far faster than their winter counterparts . And because summer shoes are more on show and maybe a bit more of our whole look, I find my ideas of what I want can change pretty dramatically from year to year . So - because I don't like to have things still hanging around that didn't wear out  while they were still current , I've decided I personally do better with fewer - and with not having too many pair only getting worn once in awhile . I know our versions of wearing out are vastly different - as I'm not walking distances in them ;). I'm curious why you don't wear sneakers for that kind of walking ...that's getting into serious workout territory !

• Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

  Nice selection! Lots of wisdom here, too. I will just add: if block heels are a favorite silhouette, get them now while you've found some that work well for you. I bet you'll still like them and want to wear them next summer, and perhaps the next. 

• Joy replied 8 years ago

  I have begged DH to get more summer shoes, but he doesn't see why until he wears his one pair into the ground.
  We need more summer shoes than any other season because in hot weather they often have to serve as that third piece of an outfit to add some interest. They also get worn with bare feet and start looking stretched out faster than those we wear in cold weather with socks.
  As Angie says, you need to have fun with your footwear when you can.

• Janet replied 8 years ago

  I'm not much of one to advise on this because I have a sizable wardrobe, including shoes, but I personally would rather have a good selection of shoes that can rotate, especially in summer when you're not wearing socks. I like my shoes to get a rest between wearing more often than not.

  I have at least 5 months of sandal weather so I justify more pairs than you have. I also have sandals I have been wearing for several years, so it usually takes me a while to actually wear something out. Someone who wants a trendier style and a lower price point might be more content with one-season sandals but that's not me.

  Bottom line, you know how much you need and want to fill not just your requirements but also your preferences. Build the collection you want and deserve and enjoy it!

• Jaime replied 8 years ago

  Hahahahaha! I cannot even read the comments because I am laughing. Tell DH to stop by if he wants to see what an Imelda collection looks like. By the way, how are the Imelda booties holding up? I will read again and try to be serious - too much temptation when I am giddy. (Late happy Purim too!)

• Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

  Joy, that's such a good point, about sandals getting a different kind of wear than the shoes we wear in winter with socks. The light bulb went on! It explains why I actually wore out a pair of sandals (since I've been in Seattle!) in less than 2 years, while I have yet to actually wear out a pair of shoes in the same time frame.

• Deborah replied 8 years ago

  Nothing super wise from me but my general thoughts are firstly if you are operating within your budget that's a good thing:). Secondly, 5 months is a long time and variety would be a must for me:). Our summers are long and I found this year, in particular, that having a good variety of footwear helped me to keep the boredom away and keep my outfits interesting. So I don't think you have too many shoes at all:). You have a beautiful collection Suz, enjoy xx

• Gigi replied 8 years ago

  I haven't read all the responses, but my first reaction is that no, it's not too much. I like what Angie said about "controlled fun," that those of us with lengthy winters need to get our shoe fix in the warmer months. And El Cee is smart too, about how in summer, you might be wearing very little because of the heat, so shoes can become much more important in an outfit.

  My only advice would be to look out for shoes that might cause you to split wears. I'm trying to decide on whether to get a pair of leopard flats, but I already have some other flats that I really like, and I'm not sure that I want to cut back on the amount that I'm wearing my current flats. 

  Different shoes can change the entire look of an outfit. This isn't simply about practicality; it is also about emotional investment in an outfit. If you feel like you want different shoes to create different looks, then I would go for it.

• replied 8 years ago

  I don't think you can ever have too many shoes. I'm an enabler when it comes to buying them.

• Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

  Oh yes, we must both be real "walkers."  It sounds like you've already thought through every one of these purchases.  I actually prefer having more shoes and enjoying them a bit longer, because I have a better rotation.  I just spent hours finding a replacement for last year's slipper sneaker -- now worn and shabby.  Having more pairs means fewer wardrobe holes (and fabber feet)!

• Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

  P.S.  I'm avoiding studying for my board exam on YLF this morning -- I'm sure you understand how the siren call crescendos when the books open!

• Vix replied 8 years ago

  I can see I'm one of the few on the tough love side, ha!

  So if you're looking to be talked *down* in numbers, read on...

  First, as I said in my own thread: they do sell sandals all year round, even trendy ones. So you don't necessarily have to buy All the Sandals in March.

  I do think the splitting wears and "how many dressy shoes do you need for your lifestyle?" issue is a big one for you. 

  It may make sense to start wearing the current ones again to check on hours-long comfort etc -- sometimes our bodies seem to reject shoes still in *great* shape a year later. If the older ones don't work you have a great excuse for new.

  Looking at your old and new it seems the suede shooties, the black walking-friendly Soffts, and the white shoes you're clearly in love with would be the smartest buys since they fall at various points on the practicality to shoe lust spectrum.

  But of course they all work from the "want" perspective!

• Elizabeth P replied 8 years ago

  You don't really want an opinion from me, do you?  the one with twice as many summer shoes as winter... and half the time to wear them?

  The only thing I'd say is that most of these seem dressy, and I think your life is more casual.  Would it be worth reducing the number of dressy ones to leave room for something casual, should something show up?

  I haven't even started thinking about summer shoes yet.  I really don't need anything, but will probably get a couple of pairs.  A metallic workhorse pair, something tied and strappy, and something block heeled.  Looking is top of my list for Nordies when I'm in Ottawa in a couple of weeks...  then if I strike out, I'll start looking around.  It looks like the Bay has several options, yay! 

• Angela K replied 8 years ago

  Never ever too many sandals or booties!! There are worse addictions! :)

• Suz replied 8 years ago

  You wonderful people!! So many great points (and such great enabling and tough love.) 

  Elizabeth -- here is the thing. We may have half as much time, in real days, to wear our summer shoes. But don't we, in fact, wear them more often? I know I do. In winter it is all about my snow boots (or other boots, if lucky) and slippers (indoors). Whereas in summer I often wear two or more styles of shoe a day depending on activities. 

  These are not "dressy" to me. My super casual needs are taken care of with the Eccos. I'm not doing rural and beach walks and hikes (and I do have gear shoes for that). I'm doing in town, small urban centre walks. It's a different beast. 

  Vix, you are so right -- they sell sandals all year round and I regularly update in August -- because I have to!! Seriously, I wear through a pair or two a year (or did, at my previous, smaller, numbers.) 

  Beth Ann, get back to work (on your shoe wardrobe) tee hee. And come sing for me. I SOOOOOO wish I could hear you. 

  BC, thanks for enablement. 

  Gigi, that is smart. I am currently thinking hard about that. Which shoes will be wear splitters. 

  Deborah, thank you. I know you think out each purchase of your own with great care and so your opinion holds weight. 

  Shevia, happy belated Purim to you, too!! And...confession...my Imelda booties have hardly been worn. Because when I came home last year it was too mucky for them and then too hot. This year I will wear them a lot more, I predict. It's a different kind of spring and I am eager to sport them! 

  Janet, high five shoe sister!! You get more sandal weather than I do, but I am relieved to think this does not seem excessive to you. 

  Joy, that is completely true about sandals wearing faster. 

• Suz replied 8 years ago

  Sharan, that is so true about sandal wear. Joy makes a good point .

  LisaP: I can't wear sneakers for that kind of walking. It's real life clothes. Sneakers are too hot/ casual for my every day commutes to wherever I am going. Think day-to-night outfits. It's not exactly that (or not every time) but I am doing multiple activities -- going from home to meeting to lunch or library to gym to dinner with friends or meeting DD and then grocery shopping...no AC, not necessarily wanting a "sporty luxe" look and I want something more feminine. So my shoes have to be good looking/ fashionable and go the distance. 

• replied 8 years ago

  Got it :)  No wonder you are so slim !  With that amount of movement in a day?  That's pretty cool.  I'm very car-oriented myself .  

• Peri replied 8 years ago

  I would love to be able to wear all kinds of different shoes and choose based on looks and fun. Enjoy what you have! 

• Colette replied 8 years ago

  I didn't realize there was such a thing as 'too many shoes'? As long as they are within budget and you don't have to remove furniture to fit them in your home, I say buy the shoes. ;)

• Maneera replied 8 years ago

  Uhmm.....you call just THIS too many? For someone who wears sandals for 5 months in a year, I think this many ARE NECESSARY to keep boredom at bay, be able to rotate sandals, and change up an outfit with a change in accessories. Plus you walk a lot and shoes do undergo wear & tear the most....I don't think this is too many. At all.

• Karie replied 8 years ago

  I have also been called Imelda! This reminds me of the time the UPS man handed DH a box from Zappos and said, "Someone here sure buys a lot of shoes!" (I had been searching for just the right pair of booties). DH had a rather concerned look on his face when he handed me the box. 
  Today when I was putting away some winter boots and getting out some spring shoes and going up and down and up and down the basement steps I thought, "Why, why do I have so many?" But you know what? I wear them all. Shoes can make or break an outfit. 
  And there is no such thing as too many shoes! Oh please excuse me, the UPS man is here with another box from Zappos....

• annagybe replied 8 years ago

  My father once called me the female Sasquatch when I was a teenager, due to my size 10 feet.
  Then yes the Imelda Marcos comparison.
  Now just shaking his head at the shoecase.
  Something, something firm grip on terra firma.

• replied 8 years ago

  I thought this quote from Iris Apfel might help ease your conscience.
  "If your hair is done properly and you're wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything."

• Style Fan replied 8 years ago

  I love shoes.  In my world there is no such thing as too many pairs of shoes.  I agree with Angie.  Warm season footwear is fun footwear.  Sandals are fun.  If you are walking that much in your shoes (I wear my sneakers to save my good shoes) then you need lots because they wear out.

• DonnaF replied 8 years ago

  In my experience, sandals need at LEAST a day's rest between wearings so as not to get stinky.  In my experience as well, feet get fussier as one ages, so wear cute footwear NOW while you can!  I find sandals easier to fit than closed shoes, but as I've gotten older (or maybe it's the Raynaud's?) my feet run cold rather than hot, so I'm pondering my need for additional sandals.  My justification:  I can always return them after they arrive, ha, ha, ha.  My UPS guy is such a sweetie that I've told him that I would write him a reference/recommendation letter if he should ever decide it's time to move on.

• Sally replied 8 years ago

  I am not a big shoe person, but for some women that is the basis of their outfit.  I have known several women with very impractical shoes (I'm talking stilettos)  that manage to teach all day in them and that is their thing.  I think go for it as long as  it makes you happy. 

  My husband says I have too many shoes too but most men I know rely on very few shoes.