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How Many Pairs of Shoes Do We Really Need?

Wednesday 16 January 2013
Thank you so much for your fascinating and honest comments regarding blogging. I was blown away by what I'd read. Who knew that most of us are in fact introverts, shy and came with a sense of inadequacy attached? I feel right at home with the company I'm in. By contrast, I couldn't help but think what an amazing community we have right here. I feel blessed and grateful that blogging has brought me in contact with all of you.

Common sense will tell you that humans (should I just say women instead?) have 2 feet, thus we only need a pair of shoes. There's a disconnect between the brain and heart when we're dealing with a desirable object called s-h-o-e-s. I mean, just check out the ferocious behavior when shoes are at stake. Discounted shoes can cause the most reserved ladies to mutate into a female version of the Incredible Hulk.

I spend more on shoes than I would on clothes. The way I see it, it doesn't matter if my body fat increases or decreases like a yo-yo, my shoes still love me. I've been nagging at the hubs about his vast collection of shoes strewn across the hallway. Not wanting to be branded as a hypocrite, I thought I should take a good look at MY shoes. *ahem* *cough* Admittedly, I'm trying to justify and rationalize the number of shoes that I own. An old friend of mine confessed that she, at one stage, owned 500 pairs of shoes (Sheela, you owe me a pic of your Imelda Marcos closet) so needless to say, I feel soooooo much better. When in doubt, compare yourself to someone else.

** do excuse all the gel pads, insoles etc in the photos. When you have pixie sized feet, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Shoes

Clockwise: The Kooples sneakers (similar here), custom made ankle boots (similar here), Stuart Weitzman boots (similar here )

So here we have it - my fall/winter shoes. The "bare" essentials.
Knee High Boots: The English weather dictates that one must own a pair of knee high boots. After all, there are plenty of puddles to wade through.
Ankle boots: So I bought into the Isabel Marant hype. I mean, just look at them. Wide shaft, suede material, totally cool, makes me feel like I'm a spring chicken again. It's an anti-ageing remedy for feet.
Wedge sneakers: Resist all you want but if you're vertically challenged with stumps for legs, these just add a good 2 to 3 inches to your height. And you can walk in them. And run. And chase after your rugrats. And look totally trendy.


Shoes
Clockwise: Giuseppe Zanotti (similar here), Halogen wedges and Christian Louboutin (similar here)

Strictly speaking, the office is my bed or the dining table. But let's pretend that I've got lots of parties to go to and that I still work in a corporate environment.
Embellished flats: I may not be a jewelry type of gal but when it comes to my feet........honey, just pile on da blings like a chav. Furthermore, this pair of Zanottis are a great conversation starter. Perfect when you're at a party, bored to tears and you've got to look like you're enjoying yourself. But make sure you stand near a light source so the bling glitters.
Low Wedges: These ticked 3 important boxes. Black, ankle strap and low heels. They are my essential heels. Non negotiable.
Nude peep toe heels: When you're short, wear nude heels. "nuff said.






summer shoes
Clockwise: See by Chloe wedges, Repetto flats, Sam Edelman Trina sandals, K Jacques sandals (or more affordable option here),  Repetto flats.


Low wedges: I'm addicted to low wedges and ankle strap. So let's just say that this is the summer version of the black wedges.
Leopard print flats: Leopard print is essential in every wardrobe. Leopard print scarf, leopard print sweater, leopard faux fur coat ........ you get my drift.
Flats: These are my beach/holiday flats. It adds to my cool factor when I'm schlepping around in them. I mean, they're K Jacques (brand/shoe snob talking here), for heaven's sakes! The celebs like them too. They're like, totally, like tres chic. It's like owning a piece of St Tropez in a small provincial medieval English town. Totally reverting back to my teens. Like totally.
Low heeled sandals: You want to look chic but you haven't mastered the art of balancing on stilts the way they do in circus so ....... you resort to wearing these.
Ballet flats: My back up flats to my other back up which are also a back up. Got it?


So closet Imelda Marcos..........how many pairs of shoes do YOU own? Fess up.

48 comments:

  1. oh i wish i can wear ballet flats all yr round!

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  2. Oh crumbs you and Sue really want me to share don't you - I will try and count at some point but off the top of my head there are 10 pairs of ankle boots on my shelves, 4 wedge sneakers, 16 or so ballet flats, 3 flat sandals, 6 court shoes, 8 knee highs, 3 over the knee and I just ordered a pair of clogs for good measure.

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    1. Do you have a shoe cupboard a la Imelda? Photographic evidence would be lovely :o) if you're taking requests.

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    2. Ha - almost - I have a Pax closet with drawers that contains all my regular worn shoes then the less worn ones are stored in the closet in the spare room...as stated your waistline can change but your shoes will always fit:)

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  3. I stopped counting. Even with my limited budget, the shoes are my weakness and I don't bat an eyelid on spending a pretty penny on shoes. Then I eat baked beans on toast for the rest of the month...lol ;)

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  4. Oh dear. I was just looking at my shoe bookcase (that tells you something, but then again, I also keep and use my boxes for storage) last night, in awe over how many pairs I added last year. I now own more shoes than ever before (that's the extent of a clear answer I'll give), and I'm very happy. Frankly, I happily swear I need lots. :)

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  5. You're too funny with the "excuses" that you come up with, Marlene! This: "My back up flats to my other back up which are also a back up. Got it?" Erm, okay! ;)

    Thanks for sharing your shoe essentials although I know you have a rainbow of Repettos in your shoe closet! ;)

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  6. I wonder if anybody will frankly confess how many pairs they own ??
    As for me I count on my children who regularly cheekily go and tell Dad about the result of their calculation. Last time, they were around 70 pairs...

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  7. You had to go there, Marlene, you just had to. Yes, this is said "Sheela who had 500 pairs of shoes at one point" in the post above. It's a weakness I happily succumb to whenever I hear the siren call of a captivating pair, even if it's a mere whisper. I suppose the gauntlet's been thrown, eh? ;) I shall play shutterbug soonest possible, old friend xoxo

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  8. I honestly don't know, but not that many. But I do own a few classics I couldn't live without, IM dicker boots and wedge sneakers, a pair of black pointy heels and patent nude heels from Louboutin and some Repetto flats. Besides those, most of my shoes are From Zara, Mango or similar which doesn't really count, right ? xx

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    1. And the Marant Lazio boots. Or don't they count ;o)

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  9. I'll confess!

    Heels: 31

    Flats: 5

    Flat sandals: 5

    Wedge heels: 9

    Boots (knee high and ankle): 8

    total: 58

    This doesn't, of course, take into account workout shoes (2 pair) and things like those Old Navy rubber flip flops that I only wear at home during the summer. I'm counting the shoes I love and wear to go someplace. :)

    I have had more in the past but recently purged, but it's usually not into the triple digits. I just don't "need" that many - and I don't need them taking up space in the closet unless I truly love them. :)

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  10. Lol, I am not counting :) I have small feet and whenever I find something that fits and on sale, I will get it. I know it is not a good excuse for owning so many pairs of shoes, but I am sticking to it, lol. Although it is less than 500 for sure so I feel so much better.

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    1. Hahahahaha!! I started grouping some shoes for photos and after going through round 4 of just the booties, I realised that I might, just might, have a problem :)

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    2. Lol, cant wait to see your photos. I know what you mean about booties. I have a weakness for them and boots. I cannot get enough of them!

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    3. I've decided to go with the initial lot first. Truth be told, I grew weary of shuffling them shoes around for picture perfect, well, pictures, cough :D I'll be sure to let you know when they're up :)

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  11. All your shoes look like they're in such great condition! I feel like I wear through a pair of flats in months, sadly. I'm pretty sure the only reason I don't have more pairs of shoes is because I live in a 500 sq ft apartment. Sighh.

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  12. I have a few pairs yet seem to wear the same ones all the time or maybe it's because they are the current favourites. I don't think there is a given number for anyone - it's whatever number makes you happy. I have however just put two pairs in the charity bag and taken pictures of three pairs ready for Ebay. So my number is not as great as it was.

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    Replies
    1. I'm getting better at eBaying some that are never worn - but as I've discovered in the past a pair of cowboy boots that were never worn and then sold, can come back into style when you least expect it - darn it.

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  13. My shoe obsession over the years has landed me a number of really chic shoes, but eventually I've culled and sold many of them, opting to go for good quality (more expensive LOL) shoes that are also practical.

    I have 16.. well, 17 now that I FINALLY found some summer sandals, pairs of shoes, which too me I don't think is too many, although having four pairs of black winter boots does seem a little excessive to me but I figure a little variety is always nice.

    Loving your collection - need to get me some ballet flats!

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  14. I did a stocktake of my shoe collection on my blog recently, not sure if you saw that? Anyway, I hover around 15 pairs of shoes. I'm still trying to get that number down but some shoes are yet to perfected with just the right pair, so instead I have a couple of cheaper pairs. It's always a work in progress, but I'm getting closer! I really enjoyed reading your last post and comments. I too have been reflecting on similar issues, but just adore the community around our blogs.

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  15. 'Anti-ageing remedy for feet' .. that really made me laugh. I don't have too many (I think??) but I did find a pair of pointy toed and skinny shaped high heeled ankle boots at the back of the spare wardrobe this morning. Am I dreaming or are these styles coming back into fashion? (any excuse not to dump them!!)

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  16. I would honestly have to count how many pairs of shoes I have because I really don't know. I'm loving your assessment of your shoes which is just great and you have a really nice collection Marlene! :)

    xxTheresa

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  17. Haha, I really love this post. I would rather not count the number of shoes I have, but there's one thing I can say. I hate sneakers. So that is an entire category of shoes that I do not own (ok I own one pair, because everyone should have at least 1). And I have an entire box of flip flops in every color/pattern possible, but those don't count right? All of my shoes don't fit in my closet, I've taken over my husband's closet and the spare bedroom closet. Perhaps it's time I got a bigger closet! :)

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  18. Your collection is so perfect! My last shoe count was 37, but I have since culled down a little more.

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  19. the highest count was somewhere around 150 pairs but i liquidated most of my collection on ebay when i moved to sydney. most of them were high heels that i barely wear these days since i don't have a car here. right now 38 pairs, doing really well!

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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  20. LOL! I think you're my soul sista!

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  21. Smiling on this post and what a great excuse you have. I love wedges and flats but living in a tropical country I have lots of sandals and slippers, I know that doesn't count.:) But just to satisfy on my shoe craving I benefit myself with 3 pairs of heels that I can count on one hand where the last time I use and afterwards they're mostly stock on the shoe box. But just looking at them whenever I'm stress and sad makes me happy. It's like when I'm staring at my bags too, it's therapeutic! That's what matters most.lol!:)

    <3,
    Angie
    audrinajulia.blogspot.com

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  22. Let me begin by saying...NEVER ENOUGH SHOES!! It's every woman's right. I never thought of myself as much of a shoe-addict until I realised just recently whilst beginning to pack for a move-interstate that there are several pairs I have been lugging around from house to house but haven't actually worn in about 10 years. But I couldn't possibly throw them out!! Then there's the fact that I am totally useless at wearing heels yet will still buy them, awkwardly stagger around for half a night in them then put them in the back of the cupboard to be replaced by the next awkwardly-high pair I purchase! I'm also a bit useless when it comes to flats as often the are 'too flat' and I walk off them and squish one side til it barely resembles a shoe. But I will still continue to buy them. Siiiiigh!

    I could go on about shoes all night! I'm new to the blogging world (sophboat.blogspot.com.au) and am already overwhelmed but delighted by what a lovely little community I've become a part of! Come and say hello anytime, I'm looking forward to reading more :)

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  23. Love all your choices and pics - I might need those 50/50 boots even though I have a great AGL black boot! I probably have more than I need but I do love and wear them all!

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  24. You made me smile! I love your collection. It reflects your tastes so much.

    I've never been one to apply the numbers game to my wardrobe. Whether it's shoes or dresses to me the perfect wardrobe is well planned, so I never have to say to myself I don't have the right shoe for this particular look. I never thought of myself as a shoe person, but you know I love a beautiful designer shoe. I'll have to count this weekend.

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  25. This post hits me right in the head! So true we only have two feet but why we have shit loads of shoes?? Well an answer to that is we buy shoes to accommodate our feet for different occasions and simply suit our mood/clothes..ha. That also leads to a question why we need so many arm candies, right?

    Well i used to buy tons of shoes, totally unnecessary but since last year i decided to cut back and only keep the basic necessity: house shoes/slippers to keep my feet warn inside home, a pair of flat shoes, two pairs of boots and a pair ofof caged heels for when i feel fancy, a pair of sandals for driving (i cant drive in heels!!). I may buy a pair of wedge sandals for Summer and hopefully that will be it.

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  26. Hi there!! Gulp, I am trying to mentally count up my shoes, boots and sandals and I'm sure I've got more than 30-I don't even wear all of them!! But I am more of a boots and sandals gal, rather than shoes and do you know out of all of what I've got, I still haven't found the perfect black ankle boot!! x

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  27. I love this post and all of your picks. I am guilty for having wayyy too many shoes than I need and forget about half of them. I probably own over 30 pairs of Havaianas alone! Loving your blog, its fab!

    xx
    Staci

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  28. Oh Marlene, this comes just at the right time! I was just debating purchasing another 3 pairs of pumps that I obviously don't need. Isn't it funny how we women become so obsessed with these frivolities in life. I'm definitely a sucker for shoes, more so than handbags. I've been contemplating on purchasing some wedge sneakers (in fact thats all I thought about last year), and it doesn't help whenever I visit your blog and see your gorgeous IM version. I love your collection, it seems like you have it pretty well covered, a shoe for every occasion. Can we talk about how gorgeous those Sam Edelman sandals are! Love the minimal detailing and colour, it's perfect for us petite gals.

    xx Jenee C.
    {camo meets couture}

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  29. i have like 40..not much i think...but i actually wear 5 shoes...

    xx Mounia
    Www.nonchalantrebel.blogspot.com

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  30. Too many and mostly hardly been used. The ones that I actually use a lot is my ankle boots and flats and oh, my Birkenstock slippers ;) By the way I just bought the wedge sneakers yesterday, not sure if they'll be joining the hardly used group or the other :)

    Kisses from Dubai!
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES DAILY
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/

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  31. I have 10 pairs in total, including a pair of hunter rain boots I only wear when it's really pouring out. Considering the low number compared to all the commentors above, I still don't wear at least half of them! In the winter, I circulate between 2 pairs of mid calf boots and one pair of shoes. I am not a heels nor wedge girl at all, can't stand anything that is higher than 1 1/2 inches. Right now for the summer, I have two pairs of sandals and plan to get one more. Having limited closet space really helps to keep my shoe (and clothing) consumption under control, so I do the one in one out rule because I have to. I can actually sell the other ones that I don't wear, but I'm not ready to be so minimal quite just yet.

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    1. WOW!! You have my full admiration. Despite being a self professed minimalist, I seriously can't deal with having only 10 pairs of shoes in my closet. You're right. Like you, I probably wear 1/3 of what I own. I guess we don't really "need" that many pairs.

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  32. 500 pairs???? Gosh..I feel better with myself already.

    I don't know the exact actually. Probably around 40 to 50. And yes, I've been trying to streamline it. Sigh..

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  33. So I decided to start with one singular, sole pair http://sheelagoh.com/2013/01/30/id-kill-for-these-shoes-yes-i-would/ and Marlene, thanks to you, the birth of a new weekly feature Sole Baring, which will go up every Friday, hopefully starting today. Corny, I know, slay me.

    xo Sheela xo

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  34. You have nice collection of season wise shoes. I liked the summer pair. It is looking stunning.

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  35. What a pleasure to discover your blog! I am a Czech transplant living on the East Coast. I was looking for a shoe review and I stumbled on your blog. I had to laugh when I saw you also have 3 pairs of the same exact shoes...I am also a self-professed francophile, in a closet and in the kitchen...Anyway, please keep blogging!

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    1. Thank you for the lovely comment. Erm...I actually have 8 pairs of Repetto flats which I dare not show because it's borderline OCD :P I finally managed to give 2 pairs away.

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  36. What a lovely post. And now I'm embarrassed that I've bought two french soles, one pretty ballerina, one repetto, one camper, one passion and one pretty fit in two weeks this year. And this is only into month 3 of 2014.

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  37. Cute post! I'm like you, I spend more on shoes than I do on clothes. My favorite pair of shoes are my next pair since it seems I really can have enough pairs. My favoriy=tes these days are my Tory Burch Reva flats. This is my collection. https://www.flickr.com/photos/39715038@N00/13405441295/ I'd have to say I'm obsessed with her flats since I have 35 pairs. I did chuckle when I read this part of this post. "Common sense will tell you that humans (should I just say women instead?) have 2 feet, thus we only need a pair of shoes. There's a disconnect between the brain and heart when we're dealing with a desirable object called s-h-o-e-s. I mean, just check out the ferocious behavior when shoes are at stake. Discounted shoes can cause the most reserved ladies to mutate into a female version of the Incredible Hulk." I like the Incredible Hulk comment. Although it's mostly women that are obsessed with shoes and flats there are a few of us guys that LOVE flats too.
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/39715038@N00/14491050296/
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/39715038@N00/9739020331/
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/39715038@N00/9567471765/

    Thanks for sharing this post.
    Brian

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