Went shopping today with Shirls… wasn’t intending on spending (much) money LOL but you know what they say about best intentions of mice and (wo)men! Ended up at a factory shop for shoes my idea of a slice of heaven.. especially this store, they had a great selection! It’s called Shoe HQ and it’s in Woodstock, so if you are ever in the vicinity….

Usually when I look for shoes it’s for pure enjoyment, but this time I actually did have a reason (I hear you gasp in shock..) Every girl has a trusty pair of going out shoes and I was no exception. Strappy black heels (bought from Edgars jonks ago) that went with every outfit and were super comfortable! When I wore them last I noticed that they needed to be re-heeled. Alas and alack, when I picked them up to take them to the shoe oke I examined the heels a little closer and noticed that they had indeed seen better days. All the painted on leathery stuff was coming off in chunks. Not pretty. After a moments hesitation I binned them… can’t, in good faith, wear them out like that and let’s be honest, they had served me well! Okay, back to why I started this: I had a reason to shop… to replace my trusty going out shoes!

After much debating, trying on, parading in front of the mirror, comparing of prices and considering of wardrobe suitability we had a winner! Pretty black heels (duh) with little bow and ankle strap… AND they were half price! This however is not the end of my story folks…. after some more browsing I came upon my dream shoes Now you must understand, I have always, ALWAYS wanted a pair of shoes with a zip up the back. I realise that sounds slightly porno, and hell, maybe it is, but I’ve always, ALWAYS wanted them. I can hear you pre-empting the story… there they were, right at the back of the store.  Needless to say I made a bee-line for them. Scan scan scan sizzzze 6 scan scan scan aha! Tried them on, right foot great but oh dear, the left… my left ankle is kinda squidgey and sticky-out from torn ligaments etc a few years back and thus presents a problem. See these to-die-for shoes have an ankle strap and it kinda, sorta cut off some blood flow to my foot. At first I was not swayed! What’s a little blood? Most of it’s getting through, it’s not as if gangrene will set in immediately! Quick walk over to the mirror. Quick walk back. I realised that after 2 minutes they were beginning to dig in…nevermind a whole evening!

Common sense prevailed and I put them back in their box. Scan scan scan sizzzze 7 scan scan scan… nope no 7. At this point I reasoned that if there WERE a 7 it would be a sign from the universe that I should indeed own them and since there was not that was a sign too. Somewhat dejectedly (and not without a backward glance) I walked away. Waltzed on over to the sandal section and what should I spy but a woman carrying a box of size 7’s along with a few other pairs! She was making her way over to the couch to try them on. This was my chance! If she left them behind I could try them on! It would be a sign!

I entered stealthy stalker mode and pretended to be very interested in Pochahontas sandles and green paisley pumps (not a good cover I know… who would wear those.. but desperate time…) Sure enough she couldn’t get her feet into them and left them on the couch. I felt like Cinderella… as soon as she was far enough away and examining other shoes I plonked my bum down and held the shoes aloft (bugger the prince.. I wanted to see if the shoe fitted!)

I am pleased to report that they did no cutting off of semi-important outer blood supply either. With my 2 boxes in hand (have you forgotten about the trusty going out shoes replacement?) I evaded the gaze of the other lady (I can’t call her an ugly sister.. she was quite beautiful) in case she came to reclaim her shoes and made it to the tills. One swipe of the plastic later and they were mine… all mine!

PS there were also pink zip shoes but I decided that would be overkill