Shoe Shine: The Anatomy of a Shoe Fiend

The Shoe Fiend is at first possibly difficult to recognize. Until you open the closet and settle your gaze upon what looks to be a dragon's lair for shoes. They may be in a big pile, or most likely carefully stored and archived. Shoe boxes, shoe bins, shoe caddies, the the storage options are varied, but the result is always the same: a woman (or man) obsessed with shoes. 

Are YOU a shoe fiend?

My realization has only been recent- that I indeed am a fiend of shoes. I do love them. I love wedges, platforms, platform wedges, boots, booties, a fun pump, a cool stiletto, a nerdish sneaker, a ballerina, a boat shoe, a loafer, a loftie, a shortie, shootie, a shoe. If it's a shoe, chances are, I am going to love it.

I thought my shoe collection was modest. Well, modestly let me share this: I have more boots and shoes than I have outfits to wear in a month. And that's NOT counting the pairs I've purchased in the intent to re-sell, in my size, so they haven't QUITE made it to the inventory, just in case I might need to wear one for "an outfit post." Shoot, I have so many shoes, that I'm losing room to store clothes in my closet. Dear friend, or foe- I am a shoe fiend.

Some of my favorites seem like old friends- several who have found better homes. (Clockwise, starting from the left: Miz Mooz black leather slingback, size 7, almost new: sold on eBay; Prada penny loafers in a bedazzling emerald green, size 6.5 are on a shelf at Beats + Bohos; Nine West navy nylon slingbacks in a stacked heel (try saying that 3 times) not yet transitioned to the "to sell" pile (they sure are pretty!), Fly Girl vintage 90's pumps with fringe- has found a great home with one of the best dressed lassies in Sacramento; red leather vintage 70s platforms- sold on Etsy, vintage Mid Century plaid rain shoes; patent platform creepers by Bamboo (sadly, only lived with us a short while) and some amazing gold lame and clear lace up booties circa the New Romantics of the 1980s (so very Adam Ant, yeah?) that are JUST waiting for the right golden goddess in a size 6.5; lastly but not leastly- a phenom pair of 1950s mid-heel pumps of satin and just tasteful dallop of bling- perfect for cocktail parties, and on sale here.)

A shoe fiend has a fascination with footwear- and tends to specialize in her/his obsession. The fiend may fixate on a certain heel, print, color or material or a specific maker. A shoe fiend has more shoes than occasions to wear them. A shoe fiend feels giddy when first opening the box of her newest acquisition- it is a heady, nearly intoxicating experience when putting them on for their premier voyage. The shoe fiend may think of shoes constantly- shopping for them at charity shops, online, in friend's closets. Some have even been known to host "Shoe Shine" parties, showcasing all manners of fabulous shoes, and their fiendish (however friendly) wearers.

Shoe Fiends can be easy to spot, and are hard to ignore. Just look down and admire- they are sure to be wearing a pair of killer kicks.

Friends and Fiends!
Now it's YOUR turn to shine. Add a link to you in a pair of shoes that make your day, your night, your life- and please share in the comments your opinion of what makes a shoe fiend. Thank you for your participation!