Finally getting my first pair of skinny jeans as I embark on my second trimester is either the most brilliant way a pregnant woman can still feel somewhat skinny-sexy, or the biggest fashion faux-pas ever. I figured the fact that skinny jeans are even available at maternity stores means at least I won't be the only preggo lumbering about thinking I look awesome in them.
But I just couldn't do my 2011 Christmas Shoes justice without a pair! I thought perhaps they might be my favorite Christmas shoes ever... I took a gander at my closet and couldn't help but reminisce on my past eight years of happy feet:
2004 – Dr. Martens 8065 Double Strap Mary Jane
My first pair of official Christmas shoes were the ever-classic Doc Marten’s black mary janes. Nice.
2005 – Green Elf Shoes
Here's wishing for a little more intervention. (See year 2008 for more details). Too bad Clayton hadn't married Amanda yet.
2006 – Red Leather Shoes
These may not be as sexy-hot as Beckee's 2011 selection, but oh so cute! At least when we're both in our 80s, I'll still be able to walk in my red hots! lol
2007 – Ode to Plaid
I love love love love these shoes! And to think I didn't find them until after another year of being high-maintenance. My first couple-hour trip around the mall was fruitless and so thankfully someone else needed another round too, and I finally found these lovelies. How did I possibly miss them the first time around? I have yet to find an outfit they can't go with.
And I realized, the plaid theme has continued through the years... do my children have any hope of escaping the plaid?!!!
2008 – Black Hopefully-Not-So-Hooker-ish Boots
After feeling guilty for being a brat in 2007, I decided to start the annual "pre-scout" mall trip. This was the year --the year to enter the world of boots! I was a little nervous. Aside from in the snow, I'd never worn a boot... my mother has never worn a boot. Boots are simply not in my blood. But I was determined to find something and when I saw them at Dillard's, I knew I had found the answer:
Well, I will give myself some credit and say they didn't look quite this bad, but we'll just say I've learned that unless shiny black stops at the end of a high heel, it probably doesn't belong up the rest of your leg.
Of course, I didn't want anyone to know I had been nerdy enough to pre-scout my shoes, so as the female flock took off, I nonchalantly suggested we start at Dillard's and after commenting on a few options and patiently trying to appear like I hadn't already spent an hour looking at every one of these pairs of boots, I decided to try on my perfect pair of black shiny boots.
Kristien: "So, what do you think of these, guys?" [confidently struts in front of the mirror, not trying to sound too vested in the decision].
Beckee: "They might be an option... maybe we keep looking around a bit?" [she may have bit her lip and glanced the other way... I can't remember].
Amanda: "Oh, no... I don't think so. Those look like H-O-O-K-E-R B-O-O-T-S!"
.........
Needless to say, the patent leather go-go's went back on the shelf and I picked a much better acclaimed, conservative pair at Macy's. I later returned them for a pair with a stiletto heel (perhaps reverting to my hooker tendencies again, but now I will never know as no one dares comment on my boot selections anymore). Thank you to Amanda for rescuing me from a life of hustling and for what may be the best Christmas Shoes story yet!
2009 – Josef Seibel Beauties
The most beautiful shoe possibly ever designed. Thank you, Marsh for buying a $20 pair half off this year!
2010 – Running Shoes
I am proud to announce that this year was my most low-maintenance year ever. One store. First shoe. Bam. Good thing too because 2010 was Cedar's first year entering the world of Christmas shoe shopping and I spent probably an hour-and-a-half helping her make a decision until finally getting some Hello Kitty flats. I don't know if there's enough room in this family for two of us!
2011 – Taupe Boots
I would take a pic wearing these with my new skinny jeans, but I need some gradual, positive validation first before I post it on the worldwide web.
And this post would be incomplete without a HUGE thank you to Steve and Nancy who never cease to amaze all my friends who can't believe that every pair of adorable shoes I own came from them.
And what's your favorite Christmas shoe?
