Taking the risk of stepping outside your comfort zone

This week I met a long-time friend for lunch. After catching up on her recent job loss, new goals and what we do for fun, we agreed to do some shopping (always my idea of fun) and went to DSW Shoes (it was practically next door!). We strolled around looking at the many, many shoe styles that they carry and then...she did it...she picked up a pair of black shiny faux alligator loafers with a huge squared footbed and clunky thick heels (like below).  After I gasped in horror at the "bigness" of them, I asked her if she was planning to wear them only with pants (but sadly she wasn't!).  So I told her she absolutely could NOT purchase them.  Friends don't let friends buy shoes that don't look good with dresses, suits, etc.

                                                      

Instead, we looked at comfortable heels with the perfect vamp (she has a bone protrusion on the top of her foot that many shoes hit and cause discomfort).  We found two beautiful pair:  one was a nude patent leather Michael Kors round toe pump with a wooden stacked kitten heel (I have the below black pair that I wear often)

 and a pair of black leather point-toe Tahari princess heel pumps. 

                                                              

                                                              


Both shoes are great investments and can be worn with a variety of colors, prints, skirt lengths and, yes, even with pants.

Then, we looked at handbags.  She typically carries a black vinyl tote that she buys each year from Target.  But today, after some collaboration, she bought a beautiful leather Calvin Klein handbag in the color of Lipstick. I showed her (using women in the store who I accosted) how the bag looked with a variety of outfits, colors and fabrics (the women were all willing participants and happy to help).  Below is an ivory version of the same bag.


                                                                          


My friend admitted that the shoes and handbag are not something she would have bought on her own, but she is excited about stepping outside her comfort zone.  So she bought the two pair of pumps and the purse.  She's got some job interviews on the horizon and now she's got the perfect shoes and bag to look stylish, modern and professional.

I had a wonderful time spending her money with her and hope she wears all three purchases with joy and panache.  And that she gets the best job out there!  I think the below quote says exactly what this tale is all about.

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”
― Marilyn Monroe

Don't you agree?  Til next Sunday.....I remain

 Stylistically yours,


Sooz