By Dr. Paula Bloom
Most of my posts are about life, relationships, motherhood and self-esteem. In this post I’m going to focus on the “shoe” part of my title of The Shoe Shrink. If you are looking for a profound discussion of the meaning life, the importance of self-esteem or improving relationships then this post is not for you. If you want to hear about the sandals I’m loving right now then please, read on!
Last Fall I left my job at a mental health clinic and began to work exclusively in my own private practice. The shift has been incredible. The clinic was a 40-minute commute and my practice is an eight-block walk from home. It’s been life changing. Knowing I’d be walking to work motivated me to find more shoes that are stylish and comfortable. One reason I took this FootSmart blogging gig was because I would get a discount (yes, I buy all my own shoes) on my favorite brands. They carry brands I’ve worn for years!
Born has always been a favorite brand. During my pregnancy I had three pairs of Born clogs in three different colors. It was the only shoe I could wear to work. One day I was so pregnant that I couldn’t see my feet. While at the dentist, as they were raising the seat and tilting me back I noticed that I was wearing one black and one tan clog. To this day, the dental assistant and I still laugh about that!
While I love clogs, I’m most comfortable in open shoes. Growing up in South Florida I wore sandals pretty much all year round. When the weather even begins to warm up I break out them out.
The other day a client said, “If you were wearing a suit I’d know it wasn’t you. You being you gives me permission to be me.” Since I was a teenager I’ve liked and worn wedges and platforms. I’ve always liked 1960′s music and fashion and often bemoaned that I was born too late to be a real hippie.
Watching old films of Woodstock as a kid definitely informs my taste in summer clothing. I like to wear long sundresses and palazzo pants and find that my Dotti, Chella and Lote sandals by Born look fabulous. These tall shoes are shockingly comfortable. The other day I walked over 1 mile in my Lote’s (in Marzapan) and didn’t have any pain or discomfort in the least (and they are like 4″ high!). The next day I wore them for a TV interview with wide legged black pants, a burgundy Indian top (actually, the one I’m wearing in my Shoe Shrink blog photo) and some gold bangles.
I’ve been wearing the Chella’s (in Sabbia) on almost a daily basis including last night when we walked over to an outdoor concert about 5 blocks from our house. The Chella’s have a worn out leather look that is very hip and modern. They look great with my army green safarish shirt, chunky jewelry and a flowey skirt. At my daughter’s talent show, I wore them with black leggings and a black empire-waisted short dress. So cute!
While I love the style and feel of these shoes there is another benefit: Even though I’m tall I enjoy a few extra inches of height which makes for a slimmer silhouette with long clothing. Yes, I’m working on accepting my body. But cute shoes that help me feel a bit thinner, what could be wrong with that?
The ShoeShrink’s Born sandals.
