Out With The Old, In With The New

Dear Bandolino,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter, however I acknowledge that my sorrow is self-induced. After three plus solid years together, I have finally had to retire my favorite and most worn pair of shoes that have ever graced the feet of a biped. The wedge sandals were bought with love from a local TJ Maxx and took me to many a party, date (albeit unsuccessful), Carolina Cup, helped me avoid the embarrassment of dragging hemlines on many a pair of pant, and logged many hours in the soft, dark confines of an over-packed suitcase on many a road trip. Not long ago, during one of my many painful wears of the wedges (because they sure as hell were not comfortable, often times leaving me barefoot after long hours of wear), my shoes began to alert me to the signs of abuse. The espadrille detailing on the wedge had long since worn off, but I pressed on, pushing my sandals to the absolute limit insisting that they protect my feet from the wet cement on St. Patrick's Day in Five Points, forcing the tan sandals to match outfits that I should have known would not work. Alas, they were my only shoes tall enough to allow me to wear several pairs of jeans that I was too cheap to hem. And wear them, I did. Until the other night when I went out with some friends. I had pushed my shoes too far, and finally, they pushed back. Like a small dog that gives up after being forced to walk too far, my shoes finally had to give up. I had refused to see the truth for what it was: my shoes were no longer in tact. No. In fact, on that fateful night, they completely came apart. And I was left without my favorite pair of shoes. I should have seen the signs. I shouldn't have pushed them so hard. I should have just sucked it up and taken my pants to the tailor to be hemmed. Selfishly, I did none of this. And my shoes have paid the price. So thank you, Bandolino, for making the greatest pair of shoes ever. I have learned my lesson. I promise never to abuse another pair of shoes again.

Missing her shoes,
OINSL

Dear Steve Madden,

Thank you so much for making a pair of terrific shoes that slip off of the back of Caison's feet. Without you, I would never have found an adequate replacement for the pair of shoes that I wore down to the soles. Please continue to design shoes that catch Caison's eye but don't quite fit her feet right.

Pleased with her new pair,
OINSL

Note to self -
OINSL, continue to express your clothing concerns over at Caison's house. You are 2 for 2 right now. The only thing better than having an uncontrollable spending desire (because I have no funds to carry out my wishes) is having a friend with a budget for hers. And, having her be your size is extremely convenient. Next time, complain about not having any diamond jewelry.