Summary: Meeting friends for lunch at a quaint café, I find myself dressed as if I were about to grace the runway of a New York City fashion show. My outfit is simple—a red sweater paired with a black skirt—but my shoes are a different story. These red Salvatore Ferragamo stilettos, adorned with a polka dot bow, are not just shoes; they are a symbol of power and fearlessness. This love for impractical yet beautiful shoes is a legacy from my grandmother, who, despite her frugality, cherished a pair of Ferragamo heels she never wore. Today, I wear them, embracing the frivolous and impractical with pride.
Meeting friends for lunch at a quaint café, I find myself dressed as if I were about to grace the runway of a New York City fashion show. My outfit is simple—a red sweater paired with a black skirt—but my shoes are a different story. These red Salvatore Ferragamo stilettos, adorned with a polka dot bow, are not just shoes; they are a symbol of power and fearlessness. This love for impractical yet beautiful shoes is a legacy from my grandmother, who, despite her frugality, cherished a pair of Ferragamo heels she never wore. Today, I wear them, embracing the frivolous and impractical with pride.
I have always had a passion for shoes. Whether they are high-heeled or flat, wedges or stilettos, strappy sandals or a great pair of boots, any shoe that is impractical finds a home in my closet. Typically, I spot a great pair of shoes, hunt down an outfit to match, and then decide where I can wear this new ensemble. It may sound impractical and materialistic, but this trait runs in my family, passed down from my grandmother, Annie Florio.
My grandmother was the epitome of practicality, a stark contrast to my own nature. Growing up during the Great Depression, she was extremely frugal, never buying anything unless it was absolutely necessary. She even washed and reused pieces of aluminum foil, piecing small scraps together for later use. Her wardrobe consisted of practical clothes and shoes, with one notable exception—a pair of glorious red Ferragamo shoes.
When I was ten, I discovered these shoes while playing hide and seek with my cousins. Hidden in the back corner of my grandmother's closet, the red and gold box caught my eye. Inside were the most beautiful shoes I had ever seen. I slipped them onto my feet, but before I could admire them in the mirror, I tripped and twisted my ankle. My grandmother, alerted by my yelp, found me and the shoes. She explained that she had bought them in her thirties, smitten by their beauty despite not having anywhere to wear them or anything to match.
Despite her love for the shoes, my grandmother never wore them. She kept them hidden away for a special occasion but admitted that she feared people would think she was frivolous and impractical. These words, "frivolous" and "impractical," held such power over her that the shoes remained unworn, prisoners to her fear.
When my grandmother passed away, the only thing I asked for was the red and gold box from her closet. Today, as I prepare to head out for lunch, I am reminded that some love affairs grow stronger over time. I gather my purse, turn off my computer, and feel an overwhelming sense of power and fearlessness. I am going out into the world, embracing the frivolous and impractical with pride.
Shoes have always held a significant place in fashion and culture. According to a study by the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the average American woman owns about 27 pairs of shoes (AAFA, 2020). This statistic highlights the importance of footwear in expressing personal style and identity.
The global footwear market was valued at approximately $365.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $530.3 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2020 to 2027 (Grand View Research, 2021). This growth underscores the enduring appeal and economic significance of shoes.
Shoes can also have a profound psychological impact. A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that people can accurately judge a stranger's personality, status, and even political affiliation based on their shoes (Gillath, Bahns, Ge, & Crandall, 2012). This finding suggests that shoes are more than just a fashion statement; they are a window into our identities.
In a world that often values practicality and frugality, it is important to remember the power of embracing the frivolous and impractical. Whether it's a pair of red Ferragamo stilettos or another cherished item, these symbols of elegance and fearlessness can remind us of the joy and confidence that come from expressing our true selves.
