We Don’t Need Prince Charming to Find Our Glass Slipper!
Me in shoes by Ms. Wood.
I got one of my Christmas presents early this year. My step-mom took me to the holiday fashion show at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland. We had already been to one fashion show this year, during Portland Fashion Week. So, I was expecting pretty much the same thing.
What I got was the complete opposite.
Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time at Portland Fashion Week and I plan on going again next year. But, it was definitely an event focused on cool. The location: a cold, open air warehouse. The designers: funky, urban, and indie. The food and drinks: sushi and hard liquor. The clothes were gorgeous, but not anything you could wear in real life unless you are a movie star or a Kardashian.
This fashion show was in the ballroom of a warm building with wood paneling on the walls. Women walked around in sequins and cashmere, and waiters in black-tie passed out glasses of champagne with a splash of something fruity. I felt like a VIP instantly, without the red rope or the expensive tickets.
And at this fashion show I had a backstage pass, my step-mom. She was on the planning committee and introduced me around. Then she asked if I wanted to go behind the curtain.
Did I want to go backstage? At a fashion show? She knew the answer before she asked.
I knew ahead of time that one of the designers I loved at Fashion Week, Ms. Wood, was going to be there. She makes kimono inspired jackets and robes and leather dresses and belts. But, she is most well known for what she does with wood. At the Fashion Week show her models strutted in platform wooden wrap sandals that would make Lady Gaga drool. They were like walking pieces of art.
We went back stage and met all the people involved in the show, make-up artists, photographers, producers, directors, and the emcees who are local celebrities of sorts. And then I met Ms. Wood.
She was small and blonde and wearing flats. Kind of not what I pictured at all. And she was so nice. She told me about how she and her husband started designing from wood because he is a carpenter who actually makes furniture.
Then she said the seven most beautiful words in the English language: Do you want to try them on?
I set down my champagne and pulled off my boots. Ms. Wood helped me slip into the shoes and wrapped the leather around my ankles. She tied a bow to the side and told me to walk around. I was at least four inches taller than normal, but they were actually comfortable. I walked to the giant mirror across from the racks of clothes the models would wear. They were beautiful. And I looked great in them. Ms. Wood’s assistant even said I obviously knew how to walk in them. Meant to be.
The wedges of wood were light brown, almost a tan. And the leather was black. I love contrast. One of my favorite parts was a slight indentation in the middle of the heel where the leather wrapped around the wood.
Walking art. That was easy to walk in.
I kept them on for a little while and walked around backstage, looking at the clothes and watching the models in the make-up chairs. I stood tall and my shoulders
went back on their own. I belonged. Backstage at a fashion show. In those shoes.
Eventually, Ms. Wood needed the shoes for the show and we needed to go get our seats. I untied the shoes and handed them back. But I had already decided that I would get a pair. Those shoes were made for me.
My step-mom led me to our seats right next to the runway and waiters served us a salmon lunch and more champagne. There was even chocolate crème brule for dessert. The fashion show was fun and lively, with upbeat music and smiling models. The clothes were from local designers and boutiques. Beautiful things you could actually wear.
I loved most of the looks that went down the run way, from jeans to formal gowns. But nothing effected me like those shoes. So, I made a decision. I am going to have them.
It will take me some time to save; they are an investment. But I am worth it. And I look forward to buying them for myself, by myself.
I can get my own glass slippers.
How do you feel when you buy something special for yourself?
Is there anything you’ve been wanting but haven’t bought? What do you really want?
Those shoes are dreamy!!! I’d want them too.
Thanks! My goal is to get them in March. Just in time for spring.
I love that you want thhose shoes!!!! I purchased the kimono dress(which I tried on backstage). I was on the planning committee as well. I plan on making another Ms Wood purchase again. Asap lol xoxo. Erika
How cool! I am definitely going to get the shoes. I just have to decide if I want them in white or black! Thanks for reading and commenting!
You wrote this just to make the rest of us feel bad, didn’t you Emma? Those shoes are gorgeous. I doubt that I could walk in them, but I can look and lust, right? good luck saving for them – you deserve them.
I don’t want for much. I live simply and am able to provide for my wants (except for a new car). But every year at christmas, I buy one gift for myself. This year, I’m shopping for a new coat. it has to be very warm for our Calgary winters but not bulky like a ski jacket…So as I Christmas shop for others, this will be my gift for me.
fun post – thanks for sharing. I’d love to go to a fashion show so I’m green with envy.
What a great tradition! I love it. We do need to take care of ourselves.
Walking art–love it! I am definitely drawn to pretty shoes, but only with my eyes–my feet protest (in scary, bunion-like fashion).
I don’t think I feel guilty when I buy something for myself, but maybe I haven’t come up with something really expensive . . .yet.
I’m going to think about that!!
I say buy something expensive for yourself with the goal if no guilt. Is it just me, or do men do that on a regular basis?
Great post, Emma! I love shoes, too. Even have a pair or prized gel wedges with a statue of liberty inside the heel. But they weren’t expensive. Lately I’ve stuck to affordable stuff, but I know all too well that thrill of seeing something you want badly and saying I’m going to have that one of these days . . .
Thanks. Those gel wedges sound amazing!
This is silly – but I want an Austin mini. I watched The Italian Job and seeing Charlize Theoron drive one of those things… Yep. That’s what I want. A car that’s my size and is fun to drive. I don’t care that it’s impractical for a family of 5, that it will be ridiculous in the snow (and we get a lot of snow), or how expensive they are. I don’t need a suuped up one – just an Austin mini. Someday. Great post.
That’s not silly at all. You have great reasons so it must be a good decision. Find a picture of a mini & put it up so you can see it & remember that it will be yours!
Great story Emma, and I’m making an early request, I wanna go with you all next time so let me know, I have to try to make that happen
those shoes are beautiful! I have something now I want bad and that is a new phone. It will take a little saving cuz the new stuff apparently doesn’t go on sale for existing customers. Anyhow, the fashion show sounded so much fun, my kinda place.
Oooh a new phone. That sounds nice. I want an ipad, too.
I often fall in love with a gorgeous skein of yarn, and that coveting (for me) has fairytale power to it–much like your glass slipper analogy. I can knit that skein into gold! (Or at least something beautiful, wearable and original.)
I am not a knitter but I love the image of you knitting something into gold. I can see myself wearing something like that!
“I can get my own glass slippers.” I like your attitude, Emma.
Thanks for the support. I think we deserve to get nice things for ourselves.
Oh Emma, those shoes are beautiful. You’ve got to get them.
Last year, for a treat, my husband for our anniversary bought me a really cool pair of Charles David shoes.
I love, love, love them!!! There’s something about a girl and her shoes!
Fun post Emma! Thanks!
Oh Charles David. That’s love! You’ve got a great hubby.
Of course I love the post! I couldn’t imagine having more fun at the fashion show(s) with anyone but you. I loved your enthusiasm at going back-stage. You were so ON…friendly, open, excited, and truly grateful to be among such talented artists. Alicia Woods is truly a humble, gracious designer. She stood back with a satisfied smile while you gaily pranced in her shoes. I am thrilled that you had this experience. You wearing the shoes made by Ms. Wood…truly a magical dance. Your ebullience is contagious. I can’t wait for the next fashion show!
As for me…I’m seriously thinking of that soft, silky jacket from Mabel and Zora. It’s so sensual, it might feel like having an affair – with a beautiful piece of clothing.
I loved going with you, too! Although I have to correct you on something. I did not prance! And especially not gaily! I strutted in those shoes!
You rocked them! So there!
The fashion show sounds yummy, and so does that chocolate creme brule, oh my! The shoes are gorgeous and you should buy something nice for yourself! You know, my husband seems to own the corner of the market of buying expensive things- cameras, lens, bikes. But when it comes time for me to buy something expensive I feel terrible about it. I always feel like I should ask first…hmmm, that doesn’t seem fair. Maybe I WILL get that ipad for Christmas this year:)
I say go for it! And then tell me about it because I want one, too. But shoes are my priority.
O.M.G they are fahhhbulous! Walking ART – amazing! There’s something about a pair of HOT shoes that can make you feel totally uberliciously sexy and strong and powerful, eh?! I love it and I definitely anything that makes you feel that great, is worth investing in. Can’t wait to see spring pictures with you modeling them!! Eeeekeee…
I have no issue treating myself from time to time. LOL. Shoes, clothes, jackets…hehehe…I am all for living large. I mean, not a lot of what I buy is super expensive or DESIGNER but it’s nice, new, fresh and makes me feel pretty so it’s worth it. I went nearly a year without shopping since I had put on weight before hubby finally drug me out and I won’t go that long again. Whatever the size on the tag, stuff that makes you feel beautiful is worth it!
Great post!
You have the right attitude and the right hubby! A year without shopping is way too much. I, too, have recently come to the place where the size doesn’t matter. It’s about how it fits and makes me feel. Who cares if my feet are a size 9! Ha! Seriously, though, you are right.
Sounds like a good time was had by all.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
A great time!
I’d love to have an ipad. I have a laptop, and I have a Kindle, so there’s no way I can justify the $500+ price tag right now, but it’s on my “one day” wish list. I could really use the organizational features to help keep my life straight, and it would be something lighter and smaller than I could take with me in situations where it’s impractical to take my laptop. (Right now I lug my laptop all over the place, and that’s a struggle some days because I have back problems.)
Very fun post! I hope you’re able to get your shoes soon
I think you just convinced me that I need an ipad, too. I had no idea that it would help me be organized and prevent back problems! Sounds like a medical necessity to me. But the shoes are first on my list.
Okay, full stop: those shoes are epic and awesome and wonderful!
I am a shoe fiend, and apparently have enough of a reputation that when I show up to parties wearing flats, people are shocked (I made this mistake of doing this on Halloween, and had to endure lots of stares and gasps and “Omg where are your heels??” all night). So lots of fancy high heels are always on my ‘must have’ list. I’ll echo Marcy and say that I really want an iPad (so much easier for taking notes in class), and since my laptop is approaching its 4th birthday and running as slow as molasses, I’d love a new laptop or a desktop computer. But all of those aren’t possible for another six months or so…. so in the meantime, I will be investing in a few pairs of sparkly, brightly colored heels.
You are so smart! I am so with you. Get the shoes first! That’s my plan, too.
OMG! I am in love! Like Lena, I tend to be a bit of a shoe fiend as well. I usually prefer the look of heels over flats. I lust for boots and chunky heals that make a statement. You need to make those shoes your own. So very yummy. Fashion shows – so much fun!
Sounds like we have a lot in common when it comes to shoes! I bet we are both loving the new bootie that is so in right now. Thanks for the encouragement to get the shoes of my dreams! I will make them mine!