My long absence.........

Well, it has been a long, long time since I have opted to add to my blog. But, least you think otherwise, that does not mean I have abandoned by no-shopping quest. Au contra ire, my commitment to not purchasing remains true and inspires me to really think through any possible potential deviation.

Case in Point - having come to Washington D.C. to be admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court - a highlight of any attorney's legal career, I found I had a shoe crisis. Some might laugh at the use of the words "shoe" and "crisis" in the same sentence, but those among us who take our fashionista role seriously know a crisis when we see one. This was the situation. I had planned to wear a light blue Jones New York skirt suit that I especially like for the swearing in. But, the morning we left for D.C. in the throws of packing, I made a last minute strategic wardrobe call. Skirt suit + old while lady legs = must wear pantyhose which I determined I simply could not do. I knew it would be hot and humid and I just did not want to struggle with hose, plus make sure I had a decent back up pair when the first pair (inevitably) got runs in them. So I switched my outfit to a black crepe Talbots pantsuit. And, tossed into my bag a pair of strappy, dressy black sandals. All set. So I thought, anyway........

Once we arrived in D.C. and I did the two days prior run through on my outfit, walking around the apartment in my heels, i thought - are you outta your mind? These shoes were too strappy, too much skin was exposed and there was no way I could walk a block in them. And, one thing D.C. demands, actually just squeezes out of you like life blood - is that you walk. And walk. And walk some more. And, then, finally that you walk again. So I knew that no matter how carefully I crafted my day, insulating myself with cabs and short walking stints, I would still walk enough to cause the return of the giant gross blisters that usually plague Me while here. I did not want that to happen.

I carefully considered my options. Ruminated. Contemplated. Then, decided I would take a cab, wear my Birkenstocks,(ugly, but highly functional) and put on my dressy sandals upon arrival at the Supreme Court. Seemed like a solid, no cost plan to me. Under this plan, there would be absolutely no expenditure of money.

Feeling a certain amount of pride that I had arrived on this no-cost solution. I shared my plan with Daughter #1, via telephone. Her response? In a tone of derision, said, "WEEELLLLL, people do that." Emphasis on people. As in, I see people that do that, but I would never stoop that low myself. As in, I suppose if you want to look like a giant dork, you could do that and boy, will I be glad I am not around to see it. As in, there is absolutely no way I would ever be caught dead doing that, but you go for it, Mom.

And, then she said, how about you just go to Marshall's and buy a new pair of shoes for this occasion?

A surprising comment from the pipsqueak who started the whole no shopping idea, after that holiday closet organizing effort and her conclusion that I had "way,way, way" too many clothes -and in particular, way to many shoes.

With that kind of authorization, even shall we call it approval, I did in fact trundle myself the three blocks down to Marshalls and purchase a pair of black, low wedge heeled, sling-back, peep-toed Bandolinos for $31.82. Wore them for six hours, first day out, and ended up with no blisters. YEAH!!