When I sold my house in Des Moines, I was shocked to discover how casually I discarded antiques, art, and closets full of clothes. In part, we buy shoes because our weight changes seasonally and only our shoe size remains the same. We American women bloat up and skinny down throughout our lives. That's why we shop constantly. And yet I had no problem ridding myself of old clothes.
Women have a relationship with shoes that often outlasts lovers, jobs, or houses.
But she still wears those loafers. My obsession with shoes is a reminder of where I've been and a dream of where the next pair of black shoes may take me yet. While my friends sported shiny black Mary Janes with paper-thin soles, my feet remained imprisoned in gray, leather numbers that never seemed to wear out. They notice breasts. They notice long, thin legs in short skirts.