Moms and dads out there, what’s the biggest thing that’s changed about you since becoming a parent?
For me, it’s the footwear.
Until I got pregnant, I always wore heels.
Some people cover their gray—I make myself taller. A good pair of heels can hoist this barely 5’2” frame up to a solid 5’6”, or from Snooki to J Woww. That’s an improvement, right?
I never wore flats. Even my flip flops had heels. If you think I’m exaggerating, I have two stories to tell you:
Shoe Story #1
In my dating days, I met a rather tall man, maybe 6’4”, at a party when I was of course wearing sky-high heels. He asked me out and suggested hiking. I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t game, so I agreed, but footwear was a huge issue. I couldn’t just show up in running shoes. At my real height, I’d come up to his bellybutton. So I strapped on a pair of high heeled sneakers.
My heels were square, not stiletto, but almost this bad.
Halfway up the mountain, my heel – certainly not intended for off-roading – snapped, sending me flying. I wound up with a bloody knee, a broken shoe and incurable embarrassment. Plus, I had to hop back down the mountain. Shoe story.
Shoe Story #2
My first job after college was at an advertising agency in New York. I had to wear business attire, but I strove to create day-into-night looks so I could go out after work without changing. To that end, I found this fantastic pair of black platform mules that looked appropriate for the office yet cute enough for cocktails.
Like this, only not Chanel. I wish.
One night I stumbled out of a bar in my new mules, tripped on a manhole cover, fell out of my shoe and fractured my foot in three places. The worst part wasn’t spending a hot summer in New York on crutches. It was making myself throw away those beautiful shoes. I felt like I was euthanizing a pet. Shoe story.
Given my sketchy track record in heels, once I had a baby to carry, I took the responsible route and stuck to flats. And I found out something I never knew, all these years. They’re really comfortable. And they don’t give you blisters. And you hardly ever fall. But still. I miss my heels.
I decided to visit them at the top of my closet, where they are gathering dust. Do you want to see?
Actual Manolos, found miraculously in a consignment shop in my size. Angels sang.
Marc Jacobs peach suede platforms, fought for at the Barney’s Warehouse Sale back when I was single, had a job, and couldn’t imagine ever not being single and not having a job.
Betsey Johnson stilettos that really hurt but made me feel like Carrie Bradshaw. Won’t Viv love playing dress up with these?
Yves St. Laurent flower shoes, handed down from my shoe-loving aunt whose feet actually grew when she turned 60.
Steve Madden monster platform boots, worn to every rock concert—my only shot at seeing the band. Plus they’re awesome.
Now that I’m a mom to a 1-year-old, my look can be summed up here:
Uggs, Converse and shower shoes. Ugg indeed.
There have to be more fashionable options in the flat and safe zone. If you know something about looking good while not wearing heels, please, I beg of you, leave a comment below. I need help. Shoe story.
Truly, Amy – I am such a fan – you are ALL THAT and a bag of M&Ms (ask L – that is the HIGHEST compliment I can bestow on a person).
OK – yes, safety first on Planet Mommy. However – ballet flats come in a gazillion styles/ colors/heel heights; you may want to check out kittens, too. And let’s face it: boots are hot. Those Maddens up above are VERY hot, but you don’t have to go all out monster. Again, so many variations on the theme out there – waiting just for you. My other piece of advice: whenever you can – even if its just once in a while – go on with your bad self, take down a pair of fabulous, and hit the town! Treat yourself to a romantic evening with Dave, or a super fun girls night out. You rock no matter what you wear, but if you pine for your heels, then by all means put ’em on for an extra kick!
I’m gonna work on those ballet shoes Jen. Agree boots are hot, even flat ones, but I’m looking ahead at summer and my sad collection of flip flops…
Safety first!!! Where in your apartment do you hide the tape measure?
God invented wedges for stylish Moms who don’t want to surrender to flats. That said, Valentino has an amazing nail head flat out right now and Chanel just can’t be beat. Sure, they’ll set you back a mortgage payment, but you can hike, hobble out of a bar and carry your baby without so much as a cracked toe nail.
Now for those of us parents who haven’t stopped wearing heals, what’s your size? A lady never lets a good heal go to waste.
Love the blog. Those Marc Jacobs platforms are to die..
xo,
Meredith
Size 6.5 and I am open to trades if you’ve got any sexy crocs, Tevas, etc.
I love the way I look in heels but I have always, ALWAYS hated wearing them. I have a closet FULL of beautiful shoes from shows I’ve worked on that just sit there, never getting worn. And when I DO wear a pair, I always, ALWAYS regret it. The pain is just not worth how awesome my calves look. You are a fashion plate no matter what shoes you’re wearing. Embrace the comfort. Shoe story. (I love that.)
Can I borrow your height?
Hahaha I own Uggs, converse and a bunch of flip flops as well. I’ve hurt my feet/ankles also, but I at 5’0 I need the extra height. I love wedges. I love them so much I just started wearing wedge sneakers. I feel taller and more stylish wearing them. Give them a try. I got mine at Aldo.
I just bought wedges for my wedding! They are ridiculous but I love them.