Monday Shoe Porn: Natalie’s Collection

Ally: Hello, peeps! How was the weekend? Are we doing a wee bit of  ”drying out” this morning? LA is still fist pumping with the celebs in California leaving me alone to swoon over the latest shoe collection for Monday Shoe Porn.
Today we feature Natalie’s shoes. They are delish. Without further ado (as I am not feeling particularly witty today), let’s hear from Natalie.
Natalie:I never really considered myself a shoe person. And I still can’t understand real shoe collections, with dozens or hundreds of pairs. With a few exceptions, there is (or was) a purpose to each shoe purchase here. Some, like the red patent Nine West pumps, I searched long and hard for, looking to fill a wardrobe gap. Others, notably the yellow sandals, were purchased for one important outfit, but happily became well-worn favourites.
I prune my collection regularly. If they don’t fit properly and comfortably, and aren’t worn regularly, they’re gone. I am currently looking to shed a pair or two of black shoes, and gain an animal print (already picked out a pair) and some flats. I rarely wear flats. I am five feet tall. I look twelve years old in flats. However, there are times when heels aren’t appropriate, and yet you can’t go right to the sneakers. So I must procure a pair or two of flats.
Also, assuming you are looking for the interesting stuff, I didn’t include all the practical stuff: running and hiking shoes, plain brown/black pumps, etc. We all own those, and don’t need to read about them. (Ally: word to big bird)
Retro Brown, 2-tone.
Love these shoes. Picked them up in Montgomery, Alabama at some department store I don’t remember the name of. Very fun. I adore the look and the shape.

Nine West, Nuncio pumps
After a long search for the perfect red shoe, I found these at Nine West in Calgary, about three years ago. I wear them everywhere. They are the only shoes I own that men compliment me on – straight, beer drinking, hockey playing men. Often strangers. It’s a little weird.(Ally: They are the perfect red shoe…I have a pair of these…they are Jessica Simpson I think…eep!)


Nine West, Dress Sandal.
Picked up in Atlanta, on sale for $30. Absolutely love them. Fun. Sexy. Comfy. Could walk around all day in these and not feel it. Perfect with a dress or jeans.

Caribou and rabbit fur slippers, Arctic Trading Company (http://www.arctictradingco.com/)
In November of 2008 I took the train from Winnipeg to Churchill. In November. Alone. It was the most amazing trip ever. Polar bears and dog sleds. And the worlds best slippers. I spent almost $400 on 5 pairs, including 2 pairs custom made for my husband and Dad. The flower design on the vamp is tufted caribou fur.

Boots with bling, You You Shoes‎, St. John’s Newfoundland
Was in St. John’s for work and stumbled across a 75% off sale at You You’s. These babies were $80. What is a girl to do? I didn’t yet own brown dress boots…

Fiori, Payless Shoes
Bought for my little sisters wedding. $20. Love them so much I search out yellow clothing to match.

Franco Sarto, Black with blue glitter, value Village
Found these babies for $7 at VV. UNWORN. Amazing. I don’t wear them often, as the glitter makes them just a a little too dressy for most of my clothes. But they are amazing with a blue embroidered black vintage dress I own.


Wedge sandals, Frenchy’s
Bought these Sunday – two days ago. Found at Frenchy’s in Amherst, with original stickers still on the soles, unworn,  for $3.25. Not sure how often I’ll wear them, but at that price…

Hilary Radley, Winners
An old favourite. You can see they’re a little worn. $50 at Winners. Love the detail.

Kenneth Cole, EBay
Had been searching for navy shoes, but they were all so boring and old lady-ish. Until these. Blue snake-skin. Why hadn’t nature thought of this?
Laredo, Frenchy’s
Soft. Comfy. Sexy. $22 at Frenchy’s. ‘Nuff said.
[roommate took this shot of the sandals. I liked it. Thought you might too.]
Steve madden, Winners
Good news: These are stunning. Have been stopped by strangers on the street and complimented. Bad news: they are not walkable. I think they have to go (size 6? Call me.)  Especially not that I have replaced them with the next fabulous pair…
Manolo Blahnik, EBay
Such great shoes. Really needed good, sensible yet pretty black pumps. Bought a few pairs that just didn’t cut it. Then I found these. Bought at a huge discount from someone who bought them in the wrong size. Worth every cent.
Spring, Transit
These were originally bought to match a dress for a good friend’s wedding. They were a hit. Surprisingly comfortable. Best part: they match almost anything.
Unknown brand, Value Village find
Love, love, love these shoes. I can’t wait for summer so I can wear them again. Another random VV find. Didn’t even like them on the shelf, and at a size 5.5 I was sure they’d never fit. But they did. And they are awesome.
Ally: These are some solid, solid shoes. I give full-hearted approval (for what that is worth…which is nothing). Can I just say that the shoe modeling is the best we have seen on FPQT? No, seriously, the artful poses Natalie performs with her feet are pretty spectacular. I fear that we may gain a new following of shoe fetish dudes/dudettes (DISCLAIMER: NOT THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT!). I’d be down with welcoming them. The more the merrier. Especially if they bring boxes of wine(s).

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