Hey! It’s been awhile, but shoe porn isn’t dead…it’s just waiting for pictures of new shoes to arrive in our inbox. Or for us to buy more shoes. But you don’t have to wait for that to happen. Amanda, an earlier submittee, bought some new shoes while traveling and decided to share with us. But you don’t have to take my word for it…

Amanda: I travel quite a bit for work around the region. When I say quite a bit, I mean I have shoe stores in every corner of this region cased like a bug-eyed 20-year old on George Street for the first time.

Fresh off the heels of a trip to St. John’s (pun intended), I need to tell you about my shoe store (as hubby CL calls it) on Water St. – Gallery Shoes.

To do so, I must have a déjà vu moment: the day I was introduced to this magical reservoir of happiness. A friend of mine from St. John’s took me in. Upon entering the store, my eyes jumped to the right, scootched to the left, and jutted to the back – in order to plan my attack. Mid-ogle, a voice sang out: “Hello girls! What kind of trouble can I get you in today?” Well, I was hooked like the poor cod fish that ended up battered,fried to perfection, and on a plate next to fries with dressing and gravy, with a side of scrunchions at Velma’s Place just across the street. [editor’s note: totally unrelated – what I wouldn’t do for a plate of fries with dressing and gravy. You haven’t lived until you attempt to clog your ateries with that kind of joy. /la]

That day, I bought these J. Renee pretties:

Source

( Editors Note: Unfortunately, Amanda’s photo was just a thumbnail – we couldn’t make it larger – so I googled the boot and tried to find a photo that resembled what she had sent. I think her boots are a solid colour sans pattern, but they definitly have the handles! They’re called the “Camira” apparently!)

Yep, the boots are shiny, and they have handles. CL was speechless when they were pulled out of my suite case. Every time I wear them, I get compliments, and at the very least – comments!

From comfortable walking shoes to hike up Signal Hill and traverse the wooden steps built vertically in parts to get you closer to the ocean; to the latest brands and styles of pumps that are perfect for a night out at Raymond’s, Gypsy Tea Room, or any of the other delectable St. John’s restaurants – this store has quite the selection for its footprint.

If you’re looking for something in particular or even something with a certain je ne sais quoi, the staff are incredibly helpful. If you’re there on a whim (aka my latest trip), they are more than happy to let you peruse to your hearts content.

The sale sign in the window is what took me in this time (I swear) – and I found these Rockport beauties for 50% off.

They fit as good as the French under thingys that they sell at Le Boudoir on my odd Scottish / Welsh frame – another favourite spot of mine to view when I have a minute free from meetings to stroll Water St. and take in its various shops. It’s across the street and down a few blocks from Gallery Shoes. It’s very close to the Rocket – a fantastic lunch counter that bakes the most wonderful Pain au Chocolate and home made chocolate bars that are so aptly named “Chocolate Rocket” (though I learned this time, they don’t always have them on hand) – last time I was here, I may have arrived in Halifax with six of them. This time, two lemon twist pastries and two pain au chocolate.

Thank goodness that weight gain doesn’t impact shoe size.

Gallery Shoes is a must-see when in St. John’s. As a shoe connoisseur, this shop is unequivocally fabulous. Hmmm, connoisseur: “connais” means “know” in French and “seur” is French for “sister”… you know it sister, this place is an attraction in and of itself. You’ll be as happy as eating a touton smothered in butter and drenched inmolasses at Zachary’s.

Gallery Shoes’ no pressure sales tactics and conversational shoe experts ensure that you don’t walk away with something that doesn’t fit just right, and they are delighted to discuss when the next shipment is due to arrive. With a memory for faces, they don’t mind if you’re just there to browse. They know you’ll be back.

[editor’s note: this has us thinking…what’s your favourite shoe store? Maybe we’ll add shoe store reviews to the Shoe Porn Monday lineup]