Why do we Hoard shoes?

Why do we hoard shoes footwear collection you would know it’s
not just us girls). No this question does go to both guys and gals, however, generally
speaking it is us ladies who do hoard and hoard and hoard shoes the most.
WHY?

I see a pair of shoes and I want them, I mean I really, really want them! Actually, I don’t just want them;
I need them, because they can be worn with that suit- that I’m still yet to wear.

The colours, the shapes, the heel height, the brand, the materials, the decorative detailing and yes, even the smell sends my crazy. Those are just a few of the factors that cause me to want a pair of shoes. But why then, a week later, do I see another pair of shoes (almost identical to ones which I just paid for) and say to myself “I really want them. Actually, NO! I need them because I can wear them with that red dress”. And so I buy MORE shoes.

This becomes a vicious cycle which is not easy to stop. But luckily for me I have recently been able to put my buying at rest thanks to the help of my darling husband. But even though I have stopped buying
shoes, I still have a closet full of shoes which I don’t wear and which I don’t intend to wear anytime soon. Some have never even been worn or seen the light of day and are in desperate need of being released from their box.

One reason why we hoard shoesis because we are a tiny, tiny bit selfish? Deep down I know full well that some of my shoes will be in my closet till the end of time. I could easily take a big bag, fill it with shoes and take it down to my local charity shop, but NO I can’t do that because in my mind I will
still wear them one day.

Another reason is status. You see some shoes in a shop and you feel that if you have to have these shoes and you will somehow become something special, someone special and these shoes will define you.

It could also simply be a fashion thing. A person may feel that they just have to be on trend all the time and in the latest season’s collection. They feel they must have the latest shoes by lets say Manolo
Blahnik or those really cute shoes by KG that were featured in last month’s VOGUE magazine. But again does this link in with status issues? I think so.

It definitely has something to do with power and how it makes you feel. When it comes to really high heels such as Stilettos, Skyscrapers or platforms you feel almost dominant, untouchable, sexual even godly. So if something can make you feel like this, why shouldn’t you buy them and keep them, and only
wear them around the house (if that’s your thing). When you put on those heels and you gain that sexy strut, why would you ever doubt the reasoning as to why you bought these shoes and why shouldn’t keep them, even if you don’t ever wear them?

Sometimes when I’m feeling a little low, I start trying on all of my shoes with some of my favourite outfits
and do a little fashion show for myself (yes, I’m sad OK). But it really can help to make you feel better, just a little pick me up. Whatever it is, it helps.

What I say to all who read thisis, we hoard shoes because we need them and want them, for so many
reasons. It could be to make yourself look and feel good, or to inspire others, maybe to gain confidence or just for comfort. And NO! you may not want to throw them away, but with the way fashion goes, they will be back in a few seasons anyway. So why throw them, keep them until your heart’s content or until your closet can’t hold anymore shoes. Where them (or don’t) and be proud of your hoard. But don’t however underestimate the power of giving and buzz you gain from it. If you do feel that you do want to donate some of your shoes to charity don’t hesitate to do it as I’m sure they will be much appreciated AND you’ll be doing a good deed for the day, AND YOU will feel great. =)

Olivia Palermo for Stuart Weitzman

Image from Vogue.co.uk