I believe in a great pair of shoes. Shoes have evolved from protective foot coverings to forms of expression, art, personality, and style. Shoes make the outfit. Great shoes add to a great woman. When perfectly chosen, they can inspire and create confidence in a woman that she never knew she had. They transform her into a poised businesswoman, stylish mom-on-the-go, or daring entrepreneur. Slipping on the perfect Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, or even a new Payless fad, has the power to brighten a day, unfold confidence, and accentuate the body. Along with transforming a drab outfit into a fabulous form of expression, women establish relationships with their shoes. Events happen in a woman’s shoe that will they will never forget; first dates, graduations, last games, birthdays, weddings. Girls remember their favorite ballet shoes, rain boots, or dress up shoes. Shoes become objects of memories that last forever.
In my case, my great pair of shoes reminds me of freedom and honor. I believe everyone should go to Washington D.C. if the opportunity arises. You are probably thinking, “What does this have to do with shoes?” Well I fell in love with our nation’s capital in a great pair of shoes. In eighth grade, I had the opportunity to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witness the changing of the guard. However, one of the other students chosen to lay the wreath alongside me had forgotten to pack more formal attire. The supervisor of the trip, Mrs. Templeton, offered to buy her a new outfit and I volunteered a pair of shoes for her to wear. However, that left me shoeless. Out of the goodness of her heart, Mrs. Templeton bought me the greatest pair of black patent leather Nine West sandals; they were fabulous. With just a little heel, they made me feel ten feet tall. As I laid the wreath and looked out over Arlington National Cemetery, I felt regal, poised, and graceful in my new shoes. I still have the sandals today, and every time I wear them, I remember how it felt to walk in those shoes, on that day. That memory of the peaceful lawns and the silence of patriotism will last forever.
Because memories change and fade over time, a collection of shoes endures the changes life throws at us; complete with updated styles, looks, and memories. The road of a woman’s life often consists of emotional ups and downs and they are still expected to look good while putting on a brave face and strong front. Shoes lift up a woman: literally and figuratively speaking. Shoes represent the one aspect of control a woman has in her life. Our shoes are good to us, even when they are obviously worn and bent out of shape, we have to realize that imperfection only adds flavor to our look and our life.