I’m starting to develop a shopping habit. I suppose it’s part of my quest for a new look to complement the new job… not really, but instinctively, I’ve started moving towards a different style. Yes, it started with the Birkie clogs. Then, I started acquiring waffle shirts and cargo pants to wear with my puffy vest. I know, am I disgusting you yet?

Two weeks ago, I found myself browsing on Sierra Trading Post, a sort of REI for cheapies. It was late at night, and my web surfing– research, shopping, bill tracking– just fueled my insomnia.

I must have sat in front of the computer for hours. And without the warmth of my bed and blankets, my feet were ice cold. As I surfed through the gear at STP, I decided a pair of cozy sheepskin boots were just the ticket. Click, click, click and I got myself a pair for 20% off. Seconds later, I was eyeing a pair of dirt cheap rock climbing shoes (I swear I have ADD!). Nevermind that I haven’t even started my class (slated now for November 14)… Regardless, I wanted them.

So, I got the boots and the shoes. The boots are crazy ass warm, but having had zippo experience with sheepskin goods, I made the mistake of getting my usual size instead of going a size smaller. Serves me right: they are too fucking big. But I’m too lazy to hassle with returning and exchanging and blah, blah. So now I’m clomping around like a freaking Clydesdale. To make matters worse, I have no clue how to wear them. And just my luck, a quick search online reveals that these suckers are a very controversial fashion item. Who knew? I guess I’ve been living under a rock. Just like my experience with Sex and the City. I only came to love it two years after it went off air. Always behind the times.

So the boots are rather complicated. The short skirt look is cute but given the controversy, I think I’d get egged for pairing cold weather footwear with warm weather bottoms. People can’t stand the hypocrisy (although I did read that sheepskin warms in the winter and cools in the summer…). Then there’s the tuck-in look which I can’t seem to swing, because my jeans are flared rather than skinny. Finally, there’s the cuffing option. See? I really am the wrong person to be owning these!

I just need to remind myself that I am over 30, and that in itself is license to be frumpy. Ha. I wore the boots to work today, with the jeans pulled over. My feet were extremely happy, and I didn’t even need to turn on the mini heater in my cube. But Jesus, I sure was clunking up and down the halls. I’m a freak.

As for the rock climbing shoes, people say they are supposed to be tight. But these jokers are cutting off my circulation! I’m going to try breaking them in by wearing them around the house with thick socks. I know, what a pain in the ass. Seriously, footwear is a bitch. It really doesn’t matter the cost or brand or material: every goddamn purchase is a shot in the dark. Even when I try them on at the store and walk around for 10 minutes– there’s no guarantee. Ugh. I want to throw all my shoes out. All except for my beloved Birks. I hate shoes. I’m cutting myself off… starting now. The affair is over.