ExposedNYC

Just one thing can change the way you feel walking out the door. Just one last glance in the mirror, just one last spritz of your favorite perfume, or just one diamond ring on your finger can change your entire attitude.

Tonight, my one thing was a crazy pair of shoes. My friend and I stopped by a going-out-of-business sale at a shoe store today on our lunch break. Normally, I’m a pretty rational shopper, but there was something about being surrounded by $20 suede boots that made me completely lose track of coherent thought.

I walked out of the store with three pairs of shoes, including a pair of red, patent leather, ankle boots. I would typically never pick these up in any store, and actually tried to find my size in black, or in the less shiny suede version. Something about the $10 price tag screamed at me not to pass up the chance to own something so outrageous.

I went out tonight to see an incredible local band at The Bitter End downtown, so I decided that if I couldn’t pull them off at a rock and roll show, I never would. I dressed to downplay my new accessory as best I could with jeans and a simple black top, but they just screamed for attention.

I realized, from the moment I walked out of the house, that I felt like I had neon signs pointing to my feet. It wasn’t so much the shoes themselves, but all of the implications I had wrapped up in my head. Stripper shoes are made out of patent leather… red is a color for harlots… I look like Ronald McDonald in drag. It was all I could do to maintain my confidence and walk down the street with my chin up.

Suddenly, I was aware of every movement I made. I don’t know if it was in my head, but every time I bounced my foot along to my iPod in the subway, I felt the entire car looking at my feet. A great accessory can be empowering, but if you don’t feel completely comfortable, it can hold just as much power over you.

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