There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with using a belonging to the end of its useful life. The full depreciation on your “books” justifies every penny spent…. an accomplishment if you like. On the flip side, to have used a product to “near death” signifies an unnatural attachment… an obsession maybe.
I owned two pairs of shoes which I’ve recently had to part with because truth be told, I’d used them to the unforgivable point of abuse! I had made them slaves to my (perfectly) manicured feet and the signs of distress became more apparent than I’d usually prefer. Brace yourselves, I’m about to get emotional about my “Cut Out Brogues” and my “Glass Slippers”.
The Cut Out Brogues
I bought my Aldo Cut Out brogues in my second or third year of University (you do the math… try not to judge while at it) and I’ve worn them ever since. I often described them as the “Chuck Bass” of my wardrobe… masculine, well structured (considering that they’re flats) and effortlessly sleek! They’d strut into a room of celebrated heels and exude elegance with a hint of nonchalance. They weren’t just confident, they were cocky and I loved that.
After years of abusing my beloved brogues we’ve had to part ways and the thought drains me. The sole has been eaten up by the rugged terrain of Nigeria’s most “prestigious” locations and the counter has been worn out by my constant slip ins and outs (maltreatment now that I reflect on it). I’m genuinely upset because I’m not convinced that I will ever fill this hole that has been left on my shoe rack (okay, so I don’t really own a shoe rack… indulge me, I’m emotional).
The Glass Slippers
So they’re not really slippers, they’re sandals but that’s besides the point. My Mum often refers to them as Cinderella’s glass slippers and I’ve taken a liking to the comparison (once again, indulge me). I’ve had my M&S glass slippers for a little over a year and I must confess, I always knew they’d struggle in Nigeria’s heat and on her dusty roads. Let’s be frank for two seconds, on this side of the world, suede is always a bad idea!
My glass slippers were easily my most comfortable heels. Not quite high heels but definitely not flats. The block heel was a perfect balance and with her see through heels, I could feel eyes dancing to the beat of my steps. I loved the played down attention, who wouldn’t. Well, Cinderella breathed her last breath on last week’s trip to Benin Republic. The second I strapped my foot in, I knew that was it. She was tired and I just had to let her go.
Sad as it may be, I’ve had to dump Chuck and Cinderella. Let’s hope some day soon I fall in love with a new pair sourced, crafted and better suited to my Lagos routes.
xXx
Ps: If anyone is going through anything and you’re struggling to put it into words, listen to gospel music. It hits the spot!
Pps: I recently joined snapchat! Follow me: BonitaValli
Bonita Valli 