Hello! and what do you think of my shoes?

Hello! Hi! Hi! Oh, how I miss being here regularly. Every time I sit down to write there's something else to do, something that needs my attention. I think, quite possibly, I wake up everyone morning and proclaim: "today I'm going to write!" And then, you know, the day begins and next thing I know, it's bedtime. Funny how that happens. But good things are happening here, people. Things I'm excited to tell you about soon. (No. I'm not pregnant. No. I didn't strike a book deal. Pfft! I wish!) But soon. 

In the meantime, let's move on to more important things. Let's weigh in on my shoes, shall we? I have been on the hunt for fall-winter shoes since last fall-winter. I ended up wearing a pair of hand-me-down shoes from my sister last year. (Thanks, Mare.) And as much as I love Danskos, with my high arches they just aren't a perfect fit. But I love that look. They fit my every day uniform of jeans, a long-sleeved black tshirt, and scarf.

But a few days ago, when perusing the newest LLBean catalog, I decided maybe it was time to revisit an old classic. When did I wear these last? When were these cool? Maybe high school? Middle school? Didn't we do funny curly-que things with the laces? Anyway. I bought a pair. And darn if they aren't comfy like slippers after wearing them around the house for just 24 hours. And they're old school, right? Classics that never go out of style?

But, my three stylists who range in age from ten to five, had different things to say:

Emma: What kinda shoes are THOSE?!

Mary: Are those Daddy's?!

Elizabeth: I have never seen shoes like that before! (imagine it said in complete disgust)

So talk to me, people. Am I a fashion faux pas? Are these out of style? Should I only wear them around the house, not in public? Or are they so old they're back? Or do I look like a grandma? (No offense Mom. Oh, I can imagine my mom wearing these....Oy.) The pants are a little baggy looking in this picture, most likely because of the angle.

But help me people. Weigh in, won't you? I can take it. I think. 

Comments

[Melissa]

You're good out of the house! Of course, I'm writing you from Portland where my neighbor regularly wears a tube skirt with his galoshes. Also, I wear men's sperry boots almost like those, so take that into consideration.

[katiekate]

I had those in junior high... yes. I wore them every day FOR YEARS and rolled the laces. Eastlands. That was the brand. So I, as a mom, am in FULL SUPPORT.

Boat shoes were everywhere this summer, so I think you're in.

[Ali]

Yes, we did do funky things with the laces. They are classics. Wear them with pride.

The only thing about them is that they don't look right in my eyes with bootleg trousers. But crops, skinnies, straights - I think you're good to go!

[jess]

Ditto what Ali said, not with the bootleg pants. Otherwise, I'm on board.

[Sarah R.]

I think you're good to take them out into the world. They're a classic style, and great for everyday wear.

[erin]

if i can wear green boat shoes, you can wear those! and i'm with ali - they work with crops, skinnies, straights, heck even a short skirt, but not bootlegs or wide leg trousers.

[Sarah]

I'm going to third what Ali said. They're totally back in (and I too have green ones - surprise!) with skinny pants or a skirt/shorts. Wear away!

[Amy]

Sperry Top-siders are all the rage with the kids... of course my 11 dd's are pink and sparkly :) We wore dock-siders when I was in Jr. High- with the curly que laces- they are a bit different then yours, but not too much.

[Mary]

Sounds like you will need skinny jeans next! Oy! I still remember the coily laces if you want me to give you a tutorial. Caleb spotted the slippers on the back page of LLB and wants those. They wear those slipper things with tall (gasp!) athletic socks. Crazy!

[Tatiana]

definitely wear them! But as others have said, straight leg pants only ;) THe shoe is too narrow to go with bootleg/wideleg pants

Love me a good, comfy, Fall shoe! Enjoy!

[mommycoddle]

Well if I ever ask you if my tube skirt and galoshes look good, please stop me! ;)

[mommycoddle]

Yes! Yes! That's exactly what I'm envisioning in my mind. And guess what just happened to be on sale on Lands' End tonight? These shoes cost me a pair of new pants. ;)

[mommycoddle]

I concur. :)

[mommycoddle]

Guess what was on sale on LandsEnd tonight? Just got some skinny/straights to go with them. ;)

[mommycoddle]

yay! I agree. And just happened to find a pair on sale from LandsEnd tonight. I'm dangerous on the computer when my kids are in bed. ;)

[mommycoddle]

Well, I don't think I can pull of skinnies without looking off balance from the thigh up. ahem But I did find a pair of cute straight leg trousers on LandsEnd tonight on sale and had them hemmed just a wee bit cropped. Hope it looks okay. (At least they're easy to return at Sears.)

Also, the black athletic socks pulled up? Oh Caleb, he's going to look back at this trend the same way I look back at my poofy permed pony tail and bangs.
xo.

[Account Deleted]

I have been admiring a very similar pair in the store window of my college-town, hip-trendy shoe store. I think if the college kids are buying them, you're golden!

[elizabeth jeanne]

hilarious, your children.
do you like them?
that's really all that matters.
boat shoes, if I recall, are a little slippery?
whatever, I try to remember not to do chores in my Danskos...
sometimes it works.
are you going to roll the laces?!

[JCasa]

i was just looking at their Bluchers last week! thinking the same things about how comfy they were back in (ahem) high school. i love 'em. and i may just join you, too. xoxo

[ellen kelley]

I have read your blog forever and love it. I am probably older than your mother, well of course I am..I could be your g'ma.I say wear what fits, wear what you want to and forget the fashion.
You are only here once..do whatever pleases you and be damned to everyone else. You are one of a kind and very special.
Wear what makes you happy...it is all good. We only have one spin around in this beautiful and lovely life..do it.
Love to you, E.

[Heather]

Love them. Of course, I currently wear my five finger shoes regardless of the stares.

[Nancy]

This is your mama talking...you would have to know that I love the shoes. And I think they're perfect for you and your daily routine. The girls will adjust, and I promise not to get a pair just like them....even though I really want to.

[greelyrita]

Get ready for stronger and stronger pushing from your girls to try to change how you do stuff, what you do and of course how you look. They mean well but it can be damaging to the self-esteem if you're unprepared. I'm not sure how people who are so easily hurt can assume that their mother is impenetrable. Guess how I know...

[greelyrita]

Oh, and I love the shoes. Very classic. I agree with everyone else about the loose pants though. Skinny is in, though not too skinny for us older girls. I'm getting to the age, where my tummy just doesn't want to stay tucked in anymore. I'm finding that skirts (which I haven't worn since high school when they were legislated for girls) actually are quite complimentary now, below the knee of course. Eek! Such a huge change that will/would be. Strength, I need strength!

[Mama Urchin]

I bought three pairs of boat shoes this summer (I got a deal), white, grey, and purple. They are definitely back in style, however I agree with the consensus that you can't wear them with any kind of wide pant.

[Margaret Weddle]

I think that if they are comfortable and clean, you are fine! Tell your sweet critics that THEY just don't know what's good for them! lol! Do people really look at what kind of shoes you are wearing??!! If you would like to be a fashion model, then get heels, pointy toes, and skinny jeans! If you would rather be a mom with a real life, enjoy comfortable shoes that look great, too! Then tell all the critics that they need another chore to keep them busy!

[commonwealth]

It must be this time of year that we start taking a trip down memory road, because I was just thinking about penny loafers (with nickels in the top slots of course) and my favorite pair of chocolate brown Bass bucks. I'd kill for those shoes this year. Who knew I was 25 years early on a trend?
Wear the boat shoes with pride and show your girls how to corkscrew the laces. You'll be totally rad for 15 minutes (a lifetime in mom years). Enjoy!

[Aimee]

I think they look great, and I'm going to buck the trend and say while i 100% agree they don't go with bootlegs I think they look great with really wide leg trousers such as Duals.

[paula]

They look like boat shoes! I've had several pair of those constantly since college! They are a classic. You are your own style. (or not) .just saying...

[Alicia A.]

They're cute, and don't let nobody tell you different. ; )
Top siders are SO back in style. Ask my teenage nieces!

[sarah]

whatever is comfortable gets a thumbs up from me.

so i even say if you want to wear them with wide leg trousers, go for it!
i'd wear narrow flats with wide leg trousers, so i think top siders are fine too. :)

comfort really is first in my dressing motto. (yes, i actually have a motto) ;)