Lately I’ve begun to walk with somewhat of a swagger. Not that I’ve earned it. But a new pair of winter boots have me bending at the knee more than usual. Kind of like how a basketball player lumbers across the floor. Step-bend, step-bend. Plus there’s a bit of bow-leggedness going on. Step-bend, creak.
I bought the fleece-lined boots for warmth — having no idea the swagger would come with them. Now I understand why cowboys are such good dancers — well, in the movies, anyway. Boots — and I’d say just about any kind — give you an attitude.
When I put on hiking boots each summer two feelings overcome me: Here I come mountains! And oh, those blisters are gonna hurt.
MOST DAYS my co-worker Janet Nichols and I swap fashion tales. We say we’re all about comfort, but we both know how much is behind even a casual look.
Because we’re about the same age, it’s been fun to track how our tastes change over the years.
Well, not all has been so fun.
Last year we both suffered varying forms of foot problems. I opted for Birkenstocks — an immediate dress-down that forced me to give up hope on any sense of style. Janet, meanwhile, built up an impressive array of lace-up shoes.
Both of us have tossed out shoes with any height, now marveling how we once wore heels for the better part of each day.
We’re each other’s biggest fan. She encouraged me to “go for it,” when I ventured out in a McGinty’s tunic-style dress this fall. I was pretty nervous to wear something above the knee. But paired with those knee-high boots, I was fearless.
Janet’s whimsical way of wearing differing colors, textures and fabrics reflects her easy-going nature. She makes me want to try new things.
It’s not so much that we “need” new things. But it’s always nice to feel excited when facing the closet early in the morning. I’m sure a psychologist has term for that.
One thing we’ve both noticed is how Iola retailers are making an effort to carry really nice things.
The sweaters at McGinty-Whitworth and Audacious Boutique range from fun to downright elegant.
And if there’s a child in your life, nothing can beat the selection at Sophisticated Rose for baby clothes.
Practically every store in town carries purses and jewelry – allowing women to carry off a polished look.
I figure I’ll always be a work in progress. Years ago I found a practical satchel and I have yet to find anything that can match it. No bling. No tassels. Not even leather. But it easily holds a reporter’s notebook and camera.
In this case, I’ll suffer fashion for convenience. Which in itself is a fashion statement.
