When the stars align… ETA scroll down for pics!

Forgive me if this becomes a rambling shaggy dog story but I think there must be a moral in here somewhere. Something about synchronicity and shopping strategies? I don’t know yet.

For a long time (coming on ten years now) I’ve had this rule about buying shoes: only two pairs a year, but make sure they’re really good ones. I’ve rarely stuck to the letter of the law but it’s served me very well in spirit and by now I’m very happy with my little shoe farm.

The downside is that this has made me a shameless shoe snob, and being so very fussy about footwear means I don’t always know what I want. How could I when I haven’t found it yet? For instance, it took me several years to track down last year’s OTK boots, and when I decided this year that I wanted to wear skirts more and should probably consider another pair, of course I found myself looking at duplicates of boots I already had. What would be the point of that? So I decided: OK. I really don’t need more boots. I can make do with what I have.

Meanwhile, for ages a friend had been goading me to visit our local TK (that’s TJ to you) Maxx. We don’t have many of these here in NL and they tend to be in remote locations. We spent weeks trying to align our respective agendas so as to make this excursion happen.

We finally met on a glorious autumn afternoon. We had lunch on the terrace. I ran through my mental shopping list - more socks, loungewear for Mr Edge - but I wasn’t expecting to find much and I swore blind I wasn’t going to buy anything if I did. We made our way to our destination.

Now, I’ve talked here in the past about the mind tricks I use to keep myself from shopping indiscriminately. As usual, I’d dressed up nicely for the occasion to keep temptation at bay, but I’d made one fatal error and I didn’t realise until it was too late. I was wearing my wide legged jeans.

And I’m not kidding, I spotted them as soon as I walked through the door. I’ve no idea how this works, but sometimes I get this laser focus. They weren’t even in my line of sight, but they were the first thing I saw. This shouldn’t happen, but somehow it keeps happening and I can’t believe my luck.

Margiela MM6, priced right down. White, high shaft, a chunky block heel, too cute to pass over. Of course. Finally. This is how I’m supposed to wear cropped flares. Cuff them just so and I’m in business.

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

42 Comments

  • JAileen replied 7 years ago

    These really look like you. I look forward to seeing some outfits with them.

    I rarely go to TJ Maxx, but sometimes the stars align at the thrift store. When I go, I have to have an open mind. I always say if I'm looking for "X", I'll find "Y" instead.

  • replied 7 years ago

    They are indeed fabulous.  Congratulations on your great find.  

  • rachylou replied 7 years ago

    Whoa, gorgeous!!

    Buying things at TK/TJ Maxx never counts. That’s my rule, lol.

  • cindysmith replied 7 years ago

    Great score!

  • harmonica replied 7 years ago

    Awesome! Love your musings.

  • Jane replied 7 years ago

    The were waiting for YOU! Fantastic. I'm looking forward to seeing them styled.

  • Greyscale replied 7 years ago

    Wow! What a great find. I always try to leave room for serendipity and things I didn't realize I needed, despite my usual tendency to go on a search for the perfect thing

  • replied 7 years ago

    What a great story!  Those are mind-blowingly fabulous boots.  Can't wait to see how you wear them!

  • Jaime replied 7 years ago

    I have actually seen and loved these somewhere on line. Obviously they were meant to be and clearly you will be posting a picture! (Please :) )

  • Dianna replied 7 years ago

    They were there waiting for you!

  • approprio replied 7 years ago

    JAileen, heh yeah, I'm a thrifter too and I have to be even more discerning in those places. But a good score is like striking gold. 

    Sterling: thanks! you'll probably have guessed from our conversations that I'm always working to keep these impulses in check. This is an excellent find by any measure, but I know where it came from and I'm scared! :P

    rachylou:
    you may laugh, but I once lived quite close to a TKM and I shopped there all the time. It's always been hit and miss, but let me tell you I've had some hits there.

    Greyscale, you know, I admire your discipline, but I don't think I could operate like that. I think I do better scanning the retail environment for whatever comes up rather than actively hunting down "the perfect (blank)", because those things only appear when I'm not actually looking for them.

    shevia,
    you said it in another thread, sometimes these budget finds are all the more special because you have to work for them and they don't come around every day.

    cindy, harmonica, Ryce, 
    cheers! I've already worn them a couple of times and they're comfortable like any well made shoe, but no pics yet. Dianna, Jane, sometimes it feels that way, but in this case I just love the fact that the centre of town can be all glitzy and overpriced, but there's premium quality to be had at affordable prices out in the suburbs if you know where to look.

  • Style Fan replied 7 years ago

    Gorgeous boots!  I love shopping surprises.  Your shoe farm sounds fabulous.

  • Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago

    Wowzers! Stars align indeed. These are gorgeous and seem very you. I’m glad you broke your rules.
    Looking forward to pics as well.

  • Bijou replied 7 years ago

    Those boots are the bomb! I love your philosophy on buying shoes. This is very good advice and I would happily forgo lots of shoes for these, they will be amazing on you. Those boots went to a very good home and I am happy for both you and them!

  • Runcarla replied 7 years ago

    The thing I like about TJMaxx and Winners, is that they are like a department store and you can put a whole outfit (or even capsule) together if you have the time and energy. They have everything from underwear to coats, footwear, bags, and accessories. I always do a reconnaissance of the footwear and bags before checking out the rest of the stock.

    Great score with the boots. I'm happy to learn that they are comfortable.

  • karen13 replied 7 years ago

    Love the boots and the acquisition story. Now we need some WIWs.

  • Joy replied 7 years ago

    It was meant to be. Congratulations!

  • Sisi replied 7 years ago

    Yay! It feels so good when these things happen (says miss Super Picky). I'm happy for you. The booties are fantastic.

  • Angie replied 7 years ago

    You KNOW I'm going to love the white boots. NICE. 

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 7 years ago

    Those are great. I agree with Shevia and Karen13–pictures, please!

  • skylurker replied 7 years ago

    I love that they’re all white - with white soles too, I mean.
    Are they comfy? Do you think the leather is good quality? (I’ve never tried MM6).

  • approprio replied 7 years ago

    Cheers everyone! I'll post pics once I've got a few outfits going. 

    Runcarla, ain't that the truth. I think I might start factoring it into a seasonal shopping rota. And just in case anyone needed more reasons to spend money at TJX, here's some good news at last. That's what I call corporate responsibility.

    Angie, I was pretty sure you'd approve. I do love a white shoe, and the white on the heels just makes them.

    skylurker, 
    quality seems good (they're marked Made in Italy and look it) The leather upper is somewhat distressed but seems solid and they're leather lined as well. As for the brand, I have an older pair from Margiela 22 which have been stellar. Still in regular rotation, still going strong. 

  • RobinF replied 7 years ago

    Wow, shoes are my weakness. I would never be able to stick to only buying 2 pair a year.

    I love a good find and am a fan of TJ Maxx. These are so cool, I can't wait to see them on you.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    Wow. Those are fantastic. Great find!!

  • Angie replied 7 years ago

    GO TEAM WHITE SHOES. 

  • replied 7 years ago

    This just goes to show that we should not leave any stone unturned. Sometimes we can find exactly what we want in stores we rarely or never shop in. Congrats on those boots! 

  • Nadya replied 7 years ago

    Those are AMAZING. Perfect for you, enjoy!

  • approprio replied 7 years ago

    A few quick pics. If this proves anything, it's that I was long overdue another pair of chunky heeled ankle boots, specifically in white. They open up a lot of options. 

    I've tried a few things I might not have otherwise:

    • with customised Levis and the vintage Kenzo. This can work just as well with another shoe. In the end I wore the Margiela 22's posted above.
    • with textured leggings and Comme de Garçons culottes. I really like this, it's just the right amount of Lady Docent. I might wear it tomorrow, unless you tell me I shouldn't.
    • with paillette and plaid tights, inspired by JAileen's leggings. This dress is not the most flattering garment, but it was stupidly cheap and I was fascinated by the fabric. No, I'm not proud of it but who among us has never done that? Exactly.

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 7 years ago

    WHAAAAAAT???   Those boots are magic!    And they are so "you"!   

    The Universe really took care of you that day :D :D :D 

  • Style Fan replied 7 years ago

    My fav is the look with the Levis (#1) but they are all great. 

  • rachylou replied 7 years ago

    Rock out! And ideas for my leggin’s...

  • Janet replied 7 years ago

    They are so YOU. Fantastic. I especially love the last outfit. Your hair looks great too.

  • JAileen replied 7 years ago

    I love these outfits, but especially 3. What a find the boots were. Wow.

  • Sara L. replied 7 years ago

    Wow, what great boots!  I love the outfits you've put together with them.  The boots are fairly sleek even with the chunky heel and I really like how they look with the second two outfits.  

  • LaPed replied 7 years ago

    Okay, having seen them on, I am sold. :D The colours in outfit #2 are particularly rad.

  • Angie replied 7 years ago

    KILLER FAB on you, Liz.

  • karen13 replied 7 years ago

    Love all these looks. I Think 1 is my fave, but it as a tough call.

  • delurked replied 7 years ago

    Ooh. These are fun. I think 2 is my favorite, but all look good.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    WOWZA! Love all the outfits. I think my fave is #3 but all are fantastic. Also, don't you love how everyone has a different fave -- it means these are perfect for your closet. 

  • Jaime replied 7 years ago

    Such a brilliant update and expansion for your closet! The slightest nod to the white boot craze while being totally organic and you. Yes I am gushing about your boots.

  • Greyscale replied 7 years ago

    Funny, just a few hours before you posted, I was thinking of your boots for some reason. And, uh, maybe scouring the internet to find them for myself. ;-) White shoes really do open up a lot of possibilities!

  • skylurker replied 7 years ago

    Do wear #2, it’s my favourite, I think the bright fushia and bright white match, somehow.

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