You Can Have My Flat Stomach, But Don't You Dare Touch My Shoes

The ongoing joke about me in college was that I had more pairs of shoes than Imelda Marcos. And they were all 3 inch platforms, making me about 6' 1" (on a low heel day). For awhile people would ask me why I liked to wear high heels - I guess because tall people shouldn't want to be taller. Whatever. I loved being tall. Huge. Gigantic. And I mocked those that mocked the tallness. "The air is cleaner up here" I used to say.

The heels on my shoes slowly got thinner, and then lower. I married a short guy (oops, and then another one), and while neither minded (or currently mind) that I stood a good 3-4 inches above them, it always felt a little weird to me, particularly when I was pregnant and almost 200 lbs. I just looked GIHUGIC compared to him. And so, I thanked the fashionista gods that kitten heels made a comeback and I went on my merry way.

I admit to coveting some kickass stillettos in the past few years. Sure, I love the mommy flip flops and sassy city sneakers (all 24 pairs of them), but I still love me a sexy heel. Love. them. But, wielding a baby carrier in a pair of 3 inch BCBG's just wasn't practical. And while I'd never even considered the word "practical" (or comfortable, for that matter) when it came to shoes, I needed to now.

So, I gave up on the heels for awhile. I kept a few beloved pairs that only came out on single nights out (um, once a year). And I window shopped. Or computer screen shopped. But just recently - mostly since getting my sense of self back, I got sick of the damn sneakers and wanted something HOT.

And so, I found me a pair of sassy wedge heels, perfect for spring break in Panama City and summer vacation in Cancun. Heh. Okay. So they're not really practical. BUT. I love them. And I wear them around the house somedays. Or to my daughter's art class. And for just those few minutes (or less since they are not that comfy), I feel like me again. And it feels damn good.

What's something you haven't given up, or have taken up AGAIN that's part of your old "pre-kids" self?

Comments

[Izzy]

Oh duh...I misunderstood the question. Sorry. But my answer stands seeing as I've not taken back up anything worth a crap anyway :)

[Izzy]

The leather. I've given up all of it.

Okay. Not really.

But I have given up anything that shows the belly, all heels, showering daily, regular waxing, partying, having fun, nice restaurants...shall I go on?

[Becki]

I refuse to give up reading for pleasure--MY pleasure, not my kids' (although I read to them as well, of course). I hear moms say, "Oh, I don't have time to read anymore! I'm so busy with the kids!" and I think that's so sad (or so Stepford-ish). I think I'm setting a good example for my kids by letting them see that I think reading is fun.

Oh, and making jello shots. Pretty sure that doesn't set any kind of good example for my kids, but I usually make them only for parties and after the wee ones are abed.

[Nancy]

I've given up on buying cheap clothes while I wait for my old body back (because I really don't think it's going to revert to my pre-baby self, no matter how much I wish for it). Now I'm spending more time focusing on my wardrobe and appearance -- not dressing like I'm just going to run out to the grocery store at any point in time, but looking a little nicer and more fab.

[Samalee]

Lets see those shoes!

Not being covered in poop/puke/spit/popsicle/______(insert mess) was a big part of my pre-kid self. Oh , and handbags, yummy yummy handbags...soon, very soooon.

[Lia]

cancun and shoes. sigh!
love kitten heels, wedges, boots, clogs, trainers, all of them. And i live in flats at the mo cause I walk everywhere but I give sidelong glances to all the delic shoes I see on the street. Lust I tell you.

[Karla]

Drinking. Once in awhile I'll have a glass of wine but back before there were children at my feet, it was a whole different story. I still haven't gone back to those days, my children are probably glad for that. I know my husband is.

[macboudica]

Jeans. I rarely wear them around the house, but I love to wear them when I go out.

[Stacy]

I would have to say team sports - tennis at the club with my girlfriends. And on the topic of shoes - what about Havianas? Very comfy but chic.

[mothergoosemouse]

Drinking. Hands down. And not just at home. I would go out drinking after work (not every night or even every week, but at least once a month) with co-workers, and I loved it.

And my hair has never ever suffered. I go to a real salon and pay talented people to take care of it. And I buy nice products for it.

[Jaime]

I am with you on the shoes. Pre-baby and even through 8 1/2 months of pregnancy, I wore heels EVERY day. For the first year of motherhood, only flat would do. I just couldnt handle the baby, the diaper bag, the stroller, the infant carrier, my purse, my briefcase, etc while wearing 3 inch heels. SO flats or kitten heels it was for me. Now I am back---3 inch heels and all! My feet hate me but I love it!!!

Oh, and cute purses. I gave those up b/c I didnt want to spend money on nice bags if they were going to be drenched in spit-up or formula! Now that Grace is a toddler and can control her sippy cup like a champ, Coach, Dooney and Burberry are back in my life (in small little spurts but I still have them back!).

[Elizabeth]

I pretty much stopped wearing makeup every day when I became a SAHM, except for lip gloss and once in a while, mascara. Recently I started doing the whole light dab of foundation, powder, mascara/liner and lipstick thing again. Just so that I don't look like a tired old hag at the grocery store.

[mama_tulip]

Having funky hair and a nose ring, tattoos, ice cold Corona's with wedges of limes stuffed in them and being a nightowl.

[krista]

drinking wine with my girlfriends, laughing hysterically about sex and men, and having the occasional ciggy.