I read and love all your posts Maggie. However, what is it about this post that suddenly it’s SMH days and I’ve grabbed the Good Weekend and flicked straight to Style Notes? Is it .. . Shoes? Whatever, it’s Classic Maggie.
I too mourned when you were no longer in GW, have all your books, and have followed along on socials ever since. I even subscribed to UK Telegraph to read your columns!
Hi Meaghan and thank you for saying the nicest things like EVVVVVER. I felt a strong need to do a shoe subject. When my eyes lit upon our feet in the mules and it was like old times for me too. Thank you so much for subscriberating xxxx
When I saw your cool mules, I thought, "Shoe Money!". And Peggy's style is gorgeous. She certainly won the genetic lottery.
I've just done my post-Christmas slash and burn in the wardrobe, and put in some shoe shelves. I'd never counted them before. 33 pairs... and that doesn't include my hot pink steel caps for feeding Dolly. Oh the shame.
There was a time when I couldn't count mine TOO MANY - so much money wasted, but now might be the time to do it. I was thinking after I wrote the last how few I would have if I got rid of the ones I don't wear and would it matter? No!
Yeeeessss. It took me forever to get rid of a beautiful pair of bejewelled sandals that made me walk like a penguin. They were fiendishly expensive but so pretty to look at.
OMG are you me??! My insta profile pic is of a pair of bejeweled sandals that there is no way in hell I can wear, but cannot part with *insert laughing emoji*
Right up there with my beautiful Straightlace wedding dress, the waist of which would be lucky to fit around one (1) leg. I can't bear to part with it.
The link to buymeacoffee worked this time, thanks!
I wrote a bit of a story over there, silly me. Suffice to say it's Birks, podiatrist approved boots and trainers all the way for these old feet. My lovely heels have disappeared to the Op Shop, as it made me sad to look at them, forlornly packed on the top shelf of the wardrobe
I never thought the time would come when I wouldn't feel able to wear heels, but it's happened! I think I am fast moving towards the moment when I will unload all the ones I don't/can't wear. It will feel freeing when I do it. Thank you for the coffee xxx
My love renewed. Thank you Maggie A. I bought my first red Birks because of your Good Weekend column. And from there you inspired me to read your column and books till the grief of you leaving us and the SMH. I have yet to own Manolo's, due to some very poor life decisions that are of my own doing, but my love for shoes has only ever strengthened from thrifted silver patent kitten heel sling backs to glitter high tops and thigh high blissfully flat black boots. And now Substack has given you back to me. Ahhhh heaven. Subscription incoming.
Thank you SO MUCH Jo, for these lovely words. It sounds to me like you are doing very well with your shoe thrifting - as am I. This is actually the second pair of great cowboy ankles I've found that way. The first pair are beginning to look a bit scuzzy - and along came these! Put it out there and I'm sure Manolos will thrift their way to you xxx (I used to get discount in those days... which was great, but also ruinous, because of the temptation.)
Love these shoes Maggie, especially the camo trainers! Also love how Gen Z girlies favour a comfy/chunky shoe/sneaker at all times (except maybe heels for a wedding--though plenty of brides are now wearing white sneakers)--thus effectively destroying the concept of "young" shoes or "age appropriate dressing" (it's as uncool as homophobia). As someone who lived through the 00s "fetish heels at all times" trend, it is as refreshing as a cool breeze.
So agree! That was a time of collective insanity. I remember going up to London just wearing those platform stilletos and not taking any trainers with me! Insane!
Similar feet coverings, but subsitute black and brown Blundstones for the docs - LOVE them, and the Birkenstock clogs for housewarming ( waterproof so can March around outside- add a fair aisle sock if bit chill. Smiling toes! Alison
Delightful article! Thank you for the memories of shoes I’ve worn and loved. Like you, these days it’s Birkies in summer (black patent leather, double strap), sneakers (black and white pull-on Rollie Nation) and when minimal walking is required, a small selection of low-heeled sandals and ankle boots. I’ve looked at the Haflinger clogs as a possible winter “house slipper” but worry that the low back might cause them to slide off my feet, especially when worn with socks. I broke my elbow a few years ago when some backless summer sandals flew off my foot and I tripped and fell. I’ve been wary of backless shoes ever since.
I find Haflingers amazing. The cork sole is moulded to the foot like Birkies and the felt clog bit comes high up, so they never come off my feet. They are insanely warm and comfie. I try not to wear them out of the house, but occasionally find myself in a local shop wearing them! Thank you for your other kind comment on the Feng Shite post xxx
I love that you have kept your fancy shoes as souvenirs! Unfortunately WFH ruined my feet for heels so dozens of pairs eventually went to the op shop for someone to ponce upon them in glee. However I did keep a number of pairs of "special" heels that I couldn't bear to part with, and they are displayed appropriately as souvenirs. My daughter is VERY disappointed that we are not the same size.
Thank you for your free posts Maggie, those of us on budgetary constraints are very appreciative.
Subscriber here!
I read and love all your posts Maggie. However, what is it about this post that suddenly it’s SMH days and I’ve grabbed the Good Weekend and flicked straight to Style Notes? Is it .. . Shoes? Whatever, it’s Classic Maggie.
I too mourned when you were no longer in GW, have all your books, and have followed along on socials ever since. I even subscribed to UK Telegraph to read your columns!
Love your work Maggie,
Meaghan
Hi Meaghan and thank you for saying the nicest things like EVVVVVER. I felt a strong need to do a shoe subject. When my eyes lit upon our feet in the mules and it was like old times for me too. Thank you so much for subscriberating xxxx
When I saw your cool mules, I thought, "Shoe Money!". And Peggy's style is gorgeous. She certainly won the genetic lottery.
I've just done my post-Christmas slash and burn in the wardrobe, and put in some shoe shelves. I'd never counted them before. 33 pairs... and that doesn't include my hot pink steel caps for feeding Dolly. Oh the shame.
There was a time when I couldn't count mine TOO MANY - so much money wasted, but now might be the time to do it. I was thinking after I wrote the last how few I would have if I got rid of the ones I don't wear and would it matter? No!
Yeeeessss. It took me forever to get rid of a beautiful pair of bejewelled sandals that made me walk like a penguin. They were fiendishly expensive but so pretty to look at.
OMG are you me??! My insta profile pic is of a pair of bejeweled sandals that there is no way in hell I can wear, but cannot part with *insert laughing emoji*
Right up there with my beautiful Straightlace wedding dress, the waist of which would be lucky to fit around one (1) leg. I can't bear to part with it.
The link to buymeacoffee worked this time, thanks!
I wrote a bit of a story over there, silly me. Suffice to say it's Birks, podiatrist approved boots and trainers all the way for these old feet. My lovely heels have disappeared to the Op Shop, as it made me sad to look at them, forlornly packed on the top shelf of the wardrobe
I never thought the time would come when I wouldn't feel able to wear heels, but it's happened! I think I am fast moving towards the moment when I will unload all the ones I don't/can't wear. It will feel freeing when I do it. Thank you for the coffee xxx
My love renewed. Thank you Maggie A. I bought my first red Birks because of your Good Weekend column. And from there you inspired me to read your column and books till the grief of you leaving us and the SMH. I have yet to own Manolo's, due to some very poor life decisions that are of my own doing, but my love for shoes has only ever strengthened from thrifted silver patent kitten heel sling backs to glitter high tops and thigh high blissfully flat black boots. And now Substack has given you back to me. Ahhhh heaven. Subscription incoming.
Thank you SO MUCH Jo, for these lovely words. It sounds to me like you are doing very well with your shoe thrifting - as am I. This is actually the second pair of great cowboy ankles I've found that way. The first pair are beginning to look a bit scuzzy - and along came these! Put it out there and I'm sure Manolos will thrift their way to you xxx (I used to get discount in those days... which was great, but also ruinous, because of the temptation.)
Love these shoes Maggie, especially the camo trainers! Also love how Gen Z girlies favour a comfy/chunky shoe/sneaker at all times (except maybe heels for a wedding--though plenty of brides are now wearing white sneakers)--thus effectively destroying the concept of "young" shoes or "age appropriate dressing" (it's as uncool as homophobia). As someone who lived through the 00s "fetish heels at all times" trend, it is as refreshing as a cool breeze.
So agree! That was a time of collective insanity. I remember going up to London just wearing those platform stilletos and not taking any trainers with me! Insane!
Similar feet coverings, but subsitute black and brown Blundstones for the docs - LOVE them, and the Birkenstock clogs for housewarming ( waterproof so can March around outside- add a fair aisle sock if bit chill. Smiling toes! Alison
We are on exactly the same track... the boots and the Birkos. I consider my Haflingers Birko cousins.
Delightful article! Thank you for the memories of shoes I’ve worn and loved. Like you, these days it’s Birkies in summer (black patent leather, double strap), sneakers (black and white pull-on Rollie Nation) and when minimal walking is required, a small selection of low-heeled sandals and ankle boots. I’ve looked at the Haflinger clogs as a possible winter “house slipper” but worry that the low back might cause them to slide off my feet, especially when worn with socks. I broke my elbow a few years ago when some backless summer sandals flew off my foot and I tripped and fell. I’ve been wary of backless shoes ever since.
I find Haflingers amazing. The cork sole is moulded to the foot like Birkies and the felt clog bit comes high up, so they never come off my feet. They are insanely warm and comfie. I try not to wear them out of the house, but occasionally find myself in a local shop wearing them! Thank you for your other kind comment on the Feng Shite post xxx
Thanks for explaining about the Haflingers, Maggie. Really appreciate it xx
I love that you have kept your fancy shoes as souvenirs! Unfortunately WFH ruined my feet for heels so dozens of pairs eventually went to the op shop for someone to ponce upon them in glee. However I did keep a number of pairs of "special" heels that I couldn't bear to part with, and they are displayed appropriately as souvenirs. My daughter is VERY disappointed that we are not the same size.
Thank you for your free posts Maggie, those of us on budgetary constraints are very appreciative.