“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”   (Marilyn Monroe)

Cinderella and her glass slippers aside, I think Marilyn had it backwards. She should have said: Give the girl the world and she can conquer the right shoes! My Prince Charming has whisked me off (or sent me on) some great international travels where I’ve purchased footwear that reads like a travel guide:

• Guadalajara: Peep-toe, laced black stilettos of rugged black leather

• Tokyo: Traditional geta sandals lacquered lucky red

• Rome: Baggy ankle boots in buff rawhide-style suede

• Buenos Aires: Hot-orange leather Latino platforms with ankle strap and wooden heels

• Sorrento: Chocolate calfskin high-heeled boots lined with fleece

• Paris: Sparkly copper flats with pointed toes

The shoe caddy of my mind recalls more homely items that signify domestic joys:

• Slopping through puddles in the rubber boots of my Winnipeg childhood

• Climbing snowbanks in mukluks brought back from northern Canadian Natives

• Walking the aisle in satin pumps to meet my groom (actually, it wasn’t an aisle but a bridge Dad built for the occasion over the swimming pool in the family home)

• Rounding up cattle in my first riding boots, purchased in Swift Current

• Pacing hospital hallways in bedroom slippers through early labour contractions

• Hiking the Great Sand Hills of Saskatchewan in running shoes with my kids, avoiding cactus

I own shoes I haven’t yet worn: wedges that match the dress that almost fits me, cross-trainers for the sport I hope to take up soon, the wild faux-leopard pair pictured above (just waiting for an excuse to slip onto my feet–and, yes, those are copper heels!). I own shoes that have worn me out: the black patent pinchers and the handmade huaraches that should be comfortable. I’m an admitted shoe addict, but it’s about more than style and function . . . It’s about frolicking fashion fun!

Comment below, or send a photo and story to deb@rolledscroll.com about your favourite shoes for a future post!