It pains me to let you go

After 5 years, I am sad to say that I have had to make the decision to part with my first ever pair of UGGs - my gray low-rise Baileys. 

It took years for me to jump on the UGG bandwagon and after I made my first purchase and slipped into them for the first time, it was magic. I wanted to wear them everywhere (but I didn't because that would be a fashion faux-pas) and when the Canadian winters co-operated, happily pulled them out. They even inspired me to write a haiku.

Good-bye my friend. You've kept me warm and cozy for 5 seasons and I will never forget you. Even though I have a new pair (given to me by my mom, who didn't wear hers) they will never have that same bond as you and I, once had. 

I'm sorry we couldn't make it work

One of the most difficult things I find about perfecting my wardrobe is letting go of an item from one of my favourite brands, that I love and had high hopes for, but is just not working out. 

One such item is my mirror-finish Cole Haan peep-toe wedge sandals. 

I purchased these several years ago to wear as my summer go-to shoes - I envisioned wonderful outfits ranging from office appropriate, to 'fun in the sun', casual cool.  I tried the shoes on in the store, and they looked fantastic and felt comfortable - being an avid fan of Cole Haan shoes, I expected no less. I brought them home with me, giddy with excitement to wear them the next day. 

Within 10 minutes of its debut, I stepped on a part of the sidewalk that was slightly unfinished and gouged a chunk of the sole's finish out. I cried. I consoled myself by telling myself that it was on the inside and that it was going to be OK. 

As I continued on my not-so merry way, I noticed that there were very obvious crease marks where my toes bent - the mirror-finish is stiffer than most finishes so the creases look very deep and just horrible. I was further crushed and very disappointed. 

At the end of the day, I put them back in their box and held on to them. Over the next several years, I took them out on a few occasions (those that required very little walking) - each time, they suffered greater and greater damage. More gouges, scratches, and creases - it got to a point where I was tip-toeing in them in hopes they wouldn't touch the ground.

This year, I said to myself: "to hell with it, I'm going to wear these babies to the ground!" Sadly, it seems they beat me to it - with each step, they got squeakier and squeakier, and the soles keep getting louder and louder against the pavement. They've made me loathe them. 

I'm sorry, but we have to part ways, and it pains me - I tried to love you but you're not making it easy for me. I would have loved to share many memories with you. I hope you find a new owner that can make it work. Good bye =(

Don't buy mirror-finish shoes, they will break your heart.