I went all Imelda (again)

Someone please tell me that hoarding is a natural byproduct of thrifting and/or sewing. I can't seem to stay away and I can't seem to come home without bags o' stuff.

The problem with thrifting is that Better Judgment tends to give way to the way more powerful Insanely Good Deal. Many would say this is not a problem at all; it's a few bucks here and a few bucks there and besides, it goes to nonprofit foundations. You could justify it as a donation to your community.

But at home, I remember that I have no storage space, I'll be moving soon, and frankly, my goal is to have less (but better quality) in my closet than more. But who could resist this colorful array of shoes in exactly my size? As a die-hard flats girl, I justified the $2/per pair purchases since my going-out wardrobe is near zero.

How about the detail on these darling white pumps? They fit perfectly with my little minimalist black/white wardrobe phase I'm going through. And they're soooo comfortable.



I love this detail as well from these Brazilian pumps. It also has a beautiful wooden, stacked heel.



The pleating on this is so elegant. Navy heels may help me mix it up, particularly since I'm still searching for the Perfect Black Pump.



And if there's ever been any question about my inner-bukness, purple shoes!



I sometimes wonder whether buying vintage shoes is a solid investment. Yes, you'll be wearing something unique (and, in my case, in many colors!) but the heels wear easily. I literally wore a pair (a contestant for the Perfect Black Pump) in the rain and the leather sole disintegrated while I was teaching. Ack! So now I'll take a few of these to the cobbler and my $1-2 shoes will cost me anywhere from $8-$23 per pair to preserve. Wasn't the point of thrifting to do things on the cheap? I feel like I may be doing this ass-backwards.

I also did come home with a number of sewing goodies: purple corduroy, cream twill, and red linen. Bias tape and buttons galore, a few zippers, patterns. A vintage skirt. A roller sewing foot. Lace. And ribbon I'm tempted to use with Colette Patterns' free Madeleine Mini Bloomers.