Bye bye shoes

Don't know why you've got, till it's gone

By ANDREA GARCIA
Fairfield Daily Republic ©

It never fails - as soon as I chuck a pair of shoes or jacket, it comes back in style.

I admit I have a problem letting go of things and sort-of harbor on past possessions, like my huge Madonna belt from the '80s that once fit comfortably around my hips.

It's hard to let some items go because frankly, I have faith they will come back in style and I, unlike others, will be donning the original look.

Here's the reality of that fallacy: Even if it comes back in style it will have a new twist, a new flair, something different that makes the original style look passZ¹.

In the process of cleaning out my closet several months ago, I found a few items that truly belonged to another era, such as a man's suit jacket laden with shoulder pads, large metallic buttons and some black lace on the lapel. Looking further into this black hole of styles I found a pair of white espadrilles in almost perfect shape; not one stain or tear.

"Why would I want to keep them?" I thought to myself (actually, I probably said it out loud). "These will never come back in style." And into the Hefty bag of clothing headed to the Goodwill they went.

Now I want them back. They're in style.

I went to the Goodwill Store and advised them of my dilemma. I was told donated items at the shop are redirected to the Cordelia location, then sorted for distribution among their seven stores in Solano County or placed in a bale and sent to other countries. Not a problem, I thought, I'll pay Cordelia a visit.

My shoe quandary was relayed to the manager at the Cordelia plant. She completely understood my situation and asked some of her folks if they recalled seeing a pair of white espadrilles, in almost perfect shape, of course. The room was silent for a bit until a woman spoke up from the back of the room.

"Yes, I remember," she said. "I put them in the Fairfield bin."

So back I went to the Fairfield store in search of my shoes. Luckily, a different crew was onboard.

"It will be like finding a needle in a haystack," the saleswoman told me a little hastily. "It's hard to find donated things."

I didn't give up. I walked around the shoe rack and held my breath but nothing stood out. No white espadrilles in site. As I mumbled some words under my breath while donning a look of despair, a beam of light descended on a particular woman carrying something white in her hands. Could it be? Are those mine?

With no time to lose, I approached her anxiously only to see a pair of white espadrilles size 7.5. They were mine! It was as if they were calling out my name!

"Are you going to buy those?" I asked. She nodded her head. "How much are they?"

"Five dollars," she answered. I offered her $10 and walked away with my shoes.

In a perfect world, this is how my story would end - but it's not. I never went to the Cordelia location or searched for my shoes, although every regretful bone in my body urged me to do so.

I did, however, call Goodwill, where I was told it would be close to impossible to find something I donated. Great.

Espadrilles, defined by wedge heels with natural, braided rope, are everywhere lately and are the hottest trend for this summer. They originated in Spain and have a very European, chic look. The best part of these great shoes is that they're versatile, meaning they can dress up or down an outfit.

Marc Jacobs has a wonderful colorful, strappy and fun selection although they are a bit pricey. For the women who prefer open-toe shoes, Born makes the "Chiquita" thong espadrilles, with 3-inch wedge heels and madras-style plaid fabric uppers.

Espadrilles have several advantages. They add height without having to wear a stiletto and give definition and shape to heavy ankles. Plus, they go with practically anything, such as flowing skirts, gauzy fabrics, wrap dresses, flared jeans and gauchos.

Obviously, I don't have a pair of espadrilles right now, but I know where I'm headed this weekend.