| Fashion Statement
August 19, 2010
How many t-shirts can one guy own? This question is only slightly overshadowed by the  question: How many pairs of shoes can one woman own? To which the correct answer is… Women CAN NOT POSSIBLY own enough shoes, EVER! Confirmed by the fact that high heels, wedge heels, cowboy boots, dress boots, strapy sandals, and other forms of fashionable footwear adorn shelves, shoe racks and basically any flat or seemingly flat surface (since  several are piled on others) in my walk-in closet.
Men, on the other hand, manage to get by with three pairs of shoes… brown, black and tennis shoes; for the athleticly inclined… running shoes. Although, I’ve never understood this fashionably-challenged thinking; it dawned on me Sunday as I shopped at the mall with a friend that men actually don’t NEED more than three pairs of shoes because their clothing selection is shamefully and indubitably limited.
Appallingly, the ratio of women versus men’s fashions is skewed. No wonder women have trouble finding a “sharp dressed man” these days. Men’s clothing stores barely have anything trendy or fashionable to choose from. I did see one shirt, however, that broke the mold; it had double flap pockets and was making a definite statement. Another had three pockets on the front but the only statement I heard it making was, “Look at me, I’m absurd!” Men’s clothing should be bold, daring, sexy… It should shout, “I’m a fashionista!” Yikes, that might have been a tad too… uh… feminine. Sorry guys. I just meant women want you to be  loooooking goooood!
Why the obvious fashion oversight in the men’s department? My theory is the simple fact that most men only have THREE pairs of shoes. The fashion industry is at its wits’ end trying to figure out a “three pairs” concept. Seriously, they can design clothing around a closet brimming with every pair of high heels worth owning. But designing around three pairs of shoes is hardly worth getting up in the morning. Although, I thought there might have been a minor breakthrough when Underoos for men hit the market. But I was mistaken, they’re quite disturbing. (Pleeease, even if you are a Superman fan, keep him out of your pants!)
Truth be told, I suppose being fashion challenged is not entirely your fault, guys. Everything for men looks the same, just different shades of plaid. By the way, not everyone can wear plaid. Personally, it’s not my favorite color. Stripes are a much better fashion choice; the concept of “plaid” should be buried in a time capsule for some future generation to find and obliterate. (Sorry, plaid has that affect on me.)
Anyway, as I see it guys, you’re caught in a catch-22 that won’t change until designers are willing to get creative with your wardrobe choices. And every great wardrobe is complimented by an excellent foundation… shoes. So start thinking in multiple shades of brown, black and white. Why not expand those loafers to include a tasseled pair? Buy a pair of slip-ons and tie-ups. Then go completely wild and try shoes with Velcro. Or hey! Buy cowboy boots; they come in a large variety of colors and textures. And who doesn’t look amazing in cowboy boots? I own several pair myself.
Yes, I’m a shoe-ista and proud of it. I buy shoes, THEN look for an outfit! Except I’m afraid to  count how many pairs I actually own. But honestly, it really doesn’t look that bad when you have a large closet. And I’d never rule out future footwear shopping, even for crocs. You know, I believe there’s a spot for crocs beside my pink and purple leopard print wedge heel sandals.
In closing, I realize some of you might argue that three pairs of shoes are simple, timeless and a fashion statement in and of itself. I say, “Shuuud uuup! Three pairs of shoes is an appetizer!”
Can you imagine…light brown, charcoal black, off white…
Smile, you are looooking gooood!
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