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Let’s get something straight right out of the gate: I have more shoes than DSW, and no, I will not be taking questions at this time.

It started young—high school, to be exact. That’s when my Adidas obsession took root. Clean, classic, cool. Pair them with jeans, a skirt, or questionable teenage decision-making—they just worked. And it never stopped. The collection grew. Multiplied. Evolved. Some girls collect charm bracelets or perfume bottles. Me? Sneakers and boots, baby.

Adidas? Got ’em. Converse and Vans? Obviously. Docs? Forever. Frye? A Southern girl’s rite of passage. Bed|Stu and Blowfish? Yes and yes. Let’s not even start on the boots. Lord, the boots. I’ve got combat boots and cowboy boots. Dress boots. Slouchy boots. Ankle, knee, and over-the-knee (for reasons, okay?). Rain boots—wellies if you’re feelin’ fancy. I even have hiking boots, and let’s be real, the only trail I’m trekking is from the front door to the mailbox.

And heels? I’ve got heels that scream confidence, wedges that whisper brunch, and sandals that say “beach me, please.” Birks because I’m practical sometimes. Crocs because… look, I said don’t judge me. Loafers and ballet flats and a few that deserve their own insurance policy. Let’s have a moment of reverence for my Coach Moto boots bought in NYC—yes, I still remember the exact store, the smell of leather, and the delusion that I’d be sensible with footwear from that point on.

People ask me, from time to time, “Are you ever going to sell any of your shoes?”

Sure, I say with a fake smile and a silent bless your heart.

Would I sell my children? No.

Would I sell my shoes? Same answer.

I mean, what if that one outfit suddenly demands the pair of leopard-print wedges I wore once in 2012? What if there’s a surprise theme party that screams for red patent leather stilettos? What if… I actually go hiking?!

Okay, no to that last one. But still.

Shoes aren’t just footwear. They’re moments. They’re memories. They’re personality, attitude, and backup confidence when I’m running low. So yeah, I have a lot of shoes.

And no, I don’t have a problem. I have options.

XOXO, Jani

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