The only time it’s ever hard for me to pick a pair of shoes is when I decide I hate everything I own. Choosing a pair, despite my collection, never takes more than a minute or two, but the editors at Sole Collector thought it would be a fun time to have my mother, Karen Sayers, pick my shoes for last week anyway. THANKS, MOM. It was a busy week: Monday was my first day in a new office and I’m took a trip to the West Coast. There was a lot of consider and she took it all into account.
You might notice something in the choices she made. My mother is a shaman (in the Laika tradition—although she did study with the Zulu shamans in South Africa for six months) and she brought my sisters and I to live at an ashram for a stretch many years ago. We grew up on yoga, Star Wars, and microwaved quesadillas. We’re unconventional and have impeccable taste.
Here’s what she had to say:
"Monday, meaning Moon-day for the ancients, but “back to work” for us moderns—so why not these beautiful work boots in a golden full moon color, or try them in green or blue (for the blue moon on 5/21). You’ve had some rest and relaxation, but just as likely made up for a long work week with some wildness, so these shoes can help focus on working mode. Though these shoes are often worn by men and women who work outdoors building or growing living things with physical labor, you are a wordsmith. You create, then flesh out, ideas and worlds with words. So these are appropriate to get back in the swing with comfort and good looks. Also, first day of work in new office…hurray!"
"Tuesday is the day of Mars. Though Mars is the god of war, agriculture and guardian of the people for the modern, Tuesday is often so/so—the second of a five day workweek. Mars is often affiliated with the color red, so these seem appropriate for Tuesday which is often kind of a drag, especially if you are looking forward to running after a full day of work. These should give you a lift psychically and physically because of their color, lightness, and pattern. Whether on the phone, computer, running to get some lunch, or to catch the train home, so you can run again, these should put a spring in your step. Grrrr."
"Hump Day or Wednesday, is named for Mercury, god of commerce and travel, which seems especially appropriate for you this week. It often is the middle of the work week when we start the descent toward the weekend. But for you Wednesday is the beginning of an adventure and catching a flight from JFK to parts unknown after a full day at your full-time job in SoHo. With that in mind I have chosen these Yeezys(?) for their comfort and versatility in style and function. Today look professional yet stylish, comfortable but put together (and you can easily slip them off on the plane). And Bon Voyage!"
"You’ll be waking up in a city—new to you—on a coast 3,000 miles away. (This is Thor’s day [or Jupiter] god of thunder and lightening–let’s hope not.) Perhaps there will be time for exploring, but it is sure to be a jam-packed day. It is also likely to be raining, so whether you’re puddle jumping as you explore, or inside for interviews, or having lunch or dinner with newfound friends or associates, these will keep you comfy and dry, as well as fleet. (Hope I used that correctly!) Since it is a day of unknowns and new experiences, these can be worn with a wide variety of clothes (I’m guessing these are Jordans) in case you feel the need to change for a variety of events."
"Rise and shine, and prepare for the journey back to NYC. Perhaps you’ll have some time for exploration and breakfast in a cool city before the trip to the airport and the long flight home. Then it is Friday night in NYC. No doubt you’ll be tired, but may still want to meet some friends for dinner and a movie, or just a drink, to wind down after a hectic week. These should travel well and be comfortable, but you’ll feel dressed if your plans include a social setting. Plus, these obviously give you magical powers, which you may need after the week you’ve had."
"A day of some rest, hopefully, after a very full and exciting week. It is a day for exercise, writing, and hopefully relaxing, as well as taking in a movie. I’d like to think you’ll feel “in the pink,” after a successful week, so try these on for size and maybe you can find a bottle of pink label Veuve Cliquot to celebrate the week you’ve had. You could put your feet up and smile just looking at them."
"Though we think of Monday as the first day of the week, probably because we are such a work-focused nation, Sunday begins the week on most calendars. Named for our bright star, Sunday is also traditionally a day of rest—a day to spend with family, friends, hobbies, or sports—to relax, renew, and rejuvenate. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the city that is your home. I suggest these golden shoes to remind you of the bright star within yourself, and that the star needs care. Your goal: Be the sun. I challenge you to step outside… and find the sun."
