Finally, leaving my first virtual footprint..

Happy Monday!

Since this is my first blog, let's start with an introduction, shall we?

I know I have already done so on my profile but there are still a couple of things worth-mentioning. As you have probably figured out, I like shoes ("obsessed" is such an ugly word; I wouldn't call shoes an obsession - but later more) and I own a lot of them. Actually, I don't even know how many pairs I own but they surely exceed the 100 mark. (By far!!) Having owned up to this, I'd like to tell you a little anecdote from my life: the other day my Mum came to visit me at my flat and upon entering she asked, "Have you got friends over?" At first I thought my mother was losing it, but then it struck me - she got distraught by the amount of shoes piled up along the corridor. True story! But she can't blame me - her being the archetype of a shoe-addict. She and a very generous Dad (I call him CC on shopping trips - an abbreviation I will resolve in another post) have not only introduced me to this possibility of spending a great deal of money on shoes, but have also furthered this "obsession". Here we are, that ugly word again.

Friends do sometimes call me an addict or talk of a severe case of obsession when discussing my little weakness. And finally I can prove them wrong: A recent article in the German magazine "Spiegel online" profiles Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines, who owns more than 3000 pairs of shoes and rejects all accusations of being a shoe-addict. So, there: 3000 pairs and not a trace of addiction. And until I own 3000 pairs of shoes, many years will pass (Marcos is what, 80?!) and by then I'll probably prefer ugly, flat shoes.

Having set this straight, there is still one more point left that has to be clarified. Although high-heels, boots and sandals take up a huge amount of my collection, do not mistake me for the girly-girl type. I am into all sorts of sports (especially snowboarding and skiing), travelling (I do not mind sleeping in tents or hostels of the worst category) and music festivals (again, tents, dirt, etc.). I do own numerous pairs of Converse high-tops and Vans slip-ons. When partying though, I do like my girly shoes best, I have to admit.

But what is it then, that fascinates me and millions of other women about shoes? There a so many possible answers. One is that shoes are a perfect means of communication. With shoes one can express one’s personality and attitudes. Think about it: which shoes are you wearing at the moment? What do they say about you and your personality? Another important point might be the fact that shoes – in contrast to any other type of clothing – always fit. Clothes change shape and lose their original color over many washes whereas shoes, if taken care of, stay the same. Additionally, shoes not only complement your outfit but they can also have an effect on your body. High-heels, for example, not only make you about 9 to 12cm taller than you actually are but also have a huge impact on the way you stand and walk – something trainers could never do.
There are surely numerous answers to the question of what’s so fascinating about shoes, all ideas welcome. Just leave a comment!

The one I am interested the most, however, is the one mentioned above: shoes as a means to convey your own very personal message to the outside world. Who are you, what are you like? Why these shoes?

For the blog posts to follow I will stroll around Salzburg University with my second "obsession" (this beauty) and try to take pictures of shoes which might impress you, make you laugh out loud or just make you think. I am very excited about this project and I hope you'll enjoy my flights of fancy.