The Demise of Tory Burch at Desert Island

DON'T be tempted to buy these shoes. (Unless you’re not fazed by seeing them on everyone). Rating 2/10 heels.


Am I the only person that still has the will to window shop? Big bad words like credit crunch, debt and deficit are taking their toll on me too. Even NPR’s saying it. I had to get away from the ugly truth. I needed to relax. It was time to head to The Temple, Fashion Island.

I should have known there was something wrong when I found a parking spot right in front of the exit sign. My optimistic nature saw it as a sign of good things to come; perhaps I’d find the shoes I’d been looking for. And then I walked past R & D, which usually has a hungry crowd of people waiting in line for a table. Only today the hostess stood by the door looking at her nails. Fashion Island? It was more like Desert Island. Where was everybody?

My first stop was at Neiman Marcus. I was approached by no less than 50 eager, smiley faced, sales assistants. They all looked like they hadn’t caught a fish in weeks. I tried dodging the approaching sales assistants and started walking fast in a zigzag line and forgot why I had gone there in the first place: oh yes, shoes I remembered. Five of them commented on my coat and how wonderful it looked on me. I’ve been wearing this same coat for a year now, and never before had it received such rave reviews. Times must be hard.

I tried on a pair of Tory Burch shoes, I know, its got that big fat gold buckle with her initials on the front, but I thought I’d try it on anyway. I’m looking for a pair of everyday shoes that are comfortable, and that means it still has to be fabulous. The price was an issue but I was more concerned with displaying a visible logo in front of my toes. This is no time to be ostentatious. It’s all about being somber chic not flashy chic. Plus, hadn’t I seem them on everyone?

I disappointed yet another sales person as I told her they were not right. She told me they looked fabulous and that I was making a big mistake. Big mistake or not, I thanked her and walked away. As I was walking out of the store, I held the door open for a pretty blond girl who was walking in. I happened to look down at her shoes and lo and behold, she was wearing a pair of Tory Burch shoes. When it comes to fashion (and everything else in life) don't give in to pushy people. That’s it. I’m done with her, Burch I mean.

Meanwhile, I’ll keep looking.