I’m truly not a material girl, but every now and again I fall in love with a hot pair of heels or a show-stopping shirt that I just absolutely adore. As the story would have it, those must-haves are normally out of my budget or I just seem to pass them up. Last summer, a pair of Chinese Laundry black gladiator platform sandals at Shuze in Bethlehem caught my eye, but they were the kind of heels that could only be worn with complete confidence because of their piercing 4-inch heel.

I tried them on and thought, “Wow, these look great, but what would I wear them with?” or “What would mom think if she saw me wearing these?” and “Hmm, do I really need another pair of black heels?” My sub-conscious mind quickly talked me out of purchasing them.

When they went on sale, I hesitantly weighed my options and again passed on the opportunity. The platforms were out of sight out of mind until just last Thursday when Pam, Style’s associate publisher, asked me if I ever bought those darn shoes. Sadly, I replied with a “no” and quickly text messaged my friend Becca, a part-time shoe girl extraordinaire at Shuze, who in turn told me they didn’t have that style available any longer. I instantly envied all of the girls in the Valley who owned those Chinese Laundry’s, but tried not to let it bother me that they would look perfect with an outfit I had planned for an event that very night.

On my way home from the office, I quickly stopped by Shuze to say hello to Becca and browse the selection then hurried home to get ready for my event. As I toiled over what shoes to wear, I missed a call from Becca only a half hour after leaving the store. Then a text message appeared reading, “Am at TJ Maxx and they have those Chinese Laundry shoes, size 7. Want them?” It was meant to be! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was destined to own those Chinese Laundry’s and yes, I told Becca to pick them up for me.

Talk about making heads turn, these platforms mean serious business. Now, what to wear with them?