Footwear

In a fashion conscious country, I should not be surprised that I get stares when I wear something out-of-the-ordinary. Today, was a lovely, sunny day after weeks of unrelenting rain. Being the California girl that I am, I went to work in flip flops (hehehe…). Ok, ordinarily, I see that as a no-no as well, but I should remind everyone that we have to change into indoor shoes once we get to school. So, the flip flop wearing was not a form of rebellion towards the implied dress code, but it was simply for comfort.

However, on my short 30 minute to work, I noticed a string of adults and children staring at my feet. I'm not sure exactly what it was that shocked them so, but their eyes literally followed my feet as I flopped happily towards school. Perhaps it was the fact that I was wearing a skirt with a simple striped top without stockings (gasp!) when it's about 80 degrees outside, but something bothered people.

I think I mentioned this before, but it seems as though wearing rain boots when it rains is also an unacceptable form of footwear. I've gotten stares (again! whoopee doop!) from numerous people and have even gotten a comment that came with a hint of sarcasm from a colleague at school. I've only seen rain boots on three other types of people, and that would be: elementary school students, senior citizens and construction workers. I really don't get it…do people just like to get their feet wet? (* No pun intended.)

Whatever it is, I feel like the footwear choices in this country will forever puzzle me.