Loris x Sportsanista
As I stand in my closet starring at the hundreds of shoe boxes I have collected over time, my heart smiles when I think of all the memories I’ve had with them. I know what you are thinking… this chick is a weirdo standing in her closet, smiling at her shoes. Sure, it sounds weird, but if you are someone who loves shoes like I do, you’ve probably done the same thing.
I’ve always been a shoe collector. What can I say? I have an appreciation for a well crafted shoe. I’ve always allowed myself to splurge on shoes. I’ve always worked in an industry that keeps me on my feet – literally. When I worked at Soldier Field, I’d rack up 12 miles on those bad boys – and if my feet weren’t happy, neither was I. This is why I see the importance of investing a little more in a shoe that will take me 12+ miles. Every shoe has gotta be made for walking.[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]If there is another Chicago woman that speaks my language, it’s Lori Ander from Lori’s Designer Shoes. She started her business in 1983 in her Lincoln Park storefront. She has since expanded to 4,500 square feet – that’s a lot of space… and a lot of shoes. Lori isn’t your typical small business owner – she is more like your Fairy Shoe Mother.
When I was a student at DePaul University, I lived less than a mile from Lori’s store. I found myself wandering Lincoln Park one day, only to find the mecca of shoe stores. I didn’t know where I had landed, but the store made me feel home – I’m not sure if it was the smell of leather or the plethora of sizes 7.5’s. I was home. Any money earned in college was certainly not beer money – that mindset is for amateurs. My little piggy bank was all for shoes.Lori carefully curates each shoe she sells, similarly to how I carefully select each shoe I buy. She is incredibly dedicated to her customers and listens to what it is they want. She puts this philosophy to work by traveling around the globe to hunt for the perfect pair. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather say I’m wearing an “Italian exclusive” than something from the department store down the street.
When I left Chicago for West Virginia, Lori’s continued to stay my go-to spot for shoes – all thanks to free shipping! I’ve been back in Chicago for close to 10 years now and still find myself going to Lori’s for my seasonal shoe binges.Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Lori in person. I geeked out! She is a brilliant women who is extremely inspiring – the definition of a #girlboss. I’m excited to share that moving forward I’ll be Lori’s Designer Shoes’ brand ambassador. I am honored and humbled for the experience and am excited to create new shoe memories alongside Lori.
AND we are kicking this off the only way we know how – a party. Come join us at Lori’s shop in Lincoln Park this Saturday from 12pm – 4pm. I’ll be there with Lori and Sophie (a personal stylist with Lori’s) sharing our favorite shoes of the season and showing you how to style them! Come join us! Check out her online store here. Hope to see you there!!
This is adorable. Love it! Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.
how FUN! i miss lincoln park so much! love your shoes in this post!! have a great time!
xoxo, Preeti
http://www.ninesto5.com
such a good post! I love your pretty little shoes – they look #worthit
elle
Southern Elle Style
I wish I would’ve been in Chicago this weekend! An don’t worry, your not the only one that stares at your shoe boxes. 😉
Xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Ugh I wish I was in Chicago! My best friend is moving there so I will up more often so I will be getting in touch to finally meet!
xo,
Taylor | http://www.styleiseverythingblog.com
These pictures are fantastic! Love those shoes
I love your shoes! I need to find that wall- it’s so fun!
Such cute outfits and the grafiti is awesome!
Paula- http://www.livingpaula.com
How fun!! I love the shoes that you are wearing in this post!
Charlene The Frugal Fashionista
Wow! Love this post! She’s such an inspiration. I agree that quality is everything when it comes to shoes – and it’s so great to learn about a store with a curated collection of quality shoes. Congrats on becoming an ambassador!!
hugs, Christina
Christina | Fashion & Frills
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ES