The Mid Life Dating Files 2025

Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.

My Favorite Pair of Shoes (Because a Girl Can Have More Than One True Love)

Let’s just go ahead and clear this up: I do not have a favorite pair of shoes.

I have categories.

I have moods.

I have “this only works with one outfit but it was on sale and therefore fiscally responsible” situations.

My closet is not excessive — it is prepared. Flip flops for casual poolside diplomacy. Wedges for “I’m approachable but elevated.” Heels for “I mean business.” Boots for “fall is my personality.” And then there are the travel elites.

Because when it comes to gallivanting around the world (or at least boarding a plane like I am), there are two names that always make the guest list.

The Ever-Faithful Tory Burch Sandals

If my suitcase had a loyalty program, my Tory Burch sandals would be platinum members.

There is a color for every outfit, every mood, every spontaneous “I might need this just in case” moment. Beach trip? Obviously. Cruise ship? Packed. Island getaway? Already coordinating. Airport stroll? Effortlessly chic.

They are the unicorn of travel shoes:

Flat enough to be practical Pretty enough to be photographed Comfortable enough to pretend I’m low-maintenance

They slide into a carry-on like they were born for it. No drama. No bulk. Just quiet luxury saying, “Yes, I woke up like this.”

And let’s be honest — the thrill of seeing new colors come out? That’s cardio. I don’t chase trends. I casually monitor them with intention.

The Sparkle Statement: Golden Goose Sneakers

Now let’s discuss my Golden Goose sneakers.

White. Silver star. Silver laces. Silver trim. A subtle shimmer that says, “I might be walking 12,000 steps today, but I will do it fashionably.”

These are the sneakers that say:

“Yes, I’m comfortable.” “Yes, I’m stylish.” “No, I did not sacrifice either.”

They’ve strutted through airports, explored charming downtowns, navigated cobblestone streets, and gracefully survived security lines. They are my “I could run to catch this gate, but I prefer to glide” shoes.

When I travel, they are non-negotiable. Because luxury isn’t about suffering for fashion — it’s about mastering both.

Where They’ve Taken Me

Together, my Tory Burch sandals and Golden Goose sneakers have:

Walked sandy beaches at golden hour Boarded airplanes with confidence Explored islands like I owned property there Wandered through shops I absolutely did not plan to enter Made hotel lobby entrances that felt slightly cinematic

They’ve seen sunsets, suitcases, souvenir stands, and more than a few “Let’s just pop in here for a minute” detours that lasted an hour.

The Closing: Shoes, Confidence & a Little Sparkle

Here’s what I’ve learned: a good pair of shoes doesn’t just complete an outfit — it changes how you move through the world.

When I slip on my sandals or lace up those silver-star sneakers, I stand a little taller. I walk a little bolder. I’m ready for whatever adventure is waiting — whether it’s a beachfront dinner, a business trip, or a spontaneous “let’s go explore” moment.

Shoes are more than accessories. They’re tiny confidence boosters. They carry us into new seasons, new cities, new conversations, and sometimes entirely new chapters.

And if I’m going to chase sunsets, board planes, explore islands, and maybe take a slightly dramatic stroll through an airport terminal…

I’m going to do it comfortably.

I’m going to do it stylishly.

And I’m definitely going to do it in the right shoes.

Because life is too short for boring footwear.

And somewhere out there… there’s probably a new color I need.🩴👟❤️