To: Filene’s

From: ShopGirl

Re: The Shoes That Should Be Mine

Dear Filene’s,

It has come to my attention that the shoes that I covet, the Nine West “Baritone” in caramel-colored leather, are not on sale. Every week, I clip coupons from the newspaper, hoping for that One-Day Sale discount combo that will bring me a few dollars closer to foot bliss. Every week, I return empty-handed.

These aren’t just any shoes, mind you. They’re a unique combination of bowling shoe, Mary Jane and ballet slipper. And unlike the other shoes that inhabit my closet, they aren’t black. They come in black, but I don’t want those. I want the caramel colored ones, which should count for something.

Now, I understand there are certain factors that come into play while pricing shoes. I’ve been shopping long enough to know how these things work. I know they’ll eventually go on sale. But I want them now. And I can’t bring myself to pay $59 for anything that isn’t black. Heck, I can’t bring myself to pay full price for anything.

Maybe you could put one of those red dots on them, saying “Sale, $59.” Humor me. Pretend they’re regularly $79. If I think I’m getting a bargain, I may convince myself to buy them before they sell out in my size.

Perhaps I should appeal to the civic side of the issue. You’d be doing my co-workers a great service by putting the “Baritone” on sale. That way, I wouldn’t have to distract them by flip-flopping through the office in yet another pair of black leather slides.

On the flip side, you are keeping my pedicurist in business, as well as several major nail-polish producers. My toenails, which usually appear after the last frost and remain visible through October, will remain uncovered until I buy these shoes, which only leave the heel exposed.

But that’s the problem. This week and last, all sandals were on sale. And I flirted with the idea of picking up those strappy tan leather pumps by Steve Madden or a pair of natural-leather slides from L.E.I. There was a pair of black flats with white stitching from Etienne Aigner that caught my eye, but I want a change, and in this case, change equals covered toes. Hence my dilemma.

So I guess I’ll keep on clipping coupons and waiting until I see that little red sticker that beckons me like the light at the end of Daisy’s dock in “The Great Gatsby.”

Yours in shopping,

Kristen

Reader question

Dear ShopGirl,

I am a man looking for the perfect pair of vacation pants – loose, drawstring waist, tan linen. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find them locally. Any suggestions?

M.P., Bangor

Dear M.P.,

I see the problem. If you were a woman, I’d tell you to head straight to Gap, where the drawstring linen pants in have been very popular. But that does you no good.

However, Banana Republic has what you’re looking for. Their drawstring pant is a blend of linen and cotton (think fewer wrinkles) and costs $68. For information, visit www.bananarepublic.com and click on Men’s.

I found a pair of 100 percent linen pants online for $59.99 at www.fourgates.com. I think they’re intended for use in either meditation or yoga, but hey, who’s going to know if you don’t?

These were the best bets I could find. Enjoy your vacation.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you. Send questions, comments or suggestions by mail to: Kristen Andresen, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net; or by fax to 941-9476.