“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
It is truly one of the truest quotes I live by. I believe we attract what our minds aspire to. As simple as, when we’re happy, good things come by. When we’re being negative, then bad things are everything that we see. It’s about seeing things in a different perspective, with a brighter note.
I wanted to try this post as a reminder for myself to never underestimate the power of positive thinking.
Yes, this post is also about my wedding shoes. And how I came to acquire them.
During the wedding preparation, one of the things that I needed to get done was to find the shoes that I will wear with the dress. It will determine the length and the overall fit of the dress. So it must be a fixed choice. In other words, I had to find the one. This proven out to be a little story on its own.
I was casually walking and made a stop at Rococo Plaza Senayan. The moment I enter the door, my eyes were fixed on the pumps placed on the middle top shelf. It was Manolo Blahnik Hangisi. My heart palpitated.
It can’t be.
How is it possible that I found the one right at the first time? The color was the perfect shade of blue. The blue of my dreams. It matches my sapphire engagement ring. The velvet catches the light differently. Making it even more alluring.
I braced myself and tried them on. The sample on the floor was actually my size too. They were perfect. Sadly, I knew the price must’ve been over my budget. And it was. So I gave the shoes back to the SA and thanked her for her service.
I tried to forget about it and made an effort to find other alternatives. I found a Jimmy Choo (Karmel 85 in silver grey) pair that was 70% off, but it was half-a-size too big. Of course, I don’t want to force myself to buy them just because the price was tempting. There was Mabel 95 that I tried, but it was too silvery and a little too casual.
I tried Valentino Rockstud pumps in a lovely champagne bronze shade. They were comfortable but I’ve seen them a little too often and didn’t find them to be special anymore.
There were Miu Miu embellished satin pumps with clusters of pearls. Very cute but equally painful.
I tried on several Nicholas Kirkwood, René Caovilla slingbacks (these were very pretty but it’s too bridal for my liking, I’d have a hard time wearing them again), the famous Dolce & Gabbana lace pumps (the heels were too small, I felt unstable in them), and many others.
There were pale blue sandals from Payless. Pretty shade of blue too. Similar to the suit my fiancé (husband now) going to wear. But after trying them, I think I would’ve bruised my ankles into misery because of the straps.
I actually almost ordered a customized pair of bridal shoes but in the end, didn’t go through with it because there are just so many things that could go wrong with ordering something I’ve never tried before.
I came back a couple of times for the Manolo Blahnik just to satisfy myself. Tried them on again. Didn’t buy them still. I just wanted to feed my ego LOL.
It was clear that finding the shoes wasn’t as easy as I thought. I still had more time, so I decided to just leave it be for now. It was kind of exhausting, trying on different shoes and feeling beat.
Because deep down, I knew what my heart wanted.
I knew it’s the one.
Not until 2 months later, sometime in June 2017. A friend of mine, Margie, told me that Rococo was having a sale on their Manolo Blahniks but not on all of the styles. I was excited but tried to keep it low because the velvet blue Hangisi might not be on sale. At that time, I had already pretty much given up that I might not get them because the time was close to my dress fitting session.
With no assumption at all, I went into Rococo Plaza Indonesia with my husband (née fiancé). It doesn’t hurt to check it out, you know. I asked the SA timidly and guess what she said?
SA: Yes, they’re 20% off.
Me: Oh..
SA: Plus 20%.
Me: (I squealed a little)
I asked for my size. The SA initially said that the store doesn’t have it anymore. Then I asked if the Plaza Senayan store has them. She went into the back room, didn’t took long and came out with the box. But, she didn’t come straight to me. Instead, she talked to the other SA and murmured about something. Oh, no… The SA told me that the stock was from the Plaza Senayan store but it’s currently being held by another customer. She acted quick and contacted the customer right away. The other SA told me to leave my number. Within that second, the customer let them go!
THEY’RE MINE. I actually get the shoes of my dreams.
A funny note, I remember the SA previously said that they only have one pair for each size. Which could only mean, these are most likely the exact same pair that I tried the very first time in Plaza Senayan.
Maybe, it is meant to be mine. I just had to go through all of these first. I can not tell you enough in words the way I feel back then. Writing it now, it’s all coming back to me now. What a truly humbling experience.
The rhinestone buckles are very sparkly and a contrast against the blue velvet.
My mom was against them initially because it’s not white/cream. And it’s not that bridal or wedding-like. But she knew nothing is going to stop me because once I had something set in mind, I will make ways to make it happen. Yeah, I am my (late) dad’s daughter, for sure! 😀
It’s not conventional but that’s my “something blue”.
Photo courtesy of Dua Ritme
Photo courtesy of Dua Ritme
That’s the story of my wedding shoes.
They’re not the most comfortable and my feet were fatigued by the time for the dinner reception. I actually brought a pair of low-heeled sandals for substitutes. But damn, every time I see them, I just lit up and remember the experience.
A year later and many more years to come.
It’s not just the shoes, it’s the how.
Thank you, God.
