The Perfect Nook

When I moved in with Chris, my boyfriend of two and half years, this past June, I Was TERRIFIED. I love the guy, we have laughs and good times most of the time, plus the place we were moving into had two bathrooms and two balconies – what could possibly be the matter? I'll tell you what. No bedroom closet that's what! Where will I put my many many dresses? My hats? My SHOES?! For a girl with an undeniable shopping addiction, it is an understatement to say that this was going to be A Problem.

It was really just a matter of where it fit, but as it happens, my six-foot tall shoe rack (actually, three smaller shoe racks stacked on top of each other) fit perfectly in a nook in the entryway to the apartment. So, when you walk in, you're greeted by rows upon rows of a combination of vintage and new shoes, each with their own story, or perhaps still waiting patiently for their story to unfold. (I have a tendency to pick a favorite and stick with it for a while, unintentionally neglecting the others.) 

One time I got some Thai food delivered and the delivery guy took notice of my shoe rack. "Hah. You selling those or something?" He asked.

"Hahah..." I fake laughed in response. Step away from the shoes, funny guy.

yup, vintage yellow YSL pumps near the top. 

You may notice a few large pairs of boy shoes. That's because I'm nice and I share. I allow Chris to put the three pairs of shoes he owns on my shoe rack. You may also notice some empty space. That's because I'm wise and anticipate growth. A girl doesn't just stop buying shoes one day. Also, there's another shoe rack in my bedroom (two smaller ones stacked on top of each other, less wide than the entryway one) filled with more in-season/in-rotation shoes (I need to rearrange and move fall shoes into the bedroom...). And yes, you DO see a pair of vintage red leather sandals with a wooden base which convert into roller skates. And no, I cannot rollerskate and am afraid to because of a lousy left knee which is very unfortunate as I'd love to be rollerskating around Brooklyn in wooden sandals.

Now, if you're wondering where I keep my boots, the answer is this:

I have not come up with a good solution for them. Short boots are at the top of the entryway closet. Tall boots are shoved wherever they can find a spot. Suggestions welcomed. 

I normally wouldn't plug a non-vintage product, but let me say, I LOVE these shoe racks and without them there would be shoes all over the place. The width is flexible, they're super easy to put together (no tools required! although my hands do get a little tired by the end of it...), and they stack! They also have optional feet that go at the bottom (I removed the feet in order for the racks to fit into the nooks that I found for them). They box says not to stack more than two, but I've stacked three in the entryway at max width and they are just fine and sturdy as ever. They're about $30 each and I don't regret a penny of it. In fact I just bought the second stack for the bedroom just this week. If you want one (or five), I got mine at Bed Bath and Beyond. 

And now, a few super items I spotted on MP that I'd loooove to add to my shoe rack - if only they fit... Maybe they'll find a home on yours?

GORGEOUS Charles Jourdan Purple Suede Pumps with Cutout Heel from the Market Publique House Store!

Add a little color to your shoe rack with these Yellow Brazilian Leather Pumps from Valley Vintage on Market Publique.

More incredible finds from Valley Vintage! My first MP purchase was a pair of espadrilles from Valley Vintage and every time I go back, I always find tons of really cute and reasonably priced shoes - although sadly, the ones i want are not usually in my size...