The Ones That Got Away (Shoe Edition)

Terrell here, and ever since I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with shoes.

Remember those clear plastic kiddie heels that came in a pack? I had every color and can still hear the click-clack of them as I strutted around the house—they really set the tone for me becoming a true shoe girl in the future.

Aside from my clear plastic kiddie heels, the first pair of shoes that truly stole my heart as a kid were the Nike Uptempos. I was completely obsessed. The bold, oversized "AIR" on the side and those iconic air bubbles hit me differently the moment I saw them. It was love at first sight, and I knew they had to be mine.

Why do I love shoes so much?

I’m glad you asked!

Shoes are refreshingly inclusive (for the most part) and have the power to bring any outfit to life. Another great thing about shoes is that once you reach a certain age, your feet stop growing—making them a truly worthwhile investment.

My feet haven’t grown much since the 7th grade when I got my first pair of high-end shoes—a pair of horseshoe Gucci shoes. And yes, I still have them all these years later at 41!

When it comes to shoes, I’m a bit of a rolling stone. I fall in love quickly and often, but since I’m not a hoarder (and my bank account keeps me grounded), I try to stay selective. I only bring home shoes I truly adore.

My approach is usually to wait a bit after a release—mainly because most of my favorites come with a pretty hefty price tag.

But this strategy has definitely bitten me in the ass a few times. Some of my favorite shoes have slipped through my fingers—sometimes because I waited too long, other times because my budget just couldn’t stretch that far. It wasn’t always about the money, though. Occasionally, I hesitated, and that hesitation still haunts me.

But this strategy hasn’t always worked in my favor.I’m still on the hunt for these elusive beauties. I’ve stumbled upon a few over the years, but none were in good enough condition to justify the splurge. When it comes to pre-loved shoes, I need them nearly pristine—I’m not looking for a fixer-upper.

So, here are the shoes I’m still dreaming about...The Ones That Got Away 🙁

 

1. Chanel Fall 2013 Chain Boots:

The perfect blend of edgy and classic, these boots are the definition of statement footwear. The chunky chain detail that snakes throughout the boot is nothing short of perfection—it’s that unexpected touch of hardware that gives them a bold, unapologetic edge.

My style lives in the sweet spot between sporty and luxe, and these boots capture that vibe flawlessly.

Every time I see someone rocking them, I’m hit with a wave of shoe envy. I slept on these beauties for a minute, thinking I had time—and then, of course, they sold out before I could make a move.

2. YSL Cage Boot (Spring/Summer '09):

 

These are an architectural masterpiece —sculptural, bold, and absolutely unforgettable. The intricate cage design is like wearable art, adding dimension and drama to anyoutfit. They strike the perfect balance between showing skin and keeping it classy, making them endlessly versatile. Unfortunately, they sold out before I could get my hands on a pair, and I’m still kicking myself over it.

 

3. Gucci Green Satin Heel (SS04):

There’s something about that rich green satin that just speaks to my soul. The luxurious fabric combined with Gucci’s impeccable craftsmanship makes these heels feel like a slice of fashion history. They're the kind of shoes that could transform even the simplest outfit into a look. The truth is, these dropped when I was still making about $6 an hour, clipping coupons just to afford a two-piece spicy white from Popeyes lol. There was no way they were coming home with me back then, but I still think about them.

 

4. Rick Owens "Dunks":

Understated, cool, and eternally wearable. These tennis shoes are the epitome of effortless style. They’ve got that rebellious Rick Owens vibe while still being functional. I love how they give off a laid-back yet elevated feel—like, “I’m not trying too hard, but I’m still the coolest person in the room.”

These had a short run, and rumor has it Rick Owens got hit with a lawsuit from Nike because the design resembled the Nike check. Production stopped, and I was saving up for them but never made it to the finish line. The regret is real. ( I am manifesting meeting Rick because he is my fav designer and him loving me soooooo much he goes in the vault and gives me a pair lol)

 

P.S.  if you love shoes as much as I do, make sure to join my Instagram subscription where I’ll be diving even deeper into my shoe obsessions, sharing exclusive finds, styling tips, and more. I’ll also be dropping links to my favorite shoes and showing you where to snag the ones I actually own—since that’s literally my most asked question. Trust me—you don’t want to miss it!