From Stilettos to Chacos

I never claimed to be much of a fashionista back in the States, as my daily outfit choice consisted of workout clothes or jeans and a t-shirt, with my hair in a messy bun to top it off. 

Prior to my departure though, I would say that this slowly began to change.  With a body I was more proud to dress, I found myself wanting to take more pride in my appearance.  With this came an appreciation with updated fashion, which I took full advantage of.  Especially because I knew that my options would be limited in Uganda.  AKA skirts below the knee.  I found myself dressing nicer for work, nights out with my family and friends, and just in general.  These days are of the past and now hang in pictures that line the walls of my bohemian, romantic, concrete jungle house.  These days will not occur again for two years.

Little did I know the wonder of Chacos…

For those who know me, I don’t own stilettos for the simple fact that’d I break my ankle if I tried to walk.  Instead I wear Forever 21, 3-inch heels with Dr. Scholl’s insoles because they are so incredibly uncomfortable.  But they get the job done when you need a night out on the town or have Christmas services to attend to.  I stole the catchy title of this particular blog post from a PC friend, whose blog is titled such.  And she can rock stilettos!

Anyway, do a Google Image search for “Chacos” if you don’t know what they look like.  They are not the most fashionable footwear out there but when living in Uganda, fashion is not high on the priority list as much as, “sustainable, grassroots development work.” 

I only wore my Chacos once before leaving for Peace Corps.  I was with my Mamasita and her best friend.  We went out to go and eat Pho and see the movie Footloose.  I remember when we left the house my Mom glanced at my feet.  That was it.  She didn’t even have to say a word for me to know that she was thinking, “You are wearing those.  Out of the house?”  My outfit wasn’t completely outrageous.  I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt.  Shocking, huh?  I explained that I wanted to break them in.  Secretly, I wanted to know what outfits they wouldn’t look completely ridiculous in.  Apparently jeans and a t-shirt were out of the picture.

Fast forward ten months later.  I wear my Chacos everywhere and with everything!  I wear them with skirts, shorts, dresses, and jeans.  I wear them to town, to the club, and the market.  I wear them in the sun and in the rain.  I wear them when I hike.  These shoes/sandals are freaking incredible!  The best support in the world.  Prepare yourself family and friends… Come August 2014, this is what I will wear when I step off that plane and will continue to wear when we find ourselves at Finnegan’s on a Saturday night or Sam’s the following morning. 

Now go on… Get out there and try on, or better yet, buy a pair and reap from the benefits!  I forgot to mention the best part.  The tan lines.