Small Feet, Big Dreams

Each time I canvass Manhattan, every store seems to be out of my size. The designers send only one pair, the clerks always tell me, and someone has beaten me to it.

Pari Chang, The New York Times

In New York, the city of everything, even a consumer’s most obscure desires can be satisfied. A litchi-nut martini from a former speakeasy. Gucci loafers for a newborn. A shearling bomber jacket for a potbellied dog. But Heaven help a girl like me who wears a size 5 shoe.

Each time I canvass Manhattan, every store seems to be out of my size. The designers send only one pair, the clerks always tell me, and someone has beaten me to it.

I’m tempted to pout, but that would be bratty and not at all practical. Instead, I resort to flattering the sales people. “Love the fragrance you’re wearing,” I say, fawning. “You obviously have great taste.” Then I slip them my card and conspire. “Call me the second the new collections arrive. I’ll hail a cab right over. Don’t sell the 5’s to anyone but me, O.K.?” As far as I’m concerned, we’ve got a deal…read more here.