Gah! I know the pain. I am having a hard time as my left toebox (only—not the heel, mind you) is a half-size wider and my feet are otherwise a little narrow, sooo… very few shoe
Best of luck! My department head has been donating some of her shoes to me since she is one size higher, and with her schedule she just does not have time for returns, even mailing. She's of a different mindset though, I think she goes for cheaper brands, quantity or quality. I go for quality, which takes longer to find, higher cost and less variety. I can tell sometimes by her looks that she would rather see me in pumps than Merrill's. But I only have one set of feet that need to last me till I'm 100yrs old. Heels will come with a higher profession, meetings and socials.
I need fitted silhouettes which are not in vogue, but I’m managing. Just buy-and-return on repeat. I may just pick up sewing again—might be a better use of my time and money better spe
Ann Taylor is my favorite for fitting. High end cosignment can be your friend too.
I save money a few ways. I aim for a 80-20 ratio for my wardrobe: 80% should work for all of my social dancing, work, and church activities and the 20% can be niche pieces that only work for one of those
Dancing is something I have not entered yet, but someday. Right now my wardrobe is divided between 3 closets - Side1 closet yardwork/running/gym wear/swimwear/snowplowing clothes
side 2 work clothes/dresses
Closet 2 - shopping and church clothes
Closet 3 - coats
Everything is switched out seasonally from totes.
I even have nap clothes - JCrew sweatpants (never worn outside the house, not even for mail).
try to get a lot of mileage out of what I buy.
My housework and yardwork clothes get so much mileage they have holes. I try to pass other clothes onto a friend's teenage daughter. A compliment to me since she's a fashionista that puts together the families wardrobe for photos.
if it doesn't fit? I want my money back, lol.
I've always been that way, I fight to the past cent. Many times with Amazon.
You are a rare one though and that you are able to sew. You have a lot more flexibility. My mother has always sewn, but I never picked that up. Doesn't mean I couldn't in the future