the christmas break has given me lots of extra time to focus on my two favorite fall/winter sports: football and shopping. because *MY* football team won't be taking the field until january 4th, i've been forced to spend the majority of my break indulging in my second favorite pastime. i can honestly say i've seen the inside of a mall each and every day of christmas break, and while the massive, churning holiday crowds would deter or at least dishearten any other shopper, i only gain strength from the mall's magical powers.

i forgot a few things about the mall, or about interacting with people outside of my little world down on the OU campus. apparently, people who aren't in college tend to dress up a bit more before they go out in public. they also tend to wear makeup. they accessorize. they deodorize. they shower.

naturally, i rose to the challenge. anticipating the inevitable run-in with 10 to 15 former high school friends, i decided to settle for nothing less than sexiful each and every time i headed to the mall. today, which involved a few short errands with mom, was no exception.

but my killer college style went largely unnoticed throughout our trip until we were about to leave our local abercrombie. as lauren's newly-appointed personal shopper, i stood in line at a&f grasping the perfect gift (one which says "i love you until someone better, prettier, or with a nicer car comes along") for her boyfriend of the week of the day. as i stepped to the counter, i felt the heat of little beady eyes glaring down upon me.

or at least, down upon my shoes. a crowd had formed around me, a crowd of five fabulously dressed women who were gazing intently at my beautiful new pink pumps courtesy of the nine west christmas sale.

"your shoes.." one of them murmured.

"those are so pretty!" exclaimed another.

finally, a third girl bent down to pet them. on hands and knees, she stroked my shoes with gentle care and adoration.

of course, she didn't have far to descend. my group of shoe admirers were all about 5 years old. sexy, indeed. apparently i have finally reached the very pinnacle of kindergarten style. and i achieved this great feat not with velcro-enhanced creations but with two very pointy, very pink, very tres chic HOTT and sexy grown-up pumps. or so i thought.

oh yes, i have arrived. and wearing shoes that only barbie-lovers could fully appreciate.