Michelle McDowell Hot Pink Raffia Fringe Mules | Size 10 Pointed Toe Flats

She was bright. She was vibrant. They hung her on the tree for a “special occasion.” For a moment, she believed it meant something— that she was part of the celebration, that she belonged there, that maybe she was wanted. Isn’t that all anyone wants? To be included. To feel like they matter in the room. But then the “special occasion” began. One by one, they took turns swinging at her— not gently, not thoughtfully, but they hit her so hard it was clear she was disposable to them. Blindfolds make that easier. She hit the ground the way anything does after they’d gotten what they wanted out of her. Split. Scattered. Stomped all over. They didn’t check on her — they never do. She was used for cheap candy and a few seconds of amusement. They forgot she’d ever hung there in the first place. But this is not the end of this story. She gathered all her pieces herself— her fringe, her sparkles— and stitched herself back together. Not the same, but better. Stitched herself into a pair of shoes that could walk away. And she left them all blindfolded, swinging at the air. She decided no one would ever use her again. Then she straightened her pink fringe and kept on walking. Michelle McDowell · Size 10 · Hot Pink Raffia Fringe Mules · Pointed Toe · Greek-Key Trim · Excellent/Like New feminine · fringe with boundaries · confetti with standards · fringe-was-never-for-you ·not-your-candy core· too-worthy-to-hang core· statement mules maximalist style · not your piñata core