Appeal to the Hivemind: The Back-to-School Edition

[sabotabby]

Things that I find ridiculously hard to buy

Shoes that are:
• Comfortable enough to walk in every day
• Cheap enough that I won't cry if I get a scuff mark on them
• Not pointy
• Not high-heeled
• Cute

A bag or purse that:
• Is big enough to fit the following items: Book, glasses, contact solution, wallet with too many cards in it, keys, address book, agenda book
• Is totally waterproof, not just water-resistant
• Is not leather
• Is not a stupid shape
• Has a shoulder strap
• Will not fall apart a month after I buy it

A clock radio that:
• Has good enough reception to get CBC
• Is small enough to fit on my night stand
• Has numbers large enough for me to read at a distance of about a foot without my glasses on
• Is not ridiculously complicated to use
• Is cheap
• Looks reasonably nice

Do they seriously not make this sort of thing? I mean, I can blame the lack of cute non-high-heeled shoes and practical purses on the patriarchy, but the clock radio thing is just weird. The best one I found so far was made by Chinese spies or something, but I don't really need surveillance capabilities in an alarm clock.*

Is it me or are these items that difficult to acquire?

* Admittedly, that's fucking cool.

Comments

[funnel101.livejournal.com]

I am currently using a shoulder bag I got from thehungersite as a purse. I haven't submersed it in water to see if it's waterproof, but I've been outside with it during serious rain and not had anything in it get wet. It is not leather, is large enough for what you want to put in it, and has a shoulder strap. I've only had it for one month or so, but it seems to be holding up well. As for a stupid shape, I don't really feel I can judge that.

Here's a link, if you're curious: https://shop.thehungersite.com/store/item.do?itemId=25633&siteId=220&sourceId=36&sourceClass=Category&index=41

[sabotabby]

Oooh! That's close to what I'm looking for, though bags tend to be one of those few things (like shoes) that I generally won't buy online. Though it's cheap enough that I might try it.

I like this one too:
https://shop.thehungersite.com/store/item.do?itemId=26914&siteId=220&sourceId=36&sourceClass=Category&index=8
but I don't know if it's waterproof.

By "stupid shapes," I mean those bags that seem to be incredibly popular lately for reasons I can't fathom—they're either vaguely triangular or croissant-shaped, which means that they take up a lot of visual space but don't actually fit anything. Not even a paperback. I don't know why designers keep making them, other than out of the misguided belief that most women don't carry anything but a lipstick and a few tampons.

[funnel101.livejournal.com]

I'd definitely give it a shot. Plus, you'd be like feeding people too. :P It's a very comfortable bag in general (though the cell phone thingy really gets annoying fast; you may just want to keep your cell phone somewhere in the bag); you can fit a lot in it and it really distributes the weight well so the bag doesn't feel heavy.

Personally, I have my wallet, pocket calendar, two makeup bags full (one of "bathroom" stuff, one of medical stuff), two checkbooks, two small pocket-sized books, my epi-pen... And there's still room in it to fit one or two normal sized books.

[sabotabby]

This is promising. Of course, I give bonus points to good causes/union-made/sweatshop-free, etc., stuff.

I am one of the ten people in the developed world who doesn't own a cell phone. A cell phone pocket is a plus, though, because I sometimes stick pepper spray in there. ;)

[funnel101.livejournal.com]

Yeah; I also love that it has the hunger site logo on it. It gives me the opportunity to bring up that website with people who notice my purse at all.

Seriously, so far I'm very happy with it. I can fit so much stuff in it, but the weight distribution is so good that it actually feels lighter than its predecessor, which was smaller and held much less.

[auralarua.livejournal.com]

I like Merrell's and Earth Vegan shoes. Both of these brands make really comfortable kicks, from my experiences. The Earth shoes are sort of the opposite of high heels as the heel is actually a little lower then than the rest of the shoe. There's more info about that on the website. I think they're really comfy and seem to be good for me because I'm tall and they help me maintain my excellent posture. :] I think they sell Earth shoes at Whole Foods, so you could try them on first (if there one in your vicinity) to see if you dig them.

[sabotabby]

Hmm—the second link doesn't work. The first has some nice ones, though, and there is a Whole Foods in Toronto. Somewhere. There's also a vegan/fair trade shoe store which always has wicked sneakers (which I don't need) and on occasion has decent women's shoes.

[auralarua.livejournal.com]

The second link worked for me but I actually just noticed that the images aren't loading. Here's another. I wear the Earth vegan Pirouttes everywhere.

[joxn.livejournal.com]

I second the recommendation for both these brands. Merrells were my brand of choice for years, until I put on a pair of Earth loafers. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. http://www.earth.us

[funnel101.livejournal.com]

As for shoes, have you considered Crocs?

[sabotabby]

I try not to think about Crocs.

[funnel101.livejournal.com]

Ah well. I haven't tried them yet myself, but have heard they're a godsend for anyone with foot issues.

[sabotabby]

I don't really have foot issues. My shoe problems boil down to being a hardcore pedestrian (so the only shoes that I can reliably not destroy are Docs) and not being able to walk in heels. Which you wouldn't think would be a problem, but of course, it totally is.

My other shoe problem is that I love cute, femmey shoes, and they don't make enough of them with the above two specifications in mind.

[funnel101.livejournal.com]

Ah. Well, good luck.

Oh... have you considered medieval moccassins? They're probably too expensive and not cute enough, but thought I'd just toss out another suggestion... because I can. :P

[sabotabby]

I'd never heard of them, so I Googled. Cute as hell, but they look like they'd be a pain to take on and off.

[springheel-jack.livejournal.com]

I've always worn chucks, but they don't work for everyone. I put a Dr Scholl's insole in mine.

[auralarua.livejournal.com]

Nike bought them. :'[ I always wanted to wear 'em but my feet are too wide. I always opted for Vans instead.

[bike4fish.livejournal.com]

My prejudices against Crocs don't have much to do with the shoe - one of the founders, by all accounts from my friends who have had to deal with him, seems to have the "I'm rich, I can do anything I want" disease. In other words, he's an ass - although he does tip well. I wouldn't buy anything that might make him richer.

My 330 days a year made-in-Colorado animal free shoes are Chacos, but I suspect you might need something warmer in Toronto. But they are great for walking - I do a minimum of 3 miles a day in them and they work great for clambering up some moderately difficult trails up in the hills.

Many people rave about Earth Shoes, but the lower heel design is not for everyone.

[sabotabby]

Oh, definitely no sandals. It's already almost too cold. :(

[frandroid.livejournal.com]

Shoes that are:
I bought a pair of cute Converse-type shoes at Zellers yesterday for about $25(+tax). The comfort level is a bit dubious, but they were fine tonight. I find them slippery on wet tile (a serious problem working in a kitchen!) It's hard to beat the price though, even for this type of shoe, which has become way too trendy and thus pricey. As for cute, well one of my co-workers noticed them right away today, so there you go. :]

A bag or purse that is a bike messenger bag.

A clock radio that you will find at garage sales. There's a semi-permanent weekly garage sale across the street from our place on Saturdays, and across the Annex anyway. As for the reception, some radios come with that little antenna wire that can extend your range. If yours doesn't, a place like Honest Ed's might have it? They might have the whole clock too. :]

Oops, you said "looks reasonably nice". You might have to redecorate it yourself. ;]

[sabotabby]

I bought a pair of cute Converse-type shoes at Zellers yesterday for about $25(+tax).

Yes, I have something like this. Very cute, and Smurf blue. Comfort is generally problematic after awhile, though, and they get downright sketchy in inclement weather.

A bag or purse that is a bike messenger bag.

Any recommendations?

A clock radio that you will find at garage sales.

I've been thinking that. I don't think they made the sort I like after around 1970. Fuckers.

[frandroid.livejournal.com]

they get downright sketchy in inclement weather.

They're not dirty enough ;]

As for the bike msgr bag, no, although MEC might be a good place for the general type of bag you're looking for.

[seaya.livejournal.com]

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11033593

That is the clock radio I have. It's inexpensive but not dirt cheap, but it's neat because you can set two different alarms and make them buzz or radio or a tune, and it has an internal battery in the event of a power outage. Also it has a nice understated glow to it. You could probably find it on sale somewhere.

[sabotabby]

That was one of the ones that I looked at today. But it looked complicated (a bunch of small buttons that look the same) and wouldn't match my decor. I should probably give up on finding one that'll look good in my room, but mine is still mostly working, so I haven't given up yet.

I'm surprising myself at how picky I'm being about this. It's out of character.

[seaya.livejournal.com]

It's not complicated. You just turn the alarm on, change the setting to radio and change the time. That's really it. After that you don't need to touch any buttons expect the daylight savings button twice a year, the snooze button when you want, and the alarm off button when you are ready to get up. It's really not complex.

Also, if matching your decor is part of your criteria, you'll be searching a loooooong time.

[seaya.livejournal.com]

http://www.nandahome.com/products.clocky.html

You could always scare the shit out of the cats ;).

[sabotabby]

That would scare the shit out of me!

[springheel-jack.livejournal.com]

I wonder if one of Grundig's many Yacht Boy radios might work.

[sabotabby]

*Googles*

Those are kind of awesome. They look like they could not only get CBC but also pick up signals from space.

[automaticdoor]

Have you tried ballet flats? I'm a professional pedestrian myself, and if you get one of the varieties with a good rubber sole, they're cute, not pointy, not high heeled, cheap, and hold up fairly well. Bonus points: they come in many colors and are vaguely fashionable.

[sabotabby]

Alas, I've found many that have looked good on me, and not one that I've actually found comfortable.

[ailleurs.livejournal.com]

I swear by Ecco shoes. They may be on the pricey side, but they hold up even under prolonged abuse and Irish weather. My pedestrian commute is upwards of 5K a day and I've still got pairs of Eccos going strong on their original heels and soles when other shoes would have long ago been consigned to the great shoe bin in the sky.

[billie0.livejournal.com]

I agree, best pair of shoes I ever had were Ecco. I wore them until the cat decided they'd make a good chew toy...

[sabotabby]

I have a pair, and they've lasted for awhile. But I'm not wild about them. My step-dad swears by Ecco, so it could just be me.

[billie0.livejournal.com]

Well, they aren't exactly overly feminine...

[esizzle.livejournal.com]

Walmart, they sell for less.

[auralarua.livejournal.com]

lolol

[herkyjerkydance.livejournal.com]

Have you considered one of the smaller bags from here? They're pricey, but very waterproof and pretty much indestructible. The boyfriend has a huge one that he carries everything in everywhere and he loves it.

And let me know when you solve the shoe problem. I'm also a hardcore pedestrian and my shoes tend to fall apart almost instantly. Sigh.

[sabotabby]

Those are pretty nice. Too expensive, though.

I will keep everyone updated on the shoe situation. It's a constant struggle.

[holy-chao.livejournal.com]

No recommendations; just wanted to say that I feel your pain. I've been trying to find a good pair of shoes now for *months*, and the only times I've managed to find something that fits my criteria, it never fucking fits. Either my feet are shrinking, or they are "vanity sizing" shoes now or something.

[sabotabby]

Oh God, I hope they don't start fucking with shoe sizes the way they've been doing with clothes. You'd think in an age where anyone could order clothes off the internet, they'd standardize sizes, but nooo.

[pluvka.livejournal.com]

i don't know what your budget is for shoes, but i'm a believer in spending as much as possible on them since comfort and quality are not at all cheap. i also don't know if you're looking for non leather shoes. but:
www.dansko.com
www.camper.com

i'm still trying to find good, roomy, STRONG bags that are also cute and are not messenger bags because they hurt. i'm probably the pickiest person ever.

[sabotabby]

I love Camper. But so expensive. And I'm glad I'm not alone with the bag thing.

[pluvka.livejournal.com]

my plan is to find out what my size is and get a pair off ebay that are gently used. they tend to be way cheaper AND i avoid buying new leather so it works out. i just have to find a store that carries camper so i can actually try them on.

i'm very annoying about bags, just ask shawn. it took me like 2 months to find a bag for school because i think most backpacks are so hideous i can't wear them. i'm not even sure that it's big enough, but oh well!

[lopukhov.livejournal.com]

That alarm clock: WANT