
UK-based author and master of light-hearted contemporary fiction Emilija Pavlovikj has released a two-part series, Stories from the Shoe Store, that combines modern day romance with insider fashion anecdotes and style advice. Protagonist Elena takes center stage in both volumes: Men and Other Hot Fashion Accessories and Little Black Dress and Big Expectations.
The gist? Elena is a fashion-forward woman in her late 20s who works in a shoe store and wears iconic pieces that go beyond trends. Picture rooftop rosé and all the gossip on her clients’ lives. Readers come along for the ride as Elena navigates a whirlwind romance, while helping friends evaluate their own.
The novels are structured as a memoir-turned-fashion-guide, respite with practical beauty tips, style insights, and European travel. Since the books revolve around shoes, author Emilija Pavlovikj was happy to provide Footwear Plus readers a little taste of the narrative.
Excerpt, Stories From the Shoe Store: Men and Other Hot Fashion Accessories, Chapter 10
To my immense surprise, my friend’s new boyfriend, the potential father of her future children, unexpectedly walked into the store. Trying to maintain a facade of nonchalance, I could sense he picked up on my surprise. Without wasting a moment, he hastened to clarify the reason for his impromptu visit.
‘I wanted to surprise Sophia with a small gift, and I know she loves shoes, but you understand her taste better,’ he explained. ‘So… will you please help me out?’
‘Absolutely. I’d be delighted to assist you in selecting the perfect gift for my best friend, and I hope to win you over as a valued client as well,’ I responded warmly, seizing the opportunity to foster loyalty to ours. ‘Have you shopped with us before?’
I quickly recalled Sophia’s instructions not to pose any questions to him, but he surprised me by confidently responding to the query.
‘Not directly,’ he replied, glancing around. ‘But my assistant has come in for me a few times, though. Does that count?’
‘Oh, I see. Well, we’re pleased to have you here today. Welcome!’ I greeted with as much cheer as I could muster, given the awkwardness of the situation. ‘Sophia usually snags the shoes she likes the moment our shipment arrives, so you’re fortunate that she hasn’t seen the few models we received last week. For her, I’d recommend any of these three options,’ I gestured towards a pair of Italian–made shimmering gold–toned one–strap sandals, crystal twist sandals also in gold, and white patent leather mules.
‘I like them all. Which ones do you think she will wear the most?’ he inquired, looking entirely clueless.
‘Maybe these,’ I lifted the pair of mules, squinting to thoroughly analyse the shoes that would soon become a gift for my best friend. ‘Or these… I don’t know. I think between these two pairs, she wouldn’t be able to decide either.’
‘You’re doing a good job. I’ll take both. Size 38, right?’ he asked.
‘Correct,’ I responded, genuinely impressed that he had committed her shoe size to memory.
Despite my unspoken curiosity, I refrained from asking the multitude of questions swirling in my mind. Why didn’t he send his assistant this time? Who was his assistant? And more intriguingly, who were the shoes he had purchased in the past intended for? Was he the enigmatic businessman who frequently acquired shoes in various sizes? Or was he someone who had visited once or twice, escaping my attention? All the men who had ever set foot in the store became suspects in my mind. His assistant could even be a woman. Generally, I preferred not to pry into other people’s affairs, but when it concerned my best friend, it unquestionably became my business.
For every question I asked in my head, my instinctual answer was if my friend is happy, I am happy for her. Nothing else mattered. On the other hand, though, would she still be happy knowing that her new boyfriend was potentially purchasing shoes for several other women? Was there anything for her to know in the first place, or was I being paranoid? I didn’t have any facts. I only had questions. The situation I was in became more complicated because I didn’t want to ask my friend or the person in question for clarification. I was debating with myself and realised that someone with something to hide might have lied about whether their assistant visited our boutique. However, not everyone is good at covering their tracks. In my optimistic view of humanity, I leaned towards the belief that his assistant could have been buying gifts for employees or business associates, perhaps even for other women. Yet, I was inclined to think that there were no other women in the picture since meeting my friend. This assumption led me to speculate that he had personally come to select shoes for her, bypassing the assistance of his usual delegate. This was the story I chose to trust, and I had no intention of voicing my doubts to my friend.