SHOE SHINE BOY!

OH, SHOE SHINE BOY! SHOE SHINE, BOY!  A small bit of cartoon trivia for everyone who has a bank of useless cartoon information lodged in their brain for my 'search engine' purposes.  "UNDERDOG" - Shoe Shine Boy's heroic alter ego - and, mine now, too!

On a recent trip to Chicago I had the pleasure of experiencing, for the first time, a shoe shine.  Actually, a boot shine.  Shoe shines are not just for men anymore.  Move over!  Not only are we moving up the corporate ladder, but we are now pushing you aside on the shine chairs!  

With the cost of living over the past few decades burrowing holes deep into our purses [at least, mine] we, as women, find ways to ensure our luxuries and necessities have a longer survival rate.  Personally, this affects my shoes and boots lifelines.  I may scrimp on certain commodities, but I have a problem when it comes to passing on a gorgeous shoe or boot; boots, preferably.  I definitely have a boot problem.  I absolutely LOVE my boots.  It doesn't matter if I find a pair on sale for $50 or a fine Luchese for $1200. It is not uncommon to see me with holes in my leggings or jeans offset with a pair of very expensive boots. I take care of them until they fall apart and off my feet.  It's always a tragic and sad moment to send them off to a new home; or even worse, the trash.

Adjacent to the Starbucks coffee shop at the airport was a set of fine leather chairs and a shoe shine stand.  I sat in one of the cushy leather chairs while waiting for the tall soy no whip light foam mocha I had just ordered from the airport barista.  During this moment, I met Tom.  He said good morning to me and asked me if I wanted a, 'shine.'  He went on to explain that over the past few years he has had a growing number of women as customers.  He explained that women, as well, are wanting to protect their 'investment.'  Apparently, I am not alone in wanting to prolong the expense of quality leather footwear.  

              

Tom - My Boot Hero

Coincidentally, the day before I noticed my boots, of five years, were scuffed at the toe and needed a buff. Observing the time [because of my pending flight] which allowed for me to get a quick shine I hopped up onto the chair.  Tom, whose wife and mother own the business, have 180 shine chairs around the country, proceeded to discuss the process and needs of my boots. The process was similar to sitting with my hair stylist and discussing the needs of my hair.  A. What would look best?  Does the boot need a dye? Just a wax? How much of a shine?  Ectera.  



Timing did not permit for the 'works'  so, my boots received a good wax, buff and protective sheen against the pending snow in Chicago.  




Tom was awesome.  I recommend a him and a shine anytime. He's at Greene Airport in Rhode Island.  And, don't be afraid of the price.  It's not expensive as one may initially think.  He's my new Shoe Shine Boy and makes SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE!