it never hurts to ask.

If I learned one thing growing up, it was that it never hurts to ask-- and, that most prices are a bit flexible. My dad is a master at bargaining. I remember being embarrassed as a teenager when he would go haggle prices, trying to duck behind racks and isles in the process.

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This came to my mind when I spotted a pair of shoes on clearance for $10 (normally, $60!) at the shoe shop a few weeks ago. They were adorable yellow 40's style peep toe high heels with red cherries on them. I instantly fell in love-- until I saw the size. Size 6! Sadly, I set them back on the shelf-- knowing that I would never squeeze these step-sister gunboats of mine into a Cinderella sized opening. As I glumly made my way down-down-down the isle to the 10's (my size) I watched the shoe racks like a flip-book. The boxes gradually grew bigger and bigger, as did the shoes... becoming more clown-like in the process. I almost gave up as an all too familiar scene rattled around in my brain. Shoes look cuter in the smaller sizes... all too many times I have fallen in love with a shoe only to find that the extra materials needed to make it Sasquatch sized have ruined the whole look and design of it. Not only that, but I have been cursed with narrow arches, which makes the extra fabric and straps fall deflated and lifeless on my skinny foot.

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But then, I spotted them! The exact same style of shoe, in a vintage floral print. Same peep toe, same snappy bows, same cork heels but a size 9 and a half!--- but the clearance price tag read $30.

This is exactly when I conjured up memories of childhood. I gathered up the two boxes and marched right up to the front of the store to resolve this shoe issue once and for all!

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The teenage sales associate looked at me funny as I presented my offer. All I wanted was the $10 price that was tagged on the other shoe. They were the same style, the only difference was the color. Without saying a word, the cashier picked up both boxes and started scanning, typing, and snapping his gum. "We're trying to get rid of these shoes." He paused, "So, since you are asking, I will give them to you for $5."

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VICTORY!

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But, I stayed calm... game face, game face. "Can I still use my 20% off coupon?" I rummaged around in my purse.

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"Sure..."

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The total came out to $4 and change.

They hurt like heck, but for $4, I'll suffer through the pain.