I love pumps.

No, I really freaking love pumps.

There’s just something about slipping them on — even with a plain tee and jeans — that instantly makes you feel like that girl. Throw on a blazer and a good bag, and suddenly you look like a million bucks.

Pumps elevate everything.

They don’t just change your outfit — they change your energy.

And if you’ve worked in corporate America long enough, you know the pump-hoarding life. I’ve spent over a decade collecting them — often in sets: one pair of pumps plus the matching bag. Think Olivia Pope energy for those who remember the Scandal era — fierce, clean, bossed up.

They’re now stacked in every color — red suede, patent nude, purple satin.

Low block heels. Sky-high stilettos. Designer and department store.

I could probably hold a summit just with my own shoe closet.

And while most of my colleagues in this male-dominated field are just fine with polos and comfy sneakers, I still believe in power dressing — even if it’s just for me. The challenge, of course, is that 40-plus-year-old Avonne isn’t sacrificing comfort all day just to look fabulous. I’m a mom, building a movement, managing a career — my feet need to function too.

That’s what makes this week’s Closet Chronicles feel personal.

I’m trying on some of my favorite — and forgotten — pumps to decide what’s staying, what’s going, and which ones I’ll keep hoarding even if y’all vote them out. (Spoiler: I’m keeping the green satin ones. Period.)

Why Do We Keep Buying Pumps?

Let’s be honest — pumps are a symbol.

A weapon. A flex. A little hit of beauty in an otherwise beige workday.

There’s history here too. Women began wearing heels to project elegance and authority in the workforce as early as the 1940s. Decades later, nothing quite replaces that click clack feeling — the sound of a woman who knows she owns the room.

But real talk? Pumps aren’t always practical — especially if you’re petite.

The Problem with Pumps (When You’re Petite)

• Sizing is off: Narrow heels slip off; toe boxes pinch
• Proportions are wrong: The arch placement throws off your posture
• They’re too stiff: You feel cute, until you can’t walk
• They visually shorten your frame if the vamp is high, the heel is chunky, or the toe is too round

And yet… we keep them. Why?

Because sometimes, feeling powerful beats feeling practical.

🖤 My Personal Go-To Pumps

Let’s talk favorites:

• Boss Black Patent Heel — The OG. You can’t tell me anything when I wear these. My favorite are Jimmy Choos
• Natural Skin-Tone Pump — For me, it’s the perfect “long leg” illusion pump
• Animal Print — Don’t even ask me to give these away.
• Fun Metallics — Because why not?

You’ll see all of them in this week’s Closet Chronicles try-on.

✂️ Let Go If:

• The arch still hurts after 30 minutes
• You can’t walk confidently in them
• They don’t match your current lifestyle

You keep saying, “I might wear them again someday…”

What You’ll See in This Week’s Closet Chronicles

I’m trying on each of these pairs — and taking you through the real ones I’ve kept for years, the impulse buys I’m on the fence about, and the ones I might need your help letting go of.

Inside the community, you’ll also get:

• A downloadable version of The Petite Pump Capsule Checklist
• A peek at how I match pumps to bags, outfits, and mood
• A poll: How many pumps do you actually own?
• Bonus: my favorite petite-friendly brands for perfect proportions

Your Turn

Drop your favorite pump pic, brand recommendation, or comment in the Closet Chronicles thread. Do you love them? Avoid them? Hoard them? We’re talking about all of it.