This blog is dedicated to my best friend from high school, Cindy, who has always judged my boyfriends by the shoes they wear.  Once, when the late love of my life owned a pair of those practical snowboots that fastened with velcro, she asked me if I was sure I wasn't dating a retarded guy.  Yikes. 

Once inside, Cindy would find it hard to leave JL Esso, located on the lower level of the Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota.  I was struck by how beautiful the shoes and the displays were.  The only reason I went to the mall was to pick up some contact lenses, but I had to walk past this store twice, because I had never seen such shoes.

There I stood in my hideous $20 penny loafers imagining what kind of person would shop at JL Esso.  In defense of my hideous shoes, it should be noted they are real leather.  I have my standards.  The prices were lower than I had expected, with men's shoes starting a less than $100 and women's shoes around $65.

The charming proprietor, Lawrence Esso, a native of Cameroon,West Africa advised me that his customers are fashion-forward, trendy, young men and women typically between 20 to 35 years of age who enjoy going to clubs.  OK.  So that leaves me out.  But it didn't stop me from admiring his beautiful wares. 

So here's to you Cindy.  There are more photos in the Twin Cities Shopping photo album.  Enjoy.