I’ve always said you’re either a shoe person or a handbag person—and me? I’ve been firmly in Camp Shoe since I could walk. Shoes are art for the feet. They tell stories, change moods, and hold memories of where we’ve been. Nursing shoes didn’t exactly offer much room for creativity (unless you count how fast I could slip them off at the end of a shift), so I built a wardrobe full of everything else—heels, boots, flats, you name it.
The name A Gypsy in High Heels came to me during a writing retreat in Ubud, Bali. We were all introducing ourselves, and as I rambled through my love of travel, history, research, and beautiful shoes, I blurted it out without thinking. “I’m a gypsy in high heels,” I said—and it just… fit. I’ve moved so many times that I never quite know how to answer the question, “Where are you from?” Six months here, six years there. Home has always felt temporary. But that name—those words—felt like home. It was the first time I gave myself permission to see the wandering, wondering version of me as something whole and worthy, not just in-between.
Maybe the shoes have always known the path, even when I didn’t.
The Midlife Magic, Missteps & Coffee-Fueled Dreams
Hey there, I’m Anita—lover of shoes, coffee, travel, and all things a little bit woo or mystic. If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re a dreamer, a wanderer, or maybe just looking for a good laugh while figuring out how to navigate this rollercoaster we call life. Welcome, friend!
Confession time: A Gypsy in High Heels may be a bit aspirational these days. I’m smack dab in the middle of midlife, and my shoe collection has slowly transitioned from stilettos to sandshoes and orthotics (glamorous, I know). But hey, a woman can dream—and I’m still dreaming big.
This blog is my creative outlet, my safe space, and my love letter to all the incredible women out there. It’s about embracing the messy, magical middle, finding our passion and purpose, and creating lives we love—whether that’s in heels, flats, or barefoot on the beach.
What’s this blog all about?
👠 Sharing what I’ve learned from my own journey, including the missteps (pun intended). ✈️ Inspiring you to explore—whether that’s the world, your creativity, or your own potential. ✨ Adding a dash of woo-woo magic because life is more fun when you leave room for the universe to surprise you.
Truthfully, life hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Like many women, I’ve faced some big transitions, and let’s just say my path has been more scenic detour than straight line. But every bump in the road has taught me something valuable—and I’m here to pass those lessons along with humour, heart, and a healthy dose of coffee-fueled optimism.
When I’m not writing, you’ll likely find me sipping coffee (okay, guzzling it), daydreaming about my next adventure, or trying to convince myself that supportive shoes can still be cute. (It’s a work in progress.)
Here’s my hope: That A Gypsy in High Heels feels like a conversation with a friend—a place where you’re reminded it’s never too late to chase your dreams, reinvent yourself, or buy the shoes that make you feel like a boss (even if they’re sneakers).
So, here’s to walking this wild, wonderful journey together, no matter what’s on your feet. Thanks for being here—you’re what makes this blog a joy to write.
10 Things You Might Not Know About Me
✈️ I got thrown off a train in Frankfurt for having the wrong ticket—and hitchhiked to Strasbourg to catch the right one. (Don’t tell Mum.)🌪️ I camped through a hurricane in Rome. Yes, camping. In a hurricane. In Rome.
🗺️ I got lost in Salzburg because I followed the wrong mountain home. Should’ve just looked at a map.
🍦 I ate ice cream during a blizzard in Winnipeg, Canada. Because… of course.
🧭 I never take a road trip without at least one unplanned U-turn. It’s basically tradition.
🔮 I read tarot cards and practice Reiki—I believe the universe always has something to say.
📜 I have a deep love of history, especially the dusty, forgotten corners.
👠 I believe shoes are a legitimate form of self-expression. The louder, the better.
💍 I gave up travelling solo around Australia at 50—and got married instead.
✨ I still believe magic shows up when you leave room for it.
P.S. Yes, there are more stories. Maybe over coffee sometime.
She wasn’t lost. She was just on a path not found on any map.
