Don't click off, I have enjoyed your little venting!
I actually started thinking of getting Vans lately (I will be 35 in a few months), never had a pair but I cycle everywhere and it would be nice to have a pair of shoes which are comfortable enough for cycling but still look cool with black trousers and a nice top, or a dress! I think Vans are excellent with dresses, especially midis and maxis.
G's comment about pot washers was just mean and snobbish, also I think most kitchen staff wear leather (real or vegan) boots for health and safety, and not Vans! Also can you imagine spiling something and ruining them?
They're not the cheapest shoes.
And you are so right about not buying from high street. By the sheer amount of stuff she has, you can tell that she could afford things from niche brands, but I think the problem is, she doesn't know what she likes, and how to express herself through clothes so she will never go and do research into independent, unique brands.