a stroke of fabulosity: ♡ new shoes of 2014: Charlotte Olympia, Valentino, Chloe, Frye, Lanvin, and Burberry ♡

Browsing Instagram has taught me one thing - people are willing to spend big bucks on high heels. The amount of red bottoms I can count (wistfully, I might add) dispersed throughout my feed is almost unseemly. For a long time, I wondered if people somehow managed to walk around in heels all day. But no - after further discussion, I have garnered that people find designer heels to be a worthier investment than designer flats, and would much rather purchase the former. Alas, through much painful trial and error, I have concluded that heels are not for me. Don't get me wrong - I love a manageable heel. My Rag & Bone Durham boots and Acne Pistols are perfectly comfortable. I just don't see the point of buying lots of pairs of heels when I know they won't get much wear (from me, that is). A good flat shoe, however, will serve me for many years! I purchased quite a few flats so far this year, so here they are.

I. Charlotte Olympia Kitty/Cat Loafers

♡ shop this style ♡

The first pair of shoes I purchased this year was from Charlotte Olympia - the infamous kitty flats/loafers. Worn by bloggers, models, and celebs, these have been a cult favorite for a long time now. I always loved them but couldn't quite justify the $695 price tag. A designer shoe boutique near me had a sale and these were included - I got them for $300. My favorite touches are probably the gold heel and the golden spiderweb on the sole.

I got these in a 39, though I could've gotten the 39.5. The 39.5 was wider for some reason, so I got the 39.

Styling possibilities:

Bloggers/celebs in the Charlotte Olympias:

images via http://www.melelle.com.au/2013/02/20/outfit-post-charlotte-olympia-kitty-flats/

Alexa Chung, via http://www.styleinc.com.au/

via Tumblr

images via vivaluxury.blogspot.com

via http://styleblog.ca/tag/charlotte-olympia/page/2/

II. Chloé Ballerina Flats in black

The Saks Friends & Family sale and the $75 gift card to Saks burning a hole in my pocket spurred me to purchase these long-coveted Chloe ballerina flats. These are probably the most darling shoes I have ever owned.

Shown with a vintage Louis Vuitton Monceau in monogram

I love animal shoes, but these Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats are ridiculously uncomfortable :(

Styling possibilities:

I originally wanted these darlings in pink, but they look oh-so-delicate and I feared I would scuff them up.

Image via http://snippetandink.com/garden-party-wedding-at-laguna-gloria/?crlt.pid=camp.HrOhq9srMvm3

Image via http://www.joellenlove.com/

III. Burberry flats in python

I found these at a secondhand shop but I wasn't quite sure if I needed them, but I've already worn them several times and they're incredibly comfortable and chic. They go well with quite a lot, too. These were $47.50.

IV. Lanvin flats in turquoise python

Can you believe these were originally a whopping $1150? I got them for about 70% off at Century 21. I've wanted a pair of Lanvin flats for quite some time and I couldn't resist these python ones. I already have Ferragamo Varinas in this Tiffany blue shade, but it's one of my favorite colors.

Olivia Palermo in python flats

Image via fabsugar.com

Ashley Tisdale in Christian Louboutin python flats

Image via thetrenddiaries.com

V. Valentino Rockstud flat sandals in neon pink

When it comes to shoes, Valentino has my heart. So many Valentino shoes are still on my wish list....
I wanted these rockstud sandals specifically in neon pink with gold studs. The neon stands out so nicely. I've taken a liking to neon colors lately, and these sandals have those irresistible signature Valentino studs.

I'm also loving this other rockstud style in nude and black.

via Pinterest

My Valentino babies ♡

Trying on shoes at Bergdorf's ♡

Outfit possibilities, styled with Joie blouses, a Juicy Couture skirt, and a MbMJ skirt

VI. Frye Heather Huarache Flats in cognac

I think these flats are the perfect carefree summer shoe. The weaving is beautiful, albeit sturdy, and the cognac color goes so nicely with almost everything.

What the Fryes look like modeled:
(photos from http://stylememontana.com/2013/05/16/bubble-gum-pink/)

Next on my shoe shopping list are two pairs of booties, some espadrilles, and perhaps some sandals. My shopping strategy is to pick out things I love when the season begins, try them on and assert the best size, then wait for them to go on sale. I didn't pay full price for any of the shoes I purchased. I think the only shoes I have ever paid full price for are my Chanel espadrilles!