These are, hands down, the most comfortable stilettos I have ever owned. Now comfortable for stilettos isn’t the same as comfortable for bunny slippers, but still. These are major.

Dolce & Gabbana fuchsia suede peep toes, perched delicately atop my Hermes Fleurs de l’Opera foulard.

I know, as a photographer I make an excellent fashion writer. What I don’t know is HOW Dolce and Gabbana make these darn things so comfortable.

My feet are just over 4.2″ wide ( the so-called average foot is about 3.6″) and while most shoes I bring home require stretching and a breaking-in period wherein I suffer for my art, I plucked these off the floor at Neiman’s, adjusted the buckle –actually I added another hole in the right one since that foot is wider–  popped them on my feet and happily wore them for 6 hours the next day.

Now I know there’s a recession on, and we’re all pinching our pennies, but if you CAN swing it, I really really REALLY suggest picking these up.

These are shoes you’re going to have for the rest of your life.

They’re amazing now, they’ll be amazing when you’re 60.  Sexy but not TOO sexy, and classic without being dull. This is investment shopping, and they are on sale. Go get ‘em.

They’re Balloafers!

I’m telling you right now I’m a huge, HUGE fan of the elasticized flat. Always have been, always will be, but my problem with them is they’re often SO flat they’re not as comfortable as something with a teensy bit of lift. It looks like these have a split leather sole and I particularly like the curve of the breast of the heel, it’s not just a little stack. The hardware is nice too, it looks like a loose snaffle bit, but not in a way that tries to imitate Gucci, which I appreciate.

Incidentally, if you can’t afford an Hermes “mors ring” scarf ring (pictured here on the lovely and talented MaiTai, whose blog is nothing short of a delight) do yourself a solid and pick up a pony or miniature horse snaffle bit. You can use it in the same way and even in sterling silver, it will cost you a tenth of what a Mors ring would.

Beautiful, non?

Loafers are available in pink, celery and a lovely sort of azure (sizes all limited) they’re from Raparo and are made in Italy, on sale for $79.