No yikes! Fashion bravery = success! Red shoes are great for a pop of color and those flats are absolutely adorable!

What? No chickening out, those are fabulous! I've been looking for some really bright red flats myself.

super cute, keep!

Mae, these are gorgeous. Please keep them. I'm curious what your concerns are specifically?

You are all so brave. Here's my deal: I wear black shoes. Slight to moderate heel, nice, but not very interesting. Occasionally I'll slip into brown. It's safe that way. Red is SO not my usual style that it's freaking me out a bit. The pewter/black patent Me Toos that April gave me last month almost threw me over the edge, but I pushed through the fear and now I have seen them work and they are a welcome addition. :) I just can't imagine being brave enough to don a pair of red shoes now that they are a reality and sitting in my closet. BRIGHT red shoes. So, I wanted to check if this reticence is simply my fear speaking (shouting may be more appropriate) or if there was something dreadfully wrong with the shoe itself. Does this help explain my reluctance, Sihaya?

Mae, You are funny, I so understand. These are super cute...just keep the rest of your outfit subtle and more neutral...enjoy these, you will get tons of compliments. Shoes are a great place for that pop of color:)

Hee hee - like sister, like sister. I also have a fear of bright red, as you know. :) These are very cute, though, and I think you should at least keep them in the closet for a week while you think of things that will go with them. Jeans would be a good start, since they will cover part of the shoe and make the bright color less overt.

Then I think you should find an outfit that includes these shoes and post it as part of Hanna's "without fear" challenge. For inspiration, take a look at Angie's outfit here http://youlookfab.com/2009/07/.....hong-kong/

My own bright red handbag is on its way and when it arrives, we'll see if I can put my money where my mouth is... :)

I don't think there's anything wrong with the shoe themselves! You need to consider whether they fit with your style goals -- either current or what you're working with. I think if they are too far out of your comfort zone, or if you have nothing to wear them with, you won't wear them very often. But it's definitely fun to try something new!

They are such beautiful shoes. I hope you keep them and enjoy them everytime you wear them.
I am definately into stepping out of my comfort zone these days. I want to have fun with style. I think I m finally getting brave enough to go ahead and do it. Don't we just love YLF for the encouragment. I'm so glad you have joined us here too.

Mae, if the shoes are comfy, I say keep them. I'm a huge proponent of red footwear :D

I was apprehensive about my first red flats - and then they became one of my favorite pairs of shoes ever. Try them with jeans or pants, neutral outfits. You mentioned how you were initially worried about the pewter Me Toos, and ended up liking them. I say you're ready for red shoes! Have fun!

I love those shoes. They are a little bit Minnie Mouse but I would wear them in an instant. I had a red shoe years ago which I wore until they fell apart. I loved to wear them with jeans and a bretton style top or an all black ensemble.

I love that you have embraced something new.

I would wear them around the house for a few days until you feel brave enough to venture out.

I LOVE red shoes and those are a particularly gorgeous pair, another case of shoe envy here x

The shoes are adorable! One thing I discovered, when I tried on bright red flats, is that they draw the eye--right to your feet. When you wear them, you may want to try a couple of different things:

Wear jeans or pants in darker, neutral colors that are long enough to let them peep out--that way you get a hint of their color, just enough to tease the eye rather than overwhelm it.

Wear them with a dress that also draws the eye--because of the intense color of the shoes, I'd suggest something that has visual interest in the cut rather than the color. You could also try a necklace that pulls the eye to balance the visual pull of the shoes.

Have fun with your bright red shoes! Some colors are just fun to wear, and this is definitely one of them!

Adorable flats! You should have no fear of wearing them. Now you need a turquoise purse to carry when you wear them :)

I love those shoes!! I am searching for red flats and was looking at that exact pair. They look so cute on you. I haven't ordered any yet, though, because I'm a little bit fearful about red shoes too. I bought a pair of hot pink shoes a few years ago and wore them once or twice and then they've been sitting in my closet. I think that you should keep them for a few weeks, but if you don't wear them, return them. No reason to create a closet orphan.

Hmm... still in a quandary on this one.

This link has one line that stood out to me:
http://shoes.lovetoknow.com/Red_Shoes
"When choosing your red shoes, remember that a very bright red can look a little cheap. Deeper, more earthy tones, on the other hand, are easier to work with, and create a more classic look."

Maybe this is one issue I'm having... and maybe I should have started with something more toward the "garnet" side of red.

Like these: http://www.zappos.com/product/7371547/color/1141
or: http://www.zappos.com/product/7484500/color/3828

Of course these are way more expensive- the bright reds in my closet were a steal. (But I especially love the ones in the second link above...)

Cciele- thanks for pointing out the style goal issue... I will pursue this line of thought and try to get a handle on what my goals actually are. That might help! ;)

Thanks for the suggestions on how to wear these... I love the idea of having them "peek out" and think I might be able to handle that.

April- shoes vs. handbag... at least you can choose to leave your handbag in the car if you chicken out. Shoes are more of a commitment. :)

Oh I love them! Please keep them and try them with lots of different clothes.

Squeelove! They will look darling with smart denim and a knit top or girly top. Red shoes go with so many things. I agree that BRIGHT red can have the possibility to look cheap sometimes, but not in an understated little ballet flat. And I don't think yours are over-bright to begin with. Keep!

You've gotten great advice from everyone, Mae. I just have to encourage you that bright red does not always mean cheap - I think choosing a bright red is fun and your color choice will "speak" of your nature, to an extent. :) Have fun with your shoes!

They're adorable! They look great with the jeans you're wearing in the picture. I agree with April - listen to your sister! Use them in an outfit for the No Fear challenge.

Mae, I was so once there with you. And I'm a total red shoe convert now. In fact, I get so frustrated when I have to wear my boring browns and basic blacks. Please, please try to make them work. They are lovely. However, I do second the thought from cciele about figuring out your style goals. If these reds don't fit your style goal, find some that do. Red shoes are fabulous!

Please keep the red shoes. I do not find them overly bright or tacky, in fact they're super cute!