K/R: Kate Spade Shelly turquoise pumps (and FYI-size discrepancies)

I bought the Kate Spade Shelly pumps in turquoise and cobalt blue to compare (they are on Angie's list and 40% off).
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ka.....ltback=244

I bought the turquoise ones at the Kate Spade store (they had turquoise and pink) but they honored the Nordstrom sale price. I just got the cobalt ones delivered from Nordstrom and they are going back. For some reason, even though they are the same size as the turquoise ones, they are much longer and there is a significant heel gap in the back. The cobalt ones do cover my toe cleavage a bit better, but they're just too long. Also, the cobalt blue is too light/bright to go with my ink blue clothes (I was trying to look for a lower heel alternative to my blue snakeskin Mary Jane pumps), so they won't work colorwise either.

However, what do you think of the turquoise ones? I think this color would work better with my wardrobe (esp. with my Michael Kors turquoise dress). And it fits better. It does show a little toe cleavage on the lateral toes, but not as much as Rita had (she ended up returning her pink ones). And I realize there is still a little heel gap, but it's not as bad as the cobalt ones. I did try the size 7 in store, but it's way too tight in the toe box and was very uncomfortable. The 7.5 doesn't slip when walking--I think my ankles are just slender compared to my heels/toes, or else I just have fat feet. (Please excuse the sock marks).

The only question mark is whether they would be comfortable enough to wear for a full day at work, so I will have to spend some time wearing them around the house to test it out. They are 2.5 inch heels, so pretty reasonable height, but I think my all-day work heels are a little lower and known comfort shoe brands (Clarks, Easy Spirits). But just based on looks alone, is the turquoise pair a keep or return?

I thought it would be helpful for you guys to see the fit difference in the same pump, same size (both 7.5, my usual size). So if one pair doesn't fit right, consider asking to try on a different pair in the same size--it just might fit better!

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13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I think the turquoise color is gorgeous. And Kate Spade make a beautiful shoe! If you feel this will play well in your closet them I say, based on the color, you should keep.

CocoLion

(website)

The heel looks a lot higher than 2.5 inches, it looks like 3" or 3.25". So I am impressed that Kate Spade can design a shoe that LOOKs high but isn't!

I think both colors are lovely on you. The cobalt is a little more versatile and season spanning. But obviously the fit is too big in that color. Often I try on multiple versions (if they have them) of clothing in the same size to find the one that fits best, but never tried that with shoes. Such a variance. It just shows how much of clothing and footwear is hand made, still.

In sum, I think the shoes look beautiful on you and are perfect with your dress. Can you wear them around your carpeted home for about an hour to see if you can tolerate the heel? I find a little bit of walking around and sitting combined gives my foot a chance to give shoes a Yay or Nay.

christieanne

Wow - major size discrepancy actually. I like the turquoise color but it's up to you if this is a wear to work shoe or a going out shoe. They are beautiful!

I just realized that I tried on some size 8 KS oxfords a few months back and they were really like a 7.5 - way too small. Maybe they have some issues with that?

goldenpig

Denise, you are right, the heels are probably higher than 2.5 inches (which is what the Nordstrom website said). Kate Spade and Zappos list it as 2.75 inches, and Bergdorf Goodman says it is 3 inches. Will have to measure it myself tomorrow, and wear them around the house. Now I know why they felt a lot taller than my low work heels!

Deborah, I do think the turquoise will work better than the cobalt in my wardrobe, especially since I already have blue snakeskin pumps (heel is higher than I'd like but I can tolerate them for a few hours). Denise, is turquoise a spring/summer only color?

Christianne, strange that the sizing is so off with your oxfords too. These say Made In Italy, so maybe they are handmade? Still, they should have better sizing quality control!

modgrl

The turquoise ones are beautiful om your feet. So much better than on my fat little feet. If they are comfy, I would keep!

Lulu

Active Member

I'm glad to hear it isn't just me! I tried the neutral version of this shoe in the same size 9 i wear in other ks shoes. Even though i have a wide foot, this was too wide and had the same awkward gap at the heel. And yet the length felt fine and so sizing down didn't seem like a good idea. Maybe a design flaw with this particular shoe?

Anonymous

How weird is that sizing? I am tempted to think this year's production of the shoe is a tad flawed.
I like the turquoise better than the cobalt, and cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors. I think the color goes well with many other colors. You live in sunny CA, this could be a year round shoe for you.
I am not sure if I love them enough to vote keep, however. I know these are spendy. I love the front view but I don't like how they look on that side view. Too long.

Jjsloane

Pretty much what Zap said. I think they look rather long and even the turquoise looks like there is a gap at the heel - smaller than the cobalt, but would you be slipping out of them? At the price you need to be sure you'd get appropriate wear from them.

Meredith1953

I agree with Zap and JSloane that they still look a little too large from the side view. They are lovely though!

cheryle (Dianthus)

I agree with Zap too. The color is beautiful and works well with the dress but I'm not sure I'm loving the look from the side. It could just be the angle the pics were taken from though so if you love them and think they will work for a day at the office, then I say go for it. If they will be limited to evenings, then you should probably keep looking.

rae

I'm torn. The color is so you. But the gap is significant, even on the smaller size. On the other hand, I sometimes buy with a gap purposely, because I know my feet swell up during the day.

Transcona Shannon

I gotta say seeing these shoes on Rita and you Natalie, as well as hearing comments from both is making me very nervous about my order. Mine won't arrive for another week yet because of international shipping but I'm feeling less than confident now!

As for colour, I like the turquoise on you. I think at this price point, you need to be sure of comfort and wearability. If you have any doubts, I'd send them back.

I love the turquoise! FWIW I've noticed a slight heel gap on all of your pumps, so it's probably just your feet and the way they fit into a shoe. If it doesn't slip when you walk, I don't see a problem with it and it would hardly be noticeable by a casual observer. Lol at your doctor speak with the *lateral* toes!

Isis

The turquoise is a beautiful color! The heels look fairly high for the office (in terms of comfort), so be sure they are comfy if you are looking for an all-day shoe....

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