Need a reality check: perfect shoes vs. imperfect price

Beth

After months of looking, I've finally found a pair of nude pumps I'm happy with. Just the right platform, just the right color, etc. But they're Stuart Weitzman and thus very expensive.

Anybody want to look into their crystal balls and tell me if platforms and the nude trend will be around long enough to justify the price?

Alternatively, anyone want to give me a stern look and a stiff talking-to about poor spending habits and weak self-control?

14 years ago

General

31 replies

Latest reply was from modgrl

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

There are thousands of nude pumps out right now... are these the only ones that work for you? Angie crowned me nude shoe queen, but honestly I don't love truly nude shoes. For people with dark hair, I think they are too light colored. I think this style is fading. I like shoes that are low contrast with your skin tone.

14 years ago

DressLover

Veteran

Stuart Weitzman? Platform? Perfect nudes? These wouldn't happen to be the Platswoons in Adobe Analine would they?!

If so, yes, forget the price. They are worth every dime. That color is the best nude ever.

Even if you are talking about a different shoe, get them if you can afford them. You described them as perfect, and I don't think a perfect, classic, nude shoes is easy to find. I'd pay the premium for the value it brings to your wardrobe.

14 years ago

Beth

Veteran

DressLover, they are, but in the Hummus (is that not as nude as the Adobe, which looked very pink to me?).

I've stalked Zappos, Piperlime, Endless, and all of the other major shoe websites as well as B&M stores. The only other pair I've found that I like as much are Kate Spade, which are the same price and sold out anyway:/

14 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I think if they are going to be comfy snap them up, comfy shoes which tick all your style boxes are the holy grail x

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I really don't see how nude shoes will make a sudden disappearance. They seem like a nice classic that even when they aren't the trend of the day, will still be quite acceptable.
Do they make your heart go pitter patter? Will you be eating beans and rice to recover from the expenditure? If yes/no.. I say get them.

14 years ago

Beth

Veteran

KIm, I won't be eating beans and rice but I'll definitely be putting myself on SYC. Then again, now that I think about it, my birthday *is* coming up:)

I have an old pair of camel heels that I wore for years so I think I might get more mileage out of these even after the nude trend fades. Hm.

14 years ago

DressLover

Veteran

Beth, these shoes are fabulous, but a tad weird. I always order two sizes when purchasing shoes online. I ordered the Adobe Analines and one size was paler than the other with more of a pink undertone. The other color was slightly darker, but the undertone was neutral, not pink or yellow. They were likely from different lots, but strange the undertone varied.

I didn't order Hummus, but I have seen it. It is definitely more yellow toned than pink or neutral. On the wrong skintone, it could quickly go sallow.

I'd order a few and see what you think with them on your feet.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I'm guessing you've seen these in person and tried them on?

14 years ago

Briar

Active Member

I had a similar battle, I went for it and I'm glad I did. However, I would echo the others if it truly hurts your budget, don't do it.

My justification was the color was an exact match of my leg color, they were platform (I'm 5'2), and they fit the width of my foot which is so hard to do. I'm wearing these babies at least once a week to work or church, so the price guilt has subsided.

I agree with modgrl that using the bookending concept, it's not the best look for darker hair, but nude shoes look so much better to me during the summer with skirts and dresses than dark contrast shoes.

14 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I would judge this one big time based on how often you expect to wear these. If it is twice a year for special occasions, maybe "make do" with something else. If it is twice a week for a few years, I wouldn't blink. How long is long enough for you? I would think this style is going to be "in" for at least 2-3 years. Probably longer. It seems to me that the arc of this trend was, first there were sex-store shoes with crazy platforms and high heels. Then they morphed into something high-fashion, which you have seen on e.g. the likes of Kelly of Regis and Kelly, who only needs to sit and look leggy and cute in a director's chair. Now they have trickled down in a more walkable style like the Stuart Weizmans. In fact I have seen this style for this first time this year in Germany, and I expect it to get bigger here. This is my cut-off-from-American-culture perspective, so maybe I am all wrong, but that's how I see it.

Nude shoes will always be a good option. I wouldn't question the color.

14 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Great info DL. Thanks! The Adobe is sold out in nearly every color (that's telling right there), so I went ahead and ordered the Hummus. I see what you mean about the yellow undertone; I'll be interested to see what they look like IRL. I'll update when they get here!

Scarlet, I'd probably wear these several times a month for several years, summer and winter. Platforms here seem to be getting bigger not smaller, and I've seen some options that would have been contenders except for the oversize platform.

14 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

beth,

i let a jean skirt from banana republic go because i thought it was too pricey and there were lots of jean skirts. i have not found anything that fit as well as those. i'm still mourning them 2 years later.

i just paid full price for a pair of patent wedge closed toe shoes that i let go 5 years ago.

get the shoes (try a few shades in the process). zappos has a very generous return policy if you really have buyers remorse. much easier to return even a worn shoe than to miss getting the "perfect" one.

14 years ago

DressLover

Veteran

Beth, if you want to check out the Adobe Analine, you can order them from Nordstrom. They should have every size in stock because even if they don't have the stock on hand, they will have SW drop ship them to you. I think that's the only place you can find good stock on black, red, nude, etc. as Zappos gets cleaned out pretty quickly.

14 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

Sounds like a workhorse in the making...

ETA: I really like the style of the platswoon, just in case my comment sounded otherwise Monster platforms I just don't get unless it is to be a bit theatrical.

14 years ago

Beth

Veteran

DL, you are SUCH an enabler! Just teasing, actually this is very helpful:) Nordstrom does have the Adobe in stock. Interestingly, it looks like a mid brown/toast color. Just goes to show how unreliable monitors can be, I guess.

So now it looks like I'm ordering not one but TWO pairs. Sigh.

14 years ago

April

Veteran

Beth, I'm currently on a mission to replace all of my uncomfortable or otherwise not-quite-right shoes with comfortable, good-looking options for my increasingly problematic feet. I know you don't have the same foot problems, but I do think great shoes need to be a wardrobe priority.

Unless you have major gaps in your closet that you won't be able to fill if you buy the SWs, I would do it.

Having said all that, I would also say that I personally have not warmed up to the nude shoe trend. They just look strange to me (Look -- I'm barefoot! No I'm not!) and my eye has never adjusted.

Still, if you've been on the hunt and found the right ones, I would get them. Shoe trends don't seem to blip on and off the fashion radar as quickly as some other looks do.

14 years ago

DressLover

Veteran

Beth, hehehe, I do enjoy enabling. But honestly, I just don't want you to be disappointed with the color. I think if you try both colors on side by side, you'll get a better feel for which color you want. Mostly likely, one will say bleh and the other will say PERFECT. It is so hard to get that AHA moment ordering shoes online without ordering multiples.

Oh and just to mention, like most SW, these do run narrow in the toe box so you might take your European shoe size instead of American shoe size, i.e. size up.

I hope I'm not scaring you! I just know these are awesome shoes, but they do require a little more shopping effort for than most shoes.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

yay! more shoes on the way! we do keep UPS in business don't we?

14 years ago

DressLover

Veteran

One of my UPS men hates me I think. The other day he jumped out of the truck, walked halfway across the lawn, and just pitched the box against the door with a loud thud. Ugh. I guess he's tired of me since between work, household, and fun packages, he is here frequently.

14 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Scarlet, they definitely could be workhorses as long as the heel isn't too much. I'd be frequently wearing these at work so they have to be comfortable and walkable and not too much, if you know what I mean. No need to look like a porn star at my elementary school. :O

LOL April. Is this like The Emperor's New Shoes? Nothing like spending a big chunk of budget to look barefoot.

DL, you're not scaring me at all! They need to be just right:)

14 years ago

Beth

Veteran

KIM! How could I forget? You're just looking for another co-conspirator in crime, you shameless hussy. Still, if they're nude shoes, do you think DH will notice them?

14 years ago

Debora

Veteran

Oh, Beth! You just made me spit out my coffee! I'm sure hubby would notice anything nude! I say go for it!

14 years ago

DressLover

Veteran

I can see the report now. "Tonight's top story - a local school psychologist was revealed to be a porn star in hiding after a barrage of nude platform shoes were delivered to her desk. When questioned, the woman pleaded for mercy, 'Do you know how hard it is to find the right nude shoe?!' More at 11..."

In all seriousness, the platform is pretty narrow on these. Definitely not porn star platforms. The heel is high though. Get ready to dance around your room. They take some breaking in.

Beth - shameless hussy! AHAHAHAHA, I'm dying!

14 years ago

April

Veteran

FYI, Beth, I have a colleague -- not a fellow psychologist, thank heavens -- who dresses exactly like a porn star, so you wouldn't exactly be setting an elementary school precedent.

I doubt your tasteful nude SWs would raise any eyebrows.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

hysterical DL!!! I"m dying here!!!
Beth... "What shoes? I don't see any shoes?"
And honestly, I wouldn't have even noticed the platform. It is quite narrow.
Can't wait to see them on!!!

14 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

Verry fun thread! Yes, I agree that nude shoes are practically invisible, and I completely buy the cost-per-wear argument! They sound like a bargain :)!

14 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Hilarious, DL! I'm innocent, officer. Really!

Yikes, April. At least it wasn't our profession. Still, I don't know. I've actually raised eyebrows for my flat heeled, black lace-up Fryes. I just grin and keep going:)

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Beth, Mr. Weitzman knows how to keep my fussy feet happy (a hard feat) so he is always in my good books. Unless your foot runs wide, his shoes will keep you happy too.

Apart from the OTK boots that I got at last years NAS, I have paid full price for his shoes and I am very happy that I did. I have a pair of dressy weatherproof boots that are still going strong 5 years later.

As far as nude pumps go - they are basic. Like a black turtle neck, skinny pair of jeans, riding boot, white shirt, or black blazer. WORK HORSE for my style. Apart from the turtle neck, they are workhorses for your style too.

At least, try them

14 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I'm also on Team Enable. I bought my super-expensive (for me) Kate Spade pumps pretty much on a whim, but I love them madly and have never looked back!

14 years ago

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