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WIW + Footwear Rant

MsLuna

Veteran

I walked by the Fluevog Store and decided to try on some shoes. The images below show what I was wearing today. I received a few compliments on the dress. The boots.... Are not mine..... Yet..... I was so in love with these puppies that I'm considering them, but 'Vogs cost a fortune! These, in particular, are $500... YOW! Sorry if the pics aren't clear but this is the best I can do. It's been a very long time since my last WIW but I thought I'd share!

Dress: Address (from a local indie designer)... It's a wrap dress.
Jacket: Gap
Tights: Calvin Klein (high waisted)
Shoes: Fluevog Hopefuls Divine
Necklace: Obsession

It's so rare for me to find walkable dressy/casual shoes that have at least a very slight platform in the forefoot, rubber soles, a wide toe box and between 1.5 to 2.25 inches of heel (not counting the platform). I can neither wear flats (or I will be in a world of pain) or heels over 2.25 inches (less pain than flats but walkability is a huge issue). I've been spending so much money on shoes only to discover that the comfort level AND the style combined is not up to par with my standards. I just can't compromise! I own a pair of Fly London wedges due to comfort but barely wear them because they're "too urban" for my tastes (I'm Modern Classic that blends toughness and romantic styles together). Yet living in a metropolitan city and not owning a car makes this tough!

Argh!

Sometimes I wish I can just dress for comfort - to accommodate my lifestyle. Other times I wish I can just forego comfort and just put up with my aesthetic... But nooooo... I need an uncompromising mix of both!

Th difficult part for me is this: shoes that are both comfortable and beautiful in my standards cost sooooo much! I found that I had to say no to many a comfy/beauty shoe because of the price then later kicking myself because I'd be unhappy with my less expensive purchases. Ugh! Is buying a beautiful yet comfortable shoe really worthwhile? I keep thinking of cost per wear, and quite frankly, I can see myself wearing these 'Vogs for a long time. I just can't justify the price tag.

Anyone had this dilemma before? How did you resolve it?

PS. I will try and do another WIW when I wear this dress again.
PPS these are the 'Vogs:
http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=3875

The shoe name is so fitting. Hopeful? Divine? Yes.

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15 replies

Latest reply was from Ingunn

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Nice to see you -- outfit is fab!

And shoes, oh yes, shoes...I think anyone who does a lot of walking runs into this dilemma. I am like you in that complete flats are the worst. Heels that are too high are also bad bets. It's tough, but not impossible, to find stylish lower heeled comfortable shoes and boots. I do tend to pay more for my shoes, yes. On the whole, I am happier with the ones that cost more, but occasionally I will get lucky with a less expensive (or found on sale) pair.

For Fluevogs, Aziriphale is one of our resident experts. She may weigh in. I do recall her saying that they had started up a second hand sales on the website - you could list your 'Vogs and people would buy. At lower than retail prices, obviously. I wonder if that is an option?

MsLuna

Veteran

Thank you, Suz!

I'm really considering in investing in good pairs of boots. I wear them on a regular basis, particularly since it's colder up here in Canada. I can't complain though because I love boots anyway. In summer and spring I've resolved myself to getting chunky platform sandals/shoes but a lot of them tend to be trend items so I only get them on sale.

As for 'Vogs, I'd definitely get them second hand if they are in good condition. I have a couple 'Vogs I might sell myself though I'm a bit attached to them since they've become "art" in my apartment instead.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am in Canada, too. I mostly wear boots and booties in fall/ winter. Or at least I would wear boots, if I could find any to fit my shorter calves. That is another rant in the making. But I will spare you from it for now.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

My solution to wearing highly priced shoes is buying them second hand, or on sale. I do think a wearable pair of boots that make you happy are worth good money, but it is up to everyone how much good money that should be. You look great!

SandyG

Veteran

You look fab! I've been a big Fluevog fan for years. The Prepare line, which includes your Devine boots, is comfortable and walkable for me, and my two pair are winter staples. Yes, all Vogs are expensive, and second-hand are usually more worn than I can tolerate. It's a crazy love affair! Good luck.

DonnaF

Veteran

Yup. I've kinda resigned myself to f'ugly $$$ $hoes, and I can only go up to 1.75" or maybe 1.9" and rigid rocker soles. Just paid over $190 for Fly London sandals and I STILL had to buy shoelaces for them since the ones that came with them were too long. And I can't really tell comfort from walking around my house; I have to go outside and put them through their paces. Mistakes have been made. . .

Love 'vogs & those boots, though. Possibly you could find something less expensive, but I've heard 'vogs are extremely comfy.

MsLuna

Veteran

@Suz: I'm starting to think we women who are shoe-lovers always have a rant of some kind (lol!). I have this weird thing about shorter boots and how they make my legs look too skinny and imbalanced (lol!). I can go on and on about this... Lol!

@Shevia: thank you! And I think I may have to consider second hand 'vogs. Other brands, I try to get on sale. Currently, I'm waiting for some Naot boot prices to drop!

@Sandy: thank you! I think the boots I'm wearing are from the Hopeful line, though I LOVE the Prepare line as well! I'm kicking myself for not having bought the Volunteers. It was so comfy and has a slouchy style. It was mid-calf but surprisingly flattering!

Since you use you 'vogs in the winter, how do they hold up? Does it snow where you are?

@Donna: I'm like you. Similar shoe height limit and rocker sole is highly preferred. If you're looking into Fluevogs, I recommend the Prepares because the total heel height without the platform is just under 2 inches and its a rocker sole. I also recommend looking into some Gentle Souls shoes. And then there's always Danskos. I just wish Damskos fit me though. I'm between a 37 and 38 and there's no sizes in between!!!!

Oh and try Naots as well!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

You said it is rare to find footwear that ticks all the boxes for you, so my advice is if you don't have to go without food & can still pay your bills then BUY them. When I started to add up all the money I spent on the "not perfect" items my expensive shoes started to feel like the bargain they are - imo our feet need to be happy & look good

JAileen

Veteran

Wow - I wish I cold go to a Fluevog store. Their shoes look really cool and I've only heard good things about their comfort. I could justify expensive shoes because I buy most of my clothes at thrift stores. Although I would consider buying shoes at the thrift store, I have pretty big feet and have a hard time finding my size. My most expensive footwear are Frye boots, which are expensive, but beautiful. I think that if the Fluevogs feel wonderful, and you can afford them, then get them!

MsLuna

Veteran

Those are wise words, Caro! Thank you!

I think I just need to get over one of my money hang ups about bargains and deals. I still need to look for them, but I often tend to settle for subpar. I have to keep in mind that all the comfort, the "feel good" feelings and confidence is totally worth it. I've spent so much money in the last 7 years trying to experiment with my personal style as well as "making do" with not-so-expensive items that won't even last me more than a year (due to discomfort or distaste for the aesthetics).

I think I'm ready to work on ending the cycle now.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

You won't regret it.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I think I have ogled those online before! So pretty!

I (quite literally) feel your foot pain. Almost the same boat here, needing a low heel with a platform at the same time. And just like you, I keep buying things thinking they will be The Most Comfortable Shoe Ever - trusted comfort brands, even - and yet the comfort often combusts after about 4 hours. It makes me afraid to try the next level up in price, because who knows if they will be comfy out of the box and killer at the end of the day?

So far this brand has been the only heels I've bought to stay comfy through an entire work shift. I'm not generally in step with Vog style, but if you are vouching for them I may have to test drive an Ebay pair one day for my poor footsies.
http://www.zappos.com/oh-shoes

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

It's so nice to see a WIW from you! You look fantastic and AMAZINGLY good in black. Wish I could pull off black like that. Regarding shoes -- yes I think it's worth it, *if you need them.* The fact that I don't *need* anymore boots is what is keeping me from purchasing the LD Tuttles I have my eye on (they went from $500-ish last year to near $700 this year!).

Can you wait for a coupon code? I purchased both of my Rag & Bone boots when Shopbop offered a friends & family discount. Unfortunately they don't stock Fluevogs though. (They have coupons usually mid-October and around Black Friday, then one again in February.)

VernieJane

Well the photos don't do the boots justice, but I understand your dilemma! Great boots that are great looking and comfortable to walk in all day are hard to find without paying hundreds. I am a big fan of Clarks boots.. have you tried them? They have fab shoes that are known for being comfortable...

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I hear you on the shoe issues. Living in a similar climate as yours, I'm dependent on good, wearable booties and boots all through fall/winter. My solution is to buy the best boots/booties I can afford, and I also invest in coats and winter jackets. I buy most of my other clothes second hand (Salvation Army, eBay etc). This way my budget is tolerable. My advice is to buy the 'Vogs and skimp on something else. You won't regret it. You look fab in them, and your dress is gorgeous!