I can sense a pattern here, consisting of a magpie-ish attraction to all things gold. No matter–it’s the season of all things glitzy, so I’m allowed.

And so it is that if I had my druthers, and $565 of completely disposable income, and I had to wear ONE gold shiny thing for the holidays, it would be these fabulous Taryn Rose slingback peep-toe pumps, for sale at Neiman Marcus. I love the rhinestone vamp, the copious arch support (check out the inside of the sole, if you don’t believe me), the delicate rhinestone buckle, and the modest but uplifting 2 1/4 inches worth of heel. Can I get a Hallelujah?

Now, somebody hide that credit card from me, fast…

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After the initial rush of excitement and racing thoughts of a Golden Ticket hidden somewhere in the delicious wrapper of these Sigerson Morrison ankle boots, I curbed my enthusiasm and started to ponder more tempered questions such as, how practical can these be? aren’t they a little too pointy and narrow to be comfortable? where does one wear solid gold boots? when is the hotness named Daniel Craig going to make his next Bond? Ok, the last question may have not been prompted by the boots, nor was it tempered, but if you saw the latest James Bond, you will understand my sudden, burning crush.

Anyway, where was I? Ah, the boots. No matter how over the top they may be, what with the Western flair and did I mention the gold? you might have noticed it too–I can’t help but think that these boots are faaahhhbulous. And if there’s any time of the year you should wear them, why, it’s right now, just in time for over-the-top Christmas festivities, not to mention Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Festivus. Plus, they will appeal to the Scrooge-crowd as they are 31% off, going for $341 on Zappos. Shine on, you crazy boot, you!

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I’m not a huge fan of ballet flats because, apart from their being too flat to comfortably accomodate a high arch, they are often cut narrow and shallow (out of less forgiving materials), ostensibly to replicate the elongated, elegant look of a ballerina’s foot. Which is all fine in principle, until I have to walk in them and suffer. Wincing and grimacing do NOT make for a graceful ballerina, I tell you what! I have this problem with a beautiful pair of Delman flats (kiwi suede and patent cap), which rank high on the discomfort level (I wore them once, last year, and then relegated them to a dark, quiet corner of my closet. Sigh.).

I complained about this issue some time ago, at which point someone directed me to French Sole, basically the only ballet-flat makers on the market who knew how to do it right. At $200 a pair, though, without being able to try them on (I was unable to find this brand in stores), I balked at the idea.

However, this morning, after I had to run some errands downtown Philly, I stopped by the local Daffy’s, one of our two big discount stores in Center City (the other is Loehmann’s). I have never purchased shoes at this store for some reason–I was too picky, I guess. However, this a.m. I was delighted to find and buy this Passport quilted nappa/patent toe style, for only $63 (down from $225). I found them to be super-comfortable, with good arch support, and a soft, supple leather upper that rendered them practically weightless–like I was wearing nothing, I swear! The craftsmanship and materials were also pretty good, and the quilted style, harking back to the famous Chanel flats, is also adorable.

The only word of caution: they are sized big. I am ordinarily a 10, rarely a 9.5 (and that mostly in sandals); however, the 10 in these ran very big, while the 9 fit perfectly. A 9! I can never wear a 9! I’m guessing that’s because the upper leather is so permissive (yes, even to those of you with wider feet). All in all, a happy purchase I can’t wait to wear.

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