Good, reasonably priced loafers are hard to find. Good, reasonably priced, CUTE loafers are even harder.  Good, reasonably priced, cute GREEN loafers–well, you can just forget it! As I do have a passion for green things–especially since I’ve recently become a redhead–I was pretty excited to see these avocado patent pecary loafers from Franco Sarto, 58% off, no less (current price: $40). I don’t even mind the tassels, which I usually avoid: somehow, this shoe pulls it off.

I do have, however, my hesitations related to this brand, which is pretty much a hit-or-miss in terms of comfort. Back in the days when I didn’t think twice of donning a 3 or 4" stiletto heel, I bought the cutest pair of black strappy Franco Sarto sandals, with leather-flower embellished vamp, and a tall, thin, elegant 3" heel. I thought I was going to DIE after walking just about 200 feet in them. They cut into my feet, they were wobbly, they were impossible. Possibly the most painful shoe experience I’ve ever had. I got rid of them long before I even developed plantar fasciitis, while my shoe wardrobe was still quasi-populated with high heels–that’s how uncomfortable they were.

Post diagnosis, falling into my green streak, I bought a pair of flat green Sarto thongs, lots of straps and all, super-cute, etc. They are reasonably comfortable, except they are,  you guessed it, flatter than my desk, and hence can cause some discomfort after a while.

Which makes me wonder whether these loafers are too stiff, perhaps, or too narrow, or suffer from some other hidden flaw, as some of the reviews seem to suggest. I may just try them, though–and thank God for Zappos’ liberal return policy!

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Some women hate it. Some women can’t get enough of it. And some, like me, tolerate it in moderation–which, give me some toe cleavage as long as my shoes aren’t going to fly off my feet if I want to move a little faster.

Take the shoe on the left–gorgeous, no? You might recognize the design from the Sigerson Morrison collection–there’s a whole line of these flats, in plush velvets and shiny leathers, with gorgeous glass beads on the vamp (btw, these brown ones are currently on sale at Neiman Marcus). I really, really, really want to like these shoes. Everything about them indicates fashion, luxe, beauty, sophistication, and the lack of heel is a gentle nod to comfort.

However, there are two problems for me: the flatter-than-the-Texas-panhandle sole, which, at least for me, is pretty uncomfortable (no arch support!); and the HUGE toe-cleavage allowed by the vamp. That shoe is destined hang on for dear life to your tootsies. I’m a fast walker; I doubt I can keep these on for more than a few seconds without much toe-curling and general discomfort. As about orthotics? Forget it. They will clamp out of these shoes faster than you can say Sigerson Morrison. I have a relatively similar pair of Delman ballet flats that turned out to be pretty much unbearable for exactly this reason.

And what is it about toe-cleavage anyway? I know a woman’s feet are supposed to be sexy when properly displayed–so the ‘cleavage’ is a tease, a glimpse of nudity in a place no one would consider over-the-top otherwise. And you know–I’m not totally opposed to the idea as long as, you know, I can actually walk in those shoes.

Sigerson Morrison designs flats with ample, copious, over-the-top toe cleavage. His ballet flats are elongated, delicate, slim, dainty, ultra-feminine, in beautiful gleaming colors and sensual textures. They are indeed a beauty to behold. However, I’m going to stay away from these ones–indeed, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep them on and I’d have to sacrifice too much of my comfort for this aethereal vision of femininity.

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I’m a tall, substantial woman who likes to exercise regularly, hence, my calves are, ahem, very well defined and pretty sturdy, refusing to let themselves be encapsulated in any flimsy tall boots with narrow shafts, which seem to be the norm these days among most manufacturers.

Given that I do love knee-high boots with a purple passion, I’m constantly on the lookout for tall boots that will cater to the calf-endowed woman, such as myself. Not surprisingly, Paul Green delivers again–this time with this wing-tip knee-high boot, ‘Pierre’, available in black or dark brown for about $350. What I particularly like about the construction of these boots is the gored outstep, which allows for extra stretching beyond the 15" circumference. I also like the fact that the inside zipper is as long as the shaft, thus helping with that putting-on, taking-off process. Chic and practical–now, that’s my style!

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I was browsing along, as I do with my morning coffee, when I stumbled upon the cutest little pair of buckle ballet flats from Sam Edelman (’Bonnie’), perfect for cheering up even the grumpiest case of Monday blues. I say, be blue no more! These bright red satin cuties, with the oh-so-classy buckle ornament (reminescent of Roger Vivier’s famous pilgrim shoes) will bring a jolt of mirth to the dreariest of days, and put a genuine sparkle even in Scrooge’s squinty beady little eyes. But most importantly, they’ll make you feel like a princess, and even the price (just shy of $120) won’t put a dent in your good spirits. I know they brightened my morning!

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