Designer Shoe Deja-vu: Marc Jacobs vs. Franco Sarto Three Buckle Styling

Posted by shoesense in Designer Shoe Déja Vu, Franco Sarto Shoes, Marc Jacobs Shoes, Pumps

Three-buckle styling has been all the rage of late in terms of shoes and even belts and other accessories. These pumps below fit in the trend, but which one is the $400 pair and which one is on sale for a tenth of that price?

Can’t tell? Don’t worry, I’m here to help. The first one is the Franco Sarto ‘Reserve’ Pump, at Nordstrom for $40 (half-off), also available in black leather, black patent, gold, and crimson. The second pair are Marc Jacobs heels, about $370 on Zappos.

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Franco Sarto: Green, green, green loafers (and did I mention green?)

Posted by shoesense in Flats, Franco Sarto Shoes

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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