There’s something about Dries van Noten shoes that makes me irresistibly drawn to them. They’re always elegant and sophisticated but never really ‘girly’. They’re not cute or pretty in the conventional sense of the word–rather, they have a majestic, solid, continental kind of elegance that creates its own brand of timeless. Always exquisitely handcrafted, with an attention to comfort (and you’ve GOT to respect a shoe designer who actually pays attention to comfort!), Dries van Noten shoes will get you noticed–and more than that, will get you the kind of respect subliminally bordering on awe. For yes, they are awesome–just like these stout leather pumps in an unperturbed shade of gold and an exaggerated chunky heel that will firmly get your foot in the door. Also available in a rich shade of black , for $410.