Well Heeled In Audley...

Flashback Friday

I know I keep saying that I am into comfort shoes and then show you yet another pair of high heeled shoes that are only comfortable relative to “other” high heeled shoes. What is it about the heeled silhouette that draws us in even at the demise of our feet?

With this particular pair, it was their whisper of Betty Boop-esque round-toe styling and peau de soie fabric that lends them an understated dressy look that drew me in. Peau de Soie is a medium to heavy, drapeable fabric with a satin weave and delustered finish. This is a traditional fabric for wedding dresses that is also used for bridesmaids gowns, mothers-of-the-bride dresses and footwear. The dull luster is more flattering to most body shapes and sizes than high luster satins. Also, this fabric does not stretch easily which means the fabric will hold its' shape with lots of wear so don't expect your shoes to stretch—buy a big enough size in the first place.

I was not familiar with the Audley brand but at that moment I was in the throws of a shoe craving that did not include rational thinking...other than “gee, I don't have this brand in my collection yet”--a favorite rationalization of mine when wanting to buy shoes.

I have since discovered that Audley is a small shoe producer out of Spain and began their efforts in 1988. Audley no longer makes this particular pair of heels (thus it appears here on Flash Back Friday) but their shoes continue to showcase architectural elements and edgy designs that appeal to the artistic eye. They do consider comfort to some degree with the materials they choose to use but they are first a fashion brand which is why their styles continue to evolve and once a style is sold out—they are GONE. If you are a fashion hound, I do recommend that you check out their line early every season especially if you like unique designs or simply wish to enjoy some shoe-eye-candy. Their recent fall/winter 11-12 collection includes a darling pair of booties called Emily that look quite tasty:)

As always, I urge you to wear heels sparingly and responsibly. Heels are the frosting of what we wear—don't O.D. on the butter cream dahlings!

There are very few brick and mortar shops in the U.S. that carry Audley but you can always buy them directly from their site audleyshoes.com and a myriad of styles can be found through polyvore.com.

Fitting Notes:

 European whole sizing. By fluke I actually got a 38 ½ but it appears that they no longer make half sizes. I have found that their shoes run a touch long but every season brings new lasts that are bound to fit different from previous styles which makes it a bit tricky when trying to buy online. I recommend that you order 2-3 sizes close to your size so that you can be sure you find the best fit and then return what doesn't work. These shoes are not offered in widths nor do they have removable footbeds which makes them a “they work or they don't work” type of shoe. If you have a hard-to-fit foot avoid“ pump styles and opt for shoes with straps or boots. Refer to my European size chart for best size conversions.