French Soldes & More New Shoes

As I mentioned (admitted) last week, I went wild buying ballerines marked down 50 to 60 percent. I was swooping and scooping like a mad woman.

Are these beyond cute or what?

The Anniel ballerina slippers give new meaning to fashion, function, comfort, chic. Yes, I do wear them outside -- if it isn't raining and I've pretty much given up on snow this year, but no, I wouldn't wear them in snow. However, they are so easy to slip into my bag I don't think twice about changing from sensible to snappy.

The gold ones I showed you will stay in the house. They are my new slipper/slippers. Since they are fabric I think this is a good decision. They're so cute.

Serious, investment, but incredibly important as a fashion color statement. . .

Aren't they sweet with their sparkle and little grosgrain bows?

Never, ever, ever in my life have I bought so many pairs of shoes at one time. It was as if I was possessed. Terrifying, but tantalizing if you know what I mean.

I may never buy shoes again. Maybe.

Oh yes, you asked me why the sales have legislated start and stop dates which, if not observed can result in a hefty fine. The reason, apparently, is unfair competition. Retailers circumvent the laws by calling markdowns "promotions" whenever they feel so inclined.

My New Shoes

No point in not being frank: I went berserk. Yes I did. I've got a thing for ballerinas and when they're marked down 50 to 60 percent. . . Well, I just can't help it. I try, really I do, but I can't.

Here are two pairs I bought from my favorite boutique in the town next to ours. (I'll photograph the others and show you next week.) To be perfectly honest, I didn't buy them only for me. Andrea will have some too.

If you do not already know about Anniel shoes, they are the Repetto of Italy i.e., originally made for dancers. The quality is excellent, the price somewhere around one-third to sometimes one-half of Repettos. Whereas Repetto runs small for its size, Anniel runs somewhat larger. They are a dream to wear, sublimely comfortable.