Pointy, flat, with a bow? Yes, please!

I am always looking for the perfect pair of flats. They have to be comfortable, cute, and pointy, preferably. Lately, I've been less than impressed with J.Crew's flats offerings. This past fall they finally released some cute pointy flats, but I still I pine for those adorable tweed and suede flats they released in 2005.

From the mothership

In 2005, I thought everything at J.Crew was soooo expensive... I only bought things like tanks and knit skirts. Also, I was in college and didn't even own a pair of heels or dressy flats. If only I could have seen the future, I would have bought every single pair of shoes on this page! I'd even say that they are worth the $158 they charged back then.

Fast forward to today. Now, only Collection shoes have leather linings and soles, and they have the price tags to match. Boo to that.

Back to the Vivs... they meet all my criteria. They are freaking adorable, they are all leather, and therefore they have a chance of being comfortable. Oh, and they come in size 11. Also important. The bow sealed the deal... I love practically anything with a bow, especially shoes!

They come in four lovely colors, but I really wanted black. Unfortunately, they do not pass the quality test. Shocking, I know!

Viv Bow Flats in Black

Here are my Vivs. I wore them for a few hours and then I noticed this.

It actually looks worse in this picture than in real life, but that is the dye rubbed off the leather. How does this happen!? How cheap are these $228 shoes!? I am so mad!!! I babied them. I was extra careful. I didn't drive in them or wear them outside. I shouldn't have to do this, but I did, and I still managed to mess up these shoes. The toes also have the dye coming off:

At least one person on the mothership mentioned this dye rubbing off issue happening to their Valentina heels, which seem to be of the same leather. Do you know of any other company selling shoes that cost over $200 that are so.... crappy? 'Cause I don't.

Hmph.

In case you are interested in other things besides the quality of the leather, here you go: They are really comfy and run slightly small. The leather is super soft and the leather lining really makes the shoe. But what does it matter if they are so delicate that they can't be worn indoors on carpet for half a day?