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I think it’s the combination spat-saddle shoe feel that attracted me to the Ganache Pumps ($98). I watched in horror as these sold out in about 2 weeks, though now a week after that they’re back. The temporary inventory displacement plus the help of a comment from Jessebel led me to purchase these from Endless.com, where they’re called the Apple A Day pumps. For $10 less and free overnight shipping I was in.
The shoes are by Seychelles in case you can’t tell. They have a rubber sole and a wood stacked heel. They clop a bit as I walk but are not super loud. To me, the white color reads as ivory. The suede and stud accents on the vamp and heel seem to be solidly affixed.
Based on the reviews on Anthro’s site I ordered both an 8.5 and a 9. I did not find these to run large at all — I plan to keep my true size 9 and return the 8.5s. The toebox is pretty small but my toes are short so this isn’t an issue for me. There is almost no toe cleavage. Comfort-wise they’re OK, not stellar. There’s not a lot of arch support. My guess is I’ll need to break these in with one or two office wears before I can go all day in these.
The heel is 3.5 inches so this is not a shoe for the casual heel wearer. It is very stable though which is a plus for my commute over cobblestones and uneven Soho sidewalks. To me these are worth full price at the Endless or Anthro price. I know I’ll get plenty of wears out of these.
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Biviel’s Wandering Platforms ($158) are such a beautiful shade of toffee. This is another pair I managed to find cheaper elsewhere — they’re on sale for $100 on Piperlime as the Biviel BVC053 in limited sizes.
These have a .5 inch rubber platform sole. It’s great for being a silent assassin; they make almost no noise as I’m clomping along. I initially ordered the 39s (9s) but they were far too small in the toebox for me. My foot looked like it was too big to slip into that dainty glass slipper. So I reordered them in the 40s (10s) and they fit much better. I should have known. I have a pair of Biviel sandals from over the summer in the 39s and they are pretty tight across my feet.
The heel is no less significant than that of the Ganache Pumps but they are positioned further forward on the foot. As a result some people may feel unsteady on these. Your weight is tipped slightly forward or back as you walk. I love the scalloped detail but as you’ll see in the shot below the right heel scallops have already started to peel away a bit. Not great on a $100 shoe. Some airplane glue will fix that right up but why should I have to fix a brand new pair of shoes??
At 4 inches, the heel is no joke. The platform helps it feel more like 3.5 inches but either way it’s another serious heel. Be prepared to tower over everyone. (I kind of like it.) Other than the scallop detail issue these shoes seem very well made and I expect them to last at least a year. Time will tell.
Cute shoes!!! Great descriptions, too. 🙂
I thought those Ganache Pumps were by Pink Studio, since Anthropologie offered a similar pair a couple of years back (that I also bought elsewhere for like $10 less). They are super cute though! Thanks for the in-depth reviews. And I agree, Seychelles makes some of the most stable heels I've walked in, compared to both lower and higher priced shoes.
haha adorable! That first photo of you – you can see you grinning from ear to ear. Too cute! Love the shoes choices!
Hey Roxy, I was wondering if you had ever tried on the Lydia tunic or known anyone that has?? Just curious, I am especially looking for tops to wear with leggings!
Steph, I did and it was such a mess on me I never posted a review. It showed off every lump and bump — not very flattering. It was also shorter than I would have liked. Ended right below my tush. The color was nice and maybe on someone less curvy it would be made of win. Have you looked at the Valeria Tunic? I wear it over leggings.
Oh wow sorry didn't realize the Valeria is sold out online. I saw it in-store last week though. Let me see if I can find some other options…
aw you're so sweet thanks! I do have the diaphanous tunic which I love. I did order the lydia tunic from a store in the grey color but have a feeling I will have to return it, I am usually an XS in Anthro and I bought a small because it was all I could find.I like the whirling ruffles dress too but haven't committed! I don't know why! And what did you think of the texture study dress? I loved it on but thought the material looked like felt – I have it but am considering returning it because of this.steph:)
Yay! I'm glad my tip was of use! Your review is good to know especially since we share the same shoe size.
Steph – I'm not really seeing any other tunics calling out to me. I liked the way the Texture Study dress looks. The boiled wool is cool. But the dress I tried on had a huge hole in it (where the bodice meets the skirt in back) and every other one on the rack had the same issue. If yours is one piece I say keep it.
It is one piece and I, and the SA both examined it carefully, it seems sturdy. Its just the felt-look. I think what I'll do is try on the lydia tunic when I get it and this dress and have hubby pick one (I've been on a little bit of a shopping spree lately so I really need to cut back!)love your blog!
i love the giant smile on your face in the first photos.. thanks for all these shoes reviews- really helpful!
ahh, I too love the cheeky grin new shoes bring!This is the smile of a perfect purchase! I think this should be my new standard as to whether or not to buy/keep things.
Hi! Roxy! Cute shoes! I also have the wandering pupms and love them. I ordered size 8 (I'm usually in between 7.5 and 8)and thought was perfect. I was wondering, have you already returned your ganache in 8.5? I love it too, and wouldn't mind buying from you!!!! Love you blog! Met 0516 at yahoo dot comNy0311
Ny0311, I just sent you an email.