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Hi,

I fell in love with a shoe when I was only 12 years old. That was a very long time ago, and have never seen this shoe or one like it until Donna Karan came out with my updated shoe a couple of years ago. I couldn't believe it. Only one BIG catch. It was almost $600, way too much for my pocketbook. It has since been reduced to under $300, still pricey for me, but I may have no choice. Again, a problem. I am a size 6 and I can't find it smaller than an 8. This is a one-of-a-kind shoe. It is named black patent xenon oxide 1/4 strap mary jane. #874870. Can you help me?

Thank you
B. Murray

Ms. Murray,

Unfortunately I've been unable to find this exact shoe for you in your size--and believe me, I tried! Nothing touches my heart the same way as a story of lost or unattainable love...especially when it's a shoe. We've all been there. Here are a few options you might also like (though I know it's not the same):


Danby Wine Patent by Vaneli for Jildor

Tania by Claudia Ciuti

Saphire by Calvin Klein

The first ones are my personal faves. Readers--if you come upon this shoe in a size 6 (or if you fine more similar shoes), would you be so kind as to leave a comment?

Appreciatively,
~SB

Quelle Horreur!

Flaton by Donna Karan @ Shopbop

These are some shoegly (shoe+ugly) shoes! The thing that most offends is that Donna Karan is a woman of such taste, and I can't see how she condoned these. I know that some of her lines seem geared toward... women of a certain age... but those women deserve hot shoes, too! A general rule for shoes should be that they require one of the following: color, heel, pointy toe, shine or innovation. While these offer texture through the suede, there's just nothing else going on here. Nothing. I envision a peasant throwing these on in the pre-dawn darkness to head out to plow the fields for his master. And that's not Donna Karan aesthetic; I refuse to allow it. I don't even know if the Black is more atrocious, or the colorless version in Chromium.

If for some reason you're interested in purchasing these (a gag perhaps?) then you'll be happy to know they're now on sale for $99 ($98 more than I'd pay).