I can’t tell you exactly how my obsession with shoes began (I SWEAR it has nothing to do with Sex and the City), but I can tell you the first time a pair really blew my mind.

A couple of years back, a friend of mine wore these Burberry studded platform sandals from the Fall 2007 runway. They were sexy, slightly tough, and managed to make even the simplest outfit chic. Even if I could have afforded to buy these beauties, they were completely sold out–probably due to the fact that editors and celebrities everywhere were spotted in them.

While I’ve never splurged on a pair of designer shoes, I’ve made a little promise to myself: When I land my first full-time job, I will treat myself to one…even if it takes a few months of saving. Although that day hasn’t arrived, I’ve compiled a list of shoes that I think are worth the extreme price-tags. The picks might not all be classics, but they’re so special that you’ll surely wear them again and again.

PS: I still scour eBay every once in a while hoping to come across my Burberry dream shoes in a size 37.