Louboutin or Not to Louboutin

posted by hellonheels

Jun 27, 2008 11:03AM

I'd go with a classic pair of black Louboutin pumps. The Prada wedges will go out of style, so you're better off with something timeless.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 11:11AM

NO! Save your money! Or wait for them to go on sale at Barneys- They have the BEST shoe sales!

posted by mckeb753

Jun 27, 2008 11:25AM

i say do it! go for the louboutins!...nothing too trendy though...go for a classic pair that you can wear a lot...

posted by christeenuh

Jun 27, 2008 11:37AM

I love my Louboutins.
But I'm lucky that I live right near a Barney's outlet, and only paid $125 each for two super cute pairds!

I'd say shop around first.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 11:44AM

I think you've answered your own question, clearly its about owning Louboutin's that come with a a literal red flag that shouts " I'm a big spender" . Good shoes are worth investing in but personally I think there's nothing sillier than the girl walking around all monogramed and labeled out especially when she's of a younger age, you'll end up just looking like a public game of dress up. Buy the cutest shoes you've ever seen no matter what price tag they come with, in the end they'll say way more about your personal style than the trendy shoe everyone saves up for...

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 12:09PM

i don't think so,
you're right that you can get so many other great things for the same price. you're only sixteen, so you've still got a long time to get your hands on some louboutins anyways.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 12:13PM

I think no. Seriously? You're 16. Are you planning on wearing them to school? I don't mean to be all "obnoxious adult talking down to youngster" but there will be plenty of time for buying Louboutins when it won't break the bank (i.e. after you're working).

Plus, I kind of think they're gauche. They're the footwear equivalent of wearing a giant logo, and its played out.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 12:13PM

At 16, I think you might look a little silly wearing Louboutins, especially if you don't have all the clothes for it (and if a 16 year old does have the clothes for it, well, that's a bit much). Like diamonds--young women don't look good in the big stones. Buy yourself a gorgeous pair of shoes for $300 and spend the rest on clothes.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 12:16PM

Louboutins are worth it!
which ones are u getting? if they are in colors like nude/black they would go with everything :)

Linea Rossa is the prada line i really hate. those stuff are somewhat tourist-y. if u get wt i mean...

posted by zapatosnuevos

Jun 27, 2008 12:44PM

Girl you must be one fab 16-year old. It's a toughy. Cause really nothing is sexier than at Louboutin. Ever. But you're 16 and shouldn't be too sexy. I say go for the wedges or a bag. Bags last longer than shoes anyway.

posted by romantics

Jun 27, 2008 1:21PM

I don't know if you need to cough out all that money when you're sixteen, but save up for a laptop for school or something!

posted by ndpittman

Jun 27, 2008 1:28PM

I'm really kind of proud of you for saving up that money--something noble. I don't mean to sound patronizing at all, I'm actually thinking about doing the same for a Chanel bag. In an age of credit cards and instant gratification, there's something that's so simple and lovely about saving for something. If I were you, I'd go for it, but make sure to get a classic style that will be something you can have for a long time, since you've worked so hard for the investment. I got a pair of black 'O My Sling'; they are gorgeous, and I will have them forever. One note: the shoes run absurdly small. I usually wear a 7.5/8, and I had to get a size 9, so make sure you try them on, even if you then order them online. If you like flats, I would go with the Lanvin ballet flat though--they are chic and beyond comfortable.

Congratulations!

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 1:35PM

I am so impressed you saved up that much loot. i was not even close to that kind of forward thinking when i was 16. that said - i think you should save it towards your awesome spring break in two years and take $100 of it and get yourself a pair of knock offs at nine west. trust me, if you're this good at money mgmt now, it won't be long before you'll be making a lot more money and owning a lot more loubs!

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 1:37PM

Get the Loubs. Better to get one thing you absolutely love than a few nice items. If you don't get them, you will for sure regret it, you'll have these shoes for a lifetime!

Also, good for you for being able to save up.. I regrettably do not possess that skill!

posted by sarahchivonne

Jun 27, 2008 1:44PM

no. you're sixteen. save that money for college. or better yet, stick it in a roth ira. that's what i would tell my sixteen year old self if i could.

if you really want those red heels so badly, wait till a pair go on sale somewhere (since they always do), or buy discounted ones on ebay. don't pay retail.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 2:16PM

I own several pairs and can tell you they will make you feel great but something about the pitch (the angle?) of the shoe makes them uncomfortable - they are really really steep (not just in $). But they are BEAUTIFUL!! I mean they are handmade and if you get something really special in red satin or with feathers it's like a piece of art. But also knowing Prada linea rossa really well I can tell you they will be comfy and last forever.

I guess it all depends on what you want to get out of it - a shoe you can wear all the time for a long, long time or a shoe that will make you feel like a goddess when you wear em.

posted by DivaDelux

Jun 27, 2008 2:39PM

Honestly as much as those red soles are lovely and amazing I don't think they are worth it. Pointy-toed stilettos are coming back in style anyway. If it was like 2 years ago I would totally have said go for it, but I feel like everyone is getting a little Louboutin fatigue from all the overexposure.

I say take the money you saved up and buy 2 or 3 really great pieces. Right now high end designer stores are in sale mode and you can probably find something a little more unique and individual that will show of your personal style more than a red sole.

posted by Jacqueminette

Jun 27, 2008 2:51PM

I got my first pair when I was your age, so part of me just wants to say, "Go for it!"

There's quite the range in price for these shoes, and I don't know what you're looking for; but after having spent as much money as I have in the five years since, I would say buy a pair on sale and add the remainder to your portfolio.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 3:00PM

Go for it. Be the fierce bitch at school. But, if you're going to start it, finish it. No half dressing.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 3:26PM

Hey
I'm also sixteen and I don't own my own pair of the so aptly named "red soles" I generally just borrow my mom's. Even though they're great to wear to a party or a gala (I live in NYC so I sometimes frequent those things, if I'm lucky enough to get invited) practicality is really not the point of a pair of Louboutins. If you are going to be spending that type of money you may want a little more bang for your buck.

If I had saved up enough money for a truly gorgeous pair of shoes I'd go with a sumptuous pair of leather boots, that you can wear forever! And if you really want a pair of heels maybe wedges are better because they are slightly more walkable.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 3:38PM

hi lindsee,
obviously you've had your heart set on louboutins for quite awhile, since you've saved so much money. i would recommend investing in a classic pair that you'll wear for years-something in a neutral color such as black or brown-whether it be peeptoed slingbacks or a chunky pair of pumps. steer clear of the most obvious trends if you're only looking to buy one pair.

also, check out off season collections at discount stores such as nordstrom's rack or 'off fifth avenue' saks. or just check out killer sales at bloomingdales and other stores. sometimes you'll find the shoes of your dreams at half the price!

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 3:49PM

Well, kudos just for saving up for those things, as they are quite the investment.
I say just do what you'll be happier with. If you have no qualms with dishing out all that money on one pair of shoes then go for it. If you're sort of hesitating, get two pairs of "cheaper" designer shoes or some accessories or something that aren't quite as steep, so that way you feel like you're hard earned/saved money went a bit further.

posted by KLW

Jun 27, 2008 4:26PM

If you want a pair of basic black wedges, you can get them even cheaper; Prada Sport is a waste of money for a secondary label. For me, Louboutins aren't about anything but loving the shoes themselves. If you're determined to get them, get one of the basic black pumps so it's not completely impractical and take good care of them.

HOWEVER. Not to sound patronizing, but as I re-read this--you're sixteen! There is something vaguely inappropriate in a blatantly sexual, very adult red soled stiletto on someone who still has a learner's permit. Not to mention, I can't imagine you have many events to attend that require a 5" heel. I think you would be better served at this point by taking that money and buying some good quality clothing (a few years out of college, I'm still wearing some of the Theory I bought in high school) and waiting on Louboutins until you can really get some use out of them. They're not inherently a waste of money, but you'll have a lot of intermediate purchases to make to get you through the next six years before you get there.

posted by coffeeshoplove

Jun 27, 2008 5:03PM

unless you are some sort of debutante...I really can't fathom why a sixteen year old would need a pair of louboutins. There are so many more fun ways to spend your money at sixteen...buy something less expensive and have some fun with what's left over. Not that many other high school kids are going to care about overpriced designer shoes, are they?

posted by xnoelle25

Jun 27, 2008 5:42PM

Well, I definitely think that Louboutin's would be a good investment. I would go for a basic black, something classic you can keep for years. But also, being able to have many different shoes and accessories is a bit important at your age. So, it all depends on if you want to build up a collection right now of trendier things, or one classic thing and wait for more later. I think if I were you, though, I would wait a bit for the Louboutins, until I have money to purchase them and other things as well, so I'm not completely broke. G/L with your decision!

posted by vicki

Jun 27, 2008 6:37PM

How long did it take you to save up? If it didn't take you long I say go for it; however, if it took you a while then I say get the Prade wedges and a few other items. I know what it's like to save for a big ticket item and then buy that one thing and be like "that's it!" I also have rent and bills :(.

posted by DAgnesCapone

Jun 27, 2008 6:46PM

Hellonheels said it best. Wedges are just a passing fad.

I would buy a classic shoe from a less expensive designer. You mentioned Prada -- find something from their new line that you enjoy. Invest the money in two or three (maybe even four) timeless pieces.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 7:13PM

Buy whatever you think you'll use more. I didn't buy my first pair of Louboutins until college because my mom wouldn't let me take hers with me. All through high school I spent money on handbags because I took my mom's shoes. Now I've become as much a shoe addict as my mother.

posted by guest

Jun 27, 2008 8:10PM

I'm 16, and i'd been saving up for ages to buy myself the most beautiful pair of Marni sandals. But just before i bought them online, i thought it would be wise to check stores in the city to see if they were cheaper there. And completely unexpected, i found the most gorgeous pair of Eley Kishimoto mary-janes, which i ended up buying instead. They were about 400$, a bit more expensive than the marni ones i originally wanted, but it was love at first sight, and really, i'm so happy that i got these instead. So really, before you buy them, make sure that those are the ones you really want!

posted by alyssa

Jun 27, 2008 8:41PM

i'm 17 and though i looooooove louboutins, i know i'd have nothing to wear them with/to. also, who knows if your shoe size will change within the next few months/years? if i was purchasing a pair of louboutins i'd want ones that i'd have for years and years to come.

i'd suggest buying some marc by marc shoes, they're cute, well made, and really unique.

posted by dumbbrunette5

Jun 28, 2008 12:28AM

if you think youll still be wearing them 10 years from now then go for it. i dont see anything wrong with a 16 year old in heels (i loved them when i was 16 too) as long as the rest of your clothes dont look like you stole them from a 25 year olds wardrobe. just think about how often ull wear them and what ull wear them with first, and if there are enough options then go ahead. but if you do get them, make sure you get some rubber soles put on (apparently the louboutin store in ny recommends a place that makes them look just like the leather soles) so that you dont destroy the leather when you walk

posted by LindSEEbychloe

Jun 28, 2008 12:41AM

Hi everyone!! Thank you so much for replying with good solid advice. I want to have this major purchase be something I have for a lifetime. And it is true, that I would wear these to school, but in my neighborhood this isn't a big deal (scarsdale new york baby!) Since the classic Loubs I want are around 800 and I am not 150% in love, my decision has been to buy this turquoise Hermes belt (around 600) and wait to find the perfect- have-to-have-it Louboutin shoe or maybe a YSL tribute. Who knows! If I buy all of these things now, what luxury item am I going to buy at 50!
Thank you again everyone!!

ps. the prada wedges I liked were not VERY touristy (i know what you mean totally). (but, maybe a little)

pps. Saving up is a bitch. ;]

posted by LindSEEbychloe

Jun 28, 2008 12:46AM

Pt. 2
I know with all of these designers I see a little label crazy. do not fret, i live in fast fashion ala forever 21 and vintage. and mixed with a little designer. ;]

posted by kimmi

Jun 28, 2008 1:19AM

Since you're only 16, I'd be worried that your shoe size would change and you wouldn't get very much wear out of your Louboutins. And isn't the point of buying a classic pair of shoes to get a lot of wear out of them?

I'd say buy something less expensive that you can wear to school (since that's where you spend most of your time anyway) and save the Loubs as a congratulatory present for when you get your first "real" job or internship.

posted by guest

Jun 28, 2008 1:22AM

Tkae it from me

I've gone through this with my Louis Vuitton Phase ( which isn't the same thing, but for $800 bucks of my hard earned cash, yeah it is) MY first piece of LV was a Monogram Keepall and I cherish it till this day. But I saved so much to finally get it and once I did I couldn't bring myself to use it. It was too special and meant too much to use for anything!! and Now after 2 years of letting it sit and with other valuables going in and out of my posession I have finally gotten the guts to use it.
Maybe that's OK for a piece of Oversized luggage...but it might not be for a shoe.

posted by guest

Jun 28, 2008 10:07AM

not to louboutin. unless you find them on sale. i tried a pair on the other day (and i consider myself pretty good in heels) and they were IMPOSSIBLE to walk in. its fun that they are so high, but pretty impractical for you unless you already have an idea where you will wear them.

posted by xxi

Jun 28, 2008 1:04PM

Darling, you won't wear them forever. Sorry, it's silly to fool yourself into thinking that. I remember when I was 16 and buying things I thought I would wear "forever" I have a pile of jewelry that cost my mother a fortune that's just not my style any more.

Style changes, people change. Wait for a sale, everything goes on sale these days.

posted by kgfashionista

Jun 30, 2008 8:11PM

YES DO IT!!!!!!! they will classic and fashionable forever!

posted by guest

Jul 04, 2008 5:10AM

WHY OH WHY is there SO much shoe snobbery??!! in Tatler (british sloane-ass-kissing magazine) all I ever hear is... "Manolo's are SO much better than Louboutins" as if they're tacky. fuck them! just cause they probably can't walk in them...

posted by guest

Jul 07, 2008 1:57PM

Definitely don't go for Prada Linea Rossa, formerly known as Prada Sport. It bears pretty much no resemblance to "real" Prada and is a total ripoff, targeted at tourists.

Are Louboutins worth the money? Yes. I have a few pairs and they are, really, truly, the very most comfortable heels I own (and I own a lot of designer heels). My advice if you are buying one pair as an "investment": don't buy a light color like cream or white (they'll get trashed so much faster and you'll be sad) and don't buy a pair with lots of little details like feathers or beading (it will likely get damaged eventually and then you'll be sad).

Another point to consider: this summer is a summer of great shoe sales, because the economy is so awful. Before you buy retail, try checking out the sales at the Louboutin stores and at Barneys/Bergdorfs/Saks.

Good luck!

posted by guest

Jul 10, 2008 12:17PM

Sure, Louboutins are a great investment and all, but you're sixteen. I suggest buying some cute outfits for school or a gadget instead. I think those shoes are a bit too womanly for the high-school scene.

If you really want to be diligent, put that money away for college. That's an investment that will pay off for you--and possibly allow you to buy all the shoes, Louboutins or others, you want someday.

posted by AmyJean

Jul 14, 2008 6:36AM

I'm also 16 so I think you should go for it! Louboutins don't come with an age restriction and all these people saying it will be "inappropriate" for a 16yr old to wear them, well they're just jealous because they couldn't afford them at your age. I don't understand why people are always trying to make teenagers look "cutesy" and want to dress them in clothes suitable for a 10yr old. When you're 16, you normally have your own sense of style by then and you don't look to your mother to dress you.

I admit there is some boundaries when it comes to dressing older than your age but at the end of the day I think you should buy them but make sure they're classic ones so they'll last you decades and then you'll be making a good investment.