Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Product Review: Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats

Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats
Click here for product page
item 24404
Regular: $285.00
Now: $189.99

J.Crew describes these over-the-top glam ballet flats as the following:
Flat out fabulous, in gorgeous Italian leather imbued with a hint of shimmer. Designed with couture-inspired details, including a luxurious glove construction with a soft, breathable leather insole, and an interior wedge (bascially, it's the footwear version of shock absorbers—trust us, your feet will thank you). Leather upper, lining and sole. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Made in Italy.
I already own a ridiculous number of J.Crew ballet flats, so I did not think I needed to add another {expensive) pair to the bunch. But I had to give these flats a second look, thanks to the great posts (links at the bottom of post) from Dina and Kathy. Ultimately, I ended up getting them in Metallic Gold, along with the Piera Ballet Flats (Item 26323; $185.00, now $109.99) in Black.

Overall, the Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats really are lovely shoes. The Italian leather with shimmer is absolutely gorgeous. The shimmer is just the right amount too— where it gives off a splash of sparkle without going overboard.

When it comes to fit, it is true-to-size. I am normally a size 9 in ballet flats from J.Crew, and the size 9 in these flats worked out great. I have a narrow foot (which is one of the reasons I am drawn to J.Crew's ballet flats in the first place) and found these to be snug on me. So I suspect if you have a wider foot, these flats may feel a bit uncomfortable for you at first. However, the material lends itself well to flexibility. So you should not have any real issues with fit.

The main reason I bought these was for the interior wedge. I love wearing flats but find that some of my jeans are an inch too long for them. (I can't wear heels, because my feet hurt after taking two steps. I swear, tweens can walk in heels better than I can!) These flats have the perfect amount of heel height and without looking like wedges. It really is hidden well.

But as far as comfort goes, let's not kid ourselves J.Crew! These shoes are not any more comfortable than their existing flats. (I was hoping they were too! But not so.) I wore them to a cocktail party and had to stand for a few hours. My feet hurt just the same as if I were wearing any other J.Crew ballet flat. There really is not enough padding to make my feet say "thank you" like J.Crew suggests in their product description.

Overall, I do like the shoes and would recommend them... on sale! ;) Definitely are not worth the full price tag.

For great reviews and real life images of these shoes, check out:
What are your thoughts on the Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats? Have you seen or own these ballet shoes? If so, what is your review of the fit & style? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?

8 comments:

  1. agreed!! cute, but not ANY more comfortable. when j crew decides to make more comfy flats, I'll be stocking up!!

    http://mikaelasobsessions.blogspot.com/

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  2. I kind of have wide feet thanks to my dad but I just cannot resist JC shoes and I have a weakness for those ballet flats.

    I own this in metallic graphite and initially my true size fit snug but after couple wears it stretched out just a bit for comfort. I do like the hidden wedge but not the price tag. I had a pair of "Bari" metallic graphite flats from few years ago that I wore to bits, so this kind of justified the crazy price even on sale.

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  3. Thanks for the review. I don't usually wear flats unless they are sandals. I have only ever tried one pair of J.Crew flats and they were ill-fitting...too bad because they were super cute, just like a lot of J.Crew flats are.

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  4. OT, but there are new additions to the final sale section, including:

    Katelyn cardigan in all colors
    Haya hoodie, pullover, and striped hoodie
    Perfect stripe boatneck tee
    Superfine cotton pencil skirt
    Jericho hobo
    Peekaboo sequin cardigan (grey)
    Bettina cami (rust and navy)
    Pilar paisley cami

    JC, it is incredibly annoying to push first markdowns to FS - especially when they came out what, 2-3 weeks ago? It's not even sweater weather! You're not training me to purchase at FP, just training me to look elsewhere.

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  5. Hi Alexis!
    Thanks so much for posting a link to my blog.
    I was just wearing these flats yesterday and I love them so. I wish they would go on super sale so I could buy them in the silvery color!

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  6. I bought these flats and returned them. They were cute and I liked the wedge and leather lining. I tought they were a little bit more comfortable than other ballet flats from J Crew. I just could not justify the price, even at 30% off current sale price. I know I can get more comfortable silver flats from other designers that specialize in making shoes. I decided to keep Pierra Ballet flats that I bought at the same time. At about $70, they are at what I am willing to pay for JC flats. Sorry, J Crew, when I spend over $150 for a pair of shoes I want them to be well made, cute AND comfy, or something really unique that I cannot get anywhere else.

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  7. I hate to admit this but I bought these flats at the Lynchburg JC Clearance Center for a RIDICULOUSLY cheap price... I don't think I would have looked at them except for the great "clearance center" sale. They are cute and unique..unlike any other ballet flats I have.

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  8. I decided to try these in the dressing room to see what I thought - took them off after the 2nd outfit. Just not comfy. However, I tried the studded ballet flats and really liked them. I need to buy them, bring them home, and wear them around to house to see if they will continue to stay comfy. :)

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