Blouse: Embody
Skirt: Portmans
Belt: Glassons
Shoes: Chie Mihara
You remember how I said a couple of posts ago that I don’t buy shoes online? Well, there’s a few notable exceptions, and Chie Mihara is one of them.
Years ago, a friend introduced me to this wonderful Spanish brand… she owned the most darling pair of Mary-Janes, and when she told me a bit about the brand (Chie’s training in Orthopaedics, her knowledge of foot anatomy, and her determination that you didn’t have to suffer to wear nice shoes) I was intrigued.
Luckily, my local shoe shop stocked Chie Mihara at that point, and even luckier they had a pair of amazing shoes, on sale, in my size. I bought them almost immediately, and I’ve never looked back.
Less luckily, I work in publishing (which automatically means I don’t make a lot of money) and, even on sale, I sank more into that one pair of shoes than I’ve ever paid before or since.
Good shoes are an investment, I get that, and I’ve more than got my money’s worth out of the shoes I bought that day. But still, I don’t earn enough to sink that kind of capital into SHOES, and it was probably silly to have done so in the first place.
Because then I was hooked.
I now own five pairs of Chie Miharas, but I haven’t had to rob any banks. My secret is… eBay.
I know, I know, second-hand-shoes, ewwwww. But seriously, most of them are virtually unworn, some come in their boxes even, with their little heel replacement caps intact and everything.
And because Chie Miharas are one of those brands not many people know about (not like Jimmy Choo, or Louboutin), you can often snaffle a pair up on eBay for a steal.
These, for instance, were just $74 plus shipping from the UK.
The contrast green strap and bright red heel cap are very on-trend colour-blocking, but the style’s a classic retro mary-jane that will no doubt still be in vogue even after the shoes have crumbled into dust.
The wide footbed, soft leather, and sturdy heel all combine to make a shoe that was instantly comfortable.
And yeah, they’re “second hand”, but I prefer to think of it as “already broken in for me”.
p.s. Gratuitous shot of my earrings, because I bought them in Tokyo, and I love ’em.
75% of my shoes is “second foot” 😉 mostly someone just bought, put on once and discovered that shoes are not quite the way buyer had imagined. so they are almost new 🙂
Oh, I like that: “second foot”, lol!
They are glorious! I always think I’ll buy myself a pair of Chie Mihara’s when I’m a ‘proper grown-up’…she says, at 27 years old. One day they will be mine.
Enjoy them!
LOL, I don’t think I’ll ever feel grown up! Maybe you need to reward yourself for something special – a birthday or Christmas or a promotion or something 🙂
That is an excellent idea!
Lovely shoes & what a bargain, Lilli 🙂
I have a saved search for Chie Mihara on eBay but have yet to come across such a fab bargain despite relentless stalking. I think I have the most common size of shoes so sellers hike up the price & someone always pays it in the end…you have inspired me to start paying more attention to pre-loved pairs! BTW do you find they run true to size?
Hey Jo, how frustrating for you. I wear a 39 or 40, so I feel your pain! I do find that they run true to size – and they’re pretty consistent, too. I’ve only had trouble with one pair that were a smidge too narrow, but all the others have been great.
Ooh, you are lucky – I tried some on in a shop in Zurich and no chance, way too narrow, so haven’t considered them any more. Perhaps secondhand, worn in…??
I have the same calf trouble as you in finding boots, but apparently wider feet…!
I’ve had a problem with the narrowness of one of the pairs I tried – some flats – but never with the heels…. it could be that they’ve been broken in though, like you said.
Very cute earrings! Your blog has given me a craving for new shoes – I find Clarks and Ecco great for comfort, but am so tempted to give Chies a try after reading your posts. Like Jo, I’m curious about the fitting – are they generous sizes?
I’ve found them pretty much spot on. I wear a 39/40 in Wittner shoes, and the same in Chie Miharas.
One of my saved searches on eBay is chié mihara. No bargains found yet! But you give me hope! Fabulous outfit as always. 🙂
Thanks Claire! I’ve been lucky, I think. I’ve never found any specific styles that I’ve been hunting for, but I can usually find a few pairs that I like. Have you tried searching under description, too?
I discovered Chie Mihara via this blog and am totally in love. I have bought new from her – but trust me when I say I am positive I will wear them for the next 5-10 years (if they last that long) before I pay. I also love John Fluevog shoes – they are really funky and as with Chie, very comfortable, well made but quite expensive. The worst part of Fluevog’s online is the shipping costs – I have given pretty strong feedback about that.
I’ve never tried Fluevog – though there’s a few shops in Melbourne that stock them! I’d love to buy some Chie’s new… maybe one day if I’ve got a special reason. A girlfriend of mine just bought her wedding shoes direct from the webstore, and she said they came beautifully packaged.
Drool!!!!!!
Drool!!!!!! Show me to your dealer!!
Just someone in the UK who was selling hers privately, so I don’t think she has any more pairs on offer. Just pop it into the search terms though, you’ll be surprised how many come up.
Guess what I bought online from eBay last week- yes browny green metallic chies- for $80 from the UK. I’m not usually a second hand person at all unless I know (or like u- cyber know) someone but I figure ill be wearing them with stockings! And I wanted a pair! Waiting for delivery and already have my eye on a second gorgeous pair that’s a bit over half price!!!
I love your emerald green shirt with the belt and skirt- very va va voom! Gorgeous!!!
Hurrah! I hope you love them!
Oh and cute as clothes hanger earrings! So little and perfect!
Love the echo of your scoop neckline in the vamp of the shoes. Gorgeous outfit!
Thanks, Amber!
Oh, how I loves Chies…and thank goodness for ebay! I’ve owned about nearly 10 pairs so far, a few of which I’ve resold on ebay and nearly made all my money back. Kind of makes me feel less guilty about the pairs I did spend a lot of money on.
Neutral shopping! I’m a big fan of that, too!
I’ve been thinking about Chie Mihara’s for years but have never found any… I will be scouring eBay from now on!
It’s well worth it. I’ve never found a specific pair that i wanted, but if you go into it with an open mind you can find some gems.
I usually don’t either but I did score a pair of the “Belga” style on eBay about a year after I first saw them and decided I must have them…and I’m a size 40, which is sometimes hard to find. So, have faith!!
Oh no Lilli! I am afraid I got on to Chie Mihara after reading your blog, and I too have been adding to my addiction on Ebay. I am also a size 39 (unfortunately a common size). I definitely bid on these against you!
Oh, I’m sorry I scored them, Mim! I’m glad you’re enjoying reading & you love Chie like I do! And a little healthy competition never hurt anyone 😉
I love, love, love Chie Mihara but it never entered my mind to look on ebay. Smart thinking lady! Having large and wide feet it is difficult to find shoes and yes good shoes are definitely worth it. But one does need variety in their wardrobe, so I can fully understand your numerous pairs! 🙂
DEFINITELY! Now I just need you to explain it to The Sophisticate!
Hi Lilli,
As is the serendipity of the internet, this afternoon, while avoiding actual work I was browsing on development applications for our local council. This lead to me the website of our local podiatrist, (whom I have never visited) and on her website I found this link
http://www.lilysole.com.au/
I now think I will have to visit the podiatrist and see if she actually has samples of these shoes. I thought, being a lover of comfortable stylish shoes and a lily afterall, you’d probably like to see them.
Nice one, Anne! Thanks for giving me a heads-up and let me know how you go with them!
Dear Miss Lilli,
I’d like to file a complaint against you…since I started reading your blog, and you introduced me to Chie’s, I have developed a fixation with these shoes!!! You and your blog have cost me 10 pairs of Chie’s now and my collection is still growing 🙂 Ebay is my favorite and as I have size 41, I can score bargains sometimes. My latest were only $45 green suede NEW ones, which are just beautiful! I love how you wear yours!
Big hug from Michelle
LOL, I’ll pass your complaint on to Bellebelle. It’s her fault I’m obsessed about them, too!