Update, April 8th: these beautifully crafted, classic French shoes have been reduced to the price of 50 USD.

Robert Clergerie Patent Leather Pumps, Made in France: Simple, Elegant Shoes for Evening, Cocktails or Teatime
It’s difficult to find classic, real shoes these days. When I speak of elegant dressing, I often mention closed-toe shoes, which used to be the norm. Sure, peep-toes and strappy high-heeled sandals are all the rage, but I don’t write about trends, except to disparage them and their lack of longevity. Exposing one’s toes and tottering about on stilts are never elegant. This pair of shoes almost represents my ideal for evening. Alas, they are a half-size too small for me. Advice to people approaching middle-age: buy your shoes a half-size larger than necessary, because your feet are about to grow a half-inch (once upon a time, these shoes would have fit me).
~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2009