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HOLLYWOOD, · Nov 3rd, 2009, 03:18 PM

As some of you know, I just bought my first pair of CLs (black patent Altis). I had someone I knew who lived in New York buy them and ship it over to me as they are super hard to find. She bought them on October 25th and it arrived at my house on October 29th. I was really excoted as they were my first pairs of CL that I didn't bother inspecting the shoes first as I trusted the qaulity behind the name. I wore them out to a Halloween party on the 30th for 5 hours and still didn't pay much attention to the details of the shoe. This weekend I took a closer look and inspected the shoes and to my horror the quality of the shoes are TERIBBLE! I am so upset, I can't believe they are selling these for $925 and I had to pay $236 on top of that in duty fees. I'm not sure if this is normal for CLs as these are my first ones but I would definitely not have paid $1160 for this! I have no idea what I can do now as I worn them once and I don't live in New York. Any advice would be great.

Red soles is uneven and not placed well:

Nick on the back of heel:

Insoles are terribly glued on and placed:

HOLLYWOOD, · Nov 3rd, 2009, 03:20 PM

More photos of the insoles:

One of the platform is sticking out more then the other:

LilySatine · Nov 4th, 2009, 08:48 AM

I'm having the exact same problem this morning... A lovely TPFer bought them for me and sent the shoes to France - because of a Loub seller in a boutique, who forgot to order a transfer and then suggested buying from Saks, which I did as I abslutely wanted THESE exact shoes...

And they came with what I think is a big flaw, the bow looks like it has been stitched and unstitched and then re-stitched, and of course you can see the stitching and little holes in the leather, and they're not covered by the bow...

I'm very disappointed, and I don't want to send them back to Saks as :

- it was the last pair
- I paid taxes I'll never get back if I send them oversea, AND I would pay again if new shoes come
- of course it is always risky, and they might arrive/come back even more damaged - there is already a tiny spot where the upper is like chipped off, at the back of heel...

But my usual boutique in Paris - where they forgot to transfer the shoes - told me they couldn't do anything as I bought them from Saks... I'm soooo disappointed!!

ratox · Nov 4th, 2009, 08:57 AM

OMG. I feel so terrible for you both.

Swanky Mama Of Three · Nov 4th, 2009, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by LilySatine

I'm having the exact same problem this morning... A lovely TPFer bought them for me and sent the shoes to France - because of a Loub seller in a boutique, who forgot to order a transfer and then suggested buying from Saks, which I did as I abslutely wanted THESE exact shoes...

How many times do I have to tell you guys, this is AGAINST our rules and WILL get you banned? I start new threads, remind people in threads. . . what do we have to do?

iloveredsoles · Nov 4th, 2009, 09:04 AM

wow! So sorry to hear that, Hollywood. The soles look like they've been melted!!
Did you try calling the store you bought them from? I would send them an email with the pics!!

LilySatine · Nov 4th, 2009, 09:27 AM

(Please excuse me SwankyMamaofthree, I knew about quoting ebay and so on, but didn't know it was against the rules to "thank" a TPFer whose name isn't quoted :( If a mod comes around, could you please edit my post? I really didn't intend to infringe the rule, it was only to explain why I can't send them back and ask for an exchange :()

madamelizaking · Nov 4th, 2009, 10:26 AM

The arch crease is very normal... as for the nick on the heel, there's no show of that ..no shadow or dent in the picture in your reveal page, so unfortunatly that seems to be caused by you (that 'nick" happend to my bianca as well and I was really careful..unfortunatly it happens ). As for the insoles, I don't know what you're worried or talking about? They look completely normal to me. As for the platform..I honestly can't see a big difference... but it probably would have annoyed me as well. I know it's hard to pay 1k for a shoe and not have perfection, but these shoes are handmade and their "flaws" are because of that. These shoes aren't horrible or terrible it is how they usually are ..If you feel that way it may be best to stay away from CLs becasue they won't ever be perfect.

ohNina · Nov 4th, 2009, 11:23 AM

^^I have to say I was thinking the exact same thing as madamelizaking. I think you are being over critical.

karwood · Nov 4th, 2009, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by madamelizaking

The arch crease is very normal... as for the nick on the heel, there's no show of that ..no shadow or dent in the picture in your reveal page, so unfortunatly that seems to be caused by you (that 'nick" happend to my bianca as well and I was really careful..unfortunatly it happens ). As for the insoles, I don't know what you're worried or talking about? They look completely normal to me. As for the platform..I honestly can't see a big difference... but it probably would have annoyed me as well. I know it's hard to pay 1k for a shoe and not have perfection, but these shoes are handmade and their "flaws" are because of that. These shoes aren't horrible or terrible it is how they usually are ..If you feel that way it may be best to stay away from CLs becasue they won't ever be perfect.

I totally agree.

sumnboutme · Nov 4th, 2009, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by madamelizaking

The arch crease is very normal... as for the nick on the heel, there's no show of that ..no shadow or dent in the picture in your reveal page, so unfortunatly that seems to be caused by you (that 'nick" happend to my bianca as well and I was really careful..unfortunatly it happens ). As for the insoles, I don't know what you're worried or talking about? They look completely normal to me. As for the platform..I honestly can't see a big difference... but it probably would have annoyed me as well. I know it's hard to pay 1k for a shoe and not have perfection, but these shoes are handmade and their "flaws" are because of that. These shoes aren't horrible or terrible it is how they usually are ..If you feel that way it may be best to stay away from CLs becasue they won't ever be perfect.

I completely agree

rilokiley · Nov 4th, 2009, 12:00 PM

I would have to agree with the others as well.

The wrinkling in the arch of the red sole is fairly normal and not something that affects the look or function of the shoe. The inner soles don't look bad to me. And the nick on the heel may be something you did even without knowing since you did wear them for 5 hours to a Halloween party.

hya_been · Nov 4th, 2009, 12:26 PM

Lily - just a note. If you return the shoes, you can file a claim to get the taxes/import fees refunded, so don't let that stop you from returning them.

Hollywood There's nothing you can do. I agree that they are handmade, but that doesn't mean they aren't well made. I agree that Canada has heavy import fees, but I was thinking about this yesterday even, the things our taxes provide for us are pretty great. I think you should keep them for now because if you try and sell them, you will not make near the 1100 you spent. Do you love them when you put them on? How do they make you feel? That is what is important.

madamelizaking · Nov 4th, 2009, 12:28 PM

^ Since she's worn them and there are no defects she can't return them.

Bitstuff · Nov 4th, 2009, 02:45 PM

I saw your reveal thread; they're the Alti 160! I've noticed that higher heeled CLs tend to have more bumpy, or uneven soles. I had a pair of these stunners and there were a few flaws too, which is not to say that the Alti 160 tends to be flawed.

The insole looks fine, same for the platform. As others have already said, CLs are handmade and always have inconsistencies. You can be sure that the nick on the heel wasn't there when it left the craftsmen's hands - it was either put there in the store, or by you. Patent is easily ripped.

They are not of horrible quality. No CL is perfect, but we've all heard the stories of quality control slacking as the demand and production for these shoes goes up. What they need to do is hire more people, not have the current ones work faster. None of this changes your situation though.

Take it from us, there is nothing unusual about these shoes. They aren't perfect, but still quite usual for a pair of CLs, all because they're made by hand, not machines. I'm sorry you feel dissapointed.

Nov 3rd, 2009, 03:18 PM	#1
HOLLYWOOD, OP Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 238	HORRIBLE QUALITY CLs!! So disappointed, please help!! WARNING: PIC HEAVY. As some of you know, I just bought my first pair of CLs (black patent Altis). I had someone I knew who lived in New York buy them and ship it over to me as they are super hard to find. She bought them on October 25th and it arrived at my house on October 29th. I was really excoted as they were my first pairs of CL that I didn't bother inspecting the shoes first as I trusted the qaulity behind the name. I wore them out to a Halloween party on the 30th for 5 hours and still didn't pay much attention to the details of the shoe. This weekend I took a closer look and inspected the shoes and to my horror the quality of the shoes are TERIBBLE! I am so upset, I can't believe they are selling these for $925 and I had to pay $236 on top of that in duty fees. I'm not sure if this is normal for CLs as these are my first ones but I would definitely not have paid $1160 for this! I have no idea what I can do now as I worn them once and I don't live in New York. Any advice would be great. Red soles is uneven and not placed well: Nick on the back of heel: Insoles are terribly glued on and placed:
HOLLYWOOD, OP Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 238

Nov 3rd, 2009, 03:20 PM	#2
HOLLYWOOD, OP Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 238	More photos of the insoles: One of the platform is sticking out more then the other:
HOLLYWOOD, OP Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 238

Nov 4th, 2009, 08:48 AM	#3
LilySatine Flibustière for CLs Joined: Aug 2009 Location: France Posts: 64	I'm having the exact same problem this morning... A lovely TPFer bought them for me and sent the shoes to France - because of a Loub seller in a boutique, who forgot to order a transfer and then suggested buying from Saks, which I did as I abslutely wanted THESE exact shoes... And they came with what I think is a big flaw, the bow looks like it has been stitched and unstitched and then re-stitched, and of course you can see the stitching and little holes in the leather, and they're not covered by the bow... I'm very disappointed, and I don't want to send them back to Saks as : - it was the last pair - I paid taxes I'll never get back if I send them oversea, AND I would pay again if new shoes come - of course it is always risky, and they might arrive/come back even more damaged - there is already a tiny spot where the upper is like chipped off, at the back of heel... But my usual boutique in Paris - where they forgot to transfer the shoes - told me they couldn't do anything as I bought them from Saks... I'm soooo disappointed!!
	__________________ Wishlist 39/39,5 : Glitter Lady Lynch - Lace Lady Page - Black Bloody Mary UHG : Oxblood Lady Page - Blue Acid Python Feticha

Nov 4th, 2009, 08:57 AM	#4
ratox Member Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 90	OMG. I feel so terrible for you both.
ratox Member Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 90

Nov 4th, 2009, 09:04 AM	#6
iloveredsoles Member Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 48	wow! So sorry to hear that, Hollywood. The soles look like they've been melted!! Did you try calling the store you bought them from? I would send them an email with the pics!!
iloveredsoles Member Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 48

Nov 4th, 2009, 09:27 AM	#7
LilySatine Flibustière for CLs Joined: Aug 2009 Location: France Posts: 64	(Please excuse me SwankyMamaofthree, I knew about quoting ebay and so on, but didn't know it was against the rules to "thank" a TPFer whose name isn't quoted :( If a mod comes around, could you please edit my post? I really didn't intend to infringe the rule, it was only to explain why I can't send them back and ask for an exchange :()
	__________________ Wishlist 39/39,5 : Glitter Lady Lynch - Lace Lady Page - Black Bloody Mary UHG : Oxblood Lady Page - Blue Acid Python Feticha Last edited by LilySatine; Nov 4th, 2009 at 09:32 AM.

Nov 4th, 2009, 10:26 AM	#8
madamelizaking Loubouholic Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Orange County, Ca Posts: 2,979	The arch crease is very normal... as for the nick on the heel, there's no show of that ..no shadow or dent in the picture in your reveal page, so unfortunatly that seems to be caused by you (that 'nick" happend to my bianca as well and I was really careful..unfortunatly it happens ). As for the insoles, I don't know what you're worried or talking about? They look completely normal to me. As for the platform..I honestly can't see a big difference... but it probably would have annoyed me as well. I know it's hard to pay 1k for a shoe and not have perfection, but these shoes are handmade and their "flaws" are because of that. These shoes aren't horrible or terrible it is how they usually are ..If you feel that way it may be best to stay away from CLs becasue they won't ever be perfect.
	__________________ Check out ROCK925JEWELRY.COM for Fashion and fine silver jewelry! Use Promo Code: TPFgirls to get 15% off your total purchase. MadameLizaKing's Mini Boutique of Loubie My UHG returns ~~~~* A Cinderella Story~~~~* Last edited by madamelizaking; Nov 4th, 2009 at 10:46 AM.

Nov 4th, 2009, 11:23 AM	#9
ohNina Member Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 320	^^I have to say I was thinking the exact same thing as madamelizaking. I think you are being over critical.

Nov 4th, 2009, 12:00 PM	#12
rilokiley Member Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 5,433	I would have to agree with the others as well. The wrinkling in the arch of the red sole is fairly normal and not something that affects the look or function of the shoe. The inner soles don't look bad to me. And the nick on the heel may be something you did even without knowing since you did wear them for 5 hours to a Halloween party.
rilokiley Member Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 5,433

Nov 4th, 2009, 12:26 PM	#13
hya_been Member Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,619	Lily - just a note. If you return the shoes, you can file a claim to get the taxes/import fees refunded, so don't let that stop you from returning them. Hollywood There's nothing you can do. I agree that they are handmade, but that doesn't mean they aren't well made. I agree that Canada has heavy import fees, but I was thinking about this yesterday even, the things our taxes provide for us are pretty great. I think you should keep them for now because if you try and sell them, you will not make near the 1100 you spent. Do you love them when you put them on? How do they make you feel? That is what is important.
hya_been Member Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,619	__________________ Help People find their UHGs Purple Patent Miss Boxe if it's ever made 40! Any colour Decolzep 41/41.5 preferably purple greasepaint Pink or Green Pompadeuce 40 - 41 Navy Coquine or Pin-Up 41 Purple, Green or Silver Fiorellino 85 or 100 40.5-41 Last edited by hya_been; Nov 4th, 2009 at 12:31 PM.

Nov 4th, 2009, 12:28 PM	#14
madamelizaking Loubouholic Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Orange County, Ca Posts: 2,979	^ Since she's worn them and there are no defects she can't return them.
	__________________ Check out ROCK925JEWELRY.COM for Fashion and fine silver jewelry! Use Promo Code: TPFgirls to get 15% off your total purchase. MadameLizaKing's Mini Boutique of Loubie My UHG returns ~~~~* A Cinderella Story~~~~*

Nov 4th, 2009, 02:45 PM	#15
Bitstuff Member Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 943	I saw your reveal thread; they're the Alti 160! I've noticed that higher heeled CLs tend to have more bumpy, or uneven soles. I had a pair of these stunners and there were a few flaws too, which is not to say that the Alti 160 tends to be flawed. The insole looks fine, same for the platform. As others have already said, CLs are handmade and always have inconsistencies. You can be sure that the nick on the heel wasn't there when it left the craftsmen's hands - it was either put there in the store, or by you. Patent is easily ripped. They are not of horrible quality. No CL is perfect, but we've all heard the stories of quality control slacking as the demand and production for these shoes goes up. What they need to do is hire more people, not have the current ones work faster. None of this changes your situation though. Take it from us, there is nothing unusual about these shoes. They aren't perfect, but still quite usual for a pair of CLs, all because they're made by hand, not machines. I'm sorry you feel dissapointed.

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