The wisdom when it comes to Vivienne Westwood is, if you're a half-size in shoes, go one half-size down in U.S. sizes for heels. This tip paid off for me. The shoe is supremely comfortable at a half-size down. In fact, it is just as I have read all over the Internet: It is one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes that I have ever owned--and I have nearly 200 pairs of shoes as I am typing this.

Be prepared to stand out. The shoe is not subtle. (I bought one of the pairs with the big heart on the front.) That's how I roll, so it works beautifully for me, but it may not be the shoe of choice for someone who prefers to dress more conservatively.

I even find the smell charming. It's so silly--a shoe that smells like bubblegum--and yet, I'm wearing them as I type this, and the smell is making me smile and think of knocking off work early and going outside to play.