Here Kitty, Kitty

Those of you that have been following me for a while may remember my post on jelly shoes.  Well my friends, jellies have really come a long way.  I’ve since discovered this rather amazeballs vegan brand called Melissa.  They are a Brazilian shoe company that uses 100% sustainable practices to make their shoes - recycling everything plastic and rubber from water bottles to used tires.  And the styles like these Ultragirl Cat cute ballet flats just speak for themselves. 

The Ultragirl Cat ballet flats don these crazy adorable cat ears on the top of the toes.  They are plastic and lightweight.  When I first thought about getting them, I was really worried I’d be stabbing myself all the time with those ears jetting out.  Surprisingly, I really have never even bummed them on anything or more importantly, any ONE.  (at least not without intention ;) ) They never get in the way of crossing my legs, sitting cross-legged on the floor, or even walking the pooch. 

They have a concealed ½” heel that give you that nice little vertical boost that flatters all universally.  The exterior is a textured faux suede that wears really nicely over time.  I have actually had this pair for about a year now and have worn them in extensively because I LOVE them so much.  They’ve traveled with me to the East Coast a few times getting me compliments from the TSA security.  I love to take advantage of the strategically placed peep toe by going with pink, red and even silver nail polish making the kitty cat’s “nose” pop.  Over time, the edges have gotten dirty from lotion, and just dirt in general.  But they are such a cinch to clean.  A wet paper towel or even a sticky tape lint roller makes them look brand new in under 30 seconds flat.

One of my favorite things about them is the Melissa signature scent.  Unlike other jellies or plastic/rubber shoes, they don’t smell like plastic.  They have this really nice powdery light scent that lasts through humid summers and fall showers.  I have no idea how they do it but its really fantastic.  Your feet NEVER smell in these.  And they are sooo comfy.  Truly comfy.  These have become my go-to black ballet flat despite how “costumey” they are.  I’ve found they add a little hint of fun to my basic outfits in a really unexpected way.  And the compliments are unending.  In line at the store, walking on the street, in bathroom stalls, ladies are just all too happy to tell me how much they love my shoes. 

And did I mention they are totally a deal?  They average out at about $100, these specifically retailed at $110.  But, depending on the style, they range and their site also has great sales.  The problem is that they usually sell out before they go on sale because these shoes are all so awesome and worth the price.  Comparing these to other cat ballet flats like Kate Spade’s Cecelia Flats at $258 and Charlotte Olympia’s Sunkissed Kitty Canvas Slippers retailing for a cool $495, these are totally the cat’s meow.

Melissa shoes are really going to hit big.  They have done mega collaborations with Vivienne Westwood, Jeremy Scott and Jason Wu just to name a few.  The styles, the ethics, the value, the comfort… wins across the board.  Which pair is going to start your new Melissa obsession?

--> *hearts*