I love reading the sharp shopper comments on Fodors--you are in good company! I have had trouble finding the Chanel style ballet flats in 2-tones in France or Italy any more at affordable prices. They used to be everywhere, but now seem only to be available through Chanel ($300) or a few other very expensive companies. Have anyone seen the little "ballerines" (as we used to call them during my college days in France)--lo-cut, with the little tie, quilted or 2 tone--we will be in Italy in May and France in September, so maybe I will succeed with your help.

Robyn: I bought several pairs (one colour and 2-tones) in Paris at Rudy's, Rue Saint-Placide 7 or 11, 6th (opposite Le Bon MarchŽ for a very affordable price, even cheap at that time. I think around FF 350.-/pair. So, have a look into that street. There are some other shoe shops around and LBM isn't bad either (1st floor).<BR>Not sure you will find any in Italy. Mules seem to be the trendiest style these days.

Hi Robyn - there is a great company in London called French Sole, and I think they do exactly what you're looking for. According to their website, www.frenchsole.com - they ship all over Europe, so hopefully to a retail outlet in one of your holiday destinations. If not, they have a catalogue and do mail order - hope that helps.

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Greetings,<BR><BR>Any current thoughts on this thread--as we plan our annual France trip, I will look forward to stocking up when we are in Paris. Many thanks for your help.<BR><BR><BR>Take care,<BR>Robyn France<BR><BR><BR>

Quick note--I did find 2 pair of fab ballet flats--black faille and tan and black--at Martine Clay in Capri on our trip to Italy.

Try the Carel outlet on rue de la Roquette (metro Bastille). It's called La Saboterie or something like that. About a 10 min. walk down the street from the metro.

Lindsey, do you know if French Sole ships to USA? Thank you.

Francesca--Thanks for your information on Carel. Are their ballet flats a brand name and can you provide any other information about what you have found there? Thanks so much. I am looking forward to getting a good little supply--they are my favorite shoes for every occasion. <BR><BR>Merci!<BR>RobynFrance

French Sole evidently does ship to USA; I emailed for a catalog, and they responded that they require 2 pounds for catalog to USA, Europe, Asia, for S/H. So, I assume they do ship the shoes. I have a narrow foot and therefore have trouble with European-made shoes, so am contemplating if I want to bother getting catalog, etc. I'd love to be able to try them on in a shop, tho.

Carel is an upmarket shoe store chain. It has it's own brand, called Carel. The outlet in the 11th has Carel stuff and I think perhaps some other classic brands they own.

Sue and Francesca,<BR><BR>Thank you so much for responding. Sue, I have the French Sole catalog and the stuff looks wonderful--unfortunately, it is so expensive to ship--seems like it is around $20 a pair and I really have to try shoes on to see if they fit--I have very narrow heels and I have made so many shoe mistakes I could open up my own store.<BR><BR>Francesca, thank you so much for the Carel information. I can't wait to check it out--we will be in Paris in May and June, so it is on my list.<BR><BR>Take care,<BR>Robyn France

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One last thought on this--I discovered there is a French Sole in Santa Monica when we went out there to visit our son and wife. Bought a pair--but alas, they are much more expensive than the catalog would indicate--and woe is me, the pair I bought are too small and I haven't even worn them once. My eternal quest for shoes must be tempered with being sure they fit before I leave the store. Not the first time this has happened.

Take care,
Robyn France

Where is French Sole in Santa Monica?
This shop sounds like it is right up my alley, maybe it is?!

just back from paris (trip report soon, after i recover), but ballet flats were everywhere! two shoe stores at the corner of rue de rivoli and rue vielle de temple in the marais had lots at various prices.

Robyn,
You can try to recoup some of your money by selling them on Ebay. If you go to their website and do a search for ballet flats, you will see pages of listings and people are buying the nicer selections. (Chanel, Prada, Manolo).