Carmina Shoes - Definitive Thread (reviews, advice, sizing, etc...) - official thread.



NAMOR said:

Very, very nice Simon. You did very well for yourself. Do you remember if they had any larger sizes, specifically 11uk? Thanks

Click to expand...

Yes, they had some 11UK, though probably not more than half a dozen pairs. They had some black side-gussets which were stunning but just didn't fit me, and some brown brogues. I think they also had some plain-toe caramel pebble-grain ankle boots and some storm-welted brown oxfords. There may have been one pair of shell lace-ups in an 11.

I was a little surprised that I had to size down on what I purchased - I'm a (slightly tight) 10.5E UK on EG's 202 and an 11D/E on some of the other lasts and an 11E in most Lobbs. On the Carminas I got a pair in the Detroit last where I had to size down to a 10 and the shells above are a 10.5.

Thanks Simon. I was hoping Betty would send me a couple of pairs in addition to the balmoral boot order I placed but it's just confusing her. I asked her about samples in shell and she responded, "yes, go to website and tell me which pair you want" she continues with "what is sample? Do you still want boot?"

I love the grenson-esque broguing. It's unique, moreso in a classic kind of way than it is a in gimmicky, nick Wooster rocks this look so we are going to too, kid of way. Yaddamean?



FrankCowperwood said:

No you aren't crazy. It really is pretty cheap, all things considered. And if the Euro would just go ahead an collapse to something like .50 on the dollar...

Click to expand...

will not happen any time soon...



NAMOR said:

Thanks Simon. I was hoping Betty would send me a couple of pairs in addition to the balmoral boot order I placed but it's just confusing her. I asked her about samples in shell and she responded, "yes, go to website and tell me which pair you want" she continues with "what is sample? Do you still want boot?"

Click to expand...

Carmina needs to hire an english speaking rep just for Style Forum orders. Betty tries very hard - but she's in over her head with teh language.



SimonC said:

Right, just to rub it in - my Carmina shells which were €247 from the Gran Via store earlier this week. They were a display model:

Click to expand...

Berry Nioce!

Comment: Unspoilered full-frontal Appreciation.



NAMOR said:

I love the grenson-esque broguing. It's unique, moreso in a classic kind of way than it is a in gimmicky, nick Wooster rocks this look so we are going to too, kid of way. Yaddamean?

Click to expand...

For sure.



SimonC said:

Right, just to rub it in - my Carmina shells which were €247 from the Gran Via store earlier this week. They were a display model:

Click to expand...

Beautiful. Is this their burgundy shell? I'd like to see a photo of the shoes on the Detroit last, when you get a chance.

fritzl said:

will not happen any time soon...

Click to expand...

You know, I shouldn't even joke about it. No reason to wish any further economic distress on anyone, certainly not for the purposes of buying shoes.

The woman on the left is Betty Albaladejo. Hat tip to Mike at Epaulet for the photo (from their tumblr).

I emailed Betty, and she told me that she's unable to help with the seconds/sample sale at the Madrid store, because she's not there and it's overly complicated dealing with the single size/style/quality combinations. So that confirms that she is not located at their Madrid store. I believe she's in Majorca.

I actually heard from Betty via email twice today---with five separate emails from her! Is that a new record?

Just pulled the trigger on a pair of the 910 rain in cognac. Wasn't listed in my size in the Web shop but Betty got hold of a pair . Looking forward to receiving my first carminas. Got trees too. Thanks for a very useful and inspiring thread.....



NAMOR said:

Its a narrower last so its sensical to focus production of shoes with friendlier last.

Click to expand...

Carmina's website shows the Rain lasted shoes as an EE width. Is this wrong?



SimonC said:

Right, just to rub it in - my Carmina shells which were €247 from the Gran Via store earlier this week. They were a display model:

Click to expand...

Which last is this?



mymil said:

The woman on the left is Betty Albaladejo. Hat tip to Mike at Epaulet for the photo (from their tumblr).

Click to expand...

there she is! what a pleasant looking lady. After a rocky start, Betty and I have since exchanged over 18 emails in the past 4 days (you could say things were getting serious). At the end, ordered the shell Bal boot in Burgundy. Cannot wait



Mr. Pink said:

Carmina's website shows the Rain lasted shoes as an EE width. Is this wrong?

Click to expand...

sounds odd. I thought rain was sleeker. perhaps it ranges from E-EE?