If I had to choose one thing I splurge on it’s good, timeless shoes that will last a lifetime. Mike just surprised me with a pair I’ve been wanting for years now and didn’t have the heart to buy for myself. Since I typically feel guilty whenever he gives me a gift (I tend to return them), he thought this would be a good way to ensure I actually hang on to something from him. I still haven’t decided if I’ll keep them or hand them back over to Neimans.

In the meantime, I’ve just been admiring these Christian Louboutin N°Prives he picked out for me all on his own.

I’ve walked on the carpet wearing them 3 times. It’s cushy surfaces only until I decide if I can offer them a good home. They’re pretty magical.

It reminded me of the beautiful shoes I already have and how much I really love them. They’re all in bags inside of their boxes in a special corner of my closet, they feel well-earned and special to me whenever I wear them. Here are a few of my favorites.

These Jimmy Choo 072 Dream D’orsays were my first pair of good shoes. I found them on sale at a Nordstrom event about 4 years ago, they were marked down about $130. They are by far my most comfortable heels, I’ve even ran in them a few times. I consider them to be my ‘gateway drug’ for shoes.

These were my very first pair of Manolo Blahniks, a Christmas gift from Mike years back who was concerned that I didn’t have any pink shoes. A valid concern. The openness on top makes them comfy and the heel isn’t too high (not that I mind a high heel.) I wear a lot of black, so these get to come out and play a lot.

In 2008 I was working in Nieman Marcus as a freelance artist for Laura Mercier the same day they were having a shoe sale. Thankfully it was slow because my focus was completely gone. I couldn’t resist these Manolo Blahnik Riggo Mordore Opalina marked down to $380 from $845. I get a ton of compliments on them but I have to wear them on a night where I’m not on my feet for a long time (more than 4 hours-ish). They’ll cause blisters from where the leather hits the outsides of my big toes. I just need those new rub guards for shoes and I’ll be off to the races.

My C Mengano Manolos are my most comfortable Manolos second only to the sandals below. The pattern is so unique, a shoe with a black and white combo will always be in style. It’s a much lower heel than the rest which is why their wear time is unlimited. I have no idea why I only have one insert – God only knows where the right one could be.

Last year I got these Manolo Albas with an almost kitten heel and pewter shade that was just right for both flowy spring dresses and skinny jeans. They have an easy wearability to them that I like, plus there’s a bit of arch support too.

If I had to pick my least favorite of them all, it would be these Prada Damoscios. They’re so heinously uncomfortable that I’ve had to basically hold them in the car then slip them on at the last minute before walking in somewhere. Really irritating because they’re so unique and fun.

I picked up these Jimmy Choo 24/7 India sandals last fall at Nordstrom and I’ve worn them several times already. They’re every bit as comfortable as my other Choos and look great with everything. They’re also the only ones on here (other than the Louboutins) that you can still buy.

If I do keep the Louboutins, my designer shoe collection will be at capacity until 2012. I’m off to do one more lap around the carpet to see how I feel.