Why do I see just a sample picture of Comme il Faut shoes?

Comme il Faut is renown for their incredible designs, sleek lines, exotic fabrics and perfectly positioned heels. They produce designs in limited quantities, which is one of the reasons why so many women adore them - they know they own a limited-edition piece of art. Unfortunately, many are trying to copy them, so the manufacturer has requested that photos not be shown on the internet. We have done our best to accurately describe each shoe. See the detail page for each shoe. For more information, refer to our Design Elements page. If you need further details, e-mail us at info@diva-boutique.com

What are your shipping costs?

Shipping includes insurance and delivery confirmation. We normally ship within 48 hours via USPS Priority mail. You will receive an e-mail when your order ships and should expect to see your package 2-3 business days later. On international shipments, any customs-related charges and government fees are the responsibility of the purchaser.

What if I want to order several pair, but only want to keep one or two?

We have put together a Courtesy Fit program where we will send you multiple pairs of shoes to try. You would only be charged for the number of pairs you wish to keep and actual shipping. You can then try them all on, being very careful to keep them in pristine condition (see Return Policy below). You would then be responsible for returning what you don't want in new condition. When we receive the return, we will calculate the actual purchase plus shipping and adjust your credit card accordingly. Please contact us at 727 446-3896 for further details.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept VISA, MasterCard, U.S. checks, U.S Money Orders and cash. We offer credit card check out on-line.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CREDIT CARDS You can help us keep our costs down and avoid raising our prices. There are a few credit card company policies few people are aware of. First, when we issue you a refund, the credit card company does not refund our fees. Second, when you use a credit card that has points, miles, rebates or other such promotions, the credit card company charges us an extra percentage, anywhere from 1.5 to 3%. This also applies to corporate cards. So, in the end, these promotional "feebies" are not free at all, but another revenue source for credit card companies. We all end up paying for them in increased prices for all of our goods.

What is your return policy?

We accept returns on any unworn shoes within 30 days of shipping. When you receive your shoes, take a few moments to inspect them to make sure you received them in new condition. If there are any problems, contact us immediately. Then try them on as soon as possible; preferably later in the day (as youreet normally expand a little throughout the day). Do not try them on if you have just come home from several hours of dancing, as you won't get an accurate feel for the shoes. When trying on shoes, please be sure to keep on clean carpet. NEVER try the shoes on tile, wood or other hard floor surfaces or such surfaces as newspaper, as your shoes will pick up dirt and scratches quickly. Returns are accepted for unworn shoes - no dirt, scratches, scuffmarks, toe impressions, etc .If you need to return the shoes, contact us for shipping instructions. We will refund the full price, less shipping costs. Before sending the shoes back, make sure to inspect them thoroughly for signs of wear. Shoes that show signs of wear, scratches or dirt will not be accepted- no exceptions. Return shipping is the responsibility of purchaser and shipping insurance is HIGHLY recommended. Diva Boutique is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged goods during shipping.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we do. Our international shipping charges are automatically calculated on check out.

What shoe size should I order?

If you are not familiar with each brands' sizing, you can refer to the detail page for foot bed length. Compare this to the length of your foot. The ideal fit on an open-toed shoe is that your toes go to the edge, but not over the sole. Closed-toed shoes require a little more room, so your toes don't get cramped on the end. Take the measurement of your longest foot, standing weight. This is best accomplished by standing on a ruler. Make sure you allow for the curve of your heel. Measure to the longest point. Then take a look at our Sizing Chart. If still in doubt, make note of the shape of your foot. Looking from your big toe to your little toe, is it more squared off, semi-angled or very angular? Do you consider your feet normal, narrow or wide? Is the thickness of your foot thin, regular or more fleshy? Do you have bunions? Jot down a list of the shoes you are interested in. Then please e-mail or call us at 727 446-3896 and we will help you determine the best choice. Also inquire about our Courtesy Fit program, where we can send you several pairs at once to try.

Can I wear these shoes 'out on the town'?

Comme il faut shoes are worn by many women who don't dance - because they've discovered that high fashion and comfort can be combined. Imagine a shoe that has been compared to pricey designer shoes that cost in excess of $350 that are more comfortable and actually more exotic and unique for at least half the price!!! In our other lines, all leather-soled shoes can be worn on the street, but suede or leather/suede soles shouldn't. Please refer to the Detail Page of each shoe.

Aren't leather soles slippery on the dance floor?

That depends on the dance floor. Many women who use these shoes solely for dancing scuff-up the soles with a wire brush or on clean concrete (also a good trick to freshen up suede soles). Others simply wear them a few times and they become very easy to dance in and not at all slippery.

Do you take special orders?

Yes, we do. Please contact us with your request and we will let you know if it can be done and the timetable. Most often, you need to allow at least 2 months for a special order and normally additional fees apply. A Comme il Faut creation makes the perfect wedding party shoe - high fashion combined with a comfortable dance shoe that you can wear anywhere!

I really want to try a pair on before I buy them, where will you be?

Check our Diva Boutique Events section or contact us

Why are the heels so high?

Yes, some of the heels are 'Taco Altos' or 4 inch stiletto heels. Comme il Faut has used wizardry in designing their heels. They are incredibly comfortable. How can a 4 inch heel be comfortable? It's the angle of the heel - perfectly positioned for dancing backward and a breeze walking forward. Many women that make the transition to taco altos simply can't believe the truth in this, until it happens to them. We also carry a nice assortment of lower-heeled shoes - including 2 inch stilettos or kitten heels by GretaFlora! You can sort by heel size to find what's right for you.

What is the difference between tango shoes and regular dance shoes?

The answer is in the structure of the various dances. Swing and Latin dances are danced upright, the Ballroom couple actually create a chalice shape while, in tango, your energy is forward (notice I didn't say lean?) Regular dance shoes position you upright (our Very Fine Shoes line) while tango shoes position you forward. This is also why many women find the stilettos more comfortable in dancing tango because they put you in the proper structure and when you are in the proper structure, you dance better and there is less stress on your body.

Will my shoes stretch out?

All shoes will eventually stretch, but some materials stretch more and faster than others. An order of "give" or stretch would be, from most to least: velvet, suede, soft leathers, thicker leathers, leather-lined satins, silks and brocades and finally, patent leather. Hint: If you purchase a pair of patent leather shoes, apply a small amount of Vaseline over the leather before dancing. Otherwise, you'll trip yourself and maybe your partner. Weaves (woven leather shoes), velvets and suede will give more and are a great choice for wider feet and people with bunions. Important: if your foot extends over 1/4" (width) over the sole of the shoe while standing, you need a different size. Otherwise, you will be walking/dancing on the uppers of your shoes. Your shoes will wear rapidly and your feet will not like you.

I absolutely love this pair of shoes, but I am sure the "__" inch heel is too high. Can I have it lowered?

Yes, if taken to a very good cobbler and never have more than 1/4" taken off, less if it is originally lower than 3 1/2". The shoe is created in a triangle and you can't distort that angle too much. If the shoe is marginally taller than what you are used to wearing, ease yourself into the shoe. Wear it for only a short period of time and bring an extra pair with you to change out. Also, don't try to go from a 2" heel to a 4" heel overnight.

How long will my shoes last?

That depends on many things, including your posture, the way you walk, the quality of the materials and how you care for your shoes. At Diva Boutique, we are very picky about the shoes we offer. We make sure our factories use the best materials and craftsmanship. You can help extend the life of your shoes by keeping them clean. We offer suede/nubuck and leather/fabric protectors and cleaners. (See our Diva Essentials section.) Or, you can find them at your local drug store. Spray the protector on your shoes before wearing. Once you clean them, be sure to re-spray them with protector to give them a layer that the dirt will settle on. They will be much easier to clean in the future. Keep your suede-soled shoes fresh with a wire brush or scuff them up on clean concrete. Another way to extend the life of your fine dance shoes is to use practice shoes and/or sneakers. You will find these shoes in our offerings. They also give your feet a little extra pampering for when you are in workshops or dancing for hours on end.

If you have any questions that aren't covered here, please contact us and we'll do our best to answer them.