A review of Cinderella of Boston shoes, and the LOFT ruffle cardigan…in one!
The cardigan:
The LOFT ruffle cardigan comes through! Nicely fitted, in pretty colors (I also got the turquoise, and am considering keeping both…eek!), and a light fabric that will transition well between summer and fall (see how Chloe layered her’s here), and it’s safe to say I’m pretty excited about this cardigan. Lots of ruffles always have the potential to look ridiculous on my small frame, but these are small enough not to overwhelm, but fun and fluffy enough to add interest to what would otherwise be a simple cardigan. All you’ve gotta do is pair this cardigan with a pair of nice jeans, and you’ve got a really simple way to look put together without much effort.
The shoes:
Cinderella of Boston is a truly remarkable company in that they specifically cater to our petite community. They make shoes in only small sizes, those being women’s size 2 to 5.5 (medium and wide widths). I’ve been curious to try Cinderella of Boston shoes for quite some time now, and finally had the opportunity to stop by their retail store in Westminster, CA. I got to run around in lots of pairs of shoes, marvel over how tiny the size 2’s and 3’s were, and chat with the merchandise buyer! More to come on this later.
I found these to run true to size. I generally wear size 5, and am on the narrow side (or, as I learned during my trip to CoB…a skimpy size 5…lol), and the medium width size 5 shoes in a variety of styles fit me really well. At a similar price point to Steve Madden or Nine West, the shoes are an affordable alternative to other companies making similar small sizes (see my posts on Shoes of Prey and Pretty Small Shoes), and feel sturdy and well made.
The people at Cinderella of Boston were nice enough to let me keep one of the pairs of shoes I tried on, so, in the name of research, I promptly put them on and proceeded to roam the expansive South Coast Plaza in them for a few hours. The results? For a brand spankin’ new pair of shoes…very comfy! They have a cushioned foot bed, nothing rubbed, nor did I think about adding heel liners. Not bad Cinderella of Boston…not bad.
Quite a few styles appear a bit dated (little old ladies need shoes too, right?), but there are also plenty of younger styles, and simple basics that are great for work. In fact, there was a little espadrille style that I thought would be cute for summer, and is on sale for only $20! I’m thinking about it…hmm…
See this post for more on my trip to Cinderella of Boston.
More from Cinderella of Boston:
Cinderella of Boston Store Visit
i love love ruffles..maybe the cardigans will go on sale later o_O
The ruffled cardigan is so lovely. I love everything girly! Those shoes look great too. I don't think I ever own a pair in that particular color.
I was also interested in that cardigan, but it was too expensive for me at regular price. I agree with simplyvonne that hopefully it'll go on sale later!
I'm not sure how I feel about the shoes. Maybe it's the color or the angle but for some reason they look really big on your feet! But I'm sure the front platform probably makes them more comfortable though!
That cardigan is gorgeous. I want one!
I bought a pair of shoes from CoB in April and they didn't last very long. I ordered wedges and the heel part on the bottom of the shoe popped off both shoes in a matter of weeks. Needless to day, without that the wedge is collapsing in on itself and the leather is all screwed up.
Hopefully others have a different experience…..because I want to believe I was just unlucky, but can't convince myself to order from them again
Awesome thanks for sharing!! I literally put a hole in my work shoe >__< so I am in desperate need of new ones! I'm an almost 5 that can never find size 5s LOL so this store is perfect! Glad the prices aren't too high too!
You are too cute! Love seeing all of you in these pics :)
I LOVE that cardigan! What a great find! Would love to see the colour of the turqoise as well. Darn, now I'm on the search for a suitable imitation available to me!
Eeeek I'm going crazy over the huuuge selection, and quite a few sale ones! I have NEVER in my life seen so many size 5s available!!!
simplyvonne & PetiteXXS – AT and LOFT friends and family sale starts tomorrow. Everything will be 30% off! I was able to use a coupon for 35% off, so it wasn't too bad.
Petite XXS – This particular pair is a bit on the chunky side, but yeah, the platform makes them super comfy.
curls & pearls – I'll see if I can work the turquoise into an outfit post pretty soon here. =)
Sophia – I know! Sizes 4-5.5 are their most popular, so they tend to stock tons of them!
I like how the ruffles naturally sit down and you don't have to pull or iron them down. Thank you for sharing your find with these shoes! My #1 concern for shoes is comfort then aesthetic. =0D
Megan – So sorry to hear your shoes didn't hold up. I haven't had mine for very long, and my experience so far has been positive, but I'll be sure to update if I notice anything.
Did you contact CoB to let them know? I'm sure they'd be interested to know if one of their products was faulty, to avoid future instances of the same problem
Ughhh, I love that cardigan! Can you only get those sizes online? There is a local LOFT but I never end up going in since I'm always so disappointed with the fit. Maybe I'll have to splurge with the F&F sale…
AN-I did not contact CoB because I did not think much could be done as it had been several weeks since purchasing them and I had already worn them quite a bit. I had also read some reviews on the company and it seemed that several people felt that the shoes were not the highest quality and that CoB's customer service were really unpleasant-this could just be irate individuals though.
I might try contacting them though, even though it has now been several months.
Hey, look at you! ;)
Love the cardigan. I would so love to get it in turquoise. Oh why does AT hate Canada. :/
Dear AN, my question is off the subject. You often complete your looks with open toe shoes and your toes are always groomed to perfection. May I please ask what nail enamel do you use on your toes? It is very sophisticated looking color. Thank you.
Hanna – The ruffles are perfect! So very unlike the awful BR ruffle top.
Jen – LOFT is the only store I can think of that actually DOES carry XXSP in stores! Just make sure your local LOFT carries petites, and there should be XXSP there.
HM63 – I feel bad sharing items that Canadians can't get their hands on =( It's really not fair.
Russian Chic – LOL…thanks! I wear a lot of wine red on my toes these days. When I get home, I'll check the brand and color and post it here in the comments.
That's such perfect timing – I am from Australia, and am leaving for a trip to the US next Tuesday – and I've discovered that my Disneyland hotel is only 20 minutes drive from Cinderella! I'm about a size 3/33.5, so I CANNOT WAIT to visit them – and spend BIG. I love the cheap prices and the range of styles, and once I know what size I am in their range, I love knowing I'll be able to continue buying from them even when I've returned to Australia. So, yeah, can't wait to hear more of your thoughts!
I tried that cardigan on and loved it- fit perfectly but I couldn't pull the trigger for the price so if it's still availabe in XXSP and goes on sale- I want it!
I love how the Paige Denim fits on you! :)
Hi! I've been buying shoes from CoB for about 5 years now, as it's the most affordable option I've found (I wear a 3.5M in their shoes). I would agree that the quality is not the best, but the pumps I get for work seem to be decent enough (although I've found the heels to last MUCH longer after I get them replaced by the cobbler). The one thing that I sometimes have trouble with is that the sizing is not perfectly uniform, and I don't live near their store, so it's a pain to exchange them (especially since you have to pay for shipping). I'd still recommend them for basics if you are sized out of all the other stores like I am.
V
I love the cardigan! I can't say no to ruffles :) The platform on the shoes make your feet look wide, not sure if I dig them or not, but at least they are comfortable.
I really love that cardigan. I want to see it in turquoise! That's one of my favorite colors! :)
Naomi Eve – How fun! They're having a big sale right now too, so you're just in time! The store is not to impressive looking, but it's the tiny shoes we're interested in…not ascetics, right? Ask for Chuck, he's the best!
Really Petite – 30% off for F&F starts tomorrow!
V – CoB is the most affordable option I've found for small footed ladies too, and I'm glad you've found them good for basics. For the price, they're not going to be perfect, but it sounds like you've found a good cobbler and take good care of them to help them last longer! The shipping part is a bummer. Hopefully they'll see all us online customers and give us a free shipping code or something…hint hint CoB…=)
Nukem – The cardigan is really cute! I can see you rockin' it too. =) The shoe style is a bit on the chunky side, but I did get a few compliments on them when I wore them, so they must not be that bad. =P
me in millions – I took a picture of the turquoise…it'll be up tomorrow!
Russian Chic – The nail polish I have on is called "Wine Not" (#620) by Sally Hansen. It's the Complete Salon Manicure line.
Finally, get to see the real you. It is good to put a blogger to a pretty face.
I think I like this soft pink color more, but not to say that the blue isn't just as cute!
I've been shopping @ CoB since 2003. I have extremely small feet – sz 3.5! It's my only affordable option for heels. Quality is average; all made in China. I've had shoes from there that have lasted years, while others only last a few months. Their heels wear very fast, but I just get them replaced. Oh and it's a hit or miss sometimes with their shoe sizing, color (catalog/online vs. in-person), style, and especially the size of the peep on their peep toe shoes. Luckily I can go to the store and try it on!
Sometimes, I get to see the next season's collection and give my inputs before it goes into production – though Idk if they actually take it into serious consideration. haha.
I think I like this soft pink color more, but not to say that the blue isn't just as cute!
I've been shopping @ CoB since 2003. I have extremely small feet – sz 3.5! It's my only affordable option for heels. Quality is average; all made in China. I've had shoes from there that have lasted years, while others only last a few months. Their heels wear very fast, but I just get them replaced. Oh and it's a hit or miss sometimes with their shoe sizing, color (catalog/online vs. in-person), style, and especially the size of the peep on their peep toe shoes. Luckily I can go to the store and try it on!
Sometimes, I get to see the next season's collection and give my inputs before it goes into production – though Idk if they actually take it into serious consideration. haha.
Russian Chic – The nail polish I have on is called "Wine Not" (#620) by Sally Hansen. It's the Complete Salon Manicure line.
I love the cardigan! I can't say no to ruffles :) The platform on the shoes make your feet look wide, not sure if I dig them or not, but at least they are comfortable.
AN-I did not contact CoB because I did not think much could be done as it had been several weeks since purchasing them and I had already worn them quite a bit. I had also read some reviews on the company and it seemed that several people felt that the shoes were not the highest quality and that CoB's customer service were really unpleasant-this could just be irate individuals though.
I might try contacting them though, even though it has now been several months.
Ughhh, I love that cardigan! Can you only get those sizes online? There is a local LOFT but I never end up going in since I'm always so disappointed with the fit. Maybe I'll have to splurge with the F&F sale…
i love love ruffles..maybe the cardigans will go on sale later o_O