They're going back.
The colors and print were what I'd hoped - cream, with the roses printed on the leather and not on fabric, but I don't like how they look with the main outfit I'd envisioned (they felt like nurse's shoes), they are too small, and there are too many quirks for me to try another size.
1) Most Bass reviews say the brand runs large, so I went down a half size. They are too tight in the toes, but oddly make my heel slip at the same time. I've never encountered this issue before.
2) Although my left foot is bigger, the *right* shoe is tighter. And shorter. But the shoes are NOT marked for size at all, so I can't even ask the seller to double check the stock before sending a new pair.
3) Although the footbed is padded, the upper is stiff. I would need to really break these in, and life's too short.
Oh well... I guess that means I cheated on SYC a little bit less. :(
Sorry if I am the bearer of bad news for anyone who was eyeballing these.
I'm just your average working stiff who loves nice things and hates to pay for them. This blog outlines my efforts to navigate that treacherous shopping/saving divide through swappin', thriftin', and even a little resellin'. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe cost me just $1! We've heard a lot about people "living above their means" in recent years; I'm championing the concept of living large *below* your means - whatever that means for you. :)