Collection Critique: ALDO Velvet Slippers For Fall 2012

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ALDO Shoes has released their fall line-up and aside from the normal pointed dress shoe and mid-wingtip boot, they have been playing around with texture. ALDO first introduced their "velvet concept" last fall with a hard bottom sole which I loved. Great reviews that led to the shoe being sold out within the first few months. They re-released its mates for this fall in other colors and patterns. However, they left out a key component... the hard bottom sole. Although I don't extremely dislike the newly released shoes, I'm not in love. To me softer soles on a richer material just lessen the quality of the overall look. 
I see where they were going, but don't meet me half way-- go all they way. ALDO does such a great job in recreating top designer shoes at affordable price points, but for me they missed the mark with this collection. 

ODEKIRK leopard slipper 

Take this leopard slipper for instance. For only $60, it's a STEAL. However, the components are just simple and give off no WOW factor. Had they lost the trademarked ALDO tag, gone with a more defined material like pony-hair (not brushed over velvet) and put a nice hard sole on it, I could easily see them pricing them at $230.00 and they would be flying off the shelves. Again, its makeup isn't horrible, but the shoe has the potential to be so much better! Aside from my thoughts, if your feeling it... GET IT! Affordable and decent leopard shoes are hard to find these days. 

For more finds on leopard slippers, check out my post: 
Men's Leopard Loafers: Get them before they become EXTINCT 

SPROULL skull studded slipper 

In person, the iridescent studding detail on this shoe looks amazing, but again it would be perfect with a firmer sole with small heel for support. I don't want a casual slipper, that's what loafers are for-- I want sleek! 
I believe the causal shoes listed before are fine the way they are because the stitching and elastic band imply that it's design is perfect for a comfortable slip on. 

DIEDERICH crimson 

DIEDERICH navy

DIEDERICH black

Check out ALDO's first velvet slipper release in my past post:
DSquared Shoes Look For Less: Red Carpet Savvy, compare it to this new collection and let me know your thoughts. 

This hasn't turned me off from ALDO, they still have GREAT products!