While some shoe designers are struggling to sell during this economic downturn, sales of local cobbler Ailette Valcarce Abreu's fashionable women's flats, wedges and sandals have grown.

Why?

''My price point and the fact that my shoes are comfortable and trendy,'' says the 26-year-old West Kendall resident whose 2-year-old lines Aily V and Aily V Studio are sold at several local boutiques, including Fifty Rio, So Accesso, M-M Couture, Shoes To You and Habit.

''I've seen a 30-percent increase in my sales because of the recession,'' says the Cuban-American, who has a wholesale shop and atelier at the Miami International Merchandise Mart. ``Women who are used to buying $400 shoes are holding back and are choosing my shoes, which have style, real leather and are affordable.''

The Aily V lines retail from $46 to $120. Valcarce Abreu's shoes come in all heights, shades and styles, from metallic and whisky-hued thong sandals with peace signs to vibrant yellow and caramel-colored five-inch funky straw wedges to flats with zebra and crocodile print. She is currently working on her fall collection, which features scintillating dark tone stilettos and chunky heels in patent leather and animal prints.

''I get my ideas for designs from everything around me and I am always taking pictures of random things I think might look good on a shoe,'' says Valcarce Abreu, who catalogs her photos before drawing out her ideas and then taking the designs to get manufactured in Brazil.

''The plaid print on the inside of this sandal -- I actually got the idea to do after seeing a beach chair with a similar print,'' says Valcarce Abreu, while scooping up a strappy pair. ``And the circle stitching on these wedges actually was inspired from a yellow shirt that my mom has with the same circles.''

Shoes to You owner Kim Stone says a lot of her clientele is attracted to the Aily V line because it stands out.

''My clients gravitate toward her shoes because of the colors and styles,'' says Stone, who carries the designer's wedges. ``One of out three clients that walk in here go for her shoes.''

Valcarce Abreu says comfort is a key element in her design. When it comes to her flats, the working mom also makes the soles extra thick.

Sasha Suarez, owner of So Accesso, says the Aily V Studio line is always selling out at her store

''I sell shoes from $28 up to $350 and the Aily V line does really well because it's inexpensive and because the shoes are comfortable,'' Suarez says. ``I tell my clients if they want to walk for hours they should get her shoes.''

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