Auckland Shoe Lover Delivers Mission Impossible News articles and items of interest:

A shoe-loving Aucklander is making it her mission to provide affordable imported footwear to similarly shoe-mad women.

"Finding top-quality imported shoes you can actually afford is a bit like Mission Impossible," says Louise Stringer, who recently opened her up to the minute shoe boutique, chi-chi, on Auckland's Jervois Road.

"But it shouldn't really be like that. It's time we had access to beautiful, European-styled shoes that are within the price of everyone."

chi-chi stocks a huge range of high-fashion shoes - from new-season wedges and skyscraper heels to sexy ballet flats. Winter stock includes buckled boots, saucy sling-backs, modern courts and cutting-edge flats.

Prices for shoes currently range from well under $100 to $300.

The shoes are also displayed according to size - in the manner of European shoe stores - rather than style and colour, which means you can instantly slip them on to see if they fit without having to ask a sales assistant.

"It is a much easier way of shopping," explains Louise. "You don't have to wait your turn for someone to race out the back to find your size. And there's plenty of space in the store to ensure everyone is comfortable."