Come along on a shoe fantasy with me, won't you? I have found the ultimate shoe shopping experience in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The place is called Level Shoe District where over 250 designers come together under a 96,000 square foot roof! Hello! Am I in shoe heaven?? This got me wondering what sort of means must one have to fly off to Dubai for a little sandal shopping. Let's have some fun here.

I chose to book my trip the first week of November for 6 nights. Some early holiday shopping (for me) and a cooler, more comfortable temperature. I found trips ranging from around $1300 USD to over $6000. Now mind you, this is flying economy and packaged with a hotel. A business class roundtrip is approximately $10,000 and to park your derriere in first class will set you back over $26,000! I decided to save most of my pennies (yeah right) for fancy footwear and picked a $4000 trip. (Okay, I wanted to stay somewhere relatively nice and enjoy a little spa time too.)

The first day was happily spent relaxing by the pool, a massage and some other completely necessary pampering. One must look their best when shopping in Dubai right? Attract a gorgeous, wealthy gentleman to lavish me with expensive shoes perhaps? Okay that's a little extra fantasy talking...nevermind.

The Level experience is like none other. First off, there is a seriously amazing collection of shoes here. 40 select boutiques where you will find brands from Dior to Valentino, from Galliano to Truth or Dare by Madonna. As if this wasn't enough you can indulge your tastebuds at the ultra chic Vogue Cafe where iconic photography from Vogue archives enchant the walls. Book an appointment at Margaret Dabbs Sole Lounge and have your tootsies handled with celebrity status. Their list of sole beautifying treatments is incredible! There is a Master Cobbler in house to help those heels in need of TLC. Shoe stylists are available for appointment to provide in store consulting. Should you need assistance with anything the Concierge is at your call. Are we in paradise here or what?

Coming back to my original thought of how much excess cash is required for an expedition such as this, let's do a bit of math. $4000 for my trip not including ground transport while there, meals, spa treatments etc. I'm throwing $2000 out there to be safe. Then there are the shoes, the alluring stilettos, boots and strappy sandals that make me swoon. Ten pair perhaps? How many would you buy on a trip such as mine? If I bought ten at an average of $500 each, there's another $5000. I am being very modest here, you know I fell in love with a pair of $3000 crazy fabulous pieces of foot candy!

So is it completely irrational to spend $11,000+ on a shoe shopping extravaganza? This shoe diva thinks not. If heels are one of your loves in life and you have the extra bankroll, I say go do it! Spoil yourself. I'll be there strutting my stilettos with my fantasy man.