I do not own a shoe that would qualify as a stiletto.

A 4-inch wedge, I'll do. A 4-inch heel with the diameter of a straw, no.

Hyosub Shin/AJC (ENLARGE)

Karen Turner owned an apparel boutique in Conyers for eight years before she decided to focus on shoes for men and women, opening SoShoelite in Inman Park. She says she may add a water feature to the decor.

Hyosub Shin/AJC (ENLARGE)

'Shoes are such a specialty merchandise, you have to go overseas,' says Turner, a regular visitor to Milan, Italy, where she can meet with designers.

SOSHOELITE SHOE LOUNGE Noon-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; noon-8 p.m. Fridays- Satur-days; noon-6 p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays. 240 N. Highland Ave., Suite C-1 404-525-2103 More shopping news Where do you find Bubble Up soda?  Scars? cellulite? Solutions for skin imperfections  Ways to save on everyday spending  Feel like you're part of the team with Olympic merchandise  Seasonal sales offer bargains for outdoor furnishings  Back to Living page

Still, like nearly everyone else who pops into Karen Turner's Inman Park shoe lounge, I had a bit of a swoon over the Pour La Victoire strappy stiletto platform sandals that Turner says have seduced everyone from soccer moms to young socialites.

Turner certainly understands a little shoe lust. While growing up in New York, she would travel from the Bronx to Manhattan just to stroll through Greenwich Village and gaze at all the shoes she wished she could afford.

After eight years as the owner of an apparel boutique in Conyers, Turner decided it was time to focus on feet.

The SoShoelite Shoe Lounge opened in April to the great surprise and delight of the Inman Park residents who wander in on the way to and from brunch and kickboxing class. "I wanted to put it in an area where it wouldn't get lost and would be appreciated," Turner said.

And there is much to appreciate among the shoes, handbags and jewelry on display.

Shoe brands include Jessica Simpson and Sergio Zelcher as well as Marcello Toshi from Peru and Toque for men from Romania.

"Shoes are such a specialty merchandise, you have to go overseas," said Turner, who travels to Milan, Italy, regularly to meet with designers.

Zelcher's glossy animal print shoe with chain detail ($155), floral print open-toe flats with yellow patent leather trim by Lovely People ($90) and patent leather flats with crystal embellished tops by Chocolat Blu ($75) will appeal to traditional shoe seekers and those seeking a twist.

For men, there are perforated loafers and white loafers by Toque that sell for $165.

The handbag selection includes a slouchy studded gray shoulder bag by Linea Pelle ($425) and a Rioni bag, one of only 500 in the United States, with puckered leather ($650). The jewelry selection consists largely of local designers, including the delicate designs of Bou-Cou and June Shin.

Turner keeps the store's vibe "natural" with cement floors, piles of stones and stalks of bamboo as decor. A scent hangs in the air courtesy of Fresh Currant Kobo soy candles (on sale for $32) that are always burning. Turner said her love of nature is the result of her Caribbean heritage.

"Leave it up to me and I would have had a waterfall," she said, pointing to a space where she still may investigate having one installed.

We say let it, and the stilettos, flow.