I got 2 pairs of stilettos where the hell is down to the nail.

Any body have suggestions on places to get shoes repaired near Taksim?

Not sure about Taksim but 'Levent Lostra' in - you guessed it - Levent, opposite Migros is pretty good. Perfect excuse to go for a wander around Kanyon while you're in the area

I don't know of one in Taksim but if you ask a good shoe store there along Istiklal Caddesi, they might direct you to one in the area. There's a reputable shoe store there called Kemal Tanca. I bet they know of a good cobbler.

There's one I go to in Nisantasi but I don't know how to direct you there since I don't know the names of the streets. I just follow landmarks from the place I stayed at on Abdi Ipekci Caddesi. Let me try though...from Abdi Ipekci on the corner of Beymen where the Brasserie is, walk up following that street that runs parallel to the side of Beymen for about two blocks heading away from Beymen, turn right and then first left. It will be on the left hand side of the street toward the end of the block. It's clearly signposted. Sometimes I take a shortcut through the highschool grounds but that might just throw you off. BTW, there's another one in an arcade basement also in Nisantasi on Tesvikiye (I think), the street where Yargici is. Mid-block there is an arcade with staircase going down, there's an older guy who is also a cobbler. My expat friend's husband preferred that establishment for his wingtips. I don't even know if it's still there.

i might have to go with the concierge service at the hotel. Things are exactly easy to figure out around here, eh?

Thanks for the tips though! Hopefully won't have to be click-click-click down the hall soon!

At the Ciragan Palace, there's a guy with a fancy traditional cart right at the lobby. He usually shines shoes but he probably knows how to put on heel tips. I spotted one at the SwissOtel too. In fact, all big hotels have them.

some of those shoe shine guys really...only...well shine shoes...

At least they should have some good knowledge of English to be able to point you in the right direction since those guys work in a hotel enviroment. One just may surprise you and know someone who can help you with your problem.

Another good bet is the Grand Bazaar: Go to my friend's shop at Koc Deri if you happen to be around there in the leather lane. Just ask the manager there (Mr.Osman) if he knows of a cobbler in the area. You can also ask my friend Metin Tosun at Abdulla or Fes Cafe and another friend, Timucin Balkan at Timucin, a jewelry store. They are all know what's in the bazaar including services. Good luck.

kitty lee if you run around with that pair of stilettos in your hands much longer they'll be out of fashion!

i got the hotel concierge to take care of it for me! haha...

i do need the stiletteos tho because i'm vertically challenged (5'2") so i'll take every extra inch i can get