Shoe Review: Loeffler Randall Peep-toe Flats

The price was right. Delivery was free. The brand was one I had coveted for quite a while. The color was currently missing from my shoe wardrobe. The styling was versatile. The only pair left was in my size. Christmas was (is) around the corner.

How could I resist these Loeffler Randall taupe peep-toe twisted flats?

Of course I couldn’t. And let me tell you, I’m glad I got them.

You know how you wonder if these high-end brands really deserve their price tag? (I know I do.) Are those Louboutins really worth $950? Or those Chloe boots–really worth shelling $1200 for? I totally expect to pay over $100 for a decent pair of shoes, but I do balk at prices over $200–they require a lot of financial planning and rationalizations. Are they really worth it? Am I going to wear them enough? Do I have outfits to wear them with? At the very least, am I going to get envious glares every time I do wear them? Are they comfortable? Are they well made enough for me to get my money’s worth??

These are not empty questions. One of my fabulous friends who fully understands the importance of splurging on shoes recently showed me a pair of Prada patent platforms she had gotten last year. The platform was made of wood, clog-style, and it had cracked down the middle, in the arch area. The studs holding the patent upper to the platform were in bad shape–getting loose. The shoe, which she hadn’t worn excessively at all, was sorely in need of capital repairs to make it another season. And that’s a disappointing thing to find out after you spend over $500 on it, you know. I’m not sure that’s an acceptable risk you have to take with clogs, but still!

In all honesty, I don’t know how my recently acquired Loeffler Randalls are going to hold up, but the signs are extremely encouraging. This brand’s shoes retail usually for $350-$450; these were originally $360 (I paid about a third of that for them). But I can see they’re worth it. First, they feel like heaven. Soft, buttery kidskin upper, perfectly shaped, not too narrow or constricting, not too wide to lose its elegance–very nice! The sole is generously padded and there is a mini-wedge heel which offers plenty of support (which I sorely need). There is a subtle gold trim at the peep-toe (not so visible in the picture), which make them extra-elegant, but tastefully so. And overall, you can just see that they are very well made: all stitches and glues hold up, and there is attention to detail all around.

I wore them around the house and just a little bit outside, and I was SO happy with how they felt. I’m glad to report, Loeffler Randall lives up to the hype. And that’s encouraging–we need more lines like these, youthful, well-designed, tasteful, and COMFORTABLE around. Well done, indeed!

Yet another shoe stocking stuffer: Juicy Couture Shoe Charms

I know we ‘ve inundated you with enough shoe -themed stocking stuffers to cover your friends, family, co-workers, pets, and anyone else on your shopping list. (In case you’re wondering, that list includes the shoe ornament, bookmark, satchel, cardcase, cake cutter , travel bag, calendar, and chocolate shoe.) However, these shoe charms was simply too cute to ignore. Besides, this is one present that is sure to charm any shoe lover.

Juicy Couture Ballet Slippers Charm; $50 at Nordstroms

Juicy Couture Evening Shoe Charm; $48 at Nordstroms

Juicy Couture Snowboot Charm; $48 at Nordstroms

Juicy Couture High Heel Slipper Charm; $30 at Nordstroms

Update: One of our readers found more lovely shoe charms and posted on the forums.  They’re from the Victoria and Albert Museum and are made of real Swarovski  crystals. Thanks VANMiracle!

New Shoeblog Giveaway: $100 coupon at Barefoot Tess!

Dear me! The (Internet) dust has barely settled on our previous contest, but we here at Shoeblog are very much into the spirit of giving. Especially when giving involves shoes.

It is with great pride that we announce a NEW!! EXCITING!! GIVEAWAY!! sponsored by our fabulous Barefoot Tess gals (can you tell I’m excited?)

All you have to do is submit a comment to this entry for a chance to win a $100 coupon to be used at Barefoot Tess. The winner will be announced on December 23rd–just in time for Christmas. Need I remind you that they have wonderful selections, suited for every taste and budget?

You could go for these beautiful, classic Delman “Brett” pumps, modestly heeled at 2.5″ high, and so lady-like that people will want to carry your bags and possibly kiss your hand. Or ankle.

Or, there’s this chic Corso Como “Fara” flat, with leopard-print pony hair upper and coquettish belt detail:

Or these uber-trendy Corso Como “Vienna” booties:

There are also some beautiful French Sole creations, such as this chic “Rebel” flat:

Or these delicious “Rialto” flats–with removable ankle strap:

But what am I talking about–go there and see for yourself! I especially encourage those of you wearing larger sizes to enter–Barefoot Tess is very well stocked in that regard.

To summarize:

1) Post a comment to this entry;

2) By DECEMBER 22nd;

3) Dream of beautiful shoes;

4) Check back with us on December 23rd to see if you’ve won!

Good luck everybody! There’s also going to be some coupon goodness coming your way that day, so be sure to check back!

(PS: Yay!)

Seven Secrets of the Shoebloggers

We’ve been tagged! The Grand Mademoiselle has asked Shomore for seven secrets. After a lightning round of secret confessing between your Shoebloggers, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 of our secrets, and here it is for your enjoyment.

1) Shomore: I have shoes in my closet that I’ve never worn. It’s not for lack of outfit either. I simply have some shoes that are meant for that extra special occasion, which I feel will never come.

2) Shoesense: I clean the soles of my shoes on a regular basis (at least twice a week) in order to put them in storage. So does my husband.

3) Jitterbugbaby: There’s a mental game I play on the subway where I choose which other passenger’s shoes I would take if I had my pick of all the shoes in my range of sight.

4) Shomore: Every season, my sole receives a cleansing. To be more specific, I clean the bottom of the soles of shoes that won’t be worn due to the start of the new season and then I store them.

5) Shoesense: I cannot wear skinny heels or any heel over 2″ inches. However, I do own two pairs of 3″ and respectively 3 3/4″ high heels, which I secretly put on inside the house when I’m alone for a few minutes, just to remember the feeling!

6) Jitterbugbaby: I maintain a mental list of “Lifetime Shoe Goals” (shoes I’d like to own at some point in my life).

7) Shoesense: In the past year, I have given away more shoes than I have bought. [Just you wait, more details of this one are upcoming in a future post.]

And now for our tagging. I’d like to know seven secrets from:

• the Manolo at Manolo’s Shoe Blog
• Kristopher Dukes
• Carrie at Carrie’s Shoe Review

Taryn Rose Shoes for the Holidays

Time’s running out to snag that perfect pair of holiday party shoes.  And we here at Shoeblog are firmly committed to helping you save time by avoiding the crowded stores and long lines.  So, here are two more suggestions of Taryn Rose shoes that will keep your tootsies stylish and comfortable.

First is the colorful and cheerful Dree ($465).

And the other is the Debutant ($495), which comes in sleek gunmetal patent leather or pretty gold foil leather.  Either of which is sure to make a splash at your gathering.