Ask the ShoeBlogger: Where can I find John Galliano’s Shoes

A friend of ShoeBlog’s wrote:

Please, please advise how and where I could buy the recently shown John Galliano Runway shoes [Fall 2009].  I attach photos of the ones that I am interested in.

Warm Regards,

Leyla

While we were unable to help Leyla – the official response from Galliano’s staff is that the shoes were not produced to be sold and were only for the runway,  we don’t want Leyla to walk away shoe-less.  So how about these delectable delights from John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection.  They are on sale for over 50% at Yoox, too!

John Galliano Red Ankle Strap Platforms; On sale $276 at Yoox in red and black

John Galliano Satin Pink Platforms with Orange Appliques; On sale at Yoox in lavendar, white, or black for $315

John Galliano Blue Snakeskin (even though it looks like denim) Pump with Bow Detailing; On sale at Yoox in blue or black for $248

John Galliano Black Pump with ruched detailing; On sale at Yoox for $148!

Book Review for Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture

I just finished a book called Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture by Ellen Ruppel Shell.

It is based on the premise that in our discount culture, bad money has driven out good.  How many times have we purchased something with the thought, “It is so cheap that when it breaks I won’t feel bad.”  How many times have we looked at a beautiful, well made but expensive pair of shoes and purchased a cheaper version, only to have them not fit well and end up in the back of the closet?  All the time.  These are the issues that Ellen Ruppert Shell addresses in this book.

Within this book author Rupert Shell gives an extensive marketing history and it’s larger-than-life characters in the pursuit of cheap products.  She also takes Walmart, IKEA, agriculture, and the import-export practices of governments to task.

I was discussing this book with an Australian friend and he made the observation that when an American looks at a pair of boots, they ask “How much does it cost?”   Non-Americans will ask, “Who made it?”   I think that is even the wrong question.  “How is it made?” should be the question.  When you look at a pair of Payless flats and a pair of Cydwoq flats, we can see which one has the better craftsmanship.  We will also pay over 10 times the price.   Consider which will ultimately be the most costly?

Cesar Gladiator Flat $23 at Payless Shoe Source

Intern $294 at Cydwoq.com BTW  I am saving up for a pair of Cydwoqs. I am quite intrigued by them.

Ms. Ruppert Shell is not telling us to stop bargain shopping, she is telling us that we have the power to set a standard for quality and stick to it.  We can get reacquainted with craftsmanship and quality.  We can support businesses that offer quality and service over price – usually independent small businesses.  This will keep them in business, keep our craftsmen employed, and contribute to a healthier global economy.

This is not a beach book. I don’t usually read books, I inhale them.  This took me a little longer to read, for a couple of reasons. First, I am as politically conservative, and probably as annoying as your Aunt Edna from Iowa .  The author’s worldview is left-leaning.  Sometimes I would be so frosted with what she said, I had to put it down and calm down.  Secondly, this is an economics, marketing book.  There was a lot of information in this book.  Ms Ruppert Shell was able articulate what I had been thinking about for a while.

Who would I recommend this book to?  Someone who is interested in marketing history, global economics, marketing, purchasing, or those concerned about the quality of products available to us.

Zappos Acquired by Amazon

This week it was announced that Zappos was being acquired by Amazon for about $800 million+ in Amazon stock.  For a shoe gal like myself, this is HUGE.  It also happens to generate a bit of consternation within me.  Although I love Amazon and couldn’t live without it,  Zappos has always stood alone in a class by itself.  How do I love thee, Zappos?  Let me count the ways… Zappos has HANDS DOWN the best customer service out there.  I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve called customer service to ask for a price match (back in the days when it was being offered) and the super friendly voices that didn’t judge me for calling.  As a VIP Zappos member, I love the free overnight delivery service – it’s the closest to instant gratification I can think of.   Of course, the painfree, whopping 365 day return policy is wonderful for a procrastinator and indecisive person like me.  Finally, some of the revenue we generate to keep this site running is through Zappos.

The CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh, who I love for his honesty, integrity, and openness, greatly placates my anxiety by stating:

For Zappos, our vision remains the same: delivering happiness to customers, employees, and vendors. We just want to get there faster…

A big part of the reason why Amazon is interested in us is because they recognize the value of our culture, our people, and our brand. Their desire is for us to continue to grow and develop our culture (and perhaps even a little bit of our culture may rub off on them).

They are not looking to have their folks come in and run Zappos unless we ask them to. That being said, they have a lot of experience and expertise in a lot of areas, so we’re very excited about the opportunities to tap into their knowledge, expertise, and resources, especially on the technology side. This is about making the Zappos brand, culture, and business even stronger than it is today.

But I’m still left wondering what the deal has in store for shoe buyers like myself.  Even if customer service remains top notch,  I wonder, since Amazon owns Endless, Shopbop, and now Zappos,  what will happen with regards to shoe pricing. Will Amazon have more leverage with shoe brands and bring us better pricing or is there now a semi-monopoly where they can actually set the pricing standards?  Will they blow the boutique shoe stores away ala Walmart did with the mom and pop stores?  And what about shoe selection?  Will the number of shoe brands be more limited or will each online store have the ability to make their own purchases?  Only time will reveal the answers to these questions and maybe more.  In the meantime, I will remain cautiously optimistic with Tony at the helm.

So now that I’ve given you a run down of my thoughts, I’d love to hear your opinions on this acquisition.  Tell me, what do you think of Amazon’s latest purchase?

Piperlime Secret Sale

Piperlime is having a 1-day ‘Secret Sale’ that gives an extra 20% off select sale items.

Among the eligible styles are:

Moschino Cheap and Chic ‘Basket’ $500 $269.99

Chie Mihara ‘Jean’ $375 $219.99

Biviel “BV1606″ bootie $180 $89.99

Belle by Sigerson Morrison fringed ’5823′ thong sandal $225 $109.99

Giuseppi Zanotti color-blocked, snake-embossed “E90027″  D’orsay sandal $650 $319.99

Giuseppi Zanotti “E96194″ tribal-woven raffia platform pump $750 $519.99

(Boy, does this one make me regret …just a twinge… living within my budget.)

And finally, a shoe that I loved enough that it got it’s own blog entry:

Pour La Victoire ‘Eden’ $280 $159.99

…..gasp, it’s even in the electric blue…..must log off computer and lock up all credit cards immediately!

Oh, and lest I forget the most important detail: How to get the extra 20% discount?  Use code “Just4U” at checkout.

Fine print: Offer valid online on Piperlime sale merchandise only, now through 11:59pm PT July 23, 2009 in the US only. Online code limited to one-time use. Offer not valid on final sale or the following select brands: designer brands, apparel brands, Frye, Brooks and Patagonia. Discount applies to merchandise only, not to Giftcard, packaging, applicable taxes, or shipping and handling charges. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts including employee discount.

Shoe Showdown: Stuart Weitzman Tijuana Sandals

Okay ladies and gents,  who accessoried these sexy bondage, strappy sandals dubbed ‘Tijuana’ by Stuart Weitzman the best?

Is it Anna Faris at the SXSW premiere of Observe & Report, model Camilla Alves on the green Malibu carpet,  Emma Rossum at the New Museum event in NY, or Hayden Panettiere while visiting the Letterman show?

Promise me that you’ll make a mental note to not reward any brownie points to Camilla Alves for having Matthew McConaughey on her arms (I know, it’s hard right?).   I’ve got to say that I love the lacy dress on Hayden and the glittery shoulder from Anna.  For Emma, the shoes are a departure from the sweet and classy shoes she normally wears so I have to give her props for that.  In the end though, I can’t decide with celebrity wore the best outfit with Stu’s Tijuanas.  So tell me,  what do you think?

The Stuart Weitzman Tijuana shoe can be purchased in black, walnut, or almond for $261 at Endless.com.

Sources: Stuart Weitzman, Getty Images, Film Magic