Betseyville: Too Cute, or Too Much?

Betsey Johnson shoes are unabashedly feminine. And, the Betseyville sub-brand takes this even further in its generous use (possible over-use?) of Bows, Ribbons, and all things feminine.

Presenting the Betseyville ‘Lane’ in Pink, Navy, or Black ($74.00 on sale at Zappos, but you can also get the ‘Lane’ $26.99-$90 at Amazon.com depending on size/color availability) 

I happen to find the pink to be Too Much; Definitely past my Barbie-girl threshold.

 

 

And, as for the Navy …Well, at least I don’t have to wear sunglasses to look at these babies.

 

 

And, the Black … I am still trying to decide how I feel about these.

 

These ones are an interesting and slightly-less-manic color set. Plus, they look like a dream shoe for attending Carnival in Rio. And a gal should always hold on to her dreams.

Wrap Up your Toes in Ribbons and Bows

I have Christmas on the brain. Most holidays affect me this way. Of course, it doesn’t help that everywhere  that I go (except for my car where there is the ‘All Nickelback All the Time’ local rock station) I am surrounded by Christmas music, Christmas decorations, and Christmas advertisements. 

Just this weekend, we put  up our Christmas tree and wrapped the kid’s presents - so that they have time to really get excited about the upcoming holiday. (Did I say excited? They’ve been sleeping by the tree!)

Anyway, all ham dinner and pumpkin cheesecake plans aside, my attention has also turned to shoes that are so dolled-up that you will feel like they are gift-wrapping for your feet. 

Well, here ya go. Ribbons & Bows galore:

 

Type Z Noel $74.56 – $77 at Zappos in Bronze, Red, or Gold

(Appropriately named, don’t you think?)

 

 

Marciano Alida $204 @ Zappos

(What to say? These are simply stunning.)

 

 

Stuart Weitzman Romance $199.12 at Zappos 

(Romantic? And how!)

 

Stuart Weitzman Solitaire $234 – $273.60 @ Zappos in Fuchsia, White or Black

(A pink Marilyn dream.)

 

 

Betseyville Genna  $71.90 at Endless, $75.20 Zappos/$89.99 Heels.com

(Unwrap your inner Barbie Girl)

 

 

Betsey Johnson Rally $150 @ Zappos.com/$104.97 @ Endless

(Also available in pink with black ribbon. No secrets here; I love these.)

 

 

Coloriffics Sierra $66.50 @ Zappos (Several colors)

(Conservative with a touch of Glam, not an easy achievement.)

 

 

 

Martinez Valero Coca $106.16 – $117.97 @ Zappos on Red or Black, you can get the Coca in limited sizes of Black or Tan at Endless for $76.42.

(The perfect dare to the love of your life: ’Unwrap this.’)

 

 

Paris Hilton Destiny $89.95 @ Endless / $93 @ Zappos ; many color options.

(With that wrap-around bow this doesn’t even need a box; just pop it under the tree.)

 

 

Vaneli Puppy  $88.90 @ Zappos

(I’m seeing more of these structured loop-bows lately; honestly, they’re growing on me.)

 

 

 

 

RSVP Rhea $58.50 in Navy @ Zappos, other colors are $69-$74

(Simple, Sexy, and Day-um do I love the Sapphire color on these.)

 

 

!

Kate Spade Gali $247.24 for the Forest Green, other colors are $347.95.

(Sweet, classic and Christmas-tree green.)

 

 

RSVP Afton $58.40 – 68 in four colors at Zappos.

(A sweet and slightly glitzy half-bow in Holiday Red)

 

 

RSVP Judith in red for $60.80 at Zappos; bone and black are $58.40

(Another Pretty as a Package ribbon-wrapped style)

 

 

Gabriella Rocha Heaven in red for $50 at Zappos, other colors $39-$50.

(The polka dots are super cute. I love the wrap-around effect over the top of the hidden platform -

plus it also comes in a silver version that is quite adorable)

 

 

Type Z Kat  $89 at Zappos; in three colors.

(What can I say, it’s 12 degrees outside, boots were going to wind up in here somehow.

 Plus how cute are those little bows?)

 

And, now that I mention ‘Little Bows’ I can’t forget this style by Moschino:

Moschino CA16108C1P  RS0 $624 at Zappos.

(Come on, don’t they make you smile just a little with that itty bitty gift box on the vamp?)

 

 And finally, not a bow, but So Perfect:

Beverly Feldman Fireball $92 @ 6pm.com.

(This one is not ribbons and bows, but how incredibly ‘Holly and the Ivy’ can you get?

 These babies just scream ‘It’s Christmas! Where’s the eggnog?’)

 

Gosh, now I’m wishing it was time to open up some presents!

A Timely Sale on Betsey Johnson Fall Footwear

Having just highlighted the Betsey Johnson Spring 2009 collection, now comes a perfectly timed sale on several of her current-season shoe styles.

Courtesy of Smartbargains.com, today you can receive up to an additional 25% off the site price on Betsey Johnson shoes and accessories. But, to make this even better, if you pay via Paypal, purchases over $75 receive an additional $20 off.

So, for example, if you just so happened to have been drooling over a shoe like the ‘Terra’ (retailing for $205-$211 at Endless.com, Piperlime.com, DJPremium.com, Zappos.com & Nordstrom.com), you can get it today for $59.98(Smartbargains price of: $99.99 -25% -$20 with Paypal). That’s just about 70% off retail on a current season shoe; a bargain indeed. (There is a similar style for $95.98 pre-Paypal in a straight loafer-style pump, the Tinsley.)

(And yes, I’ve ordered this shoe. It’s lovely and, style-wise, will get me close to the Valentino graphique pump that I so love; and all without breaking my budget. I’m loving the little ‘butterfly’ window cutouts; also loving that perforated leather trim at the end of the ombre ribbon-tie. I think it’s really a nice touch.)

A few other Betsey Johnson items where you might score a deal?

Well, there’s the Sassy leopard printed ‘Tobi’ ankle boot ($119.98 prior to Paypal discount) or ‘Tina‘ pump ($79.98 pre-Paypal discount):

Other styles include the more conservative ‘Teresa‘ back-bow pump and ‘Madeline‘ T-strap styles (both sale priced at $79.98 pre-Paypal promotion).

One last mention. If you were interested in either of the current Fringe or Zipper trends that have been written about previously on this blog, you might be interested in these:

The Taylor ($95.98 pre-Paypal) and Tisha ($143.98 pre-Paypal) will cover any Fringe needs.

While the Tayla ($95.98 pre-Paypal) and Tiana ($119.98) will cover the Zipper side of the equation. 

This is a one-day sale. After today, the base price on these items will return to the regular Smartbargains.com price.  The Paypal promotion is ongoing until September 20th, so you may be able to use it after today if something you like goes back on sale.

The Betsey

I am biased. I love Betsey Johnson shoes to a degree than might be a tad overenthusiastic even among gals who are half of my age. But, rather than apologize, I revel in that exuberance. Age appropriate?  Act my age? No, thank you.

Today’s New York presentation of the Spring 2009 line simply hit all the right notes for me.  It also happens to be serious eye-candy for anyone out there who is even remotely involved in the Retro Fashion, Swing Music, Gothic Lolita, or Romantigoth scenes; heck, for any gal with a hardcore girly streak.

These clothes are all Romance and Frills.  There are heavy doses of Victorian and Edwardian influences as well as 1950′s-60′s floral chintz; and that’s just at a glance.  All these sweet ruffles and layers add up to one sassy and pouty whole.

Quoting from Laird Borrelli-Persson’s review over at Style.com: “Johnson herself, who took her traditional runway cartwheel dressed as Peter Pan, conceded that some of the show clothes were “over-the-top.” (They will, of course, be adapted for retail.) That said, she really is focusing on broadening her label’s appeal.”

I certainly hope these don’t get too adapted for retail. I can’t help thinking that these are already pretty much perfect as is.  Who doesn’t need a set of lacy knickers in her closet?

And all of this is combined with strappy platforms, flats with ankle socks and naughty knee-highs. 

The word ‘Yummy’ comes to mind.

Fabulous fashions also deserve amazing footwear; but perhaps not too amazing. I can’t help feeling that these fanciful shoes (adorned with bows, polka dots, and fob details) would really work better as the focal point of an outfit. Don’t get me wrong; I love the whole over-the-top vibe of this show. But, for me, I love it when the first thing folks notice when I am out and about is a pair of fabulous shoes.  

[Photos courtesy of New York Magazine / nymag.com]