NOS Shoe Boutique is Fabulous

It’s not just the cute and quirky posters at NOS Boutique. So what makes it so special?

It’s the shoes, the customer service, the airy, relaxed store, the cool, funky neighborhood and the desire to come back again. Located in the neighborhood of DUMBO, in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge, this boutique has saucy posters, supernice staff, hip clientele and, most of all, a beautiful, well-curated selection of shoes.

Sometimes you want to go to a shoe store like DSW to see millions of pairs of shoes. And other times, you want to go to a small boutique where you can relax, have a friendly chat with the owner, and choose from only several dozen pairs of shoes. I prefer the latter experience, even if the price tag might be a bit higher. I like to talk to the owners about their favorite shoes, what the new trends are and where they shop.

What’s your favorite boutique in your hometown or when traveling to NYC? Do you try to support your local small shoe stores?

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Cynthia Vincent’s New Line for Target: Are These Shoes Cute?

When I wrote about Cynthia Vincent’s new line for Target, I purposefully did not include the most ubiquitous pair.

The Gladiator Wedge sandal for $29.99 at Target (currently only available in stores).

This shoe is everywhere – ads for the new line, “fashion under $100″ spreads, etc. And well, initially something just wasn’t working for me. Maybe I thought the wedge looked cheap compared to the other shoes in the line. Regardless, this week I’ve started thinking that maybe the shoe is actually rather stylish and needs a place in my wardrobe. I wasn’t quick enough with the ballet flats, and according to Target’s website that shoe is already sold-out online and in stores.

What do you think of the Gladiator Wedge? Cute or too cheap to be cute?

Cynthia Vincent’s New Line for Target

Today Target unveiled Cynthia Vincent’s new low-priced shoe line. I love everything Cynthia Vincent ever does so I was super excited to see what she was designing for Target. The shoes are priced between $24.99 and $29.99. Overall, I liked the shoes. Some of her signature prints and overall aesthetic are very apparent, but I’m not in love with all six styles in the Target line. Still, I’m sure I’ll buy at least one pair before they sell out, which, if previous designer lines for Target are any indication, will be very soon!

These are my favorite sandals in the Target line.

Cynthia Vincent’s Strappy Ring Flat sandals in brown for $24.99 at Target (also available in black, white, and yellow).

This simple thong sandal also caught my eye.

Cynthia Vincent’s Studded Thong sandals in black for $24.99 at Target (also available in white and pink).

Generally speaking, I’ve found that cheaper shoes are not as comfortable as their more expensive (and ostensibly better made) counterparts. With this in mind, the heels and wedges in Cynthia Vincent’s Target line will probably be rather unbearable for people who are devoted to flats like me. With that in mind, I am considering buying these ballet flats. I like the print and they seem like a fun summer shoe!

Cynthia Vincent’s Ballet Flats for $24.99 at Target.

Rachel Zoe’s Picks for Piperlime

I love Rachel Zoe! Her personal style, and that of her famous clients, is well documented. I especially love her sky high heels worn with wide-leg pants! As a loyal fan of her Bravo reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project, I dream of her firing her current assistant Brad and instead hiring me (Rachel Zoe, if you’re reading this, I’m totally serious and a very hard worker!).

As documented on the last season of her reality show, Rachel Zoe is now working as a guest editor for Piperlime. I totally want to buy every single pair of shoes she’s picked out on Piperlime! Here are a few of my favorites!

L.A.M.B. Vail platform for $299 at Piperlime (also available at Zappos for $303).

Cynthia Vincent Odeon sandal for $250 at Piperlime.

Elizabeth and James Mason pump in pink for $350 at Piperlime (also available in lime). Zappos also has the shoe for $354.

Missoni Squishy Flat for $390 at Piperlime.

New Mexico Style

I spent the holiday weekend in New Mexico. It was a great trip filled with delicious food and plentiful shopping.  Almost every store that sold shoes prominently displayed Minnetonka Moccasins. I had no idea the line was so extensive. Having long been a fan of Minnetonka’s moccasins and boots I couldn’t resist buying a pair. All the turquoise jewelry I bought just goes so well with suede and fringe!

I totally love the classic Minnetonka Thunderbird.

Endless has the Thunderbird in a variety of colors for $40.95 a pair.

These boots remind me of Pocahontas, in the best way possible!

The Tramper boot for $59 at Zappos.

The landscape of the Southwest is very inspiring! So, if moccasins aren’t your thing, may I suggest these adorable flats.

Cynthia Vincent Pancho flat for $196 at Endless and for $195 at Habitat (between the two stores, almost every size is available).