Taryn Rose Kaelyn Review

A little while back, I mentioned that once the weather permitted, I’d take my new Taryn Rose Kaelyn’s out for a spin and let you know the results.

Well, the weather has permitted, and I’ve now worn them twice, with excellent results. The first day, which involved only my normal walking pattern to and from work, the edges of the peep toe and the heel rubbed uncomfortably. But yesterday I wore them again (on a day that involved a lot more walking all over the city) and I was much better pleased. The leather is soft enough that it stretched itself around my foot after just these few wears, and I had no blisters or abrasions, even though I walked all over and wore these without stockings.

As far as the look goes, they’re really elegant shoes. The wedge is 1.5″ so it’s enough for a little bit of height, but without sacrificing comfort. The heel in the back is very narrow and ladylike, not clunky like many “comfort” shoes can be. The patent leather is shiny shiny, and the whole thing is very sleek.

On the comfort front… well, they’re Taryn Rose. On the comfort front, they pretty much can’t be beat. The arch support is excellent, and the Poron cushioning is noticeable. Kept my feet perfectly comfy all day long, even standing and walking and running to catch the subway. And on the sole under the ball of your feet, there’s a non-slip rubberized section to keep you from sliding everywhere.

The one thing I’d mention is that, since it’s patent leather, these shoes don’t breathe as much as regular full-grain leather does, so my feet got a bit slippery in them throughout the day.  My plan to combat this is to stick a pair of Summer Soles in them.  Then I can have deliciously comfy shoes and feet that smell like a summer breeze, too.

Like Shoesense just said, the price tag on Taryn Rose shoes is hefty (though you can get the Kaelyn right now in black, red, or white patent from Josephs for $316 as opposed to $445), so it’s a good brand to opt for when you want something that’ll be classic and perpetually chic without giving up on your comfort. A low wedge patent leather peep-toe is about as perennially chic as it comes, folks. And this shoe is pretty divine. Perfect for classing up a summer sundress or pairing with the most professional of business suits.

Fabulous AND comfortable??? Umm….

I live in a walker’s city, so naturally the (female) company I keep is of the, um, walking persuasion. And of course, of the fabulous footwear persuasion, too–it goes without saying. A recent friend I made, who is a slender, petite actress, asked me for some advice regarding shoes. “I love to walk around town,” she says, “and I’m on my feet a lot, but I also need to keep a polished look and I really need the height.” To accomplish that, she often resorts to wedges, but she wondered if there is more to life footwear than that. I’ll start by telling you all I said before, which is, stick to lower heels or flats with good arch support, value health AND comfort over short-lived glamor, keep yourself informed about shoe brands with a reputation for comfort, heed the advice of experts (e.g., try on shoes in the evening when your feet are most likely to swell, shoes should fit right out of the box, with no “break-in” period, etc.). But, when you need the extra height, and you need to look glamorous for your job, AND you need to traipse around the city while looking glam and somewhat tall(er), then…you’re either in for a tough break, or you need to start making some compromises. Yes, do the wedge thing as much as you can, but if you want heels you can walk in, forget stilettos; wear those only in extraordinary circumstances (the job requires it, and you only need to do a limited amount of walking). However, you can still achieve the height and the look with some more sensibly-shaped heels, such as any 3″ or slightly higher from the Taryn Rose collection. The Canela, for example, is super-classy and kinda tall (3 1/2 inch high) and at $545 yes, kinda expensive, but see above re: compromises:

Why would I recommend such a high-heeled shoe? Well, here’s the thing: I own a 3″ pair of Taryn Rose pumps and they’ve been more comfortable than certain flats I own. I am not sure where this magic happens (nothing short of alchemy, if you ask me: turning painful high heels into golden comfort wear), but it’s probably a combination of materials (lightweight Poron), padding, built-in arch support, and angle of the heel relative to the sole. One of the issues with Taryn Rose shoes is they often tend to look orthopedic (at least they did in the beginning), and if not so, then a little stodgy and on the mature side. Or, let’s put it this way: they’re not exactly youthful. I can certainly understand that: given their prices and emphasis on comfort, you don’t want something that may go out of style by next year. Sometimes, however, the style reflects the current fashion, such as in this “Cheval” oxford sandal ($495 at Zappos):

Or these metallic peep-toes, Calexa ($475 at Zappos)–which are also timeless and elegant:

Apart from Taryn Rose, there are precious few brands that I can recommend for this particular problem. I LOVE Thierry Rabotin, definitely some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned, period, but they are often stodgy and seldom give you the height you may want. There is Donald Pliner, which I would qualify as only semi-comfortable at heights over 2.5″. There is Anyi Lu, but they cater to the more mature, over 40 crowd, and you can sort of see that in their designs. Oh, I know–there is Robert Clergerie, also very high end, and definitely not for everybody (definitely for me, though!); these beaded sandals are kind of sexy and are only 3″ high AND on sale at Zappos for $297 (down from $500):

One brand that I want to explore and about which I heard only good things is Chie Mihara. They don’t market themselves as a comfort brand, that’s true–but there is attention to comfort in the cushioned molded insoles and the overall architecture of the shoe (no stiletto heels, for example!). These strappy numbers, the Bankok model, are chic, edgy, thick-heeled, and….padded ($368 at PedShoes):

We invite you to share your experiences of fashionable and comfortable heels in our forums. We’re always eager to learn!

New Online Shopping Haven for You Fashionistas

We at Shoeblog have recently discovered that funnest of finds, a new designer e-tailer.

This time it’s Joseph, a family owned and operated company that began selling shoes in leased space in other department stores in the first half of the 20th century and has since expanded into their own locations. If you’re lucky enough to be in the Houston or Memphis areas, you can head there in person to check out the deluxe designer goodies. But if you’re not, then you can now have access to the handbags, jewelry, and yes–shoes online.

And what better day to let you know about this new online sweet spot than today, when their Spring Sale begins, with discounts on high end shoes of up to 40% (and even beyond if you hunt)!

What do they have that you can snatch up for a (relative) song?

How about this sexy, sophisticated Prada Argento evening sandal? Originally $595, but now you can scoop it up for under $360.

If you’re a lucky lucky size 7 and you act fast, you might net these GORGEOUS Gucci pumps. Classy and elegant, they’ve still got a funky edge to them with that signature Gucci bamboo heel. And your heart will surely skip a beat at the price, because instead of the original $470, they’re now only $157!

In a more comfort oriented frame of mind? Then how about these ruby red Diane von Furstenberg flats? Shiny and tempting as any apple, these puppies can now be yours for $158 (down from $225). (Stay tuned for more on these, from my glamalicious Diane von Furstenberg photoshoot.)

You’ll be so on trend (and comfy, too) if you step out in these Tod’s Oxford-inspired slip ons. They’ve got a rubber sole, excellent style, and they’re now only $220 instead of $365.

Or take the Taryn Rose Kaelyn out for a $316 whirl instead of a $450 schlep. I’ll be putting up a shoe review of these, by the way, just as soon as the weather lets me break them out.

So get those mouse fingers limbered up and put those keyboards to the test for some really great swag at rare discounted prices. Ready. Set. Shop.

Ask the Shoebloggers: What Shoes Go With Trouser Jeans?

This issue of Ask the Shoebloggers comes from a friend of mine with a dilemma that’s got to do with a very of the moment trend.

What kind of (hopefully comfy) shoes look best with the now-trendy
wide-trouser-leg pants? I have a pair of nice wide jeans/slacks, and
I’m always worried I look a little Saturday Night Fever-ish if I wear
close-toed shoes or platforms–but I can’t wear flats because they’re
too long.

First off, I have to say that I support the trouser jean trend. Sure, you have to be careful about the high-waisted aspect, but it’s so much more flattering on so many more people than the horrible skinny jeans that are still unfortunately making the rounds on many more legs than they should be.

I, too, have bought a pair of trouser jeans, which I love, and I specifically had them tailored with a little extra length, so when I wear them, it’s got to be with heels or platforms of some sort.

Here are a few solutions I go for, illustrated with shoes that are close to (if not exactly) ones that are sitting in my closet.

First off, there’s the dainty look with a low wedge (which, for me, means 2″ or less). Or really any wedge, since if you want to go for more height, a wedge is a fairly comfy way to do it.

To avoid Saturday Night Fever, stick to something that doesn’t have a platform. Here are two pairs that have just been/are about to be added to my collection that I’m already planning on pairing with the trouser jeans.

Ecco Durango ($140), which is a good option to transition from one season to another.

or

Taryn Rose Kaelyn ($445), which is a more warm-weather choice, particularly if you opt for the leafy green color.

I’ve been pairing my trouser jeans with boots for the past few months while the weather’s still been cold. Everything from a 2″/2.5″ heel, sleek sort of boot like the Kenneth Cole Kiss Hello ($110)

to the classic cowboy boot (a good sturdy, comfy way to get a couple inches of height). Mine are Lucchese, similar to the N4540 pictured here, and on sale right now for $263 at Shoes.com.

Also fun would be sticking a pair of Camper Twins under your trouser jeans. Since just the toes will peek out from under the wide legs, I’m all in favor of those toes being interesting and different. I’m all about these Peacock heels ($165), which also come in another color combo that you can get directly from the Camper website.

Pretty much, I’d say almost anything goes. Just stay away from platforms, yes, because the 70s are over. Closed-toe shoes should be fine, as long as there’s something interesting going on with the toe (see above examples: stitching, buttons, open-toe, multi-color appliques). That should keep your inner disco diva confined to her proper place where she can keep you going all night on the dance floor instead of looking like you’re missing your John Travolta.

Shoe Trends for Spring 2008

Prompted by a recent reader inquiry, I went over to Neiman Marcus’ Shoe Trend site, which I haven’t peeked at yet for this season. As per usual, I found plenty of tempting options. So, like any good blogger, I’m now here to spread the word.

Heel Detail

You may recognize a number of these from the runway shows, because they tend to go heavy on the dramatic flare. These Fendi cage heels walked the Great Wall of China and these Prada flowery sandals made an organic statement in Milan back in September. Now they can be yours for $690 and $790, respectively.

Metallics

Personally, I’m of the opinion that a metallic shoe is always a great way to spruce up an outfit. In any season. If you agree, you might want to snap up a pair right now, when there are so many options available. You can get your metallic fix in everything from a classic Kate Spade loafer to a pewter Donald J Pliner t-strap to a Valentino multi-tone platform.

Floral

What says spring more than floral-embellished shoes? Try a pair of cheerful Manolo Blahnik’s with the Marimekko patterns that we mentioned back here, or a pretty and understated Bettye Muller (whose designs we Shoebloggers always love), or–to be kinder on your tootsies–any color of these Costablanca suede thongs.

Woven

Here’s a trend we haven’t seen for a few years now, and I’m glad it’s back. Woven shoes have an earthy, organic sort of look that I always like for the warm weather months. What shoes are here to feel the natural inspiration? Well, there’s this Frye low wedge sandal (in a handful of pretty colors) and this Stella McCartney wedge (also note it covers you for the metallic and decorative heel trends, all in one fell swoop) and the Cole Haan Air Bria (in gold or silver and thereby also hitting the right metallic note), to name a few.

Gladiator Sandals

Nope, they’re not gone. They’ve been the ubiquitous trendy sandal for the past several years, but I’m not complaining. I always like a shoe that mixes elements. Refined and rough. Masculine and feminine. And the gladiator sandal does that, whether it’s a glamazon version by Stuart Weitzman, a buckled and studded strappy one by Claudia Ciuti, or a basic brown leather Dolce & Gabbana.

Safari

The final trend is the one you have to be most careful of. When you start getting anywhere near animal prints, you’ve got to be careful not too go too over the top. I’d recommend sticking with things that are a little more toned down like this Oscar de la Renta mini-wedge. Or get a safari-esque look by sidestepping animal prints in favor of wooden embellishments, like on this t-strap sandal by Shoesense’s guru, Robert Clergerie. Because, while I dearly love Taryn Rose shoes and all they stand for, their take on the safari style is WAY too much in my book.

So go, Shoeblog readers. Find your spring shoes armed with trend awareness. It’s a fine line between trendy for its own sake and trendy in a way that will last into future springs to come. But you can do it. You’re savvy people.