I love online-surfing at shoe sites to see what gorgeous shoes are being offered out there in world-wide-web-land.

This is evidenced by the favorites folder on my computer (which has at least 50 different online retailers and shoe manufacturers bookmarked for easy perusal). However, in doing so much online window shopping, I sometimes forget about retailers that have a local retail presence in my community.

So, here’s a little peek at some trendy styles that are accessible to tighter budgets. Today’s focus is Payless. In this price range, there may be certain materials substitutions to maintain a lower price-point; things such as glue and synthetics versus stitching and natural leathers which may be found on higher-end shoes. Over the years,  I have purchased and worn many so-called ‘low quality’ shoes; shoes that, incidentally, lasted through years of hard use. Although I love several brands that hover in the $90-200 range, I’m definitely willing to take a chance on an attractive shoe at a great price.

So, here’s some of what Payless Shoesource has to offer us this fall:

“Tate Oxford Bootine” $29.99 (on sale for $24.99); Trend: Booties, Oxford detail, Menswear styling.

“Jana Peep-toe Maryjane” in brown Herringbone or black/white Plaid $24.99; Trend: Maryjanes, Menswear styling.

“Flare Button Flat” $22.99; Trend: Fall Plaids, Oxford details, Faux Maryjane straps.

“Harley Oxford Pump” $24.99; Trend: Oxford detailing, Spectator, Peep-toe, Bootie, Menswear styling.

“Madison Button Ankle Boot” in Grey or Black $34.99 (On sale for $27.99); Trend: Ankle boots, Romantic/retro styling, Hidden Platform.

“Koko Gilley Pump” $24.99; Trend: Peep-toe, Platform, Oxford, Color-trend Purple.

“American Eagle Tattoo Splash Rain Boot” $37.99; Trend: Colorful Graphics, Tattoo Art detailing.

For those of you on budgets: Yes, you can look trendy without having to switch over to a diet of Macaroni and Cheese.

6 Comments »

Founded by Wayne Elsey in 2004, Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charitable organization that has been blogged about here previously.  They are a wonderful charitable group that takes donations of your gently-used shoes and distributes them to people in need. Soles4Souls has distributed over three million pairs of shoes worldwide according to their online partner Piperlime. The shoes have been distributed in more than 60 countries, including Mexico, Honduras, Romania, Thailand, and the Sudan.

And, according to a recent Piperlime email they are currently having a collection drive.  This is a great opportunity to slim down your closet of unworn styles as we move toward summer’s end and anticipate the Fall shopping season. 

Simply fill an appropriately sized shipping box with your clean, unwanted, shoes; then seal and mail to:

                           Soles4Souls, Inc. / Piperlime
                           315 Airport Road
                           Roanoke, AL  36274

Or, you can pop over to Piperlime, and look for this banner:

It will open a window that includes the above donation address as well as a pre-addressed PDF shipping label that can be printed out and attached to your donation box for easy shipping. A tax receipt will be sent to you after the shoes are received and sorted.

For me, the timing on this is perfect. I have a box of boots which I have just recently ‘culled’ from my closet.  I think that I will take another look around my closet to see if there is anything else to add for donation. Then I will drive into town to my local Post Office and send them off to someone in need.

I’d love to hear if anyone else will be doing the same.

Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.GiveShoes.org and www.Soles4Souls.org or call (866) 521-SHOE for more information.

6 Comments »

Black Leather Boots by Marc by Marc Jacobs: 599 dollars

Vintage Black Leather Ankle Booties by Rave Review: 13 dollars

Winning one in the turf war with designer price inflation: Priceless

I fell in love with these Rave Review booties the minute I saw them. I have never heard of the brand Rave Review (and still can’t find them on the internet), but I could tell from the luster of the leather that we were going to be great friends. Sadly, this budding relationship was destined to end in near heartbreak. Being vintage, the shoes were available in only one size which was a full two sizes too small for me. Never one to be defeated by practicality, I grabbed the shoes off the shelf at Beacon’s Closet* and ran over to my shopping buddy, a girl of diminutive foot proportions. They fit her perfectly and with a little pushing, she was convinced to take them home with her. It was an act of selflessness of great proportion. But at least I know they have a good home and I got the opportunity to photograph at will.

Two weeks later, I was in the West Village and meandered into the Marc by Marc Jacobs store. What should I see as a focal point in the store but ankle boots nearly identical to those I had sent my friend home with before. Though the ones I saw in the store are not yet available online, the ones above are. These can be found at Zappos are are basically the boot version of the bootie to come.

Moral of the story: a stylish bargain shopper’s friends are oft rewarded.

*Beacon’s Closet {bē’kuhnz kloz-et} -noun: a Brooklyn thrift store/paradise of deals.
If you live in New York, you have probably heard of Beacon’s Closet, the quality establishment where my recent shoe adventure took place. If you are a Californian, think Crossroads Trading Company, but cheaper. If you are a Manhattanite who doesn’t go to Brooklyn, shame on you. If you are unacquainted or looking to visit the big apple, let me fill you in. Beacon’s Closet is a Brooklyn thrift store. It has two locations, one in Park Slope and one in Willamsburg. They are very particular about what they accept, so they tend to carry really cool stuff. Even more awesome: their prices range from about $5 - $50. Some of my past find at Beacon’s include an adorable pair of Marni heels ($50), a Catherine Malandrino sundress ($19.95), and a Dolce and Gabbana snakeskin belt ($25). These prices are actually a bit higher than the average (because I might be a tiny bit of a label whore). More common are the Abaete for Payless pumps I found for $9 and the vast array of Urban Outfitters wear available for around $13. I prefer the Park Slope location; it’s a bit smaller and more manageable.

3 Comments »

Imagine just how many search results come up when you enter the combination “Everybody+shoes” (about 10.5 million for those less imaginative). ‘Everybody’ is an interesting shoe brand with a definite European appeal and sizing.  Although the brand name makes it somewhat hard to discover, it is well worth the time to search them out.

This “Mino” bootie is the style that won me over. How gorgeous is that laser-cut filigree?

This is a nice modern take on the ankle boot, with a bit of Victorian appeal, and is marked down to $124.27 at Endless.com. One bit of warning though. This shoe is an ankle-hugger. If you have a higher instep like I do, consider ordering at least 1/2 size larger than your normal size.

Their other offerings include:

The “Opal” gladiator at Dandelion Feet $169:

The “Aria” at Piperlime $79.99:

The “Tinta” at Piperlime for $109.99:

The “Flavia” Boot at Endless for $164.97:

And, my favorite of the moment, the “Testa” bootie at Endless for $126.47:

‘Everybody’ consists of style, beauty, and originality. A nice selection of “Everybody” shoes are available at Endless.com, Piperlime.com, and Dandelionfeet.com.

Now, if only my search for a company homepage were more successful, I might have more information for you other than this:

From the Manufacturer (As found in the item descriptions at Endless.com):
“Recognized around the world for their artisan workmanship, design, and luxuriously soft and richly finished materials, Everybody by B.Z. Moda, based in Italy, is now available in North America. All the materials used by Everybody are unique to the brand. Hand finished by skilled craftsman, the shoes and boots are lined in leather, and the rubber soles absorb shock.The Everybody collection combines fine quality, comfort, and craftsmanship. A leader in European design and craftsmanship with a unique point of view: Everybody by B.Z. Moda. “

Perhaps I would have more luck finding a homepage if I spoke Italian?

9 Comments »

Well, after episode two’s rather bland shoe offerings, last week’s episode three was a definite improvement. 

I have been drooling over the Gucci “Eva” wingtip platform pump and booties since I first saw them at the Gucci website last fall.  Unfortunately, even at Bluefly’s best sale prices, these have yet to drop below the $450-500 range. This is just too rich for my blood - and my bank account.

So, I was happy recently to find several reasonable and affordable alternatives to satisfy my attraction to the basic style of the Gucci originals.

• Guess by Marciano’s “Egeria” $129 at Zappos.com/$125 at Shoes.com. In black or brown:

• Report “Ellis” $189 at Zappos.com/$185 at Shoes.com.  In black, grey, or nude:

• Bongo “Square Dance” $46.00 at Zappos.com:

And, for those of you attracted to the green Cavalli sandal already seen on several episodes, Chinese Laundry has this affordable copy. Which, interestingly enough, seems to come in just about any color except for green.

• Chinese Laundry “Mika”, $63 at Zappos. In black, red, royal blue, and white:

I love the challenge of finding affordable styles for those of us who are on a budget or who live in small towns where we see very little variety. I hope these help you to look like you just walked off of a fashion runway.

And as for tonight’s show? I’m hoping to start seeing stronger designs tonight, both in footwear and in fashion.

7 Comments »