Sheplers Boot Clearance

Well, this Monday was Groundhog Day. And, according to folklore, we are due for six more weeks of winter weather. Ugh.

But, if the weather is going to continue to be wet and chilly, at least we can still look at, shop for, and wear our boots – in all of their wonderful variations.

To help you in this endeavour, Sheplers is running a clearance sale  that runs through this Sunday.

In addition to the Cowboy boots one would expect from any store that caters to the Country-and-Western crowd, there are also a surprising number of boots that would easily fit among any urban or sub-urban fashionista’s closet.

Among the available offerings:

Charlie 1 Horse Side-Tassle Boots $127.47 $319.99

Honestly, how adorable are these? Not only do they fit the bill for any woman who hasn’t added red into her Fall/Winter shoe-wardrobe; they are also perfect for the gal looking for a nice Valentine’s Day boot – and who is, like many of us – still stuck with rainy weather.

Next up is a sweet and sassy back-lace number:

Charlie 1 Horse by Luchesse Lace-up Boot (in black or tan) $149.97 $299

This boot has a nice basic silhouette that is fairly conservative peaking out from under a pair of jeans…But, pair it with the right pencil skirt – and BAM, instant sex appeal.

Dan Post Lizard Inlay Boot $172.47 $299.

This is a nice, unpretentious, interpretation of the studded boot. It is on-trend without being over-the-top.

Of course, Sheplers is a Western-wear store, so where would we be without a fancy cowboy boot or two?

Old Gringo Puras Hojas Boot $225.72 $429.99

Old Gringo Wyoming Boot $398.97 $759.99

Are these last boots heavily ornamented? Heck yeah! What good is a Western dress boot if it fades into the background?

Christian Louboutin’s Eugenie

Star Light, Star Bright,

First star I see tonight.

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have this shoe that shines so bright.

There is no doubt about it. Christian Louboutin’s ‘Eugenie’ is a bright and shining star of a shoe.  At $1875, however, it has a price tag floating somewhere in the stratosphere. It is, honestly, so far out of my current shoe budget as to be in another solar system entirely. I suppose it’s just as well that the black satin with rhinestones (the color combination that I most covet) is no longer available at the Barney’s website. All the better to help reduce potential temptation.

Perhaps, in a year or two I will be able to hunt these lovelies down on the aftermarket. After all, I am a big believer in shoe karma. If it is meant to be, the shoes will find a way back into your life – right?

Of course, if you are less budget-constrained than this shoe-blogger, the taupe version of Louboutin’s ‘Eugenie’ is currently available from net-a-porter.com. So sparkly, we are definitely looking at one of this year’s bridal dream-shoes.

As they say, “All that glitters is not gold“.

Saturday Sales Highlight: Stuart Weitzman at 6pm.com

Not that it isn’t obvious from my blogging history, but I can’t seem go for more than a week without checking my favorite bargain sites to see what is new and affordable (comparatively speaking).

So, after a quick window-shopping hop over to 6pm.com, I wanted to share a few of the many Stuart Weitzman styles to be had at at this shoe-discounter extraordinaire:

Stuart Weitzman ‘Yeti’ (perfectly named!) $292.50 $575, in lama (shown) or black suede.

I am not completely certain how I feel about the recent proliferation of fuzzy-shafted knee boots. But, with snow predicted – Again! – this week, I am drawn to anything halfway sexy that also looks toasty warm. Plus, the platform on these is reminiscent of styling seen on shoes from Giambatista Valli (though this is a less extreme platform) , which are anything but drab.

Stuart Weitzman Ribbon-tie ‘Charleston’ sandals $146.25 $285 in Red or Black.

I have difficulty wearing styles with a separate D’orsay toe style due to the width of my foot at the instep. Nevertheless, I am continually drawn to these oh-so-sexy open and strappy styles. This sandal is just so feminine that it will never truly be out of style. Ribbons are such a classic and flirty touch.

Stuart Weitzman ‘Sashay’ $143.91 $285 in Blue Degrade Patent.

What can I say? This is a classic peep-toe in a stunning electric-blue ombre. The ombre/degrade color shift is just the thing to match every piece of blue in my closet. Lovely.

And really, where would I be if I didn’t mention Oxfords? I know there are folks out there who hate the current Oxford trend. I, on the other hand, continue to look for Oxford variations with which to stock my closet. For, one thing I have learned: If you love a trend, it is better to stock up on styles that you love and will wear – while they are still around – than live with regret for 15 years wating for the style wheel to spin its way back around again.

Stuart Weitman ‘Valleygal’ $135.72 $265, in Linen/Black Cayman Croc (Size 9 0nly). 

Let’s just say this is not your innocent schoolgirl’s Oxford. The croc-patterned leather gives this a nice touch of grown up minx for either work or play.

Stuart Weitzman ‘Hartford’ $153.27 $305,size 10 only.

This is an Oxford bootie that has just a touch of Mod appeal in it’s reverse-spectator styling. Too bad they no longer have this graphic cutie in my size.

So, 6pm.com currently has a great range of styles available for any Stuart Weitzman fans out there. As always, have fun browsing…or buying, as the case may be.

Happy Saturday, folks!

Manolo Blahnik’s Armored ‘Patoso’ Booties

I do not recall us featuring this bootie yet on our blog. Which is a pity, really. As some other blogs have noted, Mr. Blahnik’s ’Patoso’ from the Fall 2009 collection, is worth us taking at least a peek or two.

From the Manolo Blahnik website:

I’ve gone absolutely mad for warriors this season … (Fall ’08) . I’ve put Samurai masks on boots. (FANO) and metal discs that have come straight out of a crusaders suit of armour (PATOSCO). I’ve used shapes that are articulated, and incorporate shields (Satine designed for Christopher Kane, DELIS) for a modern, powerful woman … a kind of medieval Amazon, if that makes any sense.

The Patoso is also briefly referenced in a September 2008 interview with Manolo Blahnik by Carola Long at The Independent:

Blahnik shows me two of his own latest creations: a pair of fine-heeled grey boots covered in metal discs has been inspired by the Crusades, and are reminiscent of chain mail, while a pair of ankle boots with a leather grille around the ankle is “a cross between a ribcage and one of those horrible plants you have in hotel entrances in Hawaii, really common plants. No not an aspidistra, urgh! Every Victorian house had an aspidistra, urgh!” Aspidistras are just one of the things Blahnik expresses a comedic dislike for, along with platform shoes and noise. Every time a phone rings or a siren wails, he announces that he is being persecuted.

Am I the only one who reads or watches Manolo Blahnik interviews and then is automatically reminded of an energetic little teddy bear? Oh my, did I just refer to one of shoe-couture’s own members of ‘designer-royalty’ as a teddy bear? Why, it seems I did.

As of yesterday, the Nieman Marcus website had at least one of these amazing shoes left in stock – a situation that has now, sadly, changed (Which is a shame, really, as the price had dropped from  $1395 to $628). So, if you are interested in this style, a stock check of local Nieman Marcus stores, as well as Manolo Blahnik boutiques, will now be in order.

Anyway, from sketch to reality, this is one original shoe.  The balance achieved between the metallic elements and softer bow at the ankle is a pretty amazing dichotomy.  Overall, this is a fantastic visual feast. It is, unfortunately and unequivocally, not my style.  It does, however, own a special place in that wholely imaginary room of my house where all of the most decadent, if not always practical, shoes are kept on immaculate display in their own little glass displays; existing purely for simple visual pleasure. Sigh.

I Need a Shoe Intervention

OK, while I agree that we would all be better off if the word ‘Intervention’ were to be placed on a 6-month moratorium, it is exactly what I am asking for here.

My budget – and Macy’s card, would be truly grateful.

My conundrum?

This boot:

The Sofft Tyla (Or Tyla II, depending on whether it’s the leather or suede version)

Innocuous enough, wouldn’t you think?

But, I am forced to avoid the local Macy’s (Which is not only the local ‘High-end store’, but also subject to being referred to as The Bon by pretty much, well, everyone – maybe that’s a Northwest thing?) lest I find myself once again falling again under it’s strangely hypnotic spell.

What is it about this boot?

Well, it’s by Sofft, so the whole comfort for all-day wear is definitely a plus. But, that’s not enough to explain it’s strange hold on me. No, I really think it is this:

Yep! It’s definitely this corset-styled whip-stitching across the back seam.  I am also strongly enamoured of the slight color contrast of the tan against the shaft’s burgundy-brown leather … as well as the hint of playful attitude it brings to an otherwise classic and conservative boot. It also helps that at 3-inches, the height is a perfect balance of walkable without losing that oh so desirable hint of sex appeal.

Oh, and the kicker is that if I use the Macy’s coupon that I received in the mail last week, it is $25 off the current in-store price of $105 (full retail started at $175!). That’s $80 - and an almost unbearable temptation to pass up.

Added to all of this is the pretty, paisley sole:

That’s just ‘icing’ on an almost irresistible cake.

Somebody stop me. Really.