I LOVE this criss-cross wedge, I truly, really, love-love-love it:

There’s something very fresh, chic, and sophisticated about it, probably its clean, basic lines, the yumminess of the color, or the openness of the front… I don’t know, but it’s a really good-looking shoe. Endless offers it for $189 (free overnight shipping included), but, and that’s where it gets surprising, Anthropologie, whose prices are usually higher than the norm, has it for a whopping $40 less–that’s $148, plus shipping, of course (though I can’t imagine shipping would account for the difference). Endless does have a 110% guarantee on their prices, so if you play your cards right, you might get away with a lower price AND free shipping–take note, bargain hunters!

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Unlike Moschino’s famous Cheap’n'Chic footwear, where most items start in the $300 and $400-area, these sweet wedges are truly cheap (just over $100) and über-chic to boot:

You’ve got the height, you’ve got the platform for comfort, you’ve got the chunky buckled straps, you’ve got the jungle motif, you’ve got the tan-natural color to elongate–I’d say, hit, hit, and hit, spot-on for the summer’s hottest trends. The Dolce Vita Tahiti-58 wedge in natural snake is $107 at Zappos (also available in other colors).

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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.

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These Cynthia Vincent “Harper” wedge gladiators caught my eye, probably because there’s a lot going on there, you have to admit. There are about 47 straps and 38 buckles and about 12 pounds of solid wedges. (Oh, it’s apparently 10 oz each, according to Zappos. Nevermind.) These things are SOLID and grounded while performing the extraordinary feat of lifting you up from the ground for about a foot or two (I know, I know! I can’t stop the hyperboles from coming, but it’s the shoes’ fault, I swear!)  At any rate, I think their over-the-topness (totally a word) is what renders them powerful and endearing and sexy and oh-so-well matched with a denim mini or short shorts, perhaps, and tan, luscious, long gams. I you don’t have said gams, no worries: these wedges will grant them to you, that’s how awesome they are. $404 at Zappos.  

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Last time I scored a pair of designer shoes on deep discount, I talked about how I have a tendency to give my shoes nicknames.

Well, I’ve done it again.  Because while poking around through a designer consignment shop this weekend, I stumbled upon these unworn wedges by Shoesense’s great guru, Robert Clergerie.

I’m afraid all the various leather loops don’t quite come through in the photos, but suffice it to say that there are enough of ‘em to have earned these shoes the nickname “The Dominatrix.”  I have a great weakness for shoes with ties around the ankle (I’ve got 4 pair that I can think of off the top of my head), and I’ve been loving the recent trend toward fetish-inspired dominatrix type shoes.  But I’m not about to go around in a 6 inch spike stiletto, so when I saw these, their siren song was too irresistible to disregard.

And so, for a mere $160, they came home with me.  I’m not sure how much they were originally, but his sandals can easily run over $500, and these whipped me into obedient purchasing so thoroughly that I’m content not to know exactly how much of a bargain they were.

See… they’ve already lived up to their new nickname.  Do I love The Dominatrix shoes?  Yes.  Yes what?!  Yes, ma’am!

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