With the prospect of a new-home purchase, and getting settled in a new state, I can't afford to be careless with my cash. So, when I saw these booties by Elizabeth and James for $395, I knew there had to be a cheaper way.
I was able to find a comparable pair from Forever21.com for under $25!
It may not be a perfect likeness, no double takes here, but with a savings of over $300, the sensibility is enough to make my feet and my pocketbook sing!
While 80's punk bands helped to popularize the trend of adding studs to clothing and accessories, it's the fall 2009 runway that has aided in resurrecting it. Designers like Balmain, Alexander Wang, and Marc Jacobs have given voice to the resurgence of studded garments, inspiring mainstream stores to open their doors to the stud-loving public with a rebel yell.
And while some studded accessories carried by some stars (a la Mary-Kate Olsen) might be a bit out of your budget, or cause people to think you're a bit out of your mind, there are some more cost-efficient, and slightly more feminine alternatives. (Don't worry: you'll still feel like a modern day Joan Jett.)
Alexander McQueen for Target, $20
I typically wear things that are pretty simple, but sometimes, I want what I wear on my feet to stand out. Statement shoes, if you will. And I always find exactly what I want in Jeffrey Campbell.
Take for instance, these little pretties:
They remind me of ballet slippers gone cabaret. My feet were very pleased.
For those of us dealing with the insufferable sludge and the tremendous cold, spring seems very far away. However, as I'm watching the calendar pages flip by, I'm realizing that spring really is just around the corner...a relief, because my closet is begging to be stocked with sundresses and pastels. (Very soon, dear Closet. Very soon.)
Fortunately, to feed my springtime optimism, I received an email from TOMS Shoes in regards to their 'perfect for sunny days' shoes. And they are darling!
As always, for every pair of TOMS you purchase, they will donate a pair to a child in need.
Do some good for others AND your feet.
In order to make it easier to tote around the city, I'm going to need to invest in a new pair of work flats. This won't be too much of a problem since I practically live in flats. However, I need to buy a few functional pairs that are both comfortable and stylish. (Sorry, Target. Not this time.)
Still, I would love Fluevogs style on a Payless budget.
I headed over to the discount shoe mecca, Zappos.com, to see what I could find. Although I typically prefer pointy-toed flats for work, I found a few others that might not be bad. Here are some of my picks:
Frye Molly Flats in Lemon - $ 162
These are a bit pricey, but they are darling and perfect for spring. They also come in about six other colors. Plus, they have cushioned insoles! Still, if I'm paying that much for shoes, they better have a heel!
French Sole Sloop in Marine Blue - $ 104
It was a tossup between these and the animal print flats. I do love the blue, and it's so vibrant for the city. I'd still be spending way more than I want to spend.
Steve Madden Kobraa in Red Snake - $63
I've never been one for snake skin, but in red, I can look past it. These are feisty enough, but also work appropriate. Hmm...moving on.
Gabriella Rocha Cosma in Brown - $59
OK, so these are kind of cute. Brown flats that aren't reminiscent of a Janis Joplin concert are hard to come by. I'm not too sure about the rhinestones. I guess they dress it up a bit. I think I'll consider my other options.
Fitzwell Vanessa in Navy - about $53
I have been known to rock the Fitzwell's. (OK, that's not true.) But I've always liked the look...I love the toe and the simplicity of these shoes. They come in a variety of colors, and have gel insoles in the heel. (HEAVEN!) But, can I find something even cheaper?
I opted not to go for any of those. The Fitzwells were probably my favorite. But kidskin? That's just a little bit too politically incorrect for my feet.
And so, the search continues for the perfect pair (or two!) of flats. Any suggestions???
There have probably been a billion posts made all over the blogosphere about TOMS Shoes, and for good reason. I remember when my former roommate first brought home a pair a couple of years back. I wasn't sure I was particularly in love with the look.
It's only now, with the redesign of TOMS and the difference I can really see that they are making in this world, that I am really beginning to fall for this shoe company.
If you don't know the deal, it's simple: for every pair you buy, TOMS Shoes will donate a pair of shoes to child in need. Every pair, every time. So, if you buy 100 pairs, that means that 100 children just got new shoes because of you. AND, the shoes are completely cruelty free!
This seasons looks are getting quite cute, and they range from $42 to $98--not incredibly unattainable. I am particularly loving the wrap boots, and as soon as I can set aside the money, I'm snagging them in red or green!
Check out this video to learn more about TOMS cause:
What are your thoughts on these shoes? Have any of you purchased a pair of TOMS?
For your viewing pleasure, a four-minute video by L-Studio about the history of and fascination with high heels. Enjoy!
Maybe it's because I envy her flawless look. Maybe it's because she embodies a certain elegance and grace. Or maybe it's because of this video:
Whatever the reason, I love Natalie Portman. I can't help it! I do. Her acting is impeccable, and now more than ever, so is her fashion sense.
Natalie's shoes and handbags line, Te Casan, launched earlier this year, is more than just stylish; it's also vegan. In regards to the reason for the creation of the line, she's says,
“As a vegan, it’s been challenging finding designer shoes made of alternative materials. This collection offers a great selection without compromising quality or style.”
Now some people are giving Natalie some flack because they don't believe she's really a vegan. Some vegans are calling her a hypocrite. As someone who's pretty much been meat-free for 11 years, I ask, does it matter if she's vegan or not? The point is, she created shoes that are animal-friendly...shoes that don't make vegans, or anyone else for that matter, look like they're trying to relive Woodstock. (You know what I'm talking about...)
Now, these shoes may be cute, but they certainly aren't cheap. I suppose social responsibility comes at a price. The shoes will run you at about $200 a pair!
What are your thoughts of these shoes? Do you like the style? Do you think Natalie should stick to acting? Do tell.
One part function, two parts fashion, three parts art? United Nude, the shoe aficionados from the UK, unveil their new line of modernist creations for the summer 2008 collection. 
I'm not sure where everyone stands, but I think, for me, these shoes are better suited on display in a museum, then gracing the feet of fashionistas everywhere.
