Shoelimia

Ann Taylor

2011-08-02T21:03:00.002-04:00

It's been a long time since I've tried on heels, but I couldn't resist trying these on. Hot! Price tag: $230. Crazy, but still hot.

Shoes on the iPad

2011-07-02T12:04:00.003-04:00

C'mon now, a shoe version of Mahjong! That's totally cool.

Fake-leg footwear

2011-05-03T20:41:00.001-04:00

Is this the future of footwear? If so, I'm in.

(Thanks for the link, Jen!)

Bella Vita

2011-03-09T14:58:00.002-05:00

This shoe is a perfect mix of "Grandma Shoe" with "Sexy Shoe." It's like the best of both worlds. This shoe says, "Yes, I'm sexy, but I'm mature enough not to throw it in your face."

I like it.

Bella Vita: Shelby $79.99

Fidji

2011-03-02T09:14:00.005-05:00

This brand name bothers me. I want to take a pencil and erase their mistake, by getting rid of the "d" in the name. It just looks wrong to me, and reminds me more of "fidget" now than something calm and relaxing.

As far as their shoes go, well, the first thought that comes to mind is "witchy." These particular sandals didn't remind me of witch's feet, so I chose them to share:

E128
Then, these would be for the stylish witch who doesn't want to be bothered with high heels, or for that hard-working witch who's on her feet all day and needs practical shoes:

E629
Cost-wise they all seem to run between $175-$250 or so, though I'm sure there are some that are more expensive. Hey, if you have a witch's costume to complete, $200 is a small price to pay for some authentic shoes.

Talbots

2011-02-27T19:54:00.003-05:00

Talbots is not my usual place to fall in love with shoes (or clothing, for that matter), but today I happened to be in there and I happened to see these gorgeous shoes, and now I'm in love.

Leather gladiator wedges: $139.00

Party shoes

2010-12-30T21:14:00.003-05:00

I don't go to fancy parties and I can't wear heels like these, but if I did and if I could (and if I had $600), these would be my pick:

DSQUARED2 Women's Glitter Pump: $600

Tabitha Simmons

2010-12-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

I can't wear a 4-inch heel anymore, but if I could (oh, and if I had an extra $370 just lying around), I'd definitely snatch these up.

Tabitha Simmons: Camille ~~$1,230~~ $369

6pm.com

2010-12-27T22:08:00.005-05:00

Technology has come a long way over the past couple of years. They have remote-controlled helicopters, electronic stethoscopes, waterless washing machines, and space elevators... So why is it so difficult to exchange a gift at 6pm.com?

They don't pay for return shipping, they don't offer exchanges at all, and it's as if they don't even acknowledge the fact that some people may receive 6pm.com shoes as a gift.

Why does anyone even shop at 6pm? Endless.com has it all over them. 6pm is downright worthless.

Thank you, Santa!

2010-12-26T00:13:00.002-05:00

Too bad I didn't ask for a million dollars instead! :D

Nine West

2010-12-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

Even when I'm po' I can't pass up a sale. Nine West said 70% off and I took the bait and went to look! I got these for $20, and free shipping. Merry Christmas to me!

Rachie: ~~$89~~ $20.99

THAT'S crazy

2010-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Just because I call them crazy doesn't necessarily mean I wouldn't love to wear these Jeffrey Campbell "shoes". I just think they're crazy.

And yes, I still think the LuLu's shoe model is a man.

Jeffrey Campbell Ferme: $222.00

Nine West Trunk Show 2011

2010-12-07T03:50:00.005-05:00

I am currently dancing on the ceiling. I know you're wondering how I can type at the same time, but you're obviously not as talented as I am.

Every fall the leaves die, the air gets cold, and summer shoes go away. The difference in those things is that you know the leaves will come back and the air will get warm, but there's no guarantee the shoe-styles you love will come back. Next season's shoes may be complete crap! Now, granted, maybe I'm the only one who has nightmares about the new season's shoes being orthopaedics, but hey -- the fear is real.

So anyway...

Tonight I happened to be up at 3:00 in the morning and happened to be sitting at my computer and it just so happened that an email came into my in-box from Nine West. This email will make it possible for me to sleep peacefully all winter long -- with happy dreams of having Vin Diesel for breakfast -- and allowing me to bear the snow and sludge and ice that will be my life for the next three months.

The 2011 Nine West trunk show for spring!

It's taken all the things I've loved about shoes so far and brought them to the next level of perfection. It's exquisite. It's fun. It's happy.

I want to marry Nine West.

"Stylin" heavy platform: $89
"Golden" heavy platform: $109
"Braxton" espadrille: $99
"Blanca" espadrille: $99
"Bask" heavy platform: $99

Crazy boots

2010-12-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

I love Giuseppe Zanotti (see the blue shoe of my logo up top, which are $796) but these are crazy. If I envision an ankle-length black pencil skirt, maybe these would work. But only then.

Giuseppe Zanotti I08097: $680.00

Let the buying frenzy begin!

2010-12-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Remember this post? These same shoes at the same site are available now at over a $200 discount. They're now a "bargain," at only $191! Stock up for Spring!

I want to walk on stilts

2010-12-05T12:06:00.008-05:00

Now that I've given myself permission to search out shoes again, I wandered over to 6pm.com for some cognitive distraction from homework and came upon these beauties:

With that two-inch platform, the heels are only 3.5" high. Once my knee surgery recovery is over, and if I only wear them for a half hour, I could do that... Right? (say yes!)

Mama want for Christmas. They're only $59.37. Except for that extra 37 cents, they're pretty affordable.

Christian Louboutin

2010-12-01T22:30:00.005-05:00

Ok, if I had to find a silver lining in the crap that's become my life since finding out I have a crappy ankle and a crappy knee, it would have to be that I no longer have to avoid looking at the expensive shoes.

I always kept tunnel vision -- focusing on shoes I was willing to fork out the dough for, and on the ones I knew I'd be able to comfortably wear -- but now I can enjoy looking at them all, since I'll not be buying any of them anyway.

Enter, Christian Louboutin. Evidently the name is one of the most mispronounced names out there right now, but I like to try to think up the most horrible pronunciation possible and always pronounce it that way to myself, just for the humor of it. So my pronunciation is "Lou-BOOT-tin." I think everyone should start pronouncing it this way, and you can tell them where you got it from. Once I hear a newscaster say it this way, my life will be complete.

Oh, but then again, "Lube-OUT-in" would be funny, too.

(And if you're curious, the correct pronunciation is "Lou-Boo-TAHN"...)

Nevermind. Let's get to the amazing[ly expensive] shoes!

Depression

2010-11-30T17:14:00.004-05:00

First of all, the shoe-selling thing does not appear to be going very well. I don't understand how people make money on the Internet selling clothes with rips and holes with no problem, but brand-new, brand-name shoes get no bites, or get bites basically asking for the item for free.

I don't think so.

Today I ventured out to Shoe Show, which is a cheap piece of crap store but their prices are by no means cheap. How do they get away with this? I spent $20 each on two crappy pairs of flats, and I get offered $55 for a pair of shoes that I got at a huge discount for $250? I just don't understand this world.

Anyway, of course even cheap shoe places have cute shoes (that I can no longer wear). I saw these and in happier times definitely would have handed over the $19.99 for them. They're so cute!

But instead I went home with two expensive pairs of crappy flats.

I'm so depressed.

State of the Union

2010-11-07T15:33:00.004-05:00

These are my used shoes that I'm going to sell, or give to charity for a tax write-off.

These are my never-been-worn shoes that I'm definitely going to sell.

And this is the measley few that I will keep, in hopes that one day I can wear them every once in a while.

Life as I know it, is over

2010-11-05T10:14:00.001-04:00

My ankle has been bothing me ever since I started wearing heels. I finally went to the physical therapist and was told that my plantar flexion is limited due to an old injury, and that it will probably not get better.

My choices are to start wearing flats (ack!) Or to accept the pain.

My life is over.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Deja vu

2010-10-30T16:33:00.002-04:00

Don't act surprised; I told you all I wanted them in black, too! :D

Abinar, by Nine West

Love at first sight

2010-10-27T23:50:00.004-04:00

We were on vacation over the weekend and I was having a bad shoe day. Some of my shoes are so comfortable but then a moment comes when they instantly become extremely painful. I hit that moment in my Via Spigas when I was at a mall -- not a good time to have a bad shoe day.

My Knight in Shining Armor was Nine West, of course. I walked in the store and was easily passing everything by -- though still appreciating what I was seeing -- when I came upon these beauties, the Abinar by Nine West.

I snagged a pair of socks from the rack and put these puppies on, and instantly fell in love.

Now I want them in black, too.

ALDO

2010-10-17T19:42:00.002-04:00

I tried on and almost bought these shoes today at the ALDO at Southpoint mall. I talked myself out of them because they're pumps and because they're $90. I'm glad I didn't get them, but they sure are purdy. :(

ALDO DEPERRO - $90

Shoe calendar

2010-10-16T20:11:00.001-04:00

Of course I'm buying it.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Vibram Five Fingers

2010-09-30T08:33:00.003-04:00

At first I thought these were just a new fad, but it appears that Vibram FiveFingers followers are a true cult in their own right. A cult of happy, shoeless, freaky-looking people.

Despite the fact that I'm addicted to high heels (due to the aforementioned height issue), I'm slightly intrigued. Everyone speaks highly of these "shoes," though they don't really look like shoes to me. I guess that's the point, though.

The three main complaints I've seen about them are that they're expensive, they only come in "normal" sizes, and they're not something you can wear to the office. This implies that people want to wear them to the office, so this is not much of a complaint, really.

Once bras and deodorant go out of fashion, maybe I'll jump on this "natural" bandwagon. Until then, I'm sticking with my platform heels.

Vince Camuto

2010-09-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's not too often that I buy shoes impulsively -- ok, that's not true, pretty much every shoe purchase I make is impulsive -- but there are times when shoes just sweep you off your feet and you have to just roll with it.

I was browsing on Endless Monday night and saw these Vince Camuto clogs and knew I just had to have them. Just like my last Endless purchase, these were included in a discount promotion, and were eligible for free overnight shipping. That's always a bonus.

They are gorgeous, and comfortable, and I'm quite pleased with my purchase!

Vince Camuto "Canasta" Clog

Do I really have to say it again?

2010-09-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

My proclamation is not spreading fast enough around the world. I will say it one more time: NO!

I do NOT approve

2010-09-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

Now look, people. The whole 'socks with shoes' thing is getting a bit out of hand. Ok yes, they look ok with boots, of course. They even look ok with closed shoes -- and I make special exception for closed shoes with peep-toes, even -- but socks with sandals has NEVER been ok and it's NOT ok now.

Just don't do it. I'm telling you. Just because they did it during fashion week does not mean it's something worth copying.

NO. NO. NO!

Why I wear high heels

2010-09-26T10:25:00.004-04:00

There have been some articles over the years about high heels and how men couldn't care less about them, so people don't understand why women wear them. Now, some men absolutely do care, and love their women in high heels, but for the most part men don't care. Most men care about breasts, I mean let's face it.

So, given this evidence, the article-writers don't understand why women wear high heels at all. They are, after all, uncomfortable, expensive, and difficult to store.

Some of these writers posit that women wear high heels and carry expensive bags for the benefit of other women -- as in, to impress other women with their sense of style and savvy. It's very likely that this reason is indeed the number one reason women attempt to be fashionable. There aren't too many men who can tell the difference between Gucci and JCPenney brands. But women can.

However, I do not fall into "trying to impress" category. My goals are much more selfish. I simply want to like what I see when I look into the mirror. It's as simple as that. It's not the shoes, per se, it's what the shoes can give me -- namely, HEIGHT. I do not like being short. For someone who is overweight, being short is the icing on the really bad cake. So, high heels allow me to escape my short-ness, if only for a short time. And if I'm going to wear them anyway, I may as well wear ones that I find pretty and fashionable.

This is my reason for my shoe obsession. Everyone probably has their own.

Kobi Levi

2010-09-22T21:40:00.003-04:00

So explain this one to me: I love shoes so much, I talk about shoes all the time, I write about shoes all the time, I text about shoes all the time, I instant message about shoes all the time, and yet EVERY time I write the word 'shoe' I first write it as 'show'! It can't be from habit since by habit I should be writing 'shoe' each time I go to write 'show'.

Someone much smarter than I will have to explain it.

But, I digress. Let's get back to the shoes!

I think this link came from my beautiful sister. (And before you're left sitting there with a questioning look on your face, no, it's not that I have multiple sisters and she's the 'beautiful' one, it's simply how I describe the one sister I have because that's what she is: beautiful.) She knows I'm obsessed with shoes and she often sends me links to things she thinks I will enjoy. This was one of them, and she was so right. I am actually having a hard time picking my favorite, though I must say the bubble-gum one is close to the top, if not the very top.

What's your pick?

http://kobilevidesign.blogspot.com/

Shoe-love

2010-09-21T22:38:00.005-04:00

My goal, of course, is to make everyone love shoes as much as I do, and it appears I'm succeeding. My good friend Catz from Way Way Up North happened to be in a shop a few days ago and saw all these awesome shoes -- and thought to try them on and take pictures for me! I've created a monster. I'm so proud!

Are these not a hot hot hot pair of shoes??
Unfortunately she didn't buy any of them, but hey, it's a start. :)

Who can pass up a rack sale?

2010-09-19T09:00:00.003-04:00

We were walking through Nordstrom on our way to our car, and as fate would have it we passed through the shoe section (not my plan! I swear!). Lo and behold, they had approximately eight racks full of gorgeous shoes! I had been so disappointed last time I went to Nordstrom because they had told me it would be a rack sale when instead it was simply an introduction to their fall line. This time, I finally had my racks.

The first thing I spied were the Stuart Weitzman shoes that I had drooled over when I went to visit the fall line. They are SO sexy. Simple, yet so sexy. They were on the rack for $186. How is that a sale?? Wow, a whole $13 off. Thanks for that huge savings. Anyway, I tried them on and loved them -- in fact, I'm not sure 'love' is a strong enough word -- but I knew I would not get them because they're still too expensive especially considering that I have such difficulty wearing pumps with my narrow heels. So I walked around in them as long as I could without looking too strange, and then re-worked the racks for something more suitable.

These Naughty Monkey sandals jumped out at me. They're loud and obnoxious... Just like me. And, with a $40 price tag, much more reasonably priced (though still not really a sale).

Naughty Monkey "Panic" Sandal $40

Trend-basher

2010-09-16T08:12:00.005-04:00

Besides the platform shoes and low-rise jeans, I think I've not embraced very many trends over the past few years. Both of those are functional for me, as a short-waisted, short person. They help to "fix" a problem, so I fully endorsed the platform shoe and low-rise jean movement.

Since we're in Fashion Season, new trends are emerging. One of the most hideous of these trends -- from the point of view of one who loves platform heels -- is the idea of wearing men's loafers. It'd be bad enough if this type of shoe were worn under long pants, but no -- they're worn with SHORTS and blouses and jackets.

Awful. Just awful.

And to further destroy the old fashion trends (that I approved of), now I see that high-waisted slacks are the latest trend in pants.

Awful. Just awful.

I'm going out and buying every pair of low-rise jeans I can find, in every size. One of each... I'm so afraid of the day when they won't be around anymore.

Your fly is open

2010-09-12T15:45:00.002-04:00

I was leafing through Elle or Vogue or some such fashion magazine last night and happened to come across an advertisement that showed a woman in zip-up boots, with the zipper unzipped. I tried to do an online search but could not find the advertisement.

While I appreciate the rebelliousness that would prompt such a flagrant disregard for shoe-design, I worry about the practical aspects of trying to walk in footwear that is not properly fastened. Wouldn't the shoe fall off? Couldn't you twist your ankle from the lack of support? I don't know... Seems pretty risky to me. I'm already almost at the age where you have to start worrying about falling and breaking your hip, so I think all zippers will remain zipped.

Will this fashion trend move to pants/shirts/skirts having zippers left unzipped? I've already seen a few shirts with decorative zippers from the neck down the back -- will they be left unzipped?

I guess that extra five seconds saved from not having to zip up will allow you to sleep in slightly longer in the morning.

Maybe that's a good enough pay-off.

Shoes & socks

2010-09-08T08:58:00.002-04:00

C'mon, you know you like it.

For Sale: Hanging Shoe Racks

2010-09-06T16:23:00.001-04:00

As you can see, I no longer need them.

$140 and a half hour's work. So worth it!

Nordstrom Rack

2010-09-05T19:30:00.005-04:00

My local Nordstrom Rack just opened on September 2nd, and I finally got to go check it out today. I've never seen so many women shoved into a small space before. Except for the price tags, it looked like the inside of a T.J. Maxx.

However, T.J. Maxx doesn't have a special "designer shoes" section. Nordstrom Rack does have such a section, and it's where I immediately went. I think Nordstrom Rack also carries clothes? All I saw was the shoes, since that's all I care about.

So many of their designer shoes called to me. Especially the Via Spiga ones, though I've never had a pair yet because they're so expensive. Today was my special day, though. Today I found a pair of Via Spiga designer shoes on sale for $89. I've looked everywhere on the Internet and cannot find the exact shoe to know what the style name is, but it most closely resembles the Astro, which sells for $200 on shoes.com, or $150 at Bloomingdales.com. The only difference seems to be that mine have an actual clasp at the ankle instead of just the strap.

I finally have a pair of Via Spigas! NOW my Fall closet is complete. ;-)

My new Via Spigas

Two confessions

2010-09-02T20:35:00.010-04:00

Firstly, I'm supposed to be doing homework right now. Instead I'm blogging. Shhhhh.

Secondly, I ordered another pair of shoes this morning. They are just so unique, I couldn't help myself. I am a slave to hot shoes. What can I say?

Seychelles "Hawk" ~~$119.95~~ $89.96

Now, one can't wear a funky peep-toe oxford wedge without wearing some funky socks to go with them, right? So I ordered some from the place I told you about before, Sock Dreams.

The shoes are coming by free overnight delivery so I'll have them tomorrow, but I'm not sure when the socks will show up. Doesn't matter; it's still 99 degrees in the shade.

Stupid weather!

2010-09-01T22:23:00.001-04:00

Here I have all these great Fall shoes, and cannot wear them because the temperature insists on hovering around 99 degrees.

Eventually, I know. I must have patience.

Nine West

2010-08-29T10:55:00.010-04:00

I recently acquired a nice coupon for Jones New York and related companies, of which Nine West is a part. I've been holding onto the coupon for a few weeks now, trying to think how best to take advantage of the savings. Of all the companies listed on the coupon, the only ones I had local were Kasper (which I had never heard of before), EasySpirit (which I don't like), and Nine West.

I knew I could go to the Nine West store in our local mall that recently had its makeover, but by doing so I'd be paying full price and thereby reducing the number of pairs of shoes I could get. So, I decided on the Nine West outlet store. I have two within driving distance of where I live, but one of them doesn't have much of a selection. This weekend I made the trek down to the big Carolina Premium Outlets and visited their Nine West establishment. It was crowded -- so much so that I had to stand in line in order to even see the fall stuff. Once I got to see it, I had trouble locating boxes that either were in my size or that had both shoes in the box.

The staff at this outlet is amazing. One saleslady spent five minutes working on one of the zippers on the back of a boot for me. She also found all the shoes I wanted to try on, in my size. The store was crowded, but she made me feel like I was the only one in there.

They were having a BOGO half off sale, which, when added to my coupon savings, made the shoes ridiculously cheap. The crossed-out price is the full price, followed by what I paid:

Trivetto: ~~$79.99~~ $30.00

Hothothoto: ~~$59.99~~ $29.99

Evergreenr: ~~$79.99~~ $14.99!

I got these (the Consuela) from the Nine West website last week because they were on sale for $39 and I had a $10 coupon. (I already have them in pink.) They're regularly $90.

All-in-all, I'm pretty pleased. Although I already considered my Fall Closet to be complete, I'm not stupid enough to pass up on great savings. ;-) I saved a total of $206 on all these shoes!

Back to school

2010-08-28T12:22:00.002-04:00

Classes have started for me, so although I'm still obsessed with shoes, I don't have time to document all the manifestations of the obsession, which is why I haven't been posting as often.

I wore my cheetah shoes to work on Thursday. Those heels are a might bit high, to say the least. I have to remember to carry a pair of 'just-in-case' shoes in my car, just in case. I got lots of comments on them! Some people had this attitude of, "Oh, I wouldn't wear such inappropriate shoes to work," but it didn't bother me in the slightest. I'm 42 years old and will wear whatever shoes I want to, thank you very much!

The girls at work are trying to get me equally obsessed with purses, but so far without success. One of my co-workers told me how she went in to a Nine West outlet store and found all these gorgeous shoes but decided to buy a Coach purse at their outlet instead. I'm like, "What's wrong with you?"

I think it will always be about the shoes for me. Fancy shoes and a $19.99 purse.

My love for endless is endless

2010-08-24T20:26:00.004-04:00

Last night I ordered The Shoes, and tonight I have them on my feet. Endless.com is the epitome of all shoe-buying services.

These Sam Edelman's "Faye" clogs are my favorite shoes of all time -- past, present and future (don't tell my birthday shoes).

I think I now need them in every color.

New strategy

2010-08-22T09:30:00.004-04:00

Ok, so it's been a few months since I've fallen back in love with shoes. I've spent a good deal of time (and money) learning the ins and outs of what I like and what works on me, and on what I'm willing to spend on any given item.

Here's what I've found:

1. I wear size 8 in sandals, not 7.5
2. I can't wear pumps because I have narrow heels (sob)
3. Mary Janes are my favorite style shoe
4. I hate 'patent leather' anything
5. I like wearing the same pair of comfortable heels every day
6. I'd rather buy one pair of expensive (quality) shoes every 3 months than 10 pairs of cheap shoes.
7. It's no longer 1990, so I have to get it out of my head that I have to match my shoes to my clothes.

These sound like rather simple things, but these simple things will help me with my future shoe purchases immensely.

The first step in my plan was the purchase of those great Sam Edelman clogs. The next step is the purchase (hopefully tomorrow) of my second pair of Sam Edelman clogs -- this time the Faye model, and this will complete my Fall Closet. There is no need to buy multiple pairs of shoes for the cold season, because history shows that I like to wear the same shoes every day. If I had an endless supply of money, of course, I would feel differently! But, two good pairs of quality shoes is plenty.

I can't wait to put on my cheetah feet!

Z-CoiL

2010-08-20T07:47:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure what the significance is of using a capital "L" at the end there, but that's how they have it. Z-CoiL, available at zcoil.com. I saw a lady wearing these while shopping at the grocery store a couple of months ago. I was intrigued. Not all of us can wear the high heels, and for those who can't, it's nice to have options.

The problem with this particular option, though, is that it's freaking expensive! Good grief. For these prices, these shoes should massage your legs after a long day at work.

The other downside, according to some people, is that they're hideously ugly/highly humorous (take your pick).

Personally, I like them. I'd wear them. If I could take out a second mortgage to pay for them.

Bella $240
Tia $240
Z-Force $280

Toasty toes

2010-08-18T22:20:00.005-04:00

Now that I have my first "real" clogs/mules (what the heck is the difference?), I need all the special socks to go with them. Did you know that they make socks especially for clogs? But of course you knew that, I'm the last one to know anything.

Here is an awesome site for socks: sockdreams.com

I don't know how I would feel about toe socks. Things between my toes might drive me crazy.

Wouldn't these be perfect with a pair of peep-toe clogs?

Dolce Vita

2010-08-16T21:38:00.003-04:00

Creative, different, retro, "out there" shoes always grab my attention. It's not always grabbed in a good way, though. These, however, have gotten my attention in a very good way. A way that's so good, in fact, that I can already visualize walking in them, as if they're already my very own.

As all beautiful shoes do, they're calling me.

Dolce Vita "Holt" $159.95

Sam I am

2010-08-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

Cameron Village Shopping Center is a neat little local shopping plaza. It's kind of tucked away near downtown Raleigh, and we don't get out that way very often. This weekend was my second visit, the last time being maybe six months ago. I don't think my shoe fetish had yet started when I visited last time because I don't remember searching out the shoe stores that time. This time, of course, I did.

The first place I went was a boutique called Main & Taylor. They had Donald J. Pliner, Sam Edelman, Stuart Weitzman, and many other gorgeous shoes. I found a hot pair of Stuart Weitzman slingback platform pumps, but then I also found a hot pair of Sam Edelman clogs. What to do??

Instead of deciding, I left and went to another boutique, this one called Uniquities. They have Citizens of Humanity jeans (which I'm not entirely sure I can fit into), and they also have a small selection of shoes. I found these and instantly fell in love:

Steve Madden Carnee Clog $130
They are a mossy green-ish color, and although very neutral, I finally decided that the black clogs from Main & Taylor would be a better choice since black goes with everything.

So, back to Main & Taylor I went, and happily took home my first pair of Sam Edelman shoes.

I'm now one step closer to being prepared for fall.

A visit to Soho

2010-08-14T08:51:00.006-04:00

First of all, I must tell you some exciting news! Remember my less-than-glowing report of my local Nine West store in our mall? I think I used the word "crap" somewhere in the review, and meant it.

Anyway, I was back at the mall last night and happened to walk past the Nine West store (how does that always happen?), and there was brown paper covering the [closed] doors and over the windows, leaving just a little peek on one side. So of course I peeked! The entire store has had a face lift. What was once dirty and dingy is now bright sparkling white; what was once a sad assortment of crappy shoes is now an exciting glimpse into the new fall line.

I felt like grabbing a sleeping bag and camping out on the mall floor.

But until it opens, I am forced to visit other shoe-shopping venues. Soho Shoes is one of the places I ended up, and, although it had a few cute shoes, I was disappointed (so what's new?).

The staff is great. The young man who greeted me was about the most enthusiastic, happy, shoe salesman I've ever seen. He looked like shoes just made his life complete -- and I totally know where he's coming from on that. I guess my main complaint is the store itself, which is very small and made me feel claustrophobic. At one point I did find a pair I wanted to try on (which ended up being too big, and they were the last ones on the sales rack so no more sizes available), and in order to do so you look around for a little square ottoman to pull out from under a shoe display. It was awkward.

Maybe if they changed their name to "Shoe Closet" instead of Soho Shoes, you'd at least know what you're getting into when you walk inside.

That being said, I really do like their shoes. I just couldn't stay in there long enough to enjoy them. So, these I found while on their website. Maybe someday I'll try to brave their store again so I can try them on.

Luichiny "Paul Lee" $69.00
The website says the attraction of these shoes is the sculptured heel. While the heel is indeed attractive, I am not crazy about the little tiny pin-point of it that you must walk on. You can't completely let go of function for the sake of form. Also, I love the chunky leather design for the top of your foot, and the comfortable looking slingback strap, and the sexy brown color. It's not just the heel, in other words. The shoe works as a whole.

Donald J Pliner

2010-08-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

Oh, I am such a sucker for these floral wedges! I may have to crack open my piggy bank. Last time I did that there was only dust and a few gum wrappers inside, but I'm going to hopefully find some shoe-money this time.

Donald J Pliner Sim $174

Winter boots

2010-08-12T00:01:00.001-04:00

Here in the south we don't get to see very much "winter," though we do get a lot of rain and sometimes slush. It still gets cold, though, and these boots look like they'd be a stylish way to keep warm and stay dry.

MIA Gelato $90

From Failblog.org

2010-08-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Laura Brandon

2010-08-10T08:03:00.002-04:00

I've seen this name a few times while shopping Endless.com and it always reminds me of Laura Branigan. Well, of course that's because I'm old and would remember Laura Branigan, but since it always reminds me of her I went and looked her up and was sad to see that she passed away in 2004 of a brain aneurysm. I never liked the song "Gloria," but "Self Control" was ok. She's will always be a part of the 1980s shelf in my brain.

Getting off the sad subject and back to the shoes, I have to say that I'm a little disappointed in the variety of Laura Brandon shoes. Some of them (the Maya in particular) are so amazingly hot, it seems there should be more where this comes from. Maybe this is a new company. My internet-searching skills leave much to be desired in the research department, it appears.

Anyway, here are some of my favorite Laura Brandon shoes from Endless.com (with completely uninspiring names):

Another reminder that fall is coming

2010-08-09T07:42:00.004-04:00

I think Endless.com is my favorite shopping place. I can easily spend hours there, just browsing and "saving for later," as the button is called. Then you can spend hours just staring at your favorites, hoping for someone to come along and support your shoe habit. But alas, it has yet to happen.

Endless.com sent another reminder that fall is coming and that I have yet to purchase some clogs. Well, they didn't specifically say that, but I know that's what they meant.

I'll take these, right from the ad:

Sam Edelman Faye Clog $150

Shopping for shoes across the pond

2010-08-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

A co-worker told me she saw an advertisement for this site, asos.com, and thought I might like to check it out. Well of course I like to check out any shoe source I can find, so I was very pleasantly surprised to find out this site is seemingly a U.K. version of endless.com.

There seems to be a strange dichotomy for the shoe styles, though, since there are the "regular" shoes and then there are the crazies thrown right into the mix. It seems like the crazies should have their own section or something.

Maybe it's simply that our British shoe-loving sisters are simply more fun-loving and free-spirited when it comes to their shoes.

Why do we have to be so serious all the time? I'm thinking I want me some crazy U.K. shoes.

Charlotte Russe

2010-08-07T00:01:00.006-04:00

This place has a little shoe carousel outside their door as you pass by in the mall. The shoes get me every time. The lure of the shoes... They call to me, and I must answer.

Their new fall line appears to be out, and I like some of them very much. My shoe-buying routine seems to have fallen into a pattern where I see something, I think about it, later I decide I really love whatever it was that I saw, but when I go back for it they either no longer carry it or it's no longer available in my size. I figure this maybe isn't such a bad thing because look at how much money I must be saving, right?

Anyway, here are some of the Charlotte Russe shoes I like:

Cross-Over Pump: $28

Buckle Detail Work Boots: $42.50

Cinched Peeptoe Bootie: $30 (They also had these in burnt orange at the actual store)

Crinkled Leather Platform Sandals: $40

[Non-]Honorable Mention:

Rouched Ankle Cuff "Mr. T" Pumps: $40 (What? I'm just sayin')

And here is an advertisement from their website, and -- based on my reaction to this picture -- I can definitively say that I do not approve of the whole "socks-under-sandals" trend. Did you hear that everybody? I do not approve. So just take the socks off now and put them away, because I have spoken.

Split personality

2010-08-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

I know this is the latest trend, but I still can't decide if I'm into it. On the one hand these boots say, "I can't make up my mind," but on the other hand they say, "It doesn't matter, I look h-o-t."

I'm still torn.

Report "Bates" ankle boot: $192.50

Charles David, again

2010-08-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

HOT HOT HOT! These shoes are so hot! Be still my heart.

"Ticket2": $99.00

Enzo Angiolini

2010-08-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Now here's a pumpkin I would like to buy. It's such a pretty, neutral, color orange. I want to wear them while watching Charlie Brown's Halloween Special.

Enzo Angiolini "Winit": $51.30 [sigh]

Plaid party

2010-08-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

I think it's difficult to pull off plaid in a way that's not too much. These, I think, are successful. I think they're classy and pretty, and I'd definitely consider them to be a staple of my Winter Closet (if I had a special closet just for winter...).

zinc "Greene": $25.55 (again with the cents!!)

daniblack

2010-08-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm sure these shoes would look absolutely ridiculous on me, but there's just something about this brand that I love. Love!

daniblack "Azure": $85

Let's make some pot-holders

2010-08-01T00:01:00.003-04:00

What? I'm just sayin' -- if you're in a pinch -- you can rip those suckers off your shoe and have a McGyver-inspired pot-holder. Dual purpose.

Genius!

Sushi Rainbow: ~~$795~~ $476. What a bargain!

APT.9

2010-07-31T12:48:00.007-04:00

I fell in love with Nine West's "Almund" lace-up oxford, but I'm not too crazy about the patent leather accents or the price, so when I was in Kohl's last night and just happened to stumble across these ("Oh! We're in the shoe section? How'd that happen?"), I knew I must have them. They still have patent accents but it's not as high-gloss.

Nine West's "Almund": $89

APT.9's "Isis": $39.99

Shoe accessories gone wild

2010-07-31T00:01:00.001-04:00

I have a friend who lives in Canada. She tells me that women up there love their shoes, too, but since it's so cold they mostly only have boots -- and boots are expensive so you don't buy too many pairs. They also love their pumps and sandals, but usually can't wear them because it's too cold. So their choices are the same ol' boring boots they wear every day, or freeze their feet off in pumps.

Enter: Shoe Accessories.

This is the coolest (so-to-speak) site ever. Now I need me some accessories!

ericagiuliani.com

Here are some of the cool things you can find on their site:

zipper bow
heel chain
boot chain
I'm totally diggin' those heel socks. I need them all!

In your face!

2010-07-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

I saw these on 6pm.com, and was happily surprised to see I got them for $33 less than the "discounted" price.

What's old is new again

2010-07-29T08:19:00.004-04:00

Wow, this endless.com advertisement knocked me back a few decades. I used to wear shoes like this in elementary school, and seeing them just now made me quite nostalgic. Of course I'm biased, but I think these are the best school shoes ever.

Ok, I have an idea...

2010-07-29T00:02:00.000-04:00

A way to get an authentic pair of Gucci shoes for only $80! Sure, the shoes won't match, but it's an authentic pair of Gucci shoes for only $80!

;-)

Poetic Licence

2010-07-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

I haven't looked this designer up, but is the misspelling on purpose? It bothers me. I don't know if it bothers me enough to not want these shoes, but it bothers me.

No, I think I still want the shoes.

"Ocean View": $90.30 (Yet another example of a very important 30 cents)

Missed opportunity?

2010-07-28T20:22:00.003-04:00

I usually don't find anything I like on ideeli's daily sales, simply because they sell out of everything while I'm at work and by the time I get home, the good stuff is already gone.

This time, something I liked wasn't already gone -- but, I'm not crazy about the stiletto heel, so I didn't buy them. I have to stay true to what I know I like: chunk, chunk and more chunk!

So, missed opportunity? Or good decision?

I will consider it a good decision.

charles by charles david - Turvey

Robert Clergerie

2010-07-28T00:01:00.001-04:00

It's not often that I fall for expensive shoes. First it was the Gucci's, then my Tory Burch birthday shoes, and now these by Robert Clergerie.

Even in my wildest dreams these shoes are way too expensive -- even on the discount site 6pm.com showing a 40% discount.

They're pretty to look at and dream about, anyway.

"Lionel" by Robert Clergerie: $411.00

Moschino

2010-07-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

I guess my taste just isn't refined enough (yet?). I think these are hideously ugly. But at least they're crazy-expensive.

$408.61 (that 61 cents is very important)

Charles David

2010-07-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm always a sucker for men with two first names. Add to that the ability to design beautiful shoes, and I will want to be your BFF.

These shoes are so hot! Is it too early to start a Christmas wish-list?

Charles David: Vicious $74.75

::DROOL::

2010-07-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

The name of these shoes seems so familiar, I wonder if I've blogged about them before? If so, they're worth a second post. They are so simple... So beautiful... Such a statement.

I want them so bad, it hurts.

Calvin Klein: Kaycie $65.55

Bedtime routine

2010-07-24T00:01:00.003-04:00

Some people drink a glass of warm milk, others take a warm bath, and still others may lie in bed while reading -- all in hopes of having a good night's sleep. Me, I prefer to peruse online shoe sites so my last memories of the day can be of my favorite thing: ~~Vin Diesel~~ shoes. (Now, for those of you whose browsers don't support the "strike" HTML code, you're probably thinking, "What the heck are 'Vin Diesel shoes'?")

As my eyes are half-closed with pending slumber, I stumble across these crazy shoes. To be fair, if someone gave them to me I'd be more than happy to wear them, but I would not spend that much money on them for myself. Even if they are 54% off.

DSQUARED2: G007 $374.00

Nine Loves

2010-07-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

I joined the Nine West "Nine Loves" rewards program when my obsession with shoes first began. I got an email on Wednesday from them that there was a "flash sale," which basically means rewards members get a nine hour head-start on their upcoming sale.

I've had my eye on a pair of sandals from Nine West for weeks now, but never felt the price was low enough. Thanks to the sale, I got them for $20 -- 70% off.

Now that's a good price.

FRYE

2010-07-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

I like to spend most of my free time (and non-free time) on Endless.com, perusing the sandals. This is the latest one that I've fallen in love with. I really need it in every color, of which there are 11!. Truly, I need them all.

FRYE Joy Huarache Sandal: $90-$136

Sailing, anyone?

2010-07-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's just me, but Pleaser's "Funtasma" shoes make me want to take a long walk off a short pier.

Bottega Veneta

2010-07-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

Ok, I like wedges and all, but these are crazy. They don't even look comfortable, and someone's going to pay almost $700 for them?

Wow.

Bottega Veneta brown patent leather cutout wedges: $656 on Bluefly

Socks & heels

2010-07-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

So I got this bebe advertisement in the mail last week and noticed the models wearing socks (?) with sandals. When men do this, it's frowned upon. I don't remember ever seeing women doing it (with good results) either. I guess it depends on the type of "sock." I'm not sure if I approve of this or not. I'll have to think about it for a while.

Clogs, clogs and more clogs

2010-07-18T00:01:00.007-04:00

Fall is coming quickly and I'm not prepared! All summer I've been buying and enjoying sandals and summer shoes, but pretty soon it will be cold and rainy again and I'll have nothing to wear on my feet.

I love, love, love clogs. I wish more clogs came in more colors, but I'll take what I can get. Red, dark brown, light brown, and black. The only others I've seen are expensive designer ones, which I cannot afford. So, I'll stick with what I can afford, which is red, dark brown, light brown, and black. :)

Here is a small sampling of some favorites from Endless.com:

Luxury Rebel Zelda: $121

Sam Edelman Flair: $105

N.Y.L.A. Lewis: $84-$120

Nordstrom: The sale that wasn't

2010-07-17T00:08:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I was so excited to leave work early at 3:30 today and I rushed over to the mall -- only to find out that my mall closest to work doesn't have a Nordstrom.

!

So, I drove all the way out to Durham to the mall there -- just to go to this dang Nordstrom sale that I've been waiting for since weeks ago -- only to find out that it's not really a "sale," it's simply an introduction to their Fall line, which is being offered at a discount for the next couple of weeks (I think).

I kept looking around for the clearance rack, not believing my ears that it wasn't there... But no such luck.

Just a bunch of Fall shoes on "sale" for $200. Yeah, great sale.

It was a total bummer.

In my moment of depression, I wandered out into the mall and walked down to my favorite Baker's and tried on (and bought) a hot pair of heels. They didn't come from a fancy Nordstrom's sale, but I'm happy.

Finally used my birthday coupon

2010-07-16T06:08:00.003-04:00

I went to the mall last night and finally had a chance to visit a "real" (non-outlet) Nine West store. I see so many gorgeous Nine West shoes all over the Interwebs, which made me super excited to see the actual store. I must say, however, that I'll happily go back to the outlets instead. The store was so tiny, and most of the shoes they had were only available in black or brown (similar to their website). Nine West has so many colorful, beautiful shoes all over the place, and yet they have crap at their stores and on their own website. I don't get it.

Anyway, I saw these taupe-ish/pinkish sandals and thought they were different enough to warrant my attention. I wasn't overly impressed when I tried them on but they felt comfortable enough, especially when compared to some of the shoes I've been suffering through wearing lately. So I decided to buy them but when I went up to the cash register I noticed there was a problem with one of the heels, and I noticed some [what looked like] pen marks on one of the straps. I asked them if they could clean it for me but her cleaning attempts were not met with success. So she gave me a 10% discount -- added to my 25% birthday discount -- and so I was able to walk out the door with $89 shoes for $29 after their sale and all my discounts.

That's acceptable.

Pump issues

2010-07-16T00:01:00.001-04:00

Now that I've been buying and wearing a bunch of different styles of shoes lately, I'm beginning to find a pattern in what feels comfortable and what doesn't. Although I love the way my legs look in pumps, I cannot walk in most of them. At first I thought it was because I was buying the wrong size, but if I buy any smaller I won't be able to fit my toes into them. So, 7 1/2 is my size, but the pumps do not stay on my feet -- my heels pop out of them as I walk.

I was discussing this problem with a co-worker this week and she told me it's most likely that I have narrow heels. Even heel pads don't do enough to make pumps stay on my feet. I'd have to stack on 3 heel pads just to make them touch my heels.

So, I think I will stop buying pumps and just stick with slingbacks, sandals, slides and slip-ons. I'm a little sad, but there are still plenty of beautiful shoes out there that will fit my feet.

Heading to Nordie's

2010-07-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

Ok, the Nordstrom's sale is tomorrow. I already have it planned out. I get off work at 5 and I'm heading straight to the mall. Now, what do I plan to find there? Either things I don't like, or things I do like that are too expensive. I'm assuming it will be one or the other of those two possibilities. Wish me luck!

I hope to find at least some of these:

BP: Stella - $49.95

Naya: Timpas - $119.95

Naturalizer: Haven - $79.95

Dezario: Nanor - $99.95

Think!: Senza Nome - $300.00

Calvin Klein

2010-07-14T00:01:00.001-04:00

I saw these on 6pm.com and fell in love. Where would I wear white shoes??? It doesn't matter, I still want them.

Kamrie: $90.30

Prada

2010-07-13T00:01:00.003-04:00

Leave it to Bluefly to show me some shoes that would cause some serious damage to my wallet, not to mention my dining room, since my chandelier would be missing.

$1,024

PLASTICLAND

2010-07-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Yet another site my sister found for me, Plasticland has awesome retro shoes. Oh, I want them. All of 'em.

2-Tone Wingtip Triple Strap Platform Maryjanes: $42

Navy Patent Double Strap Maryjanes: $58

Steve Madden

2010-07-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

I like Steve Madden shoes. As usual I don't like the prices, but I like the shoes a lot.

Here are some of my favorites:

Misteryy: $58.99

Loolah: $89.95

Durann: $78.99

Dazler: $89.95

LuLu's

2010-07-10T00:01:00.001-04:00

A co-worker told me about LuLu's, but mainly because she said they have nice dresses. She said their shoes were not that great, but that they at least had them.

I went on their website to have a look around and as I'm browsing the shoes, something begins to bother me. I couldn't put my finger on it for the longest time, but I just felt like something was wrong. So I kept looking. And looking.

Finally it hit me: I think the model is a man.

???

What do you think? I think those are some man-feet. I'm just sayin'...

ShoeDazzle

2010-07-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

I saw ShoeDazzle mentioned on Facebook by one of my friends, so I looked it up. Is it too good to be true? I wonder if anybody out there in blog-land has joined and has an opinion on this place?

It reminds me of one of those "cheese-a-month" programs, where every month you're sent a block of smelly cheese and you're charged $40 for the privilege of throwing it away. Then you tell yourself to remember to cancel your membership, but you always forget, and then the cycle repeats itself every month.

I'm still intrigued, though.

Alberta Ferretti

2010-07-08T21:00:00.001-04:00

I joined the Gilt Groupe last week and now I get daily emails from them telling me the brands they have on sale. Most of their sales only last a few hours, like from Noon to Midnight or thereabouts. Most of the things they sell are clothes, purses, or accessories, but every once in a while I'll see a shoe designer listed. The shoe designer for today is Alberta Ferretti. I had not heard of her before seeing her shoes listed on Gilt, but now I'm a fan. Now if only I had a million dollars...

What I want:

Move over Gucci... Tory Burch has taken over

2010-07-08T00:02:00.000-04:00

Forget my love affair with Gucci. I'm over it. Tory Burch is my new love, and I've fallen head-over-heels.

I was in Leesburg, Virginia, last weekend and happened to be at Saks "Off 5th" outlet store, where I saw these beauties -- just sitting on the shelf, all alone and sad-looking -- and when I got close to them I realized what was missing in my life. Love at first sight, for sure.

They were half the price of my Gucci's that I've been pining for, and they're chunkier and more vibrant.

What better gift to give myself for my birthday? I can think of nothing better than the gift of shoes.

Happy Birthday To Me

2010-07-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

Today is my ~~24th~~ 42nd birthday. I really don't feel 42. I hope I don't look 42.

I decided to look up birthday shoes in honor of my birthday and found a site (Zazzle) that customizes Keds in tons of different ways for birthdays. A lot of the styles are for kids, but there are plenty available for adults, too, so it's fun to see the options.

These are my pick, though I haven't worn Keds since the early 90's. They make my feet sweaty.

The most fun you can have with your clothes on

2010-07-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

My wonderful sister introduced me to this site, Upper Street, where you can design your own shoes. I could sit there designing shoes literally all day and never get tired of it. I tried to recreate my Gucci dream-shoes, and this is as close as I got:

Jessica Simpson

2010-07-06T00:01:00.003-04:00

Jessica's flashy style always grabs my attention when I'm wandering through a shoe store, but then when I pick them up and inspect them I usually just put them right back down. I'm not sure why. I know one reason is that some of her shoes have very pointy toes and I'm not a fan of pointy-toed shoes (hence why most of my shoe pics on here are of chunky styles). Another reason, I think, is that most of her shoes seem to have heels that are high just for the sake of being Eiffel-Tower high. For most high heels, the heel height adds to the character and design of the shoe, bringing out its beauty; but for Jessica Simpson shoes, it just seems like the shoe was an afterthought to the heel height and/or platform height. Having a high heel just for the sake of having a high heel does not float my boat. The heel has to have purpose in the design somehow.

That's my opinion, anyway, and I'm sticking to it.

Despite my general aversion, these are note-worthy:

Debbie: $54.99

Tanealy: $59.99 (I just love orange shoes.)

Ellep: $89. I saw these shoes at Hudson Belk in a dark brown and oohed and aahed over them profusely. For some reason they don't show the brown ones on the website.)

Chinese Laundry

2010-07-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Yet another designer I like, Chinese Laundry has some funky shoes. I'm not sure that I'd have anyplace to wear most of them, but I like them nonetheless.

Here are my favorites:

Ready: $99

Kopin: $59.99

Keep Up: $79.99

Love Naughty Monkey!

2010-07-04T18:41:00.002-04:00

My shoe order was waiting for me on the porch when I got home today. They fit great, look great... Love 'em!

Gianni Bini

2010-07-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

I found this designer while shopping at Dillard's last week. Almost everything I picked up along with an exclamation of, "Oh! I like it!" was by Gianni Bini, so I looked them up when I got home and found their website. Their website has a lot more than Dillard's had, so I'm glad I looked them up.

Here are some of the ones that stood out as awesomely amazing:

Sicily: $59.99

Reagan: $59.99 (they're navy!)

Met: $89

Gotham: $89

Alba: $26.99

Patriotic shoes

2010-07-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

Just in time for Independence Day, here are some ~~Motion Activated Platform Stripper Heels~~ patriotic shoes (available here):

GUESS

2010-07-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

Here's another brand I like, GUESS. I used to wear GUESS jeans in the 80's, and now they've branched out to shoes? I totally and unequivocally approve.

Fedran: $110

Fume: $110

Owens: $139

Stuart Weitzman

2010-07-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

There are certain designers that I seem to be drawn to again and again. Stuart Weitzman is one of those.

He has a lot of traditional, clean-design, shoes, but then he throws in some whimsy. I'm all about the whimsy.

Sequoia: $395