Monday, December 27, 2010

Boxing Day

The day after Christmas seems a time for family, but at 7:30 am, I quickly dressed and headed downtown for Second Cut at Saks. First things first, let me talk about the appalling service at the Saks shoe department in Pittsburgh (putting keywords here so they are hopefully reading). I didn't see anything I loved really in the sale section, so I inquired about another favorite brand of mine that they don't stock regularly, but sometimes keep a pair or two in the back from returns. I asked two sales associates before someone would help me by taking a peek in the back.

I understand every second lost on the sales floor during the frenzy means a possible loss of a sale, but a polite "I don't have time now, but I can check later" would have been helpful. The only sale section that seemed wonderful to me was Chanel. They were only first cut for those (30%), so definitely not enticing me to bite, but some really cute styles (and all my size!).

My favorite find was a velvet lower-heeled shoe, adorned with the signature camellia. Beautiful and a manageable height, these ran surprisingly true-to-size for Chanel. These were the last pair (I believe), a 37, and they fit perfectly.


I really am not a fan of the clog-style shoes, but I couldn't help but try these on for fun. Maybe UNfun, I should say. I know I get annoyed when people ask me "how can you walk in those?!" but I can't imagine people walking gracefully in these. They were uncomfortable, awkward and heavy (to me, anyhow). I admire the chutzpah of clog-wearers, but they most definitely aren't for me in form or function. Sizing seemed to be small. These are a 38 (the only pair there), and the 37.5 would have worked best for me, but the 38 wasn't unbearably large.


I love, love, love the cap-toe maryjane flats. These were so soft, and I had a gift card so it was difficult for me to put them down, but for such a staple, I can't imagine purchasing it in bone. Already in-store I could see some light stains waiting to take form, so I placed them back on the rack after a quick try on. These also ran small. I tried on the 37.5, but I could have worn a 38 comfortably.


All of the above are (or were as of yesterday) available at Saks in Pittsburgh, so it's worth a call to see if they are still there for purchase. Unfortunately, I don't have a Sales Associate to recommend, as everyone seemed pretty inattentive and rude.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Keeping warm

Quite possibly the cutest styling I've seen in awhile, and a way to winterize warm weather shoes. I spied this lovely gal wearing mule slides, with legwarmers pulled over her foot to meet the shoe so she stayed warm even though her heels weren't covered by shoe. Makes me want to be a ballerina.

Adorable.

Legwarmers with Silver Sequined mules from Sugar

Friday, December 3, 2010

Wingtips

I was a little late yesterday meeting friends for coffee, but with good reason. Okay, not a good reason, but I wanted to peruse Urban Outfitters and Forever 21, since I'm so rarely in the South Side.

I didn't really have time to look about Forever 21 (and usually their shoes don't appeal to me so it's a moot point anyhow), but I did look around at Urban and see the cutest pair of spectator heels.

I generally like the shoe selection at Urban, but I've noticed their house brands have taken over more than other brands. Thankfully, the Kimchi & Blue line is really cute. I saw several pairs I liked, but these spectators called to me the most.

A beautiful creamy white and soft black together, in the smoothest leather I've felt in awhile. So buttery soft they almost felt like suede. Incredibly comfortable for their 3.5" heel height. The conical heel makes them really easy to walk in, as well. I can see these with all kinds of outfits. Available in-store and online, here.


Kimchi & Blue Wingtip Spectator heels

Fit is a bit large on these. I tried on the 7, and would definitely have preferred a 6.5. Due to the softness of the leather, I probably could have even gotten away with stretching out a pair of 6s.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A day late and a dollar short

I had some time to kill yesterday, so I spent it checking out the shoe section at Marshall's. They had a really nice selection, and some fun styles to try on.

I remember when the Balenciaga moto boots came out, I thought they were pretty heinous. They've kind of grown on me, but not enough to shell out 5k (obviously). They didn't grow on me enough to spend $300 on the Sam Edelman knockoffs. I'm not sure if they've even grown enough on me to spend $129 at Marshall's for these spinoffs of the original knockoffs, but I have to say I rather liked them in person.

I was expecting them to be really heavy and hard to wear, but they are surprisingly light. The platform is really exaggerated, making them pretty comfy, too. Not sure I can pull these off, but they'd be fun for a night.


Sam Edelman Zoyla Studded Bootie in Black Leather

Fit is true to size, as I took a 7 in these. The pitch is not steep since the platform is nearly half the bootie, but while they were easy to walk in... I can't imagine walking miles in them. They are available at several retailers online, but for the price it's worth checking out your local discount shop.

I also loved this studded peep-toe clog from the same brand. SO cute and adorable on, but they were too difficult for me to walk in. I don't do well with clogs, or shoes that don't adhere to my ankles somewhat, so I was expecting that with these. I don't remember their price, but I believe it was similar to the Zoylas.

Sam Edelman Zachery

Fit on these was large, but narrow in the toe box. These were a size 6, but I would have needed to stretch out the toe box tremendously to make them work.