Shoe Boxers

I have to hand it to Jessica Simpson’s shoe folks. They have done an excellent job of interpreting trends and giving them a great price point. Not too cheap — not your Payless variety shoes, but not too expensive either. Her platforms were a huge hit last year. And now, she has interpreted that cone heel that Marc Jacobs has done such a beautiful job on.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an investment shoe, just compare the quality of workmanship on a pair of Marc Jacobs and on Jessica Simpson’s.

Jessica Simpson ‘Meena’ Pump
Topstitched straps cross over the foot on a platform slingback pump. Approx. heel height: 3 1/2″.
Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole.
By Jessica Simpson; imported.
BP. Shoes. $89 at Nordstrom.

Marc Jacobs Collection
Runway Sandal $550.00
Smooth leather
Wide band over vamp
Wide band crosses vamp and wraps around ankle
Leather lining
Padded grained leather insole
Leather sole
4.5″ multifaceted stacked wooden heel
Made in Italy Available at Eluxury.

So why splurge when you can skimp?

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I have big feet, size 11 to be exact. The club of girls with size 11’s is by no means small. Even Paris Hilton is a size 11, as are many girls that are tall. But we are discriminated against by the buyers in shoe stores. Just check out the sale racks. There are TONS of shoes from 5-9. But get over a size 10 and there is nothing there. Why? Because there weren’t that many in the first place to buy, and when a big foot girls see a cute shoe in her size, gues what? We buy it, sale or no sale.

One of my readers asked this question a few days ago:

Hi Tracey,

Thanks!

One of my fellow bloggers, Andrea has an excellent site for large shoe sizes, with many options listed. I happen to shop at Nordstrom on a regular basis and they do a great job with large sizes. The key for me has been that I am a regular shopper. Not that I always buy, but I’m seen frequently in the store. I have one person that helps me. He knows what I like. So when new arrivals are fresh in the store, guess who gets the first call on size 11’s? That’s right, none other than the shoe diva herself!

Here is my latest score, a super comfortable and stylish Taryn Rose wedge from Nordies:

So I would suggest the same for you. If there is a local store that you patronize, let them know your wants and needs. Believe me, anyone shoe sales person would love to just have someone they can call for a quick sale!

Also, for online shopping, Zappos does lots of stylish shoes in large sizes. I mean LOTS!

I hope this is helpful!

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I usually write about women’s shoes, but I can’t help but remember when I used to buy little girls shoes. They are so darn cute. And this time of the year, all the patent leather styles are available for Easter. So now is the time to stock up on your children’s dress shoes. I never had to buy shoes for little boys, but they have some great styles too. Here are a few that I found that are just darling. I’m a complete fool for Italian shoes, and I bought the same for my daughters.

Check out Primigi ‘Andes’ Mary Jane. Not exactly a budget price point at $54.95, but they are probably so soft for your toddlers feet.

And how about this Umi ‘Posey’ T-Strap white with a pink sole. I wish they had that in my size!

And of course, there is good old Stride Rite, they have been doing children’s shoes for years. They always have dependable style for children. Can’t go wrong with your basic black or white patent Mary Jane.

For the young man in your life. the dress shoes mimic the most stylish men’s shoes. Kenneth Cole Reaction, priced from $44.95 to $49.95. Available at Nordstrom.

Now, just dragging your kids out to get new shoes may be another matter altogether. But if you have the makings of a true shoe diva, it shouldn’t be a problem at all, and I recommend the red patent mayr jane.

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Are your sneakers basic white, or black or brown? Mix it up. Add some spice to your footwear. Try a little color with your sneaks. Every major athletic shoe company has some jazzy sneakers.

Check out this Reebok SJ Retro Aztec sneakers in blue/citron/red/navy. $80 at Nordstrom.

I love Puma’s sneakers. They are actually my sneaker of choice. I used to be an avowed Adidas fan. Especially when I played tennis everyday, but the style of Puma is right up my alley. I in particular love the laceless styles that they make. I travel quite a bit for work, so being able to pull those suckers off and throw them right back on without lacing is ideal for airport security lines. Check out colorful sneak: LAB II WOMENS
Color: Violet Quartz/Orchid Purple/White
Price: $70.00

Originally released in 1981, the LAB II is a lightweight trainer with an unique midsole presentation. The LAB II is made of mesh.

Now, Adidas still is on track with great shoes, and colorful ones at that. I love this red sneak. The Spider is $90 and is pictured in Victory Red/Amber. Hot shoes.

Who doesn’t love old school Chuck Taylors? My colleague at Shopping Tips Online paid homage to Chuck Taylor’s recently. Well, old school school meets hip hop bling with this metallic high top Chuck. Right on time for the spring metallic shoe trend as well.

So if you aren’t an oline shopper, check out shoe store in your area that specialize in cool sneakers. On the East Coast, check out Prodigy. Prodigy is a new sneaker store in the East Village, on Avenue B (Corner of 2nd Street), NYC. They sell a wide range of Nike products, including Jordans, Nike Skateboarding and Nike Quickstrike. Here is their address!

Prodigy
17 Ave B (Corner of 2nd St)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-4737

On the West Coast check out FrontRunners. They have more brands that you can shake a stick at.

Go ahead, add a little color to your sneaker wardrobe.

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Okay, I’m not a flats girl. I much prefer a well sculpted, hand-made, fine leather Italian, stiletto heeled shoe. But, given that I do have a modicum of commen sense, I realize that flats have their place. And of late, I’m seeing some pretty darn cute ones. All I can summize from this is that flats must be part of the spring shoe look. And I suppose that fits when we consider that Spring 2007 is diverse with romantic and sporty style leading the pack. Both of those style are suited to a flat shoe.

I have gotten emails from Nordstrom.com featuring flats — very pretty ones I might add. Bonus right now is free shipping with any shoe purchase. (Go for it!) I picked out a couple pair at Nordies that I think I could wear quite well. Not only are they cute and reasonably priced, they incorporate the looks for spring. The silver metallic flats by Linea Paolo are $89.95. If you aren’t in for the metallic look, there are other color options.

This Dolce Vita flat is a great price at $59.95. In black patent it works with dresses, pants, jeans — casual or dress up. Very cute.

For sheer comfort and a tad bit of style, check out Aerosoles. They are featuring dozens of flats plus the bonus of a Swarovski pendant and earriangs with any $75 purchase.

Happy shoe shopping!

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While most of us are still trudging through snow, rain, sleet and generally inclement weather, fashion magazines and major stores are deluging us with the new shoe for spring — the wedge. So who has time to be concerned about spring shoes when it’s time for non-skid weather friendly boots? I do! Every self absorbed shoe loving girl has to be on top of her fashion game, and getting prepared for the next season is just one step in process.

Well, it’s not really new, the wedge was one of the trends for fall, and it has endured for spring as well. The espadrille is one form of the wedge that’s especially hot for spring. Now, the espadrille isn’t new, I’ve worn these shoes off and on for years. They were never particularly chic in the US, but I always loved them for their European flavor. Now they are available in every style, texture and color imaginable. Piperlime has a bevy of espadrilles in dots, leather, ankle strap, lace up, patent, fabric and more.

This black and white wedge by Taryn Rose is perfect with the focus being on black and white for spring. $495 at Nordstrom. A more reasonably priced wedge that’s perfect for a “trend” buy for the season is the patent cork wedge from the B.P. Collection at Nordstrom. At only $59.95 it’s the perfect accessory for a spring wardrobe.

One more wedge that is dainty and just soooo cute, is also by one of my favorite shoe designers. Stylish, fashionable and always comfortable, Linea Paolo makes the most adorable shoes that are an affordable outlet for shoe freaks like me. This perfect pink wedge is a must have accessory for spring.

There you have it! Go get a wedgie! With a price point and style for every taste, you and your mom can be stylish trendsetters this spring!

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Admittedly I have a major problem with shoes. I probably need a 12 step prgram to cure my addiction. If I could be Imelda Marcos, believe me I would. Every week I see several pair that I would just LOVE. But these I spotted online at Nordstrom today, are more than a gotta have it pair. I feel the plastic firing up on this pair. Absolutely beautiful and intricately handmade Isabella Fiore platform sandal.
Hand-painted, lace-inspired designs enhance the sole and heel of an ankle-wrap sandal. Approx. heel height: 4 1/2″ with 3/4″ platform.

And this is the perfect platform. Not a skyscraper, but enough to cushion the foot and balance the heel.

Bonus: Nordstrom tell you how to tie the shoes to fit:
Fit: Fit: To achieve a look that wraps up the leg, cross straps around back of ankle and twist; then bring straps around front or side and tie. The twist will prevent straps sliding down.

Lust List updated!

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The Christmas frenzy is over and it’s time to rack up shoes. January is the month for bargain shoe shopping.

Check out Nordstrom for major cuts on women’s, men’s and kids shoes.

Piperlime has up to 50% off loads of shoes and boots. Just in time for winter chill.

Zappos has hundreds of shoes for everyone in the family on sale. Dress, to sport to casual.

Online Shoes has up to 65% off on their shoes too.

For designer shoes, check out Eluxury. They boast an exclusive collection of Tod’s, Dior, Roberto Cavelli, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Pucci, Juicy Couture and more.

And don’t to forget your local boutiques. City Search and guides like Daily Candy and Julie B are excellent choices for finding shoe boutiques in your locale. This is a good time to score high end fashion in privately owned stores. It’s time to move that old inventory to make way for new spring selections. You would be surprised how you can even do a little negotiating when buying more than one pair. Try it!

And if you see these Jimmy Choo boots on sale anywhere, let me know.

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Take 50% off shoes online at Nordstrom. Plus check out new shoes for Spring. Personally, I always use this time of the year to rack up on shoes that I have had my eye on all Fall. Winter is just upon is, so fall and winter shoes are still in fashion!

The wedge heel is still important for spring as it was all year long.

Happy Shopping!

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I went shoe shopping at the new Westfield Mall in San Francisco last night. What an experience! My first near visit to near heaven was in the Jimmy Choo boutique in the new Bloomingdales. There wasn’t an endless array of shoes, but the ones duly represented were just lovely. No purchases made though, I’m on a tight budget and my favorite word related to shoes is SALE. Made my way through the mall and spied many other gorgeous shoes along the way. But being that I’m a big foot girl, I made my way directly to NORDSTROM where I hit the jackpot.

Since I now have teenage daughters (and a 9 year old) whom I have passed the shoe lust trait onto, I had to buy fancy schmantzy* shoes for all of us.
I did quite well. Got my 19 year old glamour girl the cute black patent tortoise platform Jessica Simpson pumps she has been wanting. Got my middle daughter reasonable very hip black leather reasonable heels that work with her conservative skateboard-video gaming personality. For the youngest one, cute black poi de soi Mary Jane’s with a tad bit of a heel. Now you know she is in heaven.

But the pièce de résistance are the leopard print open toe pumps for moi. Oh, are they yummy. Cut out on the side, fit like a glove. High, yet wide enough heel at the shoe base for comfort and stability. If you have read the blog before, you know that this was one of two pair on my list for fall. SCORE! Unfortunately my daughter scored the other pair.

I have hope though. After Christmas sales!
*a term my middle daughter coined for a neighborhood without a 7 Eleven.

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It’s here folks! The Half Yearly Sale at Nordstrom. Since I work 2 Bart (subway) stops from a major Nordstrom in San Francisco, I will be hitting them up today in person. Shoe sales just gets my blood pumping. And since I am online all day, I can pick up a few pair of sale shoes from Nordstrom.com. The sale is storewide, but my thing is shoes, so that’s my first stop. The sale starts at 33% off regular prices, and for those of you who await this sale every six months, know that the prices do drop significantly. The problem is that those gorgeous pumps you are eyeing will probably disappear by the time the sale reaches 50% off. As I have mentioned before, I love this store for shopping because they carry large size shoes.

If you are not selfish, you can also shop shoes for juniors, childrens shoes, baby shoes and shoes for the man in your life. I happen to love thier childrens shoes. All my daughters have been spoiled by wearing italian shoes since they were born. The love of shoes. Sigh.

Where’s my credit card? There’s a sale waiting.

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