Shoe Clubs

For many of us, shoes are an important part of our wardrobes, if not the most important accessory. That said, we can't get enough. We buy a few pairs every month and then look for the perfect outfit to match. Shoe clubs are becoming more and more popular among us shoe addicts. If you haven't heard of this concept, here is how it works:


You go to one of the many Web sites and take a fashion survey. It typically takes a few hours or up to 24 hours to process your survey. The results label your shoe style as either casual, sexy, professional, etc. Once per month you receive an email letting you know your shoe closet or showroom is ready for your viewing. You peruse the virtual aisles and make your selection. If you're not interested, or your budget doesn't allow a purchase that month you can simply choose to skip the month. 

Some pros and cons of joining a shoe club:
Pros
-The shopping is done for you based on your taste.
-Avoiding lines at department stores (a benefit to all online shopping).
-Some offer free shipping and are tax free, which may allow you to select expedited shipping.
-Affordability: The clubs I've joined vary in cost from $39.95 - $59.99. 
-Painless return policies. I once ordered a pair of peep toe slingback stilettos. The peep hole was a lot smaller than I expected and my feet looked awkward in them. I returned them in exchange for another pair I had recently seen online. A mailing slip was included for UPS shipping. It was very easy to do.
-Typically, each shoe has detailed information regarding fit, color, heel height, etc. Most pairs will let you know if the shoe runs big, small or is true to size.


Cons
-Some clubs will bill your credit card if you do not respond by a certain date each month. You would later go in and select your shoes.
-Depending on where the company is based and what form of shipping you select, your shoes could take a week or longer to arrive. Consider expedited shipping to avoid long delays.
-Comfort: I hate to say it but you get what you pay for. The shoes are modeled after designer styles, but are not the most comfortable. Of course, comfort varies by style and heel height.

I bought these recently from Shoe Dazzle.

A few shoe clubs to consider:
www.shoedazzle.com  (endorsed by Kim Kardashian)
www.justfab.com (endorsed by Kimora Lee Simmons)
www.solesociety.com (on the higher end budget wise)
www.shoeprivee.com (a must-see)

Sequins on My Feet

There are days when a woman wants her feet to be noticed and for all the right reasons. Ahem! On a lazy, rainy Sunday I was surfing The Net and saw a beautiful shoe online. The ad was for amazon and the shoe was Michael Antonio and was on sale for $24. I had to get them. I'm a sucker for peep toe pumps. At any rate, I have yet to wear them because lately, I'm a professed hermit.


There's a designer alternative if you have $390 laying around on a rainy day.

Michael Antonio "Kelso" $33

Miu Miu "Blue Sequin" $390

Dare to Go Nude!

Nude is the new black. Whether you're pairing them with a little black dress or rocking them in the boardroom, every girl needs a pair of nude heels. While meandering through a ROSS (Dress for Less) store one "let me see what I can find" kind of day, I ran across a pair of Guess peep toe pumps in nude. I fell in love with these and even more, with the sticker price. Christian Louboutin has a similar pair. Use the leftover Benjamins for your killer outfit. 

Guess, $32.99

Christian Louboutin, "Altadama," $640

New Shoe Blog Post Coming in 10 Days . . .

The first post was about the classic black pump. I'd like to hear from you as to what you'd like to know more about.

1) Sequined Pump

2) Nude Heel

3) Modern Bootie

Classic Black Pump

We've all heard of the little black dress. Well, every woman should also have a classic black pump. This is a shoe that can go with just about any outfit. You can wear it with a dress on Sunday morning to church, it fits right in with the water cooler conversations at the office, and perhaps even on a random date night with Mr. Right (or Mr. Right Now).

Since this blog is about shopping on a budget, I must admit to buying shoes from just about every store. I go for style and cost more than brand. Lately, however, I've found that a designer shoe doesn't necessarily have to be a budget buster.

Take this patent leather, peep toe pump for example. I found this Vince Camuto pump for $89. It's comparable to one by Stuart Weitzman that retails for $335 (the heel on the SW one is longer).



Vince Camuto "Kira" $89

  



Stuart Weitzman "Palace" $335