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Practical Shoes from Payless
Payless has notoriously cheap shoes. This is not news to anyone. I'm going to even go out on a limb and assume that every one of us has purchased Payless shoes at one time or another. They're easily...
Payless has notoriously cheap shoes. This is not news to anyone. I'm going to even go out on a limb and assume that every one of us has purchased Payless shoes at one time or another. They're easily attainable, universal, and they get cuter every season. Major kudos, Payless!
Personally, I tend to buy Payless shoes when I have an atypical occasion that my normal footwear won't cover. For instance, Halloween or a radical dress for a ceremonial occasion - Bar Mitzvah, garden party. If there's a certain floral gown with a shade of coral that I'd love to make "pop," to Payless I go. If I need the perfect witch shoes, to Payless I go. The shoes are so cheap that if I never wear coral or witch again, it was still worth making the one-time purchase.
However, there is another need I'd like to recommend to Payless shopping: practical footwear. I recently realized that I have two pairs of shoes from Payless that weren't one-time-wear shoes. Work sneakers for waitressing/exercise, and my first trial with pointy-toed boots.
The sneakers, I have bought twice. Each time I needed sneakers for work or exercise, but didn't care how they looked, I went to Payless. Each time, they have endured strenuous wear for about two years before they finally got too worn down. But it struck me upon throwing them away recently: two years? For $10 sneakers? And they really took a pounding! That, my friends, is a great deal. Payless may make sandals that tear apart in a month, but the sneakers endure.
As I mentioned, the boots were purchased from Payless were a trial. I wear my boots relentlessly in the winter months, and I didn't think a pointy-toe would be comfortable. So to run a trial, I went to Payless. At the price of 20+ dollars, if I didn't wear them twice, I could still justify buying them. However, they ended up being one of my most comfortable pairs of boots, despite the stiletto heel and pointy-toe! Taking them out with the rest of my winter clothes this season, I realized that they were... going on their third winter. Three years! Three years of stomping around brick paths and gravel roads, taking them out to bars and dancing at clubs. Where did the time go? I do not know, but I know that my Payless boots went with it, through it, and came out on the other side. Granted, this must be their last month before retirement, as they are starting to appear a little tired and worn... but for 20+ dollars, will I look for them again at Payless? Absolutely! I've worn them so frequently, they were practically free.
If, like me, you have dabbled with Payless but aren't sure about using them for major footwear, I will affirm that they're pretty darn good for stable, practical shoes that you need to take a beating and survive. If your experience doesn't match mine, please let me know! All I know is that I have lucked out so far, and will definitely go again for boots or sneakers.
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BP "Stella" Pumps
I own a pair of shoes that I wish I could buy in every color and wear constantly. Those shoes are "Stella" by BP, which is found at Nordstrom's or www.nordstrom.com.
I tried these shoes on...
I own a pair of shoes that I wish I could buy in every color and wear constantly. Those shoes are "Stella" by BP, which is found at Nordstrom's or www.nordstrom.com.
I tried these shoes on in-store and fell in love with them in June. I didn't get to buy them until October (trying to be responsible with my money and all that rot). Ever since I've owned these shoes, I can't stop finding outfits that they compliment, and I'm always excited to show them off to new friends, and to brag.
You see, these shoes are versatile to be dressed up or down- a classic pump shape. The heel is sensible - around 3" but it doesn't feel like it. I'm 5'9.5" and I can get away with this heel. They're very comfortable even after walking around for long periods, which is a major plus. I find them very practical for all occasions- I've worn them out with jeans to run some errands, and also with a dress on a night out.
The price also makes "Stella" practical at $59.95 and the Nordstrom source is always a huge plus- the salespeople are helpful in-store and the site is easy to navigate online. Shipping is currently free over $100 but when that deal expires, it's regularly a flat $5 with free returns. I have actually gone through the return experience via their website, and it was effortless and my money was refunded promptly. When I called with a question, the person on the phone spoke clearly and answered my questions cheerfully. This is why I'm such a Nordstrom advocate.
But the best part of "Stella," as I mentioned, is the color options. This chameleon pump comes in: Lipstick, Patent Red, Black, Patent Black, Walnut, Cheetah, and Zebra.
How exciting are those options? If you buy a few, you've got a set of reliable shoes for every occasion and every outfit. I own Lipstick, but I think I'd like the Zebra too.
But this is just my review, if you want to see the shoes for yourself you can go to www.nordstrom.com or check them out in your nearest store to see how comfortable and flattering they are for yourself.
This is a real "Every-Girl" shoe.
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Bandolino's "Gabriela" Pumps
I'll admit- I'm the kind of girl who, if you're my friend and wear my shoe size, might have to try on those adorable new shoes you just got. And naturally, as I'm slipping my feet into your cute...
I'll admit- I'm the kind of girl who, if you're my friend and wear my shoe size, might have to try on those adorable new shoes you just got. And naturally, as I'm slipping my feet into your cute soles, I will artfully suggest that I might borrow them from time to time.
This exact instance is what led me to discover how unbelievably comfortable Bandolino's "Gabriela" leather pumps are. These shoes are great for work, but also stylish enough to be dressed up for evening. My friend had worn them previously and couldn't stop bragging about how great her feet felt, while ours were all smarting by the end of our evening out. And now I know she wasn't exaggerating at all.
This is a great product from a quality brand that I've always loved. The shoes are available on Zappos for an affordable $46.95 and come in Black or Medium Brown. Natural materials will keep these shoes holding together for a long time - a great investment, an amazing shoe.
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