British Luxury Shoe Designer Joanne Stoker Debuts In The States for Spring 13

For Spring, Joanne Stoker found inspiration in the idyllic boardwalks and seaside getaways familiar to her native UK and each design is infused with Stoker’s inimitable sense of fun and play. The collection features modern textures and fabrics and a range of different heel heights for the wearers mood. Styles like the ‘Jitterbug’ or ‘Mambo’ are named after old dancehall classics and deliver high-fashion, high-fun architectural heels. Bold candy stripes work their way into a range of flats and graphic raffia’s, with oversized lurex bows used to bring a femininity to sky-high platform styles.

Milk & Honey: Design Your Own Shoes

While I have not seen what any of these shoes look like in person, I just spent about an hour designing a few pairs.  And I could easily spend countless hours on more.

In steps Milk & Honey: an online shoe company founded by sisters, based in Los Angeles.  

The site is extremely user-friendly. The options are endless; I'm not sure what the mathematical permutation is, but I think that infinity might be close to the number of combinations of styles you could come up with.  AND they cater to all types of shoe lovers:  Shoe Hootchie, Shoe Virgin, Shoe Maniac, Shoe Guru, Shoelapalosa, Shoe Jockey, Shoeless Joe Jackson ... you name it.

Read all about M&H in The New York Times here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/20/business/milk-honey-an-online-shoe-company-started-by-sisters.html?_r=0

Linge Shoes: Ballet Flats that I Love, Want, Desire

I am a big sucker for ballet flats.  Always have been, always will be.  I haven't seen these Linge flats in person (yet), but from the photos I'm pretty sure I love the style and colors.  And only $59 when I rarely see a flat for less than $125?  Key attributes:
-soft leather full-sole ballet shoe

-leather interior lining

-elastic ankle strap can be worn inside or outside foot

-elastic tie can be tightened for perfect fit

DSW to open in old Filene's Basement space on 79th & B'way

DSW to open in old Filene's Basement space on 79th & B'way.  I just noticed this as I traversed the expanse of my new 'hood yesterday.  Stay tuned for an Upper West Side survival guide as my eons-long renovations come to a conclusion.

New Mantra: SHOP DURING THE WEEK!

OK, I can't ever shop during the week either.  But I took advantage of my staycation (sorry for using that overused term...I haven't yet come up with an alternate) and shopped like it was my job. Well, at least the one I get paid for.  The stores are empty!  The salespeople are nice(r)!  And during the summer you get to take advantage of free A/C!

So between gift cards, coupons, and sales, I was able to get almost everything I need.  I'm still looking for that perfect khaki-colored summer pencil skirt, but in the meantime was able to score the following:

-Narrow, stretch, longish black shorts at Anthropologie (see pic). Yes, I buy the only thing that is black in that entire store. And on sale for $40!  I also picked up a sweet smelling candle-in-a-tin.  And this all cost me $3.02 because I had a $50 gift card.

-Carmen MarcValvo swimsuits at Paragon Sports? And 30% off! I have tons of trouble finding bathing suits that fit and don't make me look like a corpse. But this suit fits, is comfortable, makes me look fancy, and is in a color I never thought I would ever buy (but is the perfect anti-corpser, see pic). At $101, this suit is still pricey...but when you find a suit that doesn't make you cry, you buy it.

-Quality tank-tops, 2 for $25 at Madewell...white, grey, black. They snap back into shape!  I can't stand when my tank tops stretch out in the humid summer heat and then suddenly, I'm schlumpy.  I bought two white ones, for layering purposes (see pic).

-Flats, sneakers, socks...isn't this what DSW is really for?  I had a $10 off coupon, and somehow ended up spending $90+.  But I have already worn everything that I bought, so t'was well-worth it.  I spied a pair of black suede stretch Stuart Weitzman boots with very low heel. WOW. THE ultimate find. Unfortunately, these booties, even at DSW, cost two legs, and therefore you can't ever wear them ($450, on sale from $650).  But if you're not mega-rich, just really damn rich, you might think this is well worth it.  And as of Tuesday, there several pairs - including a 9.5 and an 8.5.

-Urban Zen. I have been trying to get into this place for years, but it's closed on Sundays, which seems to be the only day I find myself in the West Village.  So, today, I got inside and learned that it's affiliated with a Donna Karan foundation and anywhere from 10%-100% of the proceeds go to worthy causes, such as to artisans from Haiti. Interesting.  So after they gave me some samples of magical eye and face lotions from Morocco, I felt obliged to buy a heart-shaped rock to benefit Haiti for $15...which actually ended up being $16.33 with sales tax, which struck me as odd, but I have put it next to my bed and decided it will bring me great good fortune.

-Who knew there was a Ted Baker in the Meatpacking district?  Probably lots of people.  But I didn't - I always go to the one in Soho. Anyway, I like the store, though nothing really fits me. But if the brand fits you, run in there because they are having a 50% off sale right now.

-And in closing I finally got to the Alexander McQueen store on 14th St., which reminded me of a museum and also reminded me of the stores of yore in Soho. I'm pretty sure the salespeople in there hated me in my over sized army pants and canvas Nikes, but it kind of makes it all the more fun, frankly. 

Those are the highlights as I rode the urban retail heatwave...burning in my heart.

Thundercla​p Worthy: Only Hearts Preview

Five and ten dollar bins for lingerie will lure shoppers despite downpours and armagedon-like weather warnings.  Vintage dresses, layering camis and a selection of shoes will be available at the Only Hearts sample sale at the 230 Mott Street store starting at noon this Thursday (like, as in tomorrow).

/nancy brenner

Shoe Update: Christian Louboutin shoes have jumped the stripper pole

I visited the West Village store today.  I think it's safe to say that I am not in the demo.

Top Shop: It's Gotta be the Shoes

Mission: Nothing's Impossible (in NYC).

These tremendously cool shoes that hearken back to the days of the dandy highwaymen, or at least Adam and the Ants interpretation of them, were up for grabs at New York City's modern day version of Fiorucci, otherwise known as TOP SHOP.  Yes, it's a g*ddamned zoo in there, but my savvy guerilla friend convinced the affable salespeople that these were on the 20% off sale rack (we aren't sure if they were or not) and she pointed out a "smudge" for which they deducted another 10%.  So what would have/should have cost $150, ended up running a cool $86 and change. 

Just don't, step on her blue suede shoes.

Repetto Shoes on Sale at Pas de Deux

I love Repetto shoes SO MUCH, but they cost lots.  However, I scored some patent leather loafers/capezios for half price yesterday at Pas de Deux on 11th St. in the E. Village.  I also picked up an extraordinarily cool black zip-up sweatshirt by T by Alexander Wang, whose website is apparently relaunching tomorrow.  It was certainly not half price, but will make me feel twice as cool.  And after the day I had yesterday, I needed (deserved?) it! 

Fashion Week: Tibi: What's In a Shoe?

A shoe malfunction at Tibi drew rounds of applause as the shoe-liberated model proudly strutted the catwalk in black opaque tights at the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show.

Too bad all the models weren't wearing Tibi's standout glitter black flat with a silk ankle strap closure with bow details. Other wardrobe challenges -- if you are not graced with the gift of height, you may need to put your tailor on speed dial for the new longer mid-calf lengths.

Commodity prices crimping your gold bug? Add a liquified coated gold lace V dress or a damask gold jacquard dress to your fashion portfolio. Will either be a be a pick for front row attendees Vanessa Hudgens or Olivia Palermo?

/nancy brenner

PRADA: Somewhere UNDER the Rainbow

AAAHHHHH!  I just got an email from Saks pushing this thing on me.  Well, they certainly got my attention.  But good grief Charlie Brown, these are neither attractive nor interesting.  Ptooey!

Fashion Week: Tracy Reese Shoes

Roach killer heels in burgundy and black at Tracy Reese (bottom).

c/o nancy brenner

SHOE AFICIONADO LAUNCHES SHOE-ONLY SAMPLE SALE SITE

Shoe Aficionado was created to fill a growing need for hard-to-find shoes at discounted prices.

Shoe Aficionado (http://www.shoeaficionado.com/) is an online oasis for like-minded shoe lovers -- a shopping site and shoe lovers community dedicated to bringing you the latest and most fabulous designer shoes at prices up to 75% off retail.

Shoe Aficionado's goal is to merge the modern convenience of online shopping with the unique tips you get from your favorite boutique, as well as provides you with access to a community of passionate shoe aficionados.

The site launched with 80%20 and Ce Ce Chin Collection, Ce Ce Chin's cult downtown-NYC 2010 Spring shoe collections.

All sales on Shoe Aficionado will be current season items, with pricing up to 75% off of retail prices. Site will feature one Sale Event per week and sales last for 4 days. Shoppers referring their friends receive $10 towards purchases over $100. For a limited time around launch, shoppers will receive 10% off of purchases over $100 up with a coupon code (Shoelaunch).

All products are curated by Shoe Aficionado's stylists

Shoe Aficionado launched on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 12:00pm EST with Ce Ce Chin’s 80%20 and Ce Ce Chin Collection footwear at up to 75% off retail. Corso Como and Steve Madden will follow.

Don't look back at Barney's long lines - you may turn into a pillar of salt

Sharp hipbones swiveling for spots at the bench for shoe try-on. Come to the sale with padding. One hoarder had well over 100 pairs in a clear plastic bag. Turnout huge - all ages, all sizes, all boros, white hairs, flaming bottle reds. The unemployed, the good weather, the curious, consider The Barney's Warehouse Sale a free edition of the Fringe Festival. Look for markdowns of 25% off extra on blue marked shoes.

~brenner, nancy

DSW: Doesn't Suck alWays

At first, I loved DSW.  But like all good things, that came to an end.  The quality of brands and styles plummeted swiftly; the service questionable.  But this is what happens when a discount outlet grows - there's no way to maintain such high and interesting levels of product and personnel.

HOWEVER!

I stopped in the Union Square outlet the other sweating hot day and managed to save $230, merely by spending $80 on this pair of kickin' boots from Biviel.  They came in both black and brown patent leather - I chose the brown since I have about 12 pairs of black boots.  And they simply screamed "FALL WEATHER" to me, something I am very much looking forward to right now. 

So between the sale price and my coupon, I scored large, and felt like it was 2006 all over again.

Outrageous Footwear by...Jessica Simpson?

There's pretty much no way I would ever consider trying on, let alone buying, a pair of Jessica Simpson shoes.  Until I visited my friend and she pulled these monsters out.  They are like two carefully crafted pieces of furniture that you can also wear on your feet.  A carpenter/stripper's shoes, if you will.  But aside from the towering wooden inferno heels and platforms, these shoes are actually top quality - soft black leather that wraps all the way around the front platform.  And they are actually kind of...comfortable?  I'm not really sure what you would wear with these trucks, but I kind of like the idea of black pants that tie on the bottom.  Of course no guy buys these for his girlfriend hoping that she wears them with PANTS, so perhaps a war of the sexes will ensue.

Lines at Louboutin - line cutters abound, REPORT FROM THE FRONT

Nancy's there, and here's what she has to say:

Semi-pro women standing on line for two hours waiting for their group of six "friends" to show. Passports and driver's licenses being flashed for entry while other manage to sweet talk their way in. Flip-flop shod feet were probably the smartest way to get through the sale, good luck to the ones who went in with boots. Nearly an hour before the first victor emerged with three white bags of shoes. Most popular excuse for people missing half a day of work or more - doctor's appointment. One woman with dubious proof of identity scouting for a person to vouch for her - and she did find a stranger willing to - in exchange for a better spot on the line. Three+ hour wait to get in - if there's anything left. Is anything worth being eyeballed by competitors trying to size up your shoe size, continous line cutting, standing in line wishing you hadn't had that coffee maybe an hour or so ago - maybe if you're flipping on e-Bay or unemployed.

This Week: Glitter Shoe Sample Sale

Size Seven Sample Shoes for $60 (say that 10 times fast) at this sample sale featuring Butter (see pic of silver slingback), Tibi, Something Bleu (see pic of blue shoe) at 307 Seventh Avenue (near 28th St.) until 7p.m. this week.

No biting, scratching, hoarding or feuding here. Just high heels, flats in suedes, glitter, patent, and peacock colors. Not for wallflower shoes. They say glitter is a popular trend
and silver is outselling gold.

The non-samples are $100. Check out their styles on endless.com.

It's shoetastic!  Nancy Brenner

Saks: These Shoes Are Cool

Yes, I realize these look like Dorothy shoes gone awry, but I can't help but envision the perfect rocker chick wearing the perfect rocker outfit topped (bottomed?) off by these shoes, by Jerome C. Rousseau. $495 at Saks.  Maybe the wizard can get some for you.

March 19-29: Cole Haan: Heart & Sole 20% Discount