Payless
Buy One Get One 1/2 Off At Payless
The Deal: Payless: Buy One Get One 1/2 Off Everything
The Lowdown: Buy one and get one at 1/2 price off on everything at Payless.com. Valid from October 31 through December 1, 2009.
Our Picks:
Parker Tailored Peep-Toe Bootie, $29.99.
Sasha Ruffle Bootie, $34.99.
American Eagle Ghillie Pump, $24.99.
Shop: Payless
Payless Designer Lines
Occasionally here at TBF, we kneel down and pay homage to the footwear gods for sending us Payless—and once the budget shoe retailer began to hit the budget designer market heavily, we may have actually done a little happy dance of gratitude.
Why? Well, mostly the fact that the designs are not only reasonably fashion forward, but the shoes are also pretty darn good quality—we’d pit the lifespan of our Payless shoes against just about any mid-level brand, with a much higher pricetag, any day. And we’re not easy on our shoes—pounding the pavement in the name of budget fashion does take it’s toll.
The prices, of course, are slightly higher than your typical Payless fair, but that’s to be expected when a designer name is attached—and they’re still easily in line with anything you’ll find at our other budget shoe stop, Target.
Payless designer lines we keep coming back to:
1. Abaete. Abaete has been partnering with Payless for a while now and continues to bring a trendy but wearable vibe to the budget retailer’s offerings. The hues tend to lean towards the somber, but on the whole the line presents wearable, designer-worthy options to those of us who only wish we could afford high-end footwear . . .
Abaete for Payless Gladiator, $38
2. Patricia Field. A relatively recent addition to the Payless designer stable, Patricia Field’s contributions are generally as quirky and colorful as you might expect from the, um, quirky and colorful stylist/designer, and still be wearable. We’re not sure we need a pair of silver metallic platform salsa sandals, but the great thing about designer at Payless is that you can afford to buy something not entirely practical without committing budget hari kari.
3. alice+olivia. One might expect much in the way of edginess at Payless, but the alice+olivia collection is far more edgy than one might expect—since it’s addition in 2008, the designers have featured lime green, giant polka dots, space-age wedges, and houndstooth footwear as part of their Payless offerings. Nice.
alice + olivia Eloise Glitter Ballet Flat, $36
4. Lela Rose. If “ladylike” is an adjective that suits your style sensibility, Lela Rose’s Payless line (much like her runway collections) fit the bill. Lela Rose joined the Payless lineup in 2007, and has been bringing her curvy lines, pretty bows, and muted colors to the shelves ever since. We like.
Lela Rose for Payless Carmelita Pump, on sale $24.99
Note: Next in Payless’ designer line-up? Project Runway Season 4 winner Christian Siriano http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/christian-siriano-and-payless-team-up/, with a collection due Fall of ‘09. Ohhh, we hate to wish the summer away, but we’ll be counting the days ...
Christian Siriano and Payless Team Up
What: Project Runway Season 4 winner Christian Siriano (who we thought was fab) will design a line of shoes and bags for Payless for Fall ‘09, with price points of $25-$45.
What We Say: We loved loved loved Siriano’s designs on Project Runway, so color us excited to see how his work translates to Payless, one of our favorite go-to budget shoe sources. That being said, we haven’t been super inspired by this winter’s designer lines at Payless (Lela Rose, Abaete, alice+olivia and Patricia Field have all contributed cute but not to-die-for collections of late), so we’ll reserve judgement until the first sneak peeks arrive. The line is expected to be unveiled at New York Fashion Week in February.
image courtesy of People.com
The Bootine: Hot Again for Fall 2008
What: Bootines, booties, ankle boots, everywhere
What We Say: Last year, the bootine was THE shoe for fall. Well, this year isn’t very original, but once again the bootine (or bootie, or ankle boot, or whatever you wish to call it) is super hot again. Still perplexed on how to wear it? Don’t be, because it’s more versatile than you think—pair them with a pencil skirt and button down blouse; a sweater dress; or just denim or dress trousers, like you would any other boot. There are plenty of budget versions to be had (and if you have a pair from last year, even better!), but we’ve selected a handful that we figure would do nicely to take us all the way through the winter (assuming we waterproof properly).
Get It:
Metallic Leather Ankle Boot, $49, Spiegel
Patent Ankle Boot, on sale $24.99, Newport News
Ruched Ankle Boot, $27.99, Newport News
Madison Button Ankle Boot, $34.99, Payless
Fashion Trend: Houndstooth Print
Though traditional plaid has been heralded as the pattern for fall, we’re seeing more and more houndstooth and quite frankly, we’re feeling more warm and fuzzy about that trend—there’s something both modern and classic about it, which is an ideal combination for those of us over, say, 21 who would like to participate. Our advice? Pick one piece and keep the rest of the outfit clean and neutral—houndstooth is bold enough to be the sole focal point. Also, if you’re petite, a houndstooth dress might be more than you can pull off—consider a pencil skirt, or a houndstooth accessory, like a handbag or scarf, to keep from being overwhelmed.
Love it? Our picks for getting on the houndstooth bandwagon, for less:
Digital Houndstooth Chiffon Top, $17.80, Forever 21 (we like this choice if you’re looking for a very unstuffy, modern take on houndstooth . . . pair it with a black pencil skirt and pumps)
Houndstooth Belted Dress, $25.50, Wet Seal (you don’t need to add much when wearing this much houndstooth—black flats and a black bag might just be enough—and maybe a fat colored bangle or two to mix it up)
Cropped Houndstooth Jacket, $49, Newport News (this is a great option if you want a versatile piece to pump up your basics—wear with a jewel-toned top and black trousers)
Capsleeve Houndstooth Top, $39, Banana Republic (super cute and super modern with trousers, a skirt, or even denim)
Houndstooth Cadet Hat and Wrap, $9.99, Payless (this is a great deal for two houndstooth pieces—but we’re thinking wearing them separately will give you the most bang for your buck).
Alice+Olivia for Payless Morton Mary Jane Wedge, $38, Payless (these probably won’t hold up style-wise through more than a season or two, but they’d be totally fun to wear in the meantime)
Abaete, Lela Rose and alice+olivia at Payless
Payless has become a front-runner when it comes to bringing budget designer collections to the masses, which is why we find ourselves scanning their website eagerly each Spring and Fall to see what new treats await us . . . Right now, Abaete, Lela Rose and alice+olivia all have new styles online and in stores, and the choices, while not vast, please us. A breakdown:
alice+olivia
These offbeat designers bring handbags and footwear styles that range from the odd (these alice+olivia for Payless Rivington Ankle Boots) to the sublime (this super cute houndstooth Payless Park Clutch). Interestingly, the collection reflects the color palette we saw on the runways for Spring 09 (black, white and red), meaning some of these pieces could take you into the next season as well. Our fave: the Morton Mary Jane Wedge, $38
Abaete
Somber, somber, somber—Abaete’s collection is as neutral as it gets, with pieces ranging from grey to, well, black. Which isn’t very exciting but at the same time, grey and black are pretty darn useful and appear here on boots and pumps that will take you through the winter, easily. Our fave: the to-die-for Ysabel Pleated Bootine, $45.
Lela Rose
Lela Rose usually gives us something a little softer and more romantic, and this collection is no different—featuring pumps, round-toes, bows, and some soft color in the form of peach, orange, and spring green. The handbag choices aren’t setting us on fire, but for a cute little pair of special holiday shoes? Lela Rose has got it covered. Our fave: it’s a toss-up between the dramatic black and white Finch Pump, $38, and the impossibly pretty Sanborn Bow Flat, $34.
What to Buy Fall 2008: Payless
Payless is a TBF favorite for on-trend shoes that last through more than 7 seconds of wear and are actually—dare we say it?—cheap. The big news in shoes this season? Peep toe, Oxfords, Mary Janes, wedges, and flats—and Payless has ‘em all. Here’s what we’re hoping to add to our closet for Fall of 2008:
Jana Peep Toe Mary Janes, $24.99. Wear It: With wide leg trousers (even in tweed) and a gem colored top.
Harlee Oxford Pump, $24.99. Wear It: With a pencil skirt and feminine blouse.
American Eagle Kricket Wedge, $24.99. Wear It: With a denim and a cropped jacket.
American Eagle Latte Mary Jane, on sale $19.99. Wear It: With a knee-length a-line or pleated skirt and a tie-neck blouse.
Crush Ruched Ballet Flat, $19.99. Wear It: With skinny or straight leg jeans, a white tee, and a boyfriend cardigan.
Koko Gilley Pump, $24.99. Wear It: With gray trousers and an open front wrap/cardigan, or with one of the season’s fall floral dresses.
Payless Scores Alice + Olivia
Who: Stacey Bendet, the designer behind alice + olivia, will be designing a collection of shoes for Payless. Prices of the shoes will be in the $20/$30 range.
What the fashion heads say: from Pierce Mattie: Though the designer reportedly hasn’t even started sketching yet, she predicts that the designs will include brightly colored ballet slippers, platform sandals and flip flops to accent her Spring 2009 RTW collection. We’ll finally get a peek at the collection at alice + olivia Spring 2008 RTW Show during NY Fashion Week… as another first, they’ll sit on shelves in designer boutiques. That’s right, they’ll actually be sold in alice + olivia stores.”
What I say: You go Payless. Just make sure you sell them in a size 11.
Designer Shoes at Payless: Lela Rose Joins In
Designer Lela Rose recently unveiled her new shoe collection with Payless (yep, Payless) at her fashion week show last week. Rose, who designs pretty sensible clothing for the ladies who lunch set, joins the designer label Abaete in creating a designer shoe line for the discount shoe store. The shoes will be available in stores in late summer/early fall.
Now down to business.. I must say that I LOVE this new line. The t-strap heels will look FABULOUS with fall’s “lady-like” suits and coats. Pair the gray round toed pumps with a pair of pink tights and you’re all set. I’m not such a big fan of the flats, that look like they gush a bit more than I would like… but for the most part the line looks fabulous.
Abaete is Now at Payless
Abaete is now available at select Payless stores. I dropped by the store on 17th and 6th Avenue in NYC and I must say I was quite impressed with not only the style but the quality of the shoes. This was a much smarter move than the whole Star Jones shoe line. Good for you Payless!
Payless Launching Designer Shoe Line
Payless is jumping on the bandwagon of designer for less and launching a new line of designer footwear by relatively unknown designer Laura Poretzk, of the NYC based sportswear line, Abaete.
The company has tapped Laura Poretzky, founder and designer for the contemporary, two-year-old sportswear Abaete, to create the line. It will include four styles—the “Sky” boot, “Casey” flat, “Oliver” pump and the “Luke” evening sandal. Each silhouette will include a range of colors, fabrics and details including polka dots, stitching and bows. Price points will range between $20 and $40, slightly above average Payless shoes, which ring in at $14 or less.
You may ask yourself why are all these designers, who before would have shuddered at the thought of our “non-monied” hands touching their precious frocks, rushing to produce lines for the Targets, Wal-Marts, Payless’ of the world? Well.. it’s all about the Benjamins (and Jacksons), baby. Most designers make little to no money off their higher end lines (watch the fashion documentary “Seamless” and hear Vogue darlings Proenza Schouler discuss how there line was making no money, even AFTER being all up in Vogue). Strangely, this populist approach to fashion actually helps keeps the elitism afloat. It’s the dollars you spend at H&M, Target, etc. that feed these designers.
Case in point: Yesterday I was having dinner with two of my favorite people—one a very well known fashion blogger and the other a well known editor at a big time fashion publication. We were all dressed in things we bought at Target, Filenes, Forever 21, etc. because many editors—I’m talking about editors at magazines like Essence, Redbook, Marie Claire, WWD, etc.—shop at the very same stores you do. In between tofu hot dogs and dairy free tiramisu, we some how got on the topic of designers joining the mass market fray. We started to talk about the latest designer entry into the mass market fold and how this designer previously stated how she felt that the mass market trend was destroying fashion, those who can’t afford to pay for quality, don’t deserve quality, etc, etc. Now the designer is coming out with a line at your favorite mass market store because “those who can afford quality” apparently can’t help her keep her company afloat.
On another Payless related note, Patricia Fields, style visionary of ‘Sex and the City’ fame, was recently quoted in a Fashion Wire Daily article stating that “one of my best clients is Payless. They’re really a company that is on the move. I’ve been doing their advertising campaigns and TV commercials.”
Thanks to my girl at Fashionalities for the tip
Fashion Advice: Budget Flats
QI have to wear flat shoes for health reasons and I’m also on a budget. I feel like I spend days or weeks looking for fashionable, non-frumpy flat shoes which I can afford. What are some good sources for flat shoes on a budget?
A I’m a big fan of flat shoes and wear them on a daily basis because I do so much walking (New York is such a pedestrian city). Here’s some of my favorite places to score flats for a reasonable price:
Baker Shoes— This mall base store is a great place for trendy flats under $40. Never, ever pay more than $40 for a pair of flats from Bakers because several of their shoes are manufactered by the same folks who make shoes for Payless. Sometimes, you can even find similar styles at the both stores.
Aerosoles—In store, Aerosoles can tend to skew a bit grandma like—but online the store has a wider selection of stylish flats.
Old Navy—Old Navy has a solid selection of ballerina flats in leather and other types of materials for well under $20.00. The shoes won’t last you about 10, maybe 15 wears, and then you’ll have to throw them away. However, from a cost per wear standpoint, the shoes are only $1.50 to $2 per wear. A solid value
Urban Outfitters—Almost always has a few very trendy flats, usually well under $40/ most under $30. Be aware that many of the shoes sold at Urban Outfitters aren’t leather.
Steve Madden—Huge selection of stylish flat shoes in a ton of different colors from patten leather with pilgrim buckles to your basic ballerina flats in cheetah prints. Prices tend range from $29.99 to $89.99. If you see a style you like that tends to fall on the higher end of the price range, wait a week or two—they almost always go on sale.
Barefoot Tess—Great online based store with a HUGE selection of flats from folks like Jeffrey Campbell and Delmans. Most flats are around the $50 to $60 range.
Bluefly.com—Sometimes you can find a deal or two on designer flats from Kate Spade, Delman, Christian Louboutin, etc. Not exactly cheap, but definitely cheaper than retail.
Nine West - Another mall based store with a solid website. I actually think the website is better than the store. Every year, it seems like things get pricier and pricier. However, it’s definitely worth taking a peek at the store.
and Zappos.com, of course.
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Spring’s Must Have Accessories: The ESPADRILLE
The emergence of the espadrille, the flirtly sandals with the jute (think woven rope) sole, is one big reason to be excited about the upcoming spring. I love these shoes, even though they sort of look like your walking on a wicker basket. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t pay more than $40 for a pair of espadrilles. Why? Because stores like Target, Victoria Secret’s, Payless, and Newport News all have stylish versions of the shoes for well under $40 and in some cases, under $20.
Where to get them
Target.com
Macys
Payless (great selection)
Zappos.com
Victoria Secret
Newport News
How to wear them:
with last year’s prairie skirts
with cropped cargo pants
with jeans
with gauchos
with a sun dress
with short shorts
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