Peep toe sling back stiletto

These are not the newest shoes out there, but I have a wedding coming up and this is what the bride requested the bridesmaids shoes look like:

Left to Right:
Sergio Rossi - Cachet $695.00
Sam Edelman - Novato $99.95
Steve Madden - Laineyy $89.95 (on sale as of 5/26/11 for $53.95)


Since they've been out for awhile, I had trouble finding my size in stores.  I was able to order the Steve Madden Laineyy (black satin, 5" heel w/o the insole, 1.25" platform--these are higher than what's stated on their website) online for the sale price.  They don't make these in 5.5, so I ordered the 6 because sometimes I've had luck with them running small.  Sadly, after getting them in the mail and trying them on, they were too big.  They made a huge error in the length of the straps in the back and they were far too loose.  Back to the store these will go.  For the sale price point, I would not at all have minded keeping these.

SO, because I had to have this style (and I'm not about to fork out $700), I ordered the Sam Edelman Novato from Nordstrom.com (no where else could I find this shoe being carried in 5.5!).  These are patent black leather, 5" heel (including the insole), 1.5" platform.  I can't find these in suede (they don't make in satin) anywhere in my size.  I got these just today and they fit! What a difference in quality too.  The stitching at the keyhole peep-toe is much cleaner and neater, and you're getting much better quality in workmanship and materials (leather sole, patent leather outer).  I'm not even going to go into the Sergio Rossi shoes because that goes above and beyond what I could ever afford.  Oh, P.S. these are really, surprisingly comfy to walk in! Must be that extra high platform.

This is a very rare occasion where I had both the (affordable) shoes at the same time to do a comparison, so please enjoy the photos below!

Satin (SM, left) - Patent (SE, right)

 Satin (SM, front) - Patent (SE, back)

 Notice the difference in the toe box. Sam Edelman are slightly longer in the toe and the keyholes are different.

Stitching. The people at SM could've done better with trimming those extra threads.

 Toe to toe (SE with a slightly higher platform)
&
Heel to heel

 SM with a slightly higher "heel" because of the insole (adds about an extra .25")

Steve Madden - Laineyy on both feet (notice loose, long, hangy straps)

 Sam Edelman Novato on both feet

And walking on the ceiling with the keepers - Sam Edelman Novato

Classic wedge

I saw Jennifer Aniston wearing these last year.  These wedges will be a classic look for spring/summer, but they come at a hefty price--as celebrities are used to and where prices really mean nothing for them.

Stuart Weitzman - Alex

$365.00 at Zappos.com

These are a natural espadrille wedge sandal in the color "swamp" crochet.   I really like this taupey-nude color because it can go with pretty much any outfit for spring/summer--dressed up or down.  The ivory color is nice too.  Dresses, shorts, cropped pants, bikinis (for you whose bodies are poolside/beach ready! mine is not right now)... you name it! You won't expect these to go out of fashion season-to-season.  It's not too much on a "trendy train" with bright, fluorescent colors, or floral prints, or strange shapes.

There are a lot of "inspired by" shoes out there... For example, the regular go-to brands:

Steve Madden - Fantastik

$79.95

Bakers - Midtown

$62.00

Bakers  (by N.Y.L.A.) - Colbie
$62.00

Aldo - Connally

$50.00

(slightly lower heel height)

And the slightly more budget friendly:

from Ami Clubwear
$27.99

City Classified - Jojo
$26.99

Zip it up

Updated! Scroll down to see details

July 4, 2010

More you say?  Here's another shoe find...

I really like the zipper bootie kind of look to these with the little platform & sexy cut-out straps to show a little feet skin... and in awesome nudes too!

Jimmy Choo - Glenys Cage Platform Sandals at saksfifthavenue.com for $995
Steve Madden - Nanciee at stevemadden.com for $99.95 - these aren't on clearance, so no additional discounts, but still way cheaper than the Jimmy Choos!

Updated 7.8.10


Jessica Simpson has her own version (Gobow) of these shoes on sale for $79.99 right now too with a platform. Not too shabby!

Caged sandals

Here's another steal for you ladies.  Aldo is having a sale for Independence Day weekend, so take advantage!

Jimmy Choos Keenan Metallic Caged Sandals - $995 at saksfifthavenue.com

Aldo Garlits - MSRP $70. On sale for $49.98 at aldoshoes.com

Found these Exsell wedges at stevemadden.com as well for MSRP $169.95. On sale for $116.99.+ an additional 40% off this weekend with code: 40CLEARANCE

Patent Leather Strap, Suede, Platform, Love!

Ahhhh! I'm so obsessed with these shoes!!

Steve Madden "Libation" - 5.5" heel, 1" platform! Soo sexy! I'm still (since December) waiting for them to go on sale because they're STILL $130! $100 is my absolute MAX to spend on shoes, but I usually buy in the $15-75 range. *sigh* The bargain hunter in me...must...be...patient!