Gwen Stefani's gx Line

Gwen Stefani and ShoeDazzle got together and the result is downright fabulous: gx.  It is a line of 11 shoe styles and 11 handbag styles exclusive to ShoeDazzle with all of them being very affordable - only $49.95 to $75.95 if you are a ShoeDazzle VIP!  They were just released today and I've picked my favorites of the bunch - including a bag, so let's get right to it.

"Chiyo" ($59.95 VIP members / $89.95 for non-VIPs, estimated ship date 3/5/14)

I saved one of my $39.95 credits just for this line, and specifically this shoe.  I cannot tell you how much I love the design - ankle strap, slingback styling, corset tie (and a 2 colored tie at that), black and white striped detail where the toe area starts, pointed toe, white footbed, 4.25" stiletto heel...  So many details but they all work together brilliantly.  It also comes in red but the black is much more at home in my closet, and more dynamic in my opinion.  With the tie front and adjustable ankle strap these shoes would most likely fit those with larger ankles.  Now I have to patiently wait for them to arrive.  I'm counting down the minutes...

"Mayuko" ($54.95 VIP members / $89.95 for non-VIPs, estimated ship date 3/5/14)

This pump comes in 3 faux-suede versions: black/white, orange/red, and black/nude.  I am not a fan of the last two combinations, but the black and white one - definitely.  I like the colorblocked twist on the classic pump - the black heel and toe cap, and then the white upper.  The black stripes on the sides add an edgy element, and so does the black on the .5" island styled platform.  I'm definitely keeping my eye on these.

"Hatsumi" ($65.95 VIP members / $99.95 for non-VIPs)

I love these shoes, and in all 3 colors they come in - cobalt blue, red and black.  Again, the front ties are two-toned on all three.  I like that the shoes have a back zip entry so you can leave the laces intact once worn, and that the ties are long enough to wrap around the ankle at the top.  The textile is faux-patent with a shine to it, but not too much shine that the shoes lean towards the trashy side.  I declare "Hatsumi" another winner from the gx line.

and now for the bag... Furano ($59.95 VIP members / $84.95 for non-VIPs)

The cobalt blue and the corset styling is what drew me to this bag.  It also comes in black, but I find the contrast with the blue, black and silver to be much more interesting.  It's a good size - 11" L x 13.5" W x 5" D so not too big, not too small.  It has a zip top closure (always a plus) and the handles have a 15.5" drop.  The signature print lining inside is a nice touch too.  "Furano" was by far my favorite of her bags, but all were in the $49.95 to $69.95 for VIPs price range and with an edgier style to them.

Mid Month, New Shoes: February 2014

ShoeDazzle gives its customers new releases two times per month.  Usually I might find one that I like from the new selection.  Yesterday I found three I want to talk about: Agnes, Charity and Judith.

"Agnes" by ShoeDazzle Signature ($39.95 VIP members / $49.95 for non-VIPs)

I am a sucker for houndstooth and these have fully captured my attention.  In fact they've captured it so much I'm not sure which color scheme I would be putting in my closet...  One minute I like the red, and the next I think how much I want the black and white.  Decisions, decisions!  The other things that sold me on these pumps are the ankle strap, the single sole, the pointed toe, and my favorite detail - the front v strap.  It's a detail that makes these shoes unique.

"Charity" by ShoeDazzle Scene ($39.95 VIP members / $54.95 for non-VIPs)

Purple shoes always seem to be hard to find, and ShoeDazzle has had an abundance of them this month.  This stiletto sandal by far is my favorite of the bunch (it also comes in a nude/tan version which isn't remotely as interesting).  These shoes are an edgy evening style with snake-inspired accents.  I love the shapes of the purple pieces which mimic the angles of the straps.  There is a back zip entry which will probably dictate the size of ankle it will allow to wear them, so if you have a thicker ankle I would avoid this one.  Otherwise it's definitely a shoe to put on the wish list.

"Judith" by ShoeDazzle Signature ($39.95 VIP members / $49.95 for non-VIPs)

I saved the best for last.  Do you see what I see on these shoes?  They look average yet sweet from the front but the back of the heel is a spider web pattern.  I LOVE that!  Truly one for the goth girlie-girl, although they do come in a not very noticeable nude version too.  I do like the double ankle strap as well, and again the single sole with pointed toe has me sold.  These wicked beauties will be entering my shoe closet very soon!

Expensive Taste: Decadent vs. Deal

Although I love shoes, I'm not into expensive designer shoes.  They are shoes:
a) I cannot afford
b) which will wear out, get scuffed, break a heel, etc., just like any other pair of shoes
c) when I add up how many pairs I could get at let's say $50/pair for the same price, I would rather have the quantity instead of overpriced footwear.
Bottom line, I don't pay much attention to designer shoes or to the Hollywood folk that wear them.  That is why you will rarely see anything priced above $150 on this blog, most being in the $40 to $75 range.  I am a shoe addict, yes, but I would consider myself a "practical" shoe addict with a style that's all my own.

About a year ago I surprised myself when I began to realize the hint of expensive taste I have lurking behind my cheap footwear.  On Pinterest I will pin to my "Shoes" board regardless of the photo being from a designer or a discount store, and anything else in between.  I started to come across very similar shoes that I already had in my closet, not knowing they were designer inspired when I bought them.

This was the first pair I noticed it on.  I had purchased the "Sahara" shoe by Scene last year (no longer available, was $39.95 VIP, $44.95 non-VIP from ShoeDazzle).  Afterwards I found Valentino's "Rockstud" which retails at the low, low price of $1075 at Valentino.com.  What's the difference?  I don't see much in the style except for the slingback strap being studded on the Rockstud, and not on the Sahara.  In fact I prefer Sahara due to the strange angle the sides of the toe area connect to the sole on the original Valentino version.  Sahara is also vegan, a plus for me.  I'm not a vegan, but with synthetic materials being the quality that they are today, I don't see a need to wear real leather on my feet.  Sahara's studs are not of the same quality but if need be you could easily repaint them.  At a savings of $1035.05, score one for the addict-affordable version of these edgy shoes.

I've found others I really like that are available for purchase now.  Take this tribal inspired duo, "Savanna" by L.A.M.B. (Gwen Stefani's shoe line - $324.99 from heels.com) vs. "Kit" by Paper Fox ($48.95 VIP, $54.95 non-VIP from ShoeDazzle).  Again, I prefer the low-end vegan version.  I like the triangular pattern on Kit much better than Savanna's.  The eyelets on the two shoes should be reversed (says the artist in me) to better match the black and white patterns, but they were meant to be slightly mismatched for whatever reason.  I can attest to Kit running about a half size small, and being a shoe for only those with small to average ankles.  Because the straps across the front do not adjust it dictates the size of those people who can wear them.  Savings on this one? $276.04, or 5 pairs of shoes.

I have a passion for mod fashion and its inherent graphic nature.  These booties definitely fit that bill.  On the left we have Gianvito Rossi's "Geometric Cutout Bootie" ($1168 from Avenue K) and on the right is "Julienn" from N.Y.L.A. ($54.95 from DSW).  These are so close in style, I can't say I have a preference for one over the other.  Again the low end pair is a mix of faux leather and faux suede.  It also has a slightly thicker and probably a bit more stable heel.  The $1113.05 price difference between the two is staggering.  

When you compare these shoes side by side, are you able to justify paying the price tag of the expensive pair when the one next to it is such a steal?  It would be nice to own a pair of authentic designer shoes, but I know I wouldn't splurge.

Alternative Valentine Shoes

It's that time of year again, the time of hearts, candy and cupids.  I like a little bit of v-day in my house and in my shoes but I don't want anything saccharin sweet gracing my decor and especially my feet.  Here are some alternative valentine shoes that will get you in the mood for love, but are also very wearable the rest of the year.

"Bordello Teeze 12-2" by Pinup Couture ($62.99 from SinisterSoles.com)

I have the same shoe style from this brand but my pumps have a Dia de los Muertos pattern.  From my personal experience I can tell you that the shoes are pretty easy to walk in even with the high heel and platform.  They're comfortable enough, but if you'll be doing a lot of walking or standing in them you will want to get yourself some gel inserts.  These shoes only come in whole sizes, so make sure to size up if you are between sizes.

"Marah" by Betsey Johnson ($109.99 from heels.com)

This satin heeled and sequined bootie is definitely a dressier shoe but nicely subtle when it comes to the hearts pattern.  Being black on black it also works incredibly well for those with anti-valentine sentiments.  They're a little pricier than my average shoe purchase but a) they're Betsey Johnson (made by Steve Madden), b) they're well made with details like a non-skid sole, and c) heels.com includes shipping and free returns in the price.  If these were to make their way into my closer, I'd pair the open toes with a pedicure in a slick dark red or purple polish.

"Ginger" in leopard by Bettie Page ($55.95 from shoebuy.com, also comes in a black, a red and a pink patent, all with leopard heel accents)

This pinup inspired pump is adorable with its faux patent bow front, scalloped edging, polka dot interior, and the part that makes this one of my valentine picks - the big leopard print heart on the back heel.  Each of the other schemes it comes in is just as adorable as the full leopard and all would work beautifully for valentine festivities.  Bettie Page is another brand that offers only whole sizes.  From what I've read, you should size up if in between sizes in this one as well.

New Month, New Shoes: February 2014

This month was quite interesting in the shoes offered by both ShoeDazzle and JustFab.  ShoeDazzle showed their members a softer side overall (plus lot of my favourite colour purple!), and JustFab finally has a shoe for me to talk about.  Hooray!

My top 3 choices from ShoeDazzle this month are Chatelle, Keeva, and Alannah.  The shoe I picked from JustFab is Reanne, and all are shown below.

ShoeDazzle: "Chatelle" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.95 for non-VIPs)

This hot blue and black snakeskin sandal is by ShoeDazzle.  It's very similar to one I mentioned in my Tuesday Trend: Snakeskin feature last week, but I think is probably the better deal both in price (only $9 and change more) and in quality.  You'll have to pay shipping with GoJane, which you don't if you are a ShoeDazzle VIP (although this item would qualify for free shipping as a non-VIP).  I haven't had any quality issues with ShoeDazzle in a few years, and I would especially note that the ties on this don't look like they'll break after one wearing like the GoJane shoes did.  The sandals have a 1" platform and also come in black/orange and black/white versions.

ShoeDazzle: "Keeva" by Michael Antonio ($53.95 VIP members / $59.95 for non-VIPs)

Michael Antonio's "Keeva" embraces the black and white trend of this season, but also gives it a bit of an edge with all the buckled straps.  I'm really happy that the hardware appears to be a gunmetal color as opposed to gold.  With the back zip closure, I would hope that the buckles on the straps are also functional to allow those with smaller or larger ankles to get a nice fit on these sandals.  It looks promising.

ShoeDazzle: "Alannah" by Sophia & Lee ($54.95 VIP members / $65.95 for non-VIPs)

I love a good multi-seasonal shoe.  Sophia & Lee got this one on the money.  These shoes also have a bit of a edgy, darker vibe.  I love the triangular shape of the tie front area, and the perforated upper that gives the material some added texture and pattern. What really captivated me about these shoes is though they are menswear inspired, they still hold a good deal of sex appeal with the stiletto heel, open toe and slingback.  Definitely one I'll be adding to my closet.

JustFab: "Reanne" ($39.95 VIP members, $49.00 for non-VIPs)

Finally, a style I really would consider purchasing!  I'm all about the single sole and/or small platform lately.  That's what first made me gravitate towards this shoe.  Add to that the corset front styling and the studded details - now you've got something on my wish list.  I like these a lot because they're a little casual and a little dressy at the same time, but still have an edge to them.  I know northerners would probably cringe thinking of wearing something like these shoes in wintertime, but I think in the warmer southern US I could easily get away with them.  Let the contemplating begin!