New Month, New Shoes: October 2014

Better late than never, right?  It is slim pickings as far as my personal style goes from both ShoeDazzle and JustFab this month, but there still were some great ones that caught my eye.  Also, because this post is so late in the month, I will include shoes released later in October as well in my picks.  Let's get right to it.

ShoeDazzle: "Quera" by Paper Fox ($55.95 VIP members / $75.95 for non-VIPs)

These pointed toe knee high boots caught my eye immediately, and I don't know if I would pick the blue version or the black version - probably both!  However, for my visuals I will pick the black as I think the blacks of the mixed textiles works slightly better with the style.  "Quera" is a back zip entry, and there is a corset tie underneath the sole that laces up to around the ankle.  It's also faux suede in the back and a faux leather in front.  The calf measurement is 15" so it would nicely accommodate skinny jeans for those with thinner calves.  It looks to be about a 4.5" heel as well.

ShoeDazzle: "Harley" by Paper Fox ($49.95 VIP members / $65.95 for non-VIPs)

"Harley" comes in both a red patent and a gray tweed fabric.  The red is nice, but the gray tweed is my clear choice.  This pointed toe lace up shoe has skin baring side cutouts and a black patent back zip area.  The hardware looks to be gold, but for once it doesn't look to detract from the shoe.  The sole is a lug sole, and although not my favorite for heels, I think it works with this style.  The heel height is 4.25".

ShoeDazzle: "Carlin" by Jessica Simpson ($125.95 VIP members / $139.95 for non-VIPs)

Normally I would not even think to spend $100 on a pair of shoes, but these I can't stop going back to look at.  I. Love. These. Shoes.  Love the pointed toe, the silver studs, the cutouts, the bootie styling, the skinny straps...  "Carlin" is a back zip entry and a 4" heel.  Although these shoes are offered at ShoeDazzle, they can be found significantly cheaper at several other stores.  Just google them!

ShoeDazzle: "Sangey" by Paper Fox ($55.95 VIP members / $75.95 for non-VIPs)

Ah, the lace up styling snags my attention again.  These stunning knee-high boots have a 1.25" platform, a shaft height of 19" and a calf measurement of 15".  However being on the short side, these might be more over-the-knee boots than knee highs on me after seeing them on the obviously tall model.  The heel height is 5.5" with the heel feeling like 4.25" so at least I'd feel tall in them, lol.  Truly, I love the lace up that extends the full length of the back of these.  Without it, they're just another boot.

Just Fab: "Ivy" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.00 for non-VIPs)

I *HAD* to have these when I saw them, and expect a review of them soon!  The zipper detail, the ankle straps and the silver buckle hardware all add to the edginess of this single sole, pointed toe bootie.  The heel height is 4.5".  Truly, one to add as soon as possible because I have a feeling these are going to go fast.

Just Fab: "Vivica" by Luxe ($45.95 VIP members / $64.00 for non-VIPs)

"Vivica" is another boot with the zipper detail trend (which I adore!) but this one looks to be a mid knee high boot, just shy of an over the knee style.  The boot overall is a faux leather, but between the wraparound zippers on the heel area is a peek of faux suede.  Fabulous detail!  The calf measurement on these is 15" and they have a 1" platform with a 5" heel height.  The toe box looks to be more of an almond toe rather than a sharper point.  These boots also have an inside zip.

Happy Anniversary To HOHH!

I came up with the idea of doing a shoe themed blog last summer, and on September 21st of last year it became a reality with my domain name purchased, and then publishing my first post.  I have loved shoes since I first put on heels as a young child playing dress up in my mother's closet.  Today, at 56 posts and over 7000 views, I hope that I have been able to effectively share that love this past year.  I especially hope to continue to provide my readers with fun and informative blog posts.

Here's to making it to year 1 and to many, many more! =)

Sole Spotlight: Iron Fist's Fall 2014 Line

Iron Fist announced that they were starting to roll out their fall 2014 line this week, and so far I'm pretty damn happy with what I've seen.  There are new silhouettes for the shoes as well as many completely new designs and patterns.  My one hope is that they're getting away from whatever materials they are using that are causing the CA and IL warning stickers to be put on the packages.  If so, these are the ones that I am majorly coveting.

Dead Crazy Super Platform - Black, $55.00

I am always intrigued by an oxford styled heel, and this one just blew me away.  The colors are just gorgeous!  I love the skull and floral print in the design - one of my favorite Iron Fist designs ever.  The super platform means it's a 6" heel height with a 2" platform.  I would prefer a single sole but I don't think it would have the same impact with the design.  Definitely my #1 pick.

Rabbitopia Platform - Black, $50.00

This shoe made me smile with the starbursts and the pink bunnies.  I like their take on the rabbits' ears - they look somewhat fish fin-like.  I do appreciate the understated ruffle and trim paired with a slim ankle strap.  I don't particularly care for big bows or other details on my shoes, and I feel this one is done perfectly.  These adorable shoes are a 5" heel with a 1" platform.

Sugar Coma Platform - Black, $45.00

This shoe isn't a new silhouette but the style is one I particularly love and already have in my closet.  The back of the heel is corseted with a bow at the top.  I do like the sugar skull pattern being in just black and white, and not being read as skulls at first glance.  These are a 5" heel as well with a 1" platform.

Sugar High Oxford - Black, $35.00

Here's another menswear inspired shoe in the line, and this one is a new silhouette.  Besides my surprising pick of a low heel, I also do like the large bow on this one.  I feel that the bow combined with the side cutouts gives it the feminine flair it desires.  The pattern is a really cool and somewhat sinister looking sugar skull with red flowers.  The red flowers also appear in the skulls' eyes under a blue and green butterfly mask.  Really well done!

New Month, New Shoes: September 2014

September.  The official month of the summer to fall transition wardrobe.  It's a better month than last for both ShoeDazzle and JustFab, but overall I'm still in the 'not so satisfied' camp with the new releases.  I don't know if it's JustFab's buyout of ShoeDazzle that's influencing this change over the last few months or if the buyers at both places just aren't finding shoes that fit my personal requirements to be added to the closet.  Either way, I did find a few shoes worth mentioning.

ShoeDazzle: "Roxana" by Madison ($45.95 VIP members / $59.95 for non-VIPs)

Ok, I'll admit it, I want these shoes bad.  I love the menswear oxford styling on them but especially the zipper detail around the sides and top back of the heel.  It's the edgy fall shoe I've been looking for and thankfully I've got a credit to make it mine.  This faux suede shoe has a 1.5" platform and an overall height of 5.75", a tall one.  Just a note, "Roxana" also comes in a leopard print but the black is waaaaay better.

ShoeDazzle: "Kalinai" by Scene ($45.95 VIP members / $59.95 for non-VIPs)

It's a bit metallic, a bit reptilian, has a lace up front, and is an open toe bootie - or "shootie" as some are now calling it.  "Shootie" doesn't seem right to me but that's a discussion for another day...  "Kalinai" comes in a black version and a cream version.  I prefer the black but the cream is worth taking a peek at.  The studs look to be copper colored and depending on the metallic accent color in person, might be a candidate for a repaint.  It is a high platform heel at 6" tall (the platform is 2").  Although I've personally been getting away from the high platforms, I do think it works very well on this style.  Definitely one for the wish list.

ShoeDazzle: "Meliana" by Paper Fox ($55.95 VIP members / $75.95 for non-VIPs)

I have a few pairs of knee high open toe boots, but these are a little different.  First of all, this faux croc boot comes in midnight blue, black and leopard.  Surprise!  I personally love the blue version best.  It has a 4" heel with a .5" platform, and the rugged lug sole will help with ease of walking.  I'm still not 100% sold on that sole with a sleeker silhouette but I do think it works with these boots.  It also has an exterior side zip entry as opposed to the interior entry on most.  I really do like them and I do think I'll end up making them mine.

Just Fab: "Losira" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.00 for non-VIPs)

These are similar to a bootie I already own from ShoeDazzle from last year - "Gywnnie" by Sophia and Lee.  The ones I have are quilted across the entire front and are a much higher platform.  I find myself liking the differences between "Gywnnie" and "Losira" - the quilting across the front and sides, the raised front panel, the side buckles, and the much shorter platform although still a 4.5" heel.  I also find the way the trim goes around the top of the boot very appealing.  If I didn't already have the booties from ShoeDazzle, I'd definitely be adding these to my closet.

Mid Month, New Shoes: August 2014

After a very disappointing August release, the mid-month drop at ShoeDazzle was a definite improvement.  I still didn't find a ton of pairs I liked but I did add some to the wish list this time.  I also saw some photos on Instagram for the upcoming gx by Gwen Stefani line in the last week.  I was very impressed, and now am waiting patiently to start seeing some of those shoes materialize.  Hoping for September!

"Klendel" by Isabella Rue ($49.95 VIP members / $59.95 for non-VIPs)

Of all the shoes I looked at this morning, I think these would be my first purchase.  With the diamond pattern they're a perfect transition shoe, as well as they would look really good with colored tights underneath in the winter.  Of course, they're the pointed toe silhouette which I love, and they have a cap toe.  I do like the side cutouts and especially the shape of the adjustable ankle strap.  The buckle does look to be gold, but can be easily painted to silver.  These shoes are a single sole with about a 4" heel.  "Klendel" also comes in a very pretty gray, but personally I will stick with my signature black on this one.

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

I really don't need any more black booties, but I like these a lot.  Of course, the laces are what grabbed my attention, and the fact that they run up the side of the shoe rather than the front gives them an edge.  The grommets appear to be silver -a big plus.  These shoes are a back zip entry and look to be around a 4" heel.  "Kavia" also comes in a red-orange (not a pretty color) and a dark green.  I like the green but again I would definitely stick with black on these.

"Akiko" by gc by Gwen Stefani ($59.95 VIP members / $89.95 for non-VIPs)

There were a couple of Gwen's shoes that I added to my favorites, but this is the one I like the most.  It's another great transition bootie which comes in black (my favorite), olive green and bordeaux.  The side inset is elastic, so it's black on the olive green and bordeaux versions, and provides extra room for those with a bit thicker ankles.  I do like the contrast of textiles as well as the cords coming across the foot into a knot in the center.  This shoe is a back zip entry on an island platform, and look to be about a 4.25" heel.

"Monia" by Paper Fox ($39.95 VIP members / $49.95 for non-VIPs)

I know they're not heels, but they're well worth mentioning.  I am a sucker for quilting and combat boots, and I fell in love with these instantly.  I love how the laces tie around the top as well - and thankfully they have a side zip entry to keep them in place like that.  Definitely one I'd love to have for my more casual days.

New Shoe Review: JustFab's "Armey" and "Reeve"

When I got the mail one day last week I found a fall catalog that JustFab had sent me.  In it was a coupon code for 30% off my order (FALLFAB30, valid 8.11.14 thru 9.11.14) and I decided right then and there to cash it in on two pairs of shoes high up on my wish list - "Armey" and "Reeve", both shoes I talked about in July.  They're night and day as far as styles go (a combat styled knee boot and a tie front heeled sandal), but both are very welcome additions to my ever-growing closet.  Let's get right to them, shall we?

"Armey" by JustFab Luxe ($49.95 VIP members / $69.00 for non-VIPs)

When I do my errands I will choose a stylish yet comfortable pair of shoes to walk in so I can get them done as fast as possible.  These will be another one of my go-to pairs in that department.  They're true to size for a 6.5, even slightly big so if I wanted to wear thicker socks with them I can without feeling like my toes will be all scrunched up.  Of course, being a very low heel they're super easy to walk in.  For comfort they're just fine too although if I were to take a day trip to a museum or something, I would most likely throw in a pair of inserts.  The one thing I will mention about them is that they do have a tighter calf measurement - 14" circumference.  If you have larger calves, this one is not going to fit.  The lace up front is faux, so that's not going to give you any extra room in them either.  They're very well made and even well worth the $49.95 price tag, but more so when you get them for 30% off. =)

"Reeve" by JustFab ($39.95 VIP members / $49.00 for non-VIPs)

So let's start out with the fact that I LOVE these shoes even more so in person than I did on the website.  The style is so unique, and the curved shapes on these sandals exude sexiness with how well they flatter the foot.  They're also a mix of faux leather and faux snakeskin textiles which gives them an edge, and all the hardware is my beloved silver.  That said, my one slight gripe on these is the quality of the laces.  I wish they were a slightly better material than your standard shoelace but I can overlook that in the long run.  The other minor issue with the laces is that it is going to take you a bit of time to get them adjusted to your feet.  It took me about 5 minutes per sandal because of the way they are laced through the shoe.  However once you have done that, they are really easy to slip in and out of - just something to note when you receive them.  They do run about a half size small, so instead of my normal 6.5, I ended up with a 7 which fit perfectly.  For comfort they're average, and definitely a candidate for some inserts.  I also found them easy to walk in for the 4.25" heel height.

New Shoe Review: Paper Fox's "Trista" from ShoeDazzle

I was up at 2:30 this morning taking care of my new 6 week old kitten and his accident.  After cleaning up his carrier and him, I went back to bed and hopped on Facebook to pass the time since I was wide awake.  I found ShoeDazzle shared another one of my Instagram photos on their page!  It made the lack of sleep a helluva lot better.  It also reminded me that I had not posted my review of these shoes yet, so here it is!

"Trista" by Paper Fox ($45.95 VIP members / $54.95 for non-VIPs)
This pointed toe, single sole pump comes in both a black and a blue version.  I would wear either color, but I picked my signature black for this one.  It's more of a charcoal gray than black on the background, but the dots are black.  The print is on top of a reptilian texture that has an ombre effect to it, and the whole shoe is topped off with a glossy finish.  Each one of these details really makes this shoe that much more striking in person. 

I found them to be true to size for my 6.5 feet.  I don't have narrow feet and was pleasantly surprised at how well they fit for a pointed toe.  For comfort they're decent.  They could use some extra padding at the ball of the foot especially.  They're very easy to walk in for the heel height - 4.5" - and they have a non-skid sole.  I think they're really well made and look way more expensive than their price.  I would wear these shoes year round too.  I think that they easily can fit into all seasons with the right outfit.

New Month, New Shoes: August 2014

This is a first.  I have one shoe to talk about as far as August releases go for both ShoeDazzle and JustFab.  And to top that, the shoe is from JustFab, the site I seem to have less luck in finding new and unique additions for my closet.  ShoeDazzle disappointed the hell out of me this morning.  There wasn't anything I would remotely consider adding to my closet.  I found the shoes to be way too basic or way too over the top.  Here's to hoping for a great mid-month drop!

"Nyx" by JustFab ($39.95 VIP members / $49.00 for non-VIPs)

Although I have a plethora of black ankle boots in my closet already, I really would consider adding this to my collection because it has some unique elements to it.  First, I really like the laces on the front and how wide they stretch at the bottom.  I find myself loving the pointed toe and with it jutting out over an island platform it becomes even more edgy.  The ankle strap looks to be non-adjustable and has a silver pin push through hardware closure, but that gives it a clean and different look.  It's a side zip entry with a 5" heel and a 1" platform.  On top of all of that, I really love the name of these booties.  I've read quite a few of the books in the "House of Night" series and I feel that the character Nyx, the goddess of the vampyres, would wear these.  I certainly would too.

Simple Tweaks: How To Make Your Shoes (Specifically High Heels) More Comfortable

For all the pairs of high heels that I have I can say that most of them fit me just fine.  On the rare occasion that that they don't, I turn to my handy list of things to try to make my feet feel as comfortable as possible.  Love your shoes again with some of my tricks!


For strappy shoes and/or shoes that rub...
try Band Aid Friction Block Stick (around $5-8) during wear.  I keep one of these in my handbag at all times.  It really works but I have found that I need to apply it (you use it like a deodorant stick) often to the affected area if I am doing a lot of walking, like once every hour or two. It doesn't stain or make your feet feel slippery either.  Worth. Every. Penny!

For shoes that rub and/or slip off your heels...
try Dr. Scholl's Inserts - specifically the heel liners (around $5-8).  They come in clear gel and in patterns.  You remove the adhesive and stick them to the inside heel of your shoe.  I've used these on both heels and athletic shoes, and they've withstood it all.  I would caution to make sure you give some time between gluing them to your shoes and wearing them.  Wearing them too soon can cause the liners to slip out of place and force you to have to buy a new set.

For heels that don't have enough comfort...
try some of the other Dr. Scholl's inserts - ball of foot cushions (around $5-8), high heel insoles (around $9-$12) or hidden arch supports (around $5 - $8)  Depending on the style of the shoe, the padding that already exists, and how much I plan on being on my feet I will pick one of these inserts.  I find that I use the high heel insoles the most, and I don't usually have to use the adhesive on the back either to keep them in place.  Most of the time I can transfer them from shoe to shoe, so that saves me some money too.  The ball of foot and hidden arch supports I do usually have to glue into my shoes.  Again, make sure to wait in between gluing and wearing for best results.


For heels that are just a little too tight...
try the premium shoe stretcher made specifically for 3" - 6" heels from FootFitter ($28.95).  A regular shoe stretcher will not work well on a pair of heels because it needs that specific lifted foot shape to be able to get into the toe area properly.  Also, make sure that you are using a shoe stretcher, not a shoe tree.  A shoe tree is meant to preserve your shoes' shape, not stretch them.  I find myself keeping the stretcher in a shoe for a couple of days rather than overnight as instructed.  It seems to do a better job with more time, but even overnight you will have results.  Please note, these are sold as singles, not pairs, and in specific size ranges.  I have been able to get away with just having one but if you are in a crunch (no pun intended) you might want to invest in a pair instead.  Also note that synthetic shoes are harder to stretch.  I would give yourself extra time if the shoes you are stretching aren't leather.  Another alternative is to buy shoes a half size larger and use the heel liners as shown above.

Here are some other methods to stretch shoes.  They are cheap methods, but you get what you pay for.  Personally, I wouldn't recommend using any of these:

Ice your shoes overnight...
Fill a plastic bag with water, place it inside your shoe and put it in the freezer.  Unless you have plastic you can mold EXACTLY to the shoe and then fill with water, the only thing putting your shoes in the freezer is going to do is make them cold.  I've tried this a few times with different shoes and materials.  It has not worked once.

Wearing thick socks and applying heat...
While wearing thick socks, blast your shoes with a hairdryer for 20-30 second intervals.  This does work on leather shoes, but it has extreme potential to ruin them at the same time.  Without leather conditioner the heat will dry out your shoes and can lead to cracks, wrinkles and other unsightly markings.  I'd avoid this is possible.

Potato method...
Find a potato that fits snugly into the shoe, peel it then push it into the shoe and leave overnight.  If your shoes are fabric, consider them ruined with the potato's natural juices.  Leather could also have potential staining.  I haven't tried this but I don't see this working without issues, so again I wouldn't recommend it.

New Shoe Review: Iron Fist's Mermaid Print "Lollipop Lorelei Heel (Light Blue)"

So back in March I became smitten with the Lollipop Lorelei wedge heel from Iron Fist.  I must not be the only one because you can now get this pattern in either pink or blue on a variety of shoes -  flip flops, flats, pumps, platform heels and a wedge as can be seen in the photo below.  I was planning on getting the wedges for myself until I saw the pattern in my favorite silhouette - the single sole pointed toe - and in blue instead of pink.  I changed my mind instantly, and saved myself a few bucks since I was able to get them on sale.  I have yet to see the wedge go on sale, but if it does I will think about adding those too.  The mermaids and bubbles are just too cute!

"Lollipop Lorelei Heel - Light Blue" by Iron Fist
Ironfist.com - $30.00
Modcloth.com - $44.99
Heels.com - $49.99
Reading other people's reviews of this shoe made me a little nervous on the sizing.  Normally I'm a 6 in Iron Fist shoes (6.5 in other brands, I always size down in IF because it is whole sizes only), and comments were saying it was running narrow.  I would have to disagree on that.  My feet aren't narrow, but if you have wider foot or just larger feet for your size in general, this style is going to pinch.  If you go up a size, you're going to have many other fit issues.  As for comfort, they really could use help especially at the ball of the foot.  Even in walking around my house on carpet my feet ached a tad.  I did find them very easy to walk in for the heel height and the bottom is non-skid as well.  I also find the shoes to be well made.

All that said, I do have a gripe about Iron Fist shoes in general.  They come with a warning on the box:

Certain states require us to provide consumers special warning for certain products if those products expose consumers to chemicals above the threshold levels.  We care about our customers' safety and hope that the information below helps with your buying decisions. 

FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS:
WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm.  Do not mouth or chew.
FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS:
WARNING: May contain lead.  May be harmful if eaten or chewed.

Now I don't know about you, but I certainly would be more than willing to pay a few extra bucks for the shoes if they'd up their standards and get rid of these chemicals in question.  I already keep all of my shoes in their original boxes and far out of reach of my furbabies.  The last thing I'd want is to harm someone or something with shoes that I own, let alone what possible issues they could cause for myself.  So come on, Iron Fist.  I downright love your shoes but I am going to have to stop supporting your company if you continue to use these chemicals.  I hope that I am not the only one that will do this.  We all deserve wicked cool AND safe shoes!