New Shoe Review: ShoeDazzle's "Margee"

I've got a few more recent shoe additions to review on my to-do list, but I had to skip that list and go straight to number one when today's review subject arrived.  I have the somewhat similar Bethylin striped wedges that ShoeDazzle offered last summer.  They are a natural and black striped and textured fabric, and I painted the red strip on the bottom sole purple to match my wardrobe better.  They're a nice shoe, but I find that I have not worn them much in the year that I've owned them, mostly because I would rather the natural color be a stark white.  "Margee" looks to be a different story, especially because this girl 1) doesn't like wedges and 2) these could easily become one of my favorite pairs of shoes.  Onto the review!

"Margee" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.95 for non-VIPs)
"Margee" was the one must-have-immediately shoe on the wish list when the June mid-month drop hit.  I was overly excited when the box from ShoeDazzle was delivered Tuesday, and I could not wait to try them on.  My first impression is that they are incredibly comfortable!  They are well padded soles as well as the textile that the vamp area of the upper is made of is all fabric, very pleasing to the toes! The ankle area straps are vinyl backed but still quite comfortable.  I did have a bit of an issue at first with the buckles being a little stubborn, but once I took them off and put them back on again that issue disappeared.  Next I walked around outside in them before settling down poolside for a Instagram photo shoot.  They are a high heel (5.75" heel with a 1.5" platform) but because I'm way more used to stilettos at that height than wedges, they did take a little bit of getting used to.  By the time I completed my short walk I was a downright pro.  The quality is there for the most part.  The stripes on the heels are decently lined up to match on both shoes, but this is probably a coincidence more than quality control as I've learned in the 4+ years I've been with ShoeDazzle.  If that possibility of not matching is something that might bother you, you might want to order two pairs to mix and match, then send the remaining two that don't match as well back.  I did notice that the stitching on one of the ankle straps wasn't as straight as it could be, but that's not something anyone but I would notice while wearing - still a red mark in quality though.  Did I mention that they were true to size for my 6.5 feet?  They're also pretty lightweight for a wedge shoe which is really nice.  I love the Burtonesque black and white stripes, and these fit into my wardrobe so well.  If this color combination is not your cup of tea, they also come in a red and white striped version.  Great offering, ShoeDazzle!

New Shoe Review: "Eloy 2" by Guess

When you purchase shoes from heels.com, you accumulate points for every purchase in their Customer Loyalty Points Program.  They give you 1 point per dollar spent.   Then for every 15 points you have earned, you get $1 credit.  The best part is that the credit does not have an expiration date.  For someone like me who purchases from them sporadically, that is a great feature of their program.

I decided it was time to finally cash in my loyalty points from when I saw the black and white striped "Eloy 2" by Guess.  Although only $59.99, having built up nearly $20 in credit made the shoe even more appealing.  The pointed toe, single soled silhouette is my favorite among shoes so I knew I couldn't go wrong with adding this stunning pump to my closet.

I can never get enough of black and white stripes, and these stripes are part of a beautiful satin fabric on the upper.  I don't think I'd try to Scotchgard them, but I will definitely make sure to wear them when rain is not in the forecast.  The sole is black throughout and treaded on the bottom.  It is also man made, making these a vegan friendly shoe.  The stripes are even in width (not pinstriped) but being on the thinner side this shoe can work with more items from my wardrobe.  "Eloy 2" is a very comfortable shoe and easy to walk in with a heel height of 3.75", lower than my normal average heel height.   The pointed toe sometimes makes me size up a half size, but that did not happen with these shoes;  I stayed true to my 6.5.  The quality is wonderful on these.  The stripes are lined up in the back of the shoe where the heel seam is, something I am very particular about.  Overall, I am very happy these are mine.  Now I just have to find the perfect occasion to wear them!

New Year, New Month, New Shoes! - January 2014

I look forward to the first of every month because that is the day I get to see all the new shoes at the two shoe clubs I am a member of - ShoeDazzle and JustFab.  I think they're both great companies, but in the last year JustFab hasn't been as good as it was in the past for me.  Their shoe styles seems to have gone more average (shoe styles you'd find at Target) and the quality seems to have suffered a bit as well.  Also in the past year - and maybe Rachel Zoe's arrival helped it become this - ShoeDazzle has soared to new heights for me.  Their shoes are unique and edgy and cool, three things I look for before adding a pair to my wardrobe.  I don't have any shoes from JustFab to share with you this month.  Maybe they'll surprise me with something that is more my style next month.  Until then...

My top 3 choices from ShoeDazzle are Tanika, Telisa, and Nafessa, all shown below.

Tanika by Beau+Ashe ($45.95 VIP members / $49.95 for non-VIPs)

This shoe remind me of the union jack and mid century modern art at the same time.  I love the cut outs and ankle strap, and the PVC gives it an edge.  My word of warning is in the pin closures for the ankle strap.  If it's not flush to the foot, it might not look so good and might cause issues while walking because the shoe might flop around.  I'll at least try these with my next order because it they are quite the unique addition to my wardrobe.  If it doesn't work, ShoeDazzle does free returns.

Telisa by Beau+Ashe ($49.95 VIP members / $54.95 for non-VIPs)

I adore anything black and white striped, and this certainly fits that bill.  The black "stripes" are also of contrasting matte and patent textiles, a detail which I really like.  My only concern is the ankle strap because it's not adjustable.  If you have larger ankles, this might be a shoe to avoid.

Nafessa by Scene ($39.95 VIP members / $49.95 non-VIPs)

This shoecomes in a black and white version as well.  Purple is my favourite colour, so therefore I'd have to pick the purple; it's not often you find purple shoes, let alone a pleasing snakeskin print!  Both the back/heel and the front tie are in the snakeskin - fabulous detail!  I also love a caged style that this is.  It's a great transition shoe from winter to spring.  Come on warmer weather!

Not sure if you want to join a shoe club?  In the next few weeks I will go through the pros and cons of joining one, so make sure to check back for more information.

Happy new year, and happy shopping!