Push It Payless

Each Fall I get a little bit jazzed about the runways shoes by the Payless-affiliated designers like Lela Rose and Christian Siriano.  Not only do I like their clothing styles but they always show some lovely shoes.

This year was no different.  I pinned a few lovely pairs to my Fall 2012 board in hopes they would make it to reality...

But, sadly again, the reality is not as edgy as the originals.

While these pumps are nice enough, and close to those shown above, they are missing the sheen and the height.  Can't girls on budget have cute shoes too???  And these aren't even that "cheap" at $55!

Maybe more are on the way... right? Well, yes, the whole collection should be out in September. So I'm reserving full judgement until then.

The only collaboration that seems to really be consistently keeping up in the design arena is the Isabel Toledo collection.  I like her edgy style, especially these Fluevog-esque mary janes.

Two-tone, patent, fun heel.  These are heels I'd be happy to pick up from Payless, even for $55!

Payless, if you want to up your price range, you need to up your design bravery.

Payless is ready for Spring

It's been a while since I've checked up on what Payless has going with their designer collections.

It seems they are still going strong with their design.  I've picked out three favorites from each collection.

I love the modern style of these Isabel Toledo Marina flats.  The aqua color is going to be strong for spring and these will work with tailored outfit, jeans and even into the Fall with tights.

Christian Siriano's strappy Rosa heels can't get any sexier.  Lacing, hot hot red and a curvy leopard print.  They may be a bit high for it but sultry dancing is almost required.

But I think my favorites are the print wedge Mapleton sandals from Lela Rose.  They just look so airy and fresh.  Summer stripes with a bold print and a pop of coral?  These are the ones I plan on buying to wear with a swingy white skirt.

There are tons of other styles too.  Thank goodness for their BOGO!

Spring Kicks

Although you may not think so, I'm kind of a fan of Payless.  They're doing well (pretty well) with their designer collaborations and have some cute shoes.  If you're looking for some fun flats for spring and summer, these are cute and affordable options.

I really think these Lela Rose Carolina black flats ($35) are interesting. They're not totally peep-toe so they'd still work in the office but aren't plain jane.

Also by Lela Rose are these Miraflores flats ($35) that are really neat with their mixed materials. I especially like the knot detail on the toe and they'd be great to ground a sundress or with a denim skirt/shorts.

I adore gingham, especially in the summer. It just says sunny skies to me.  These American Eagle Audrey knot ballet flats are so sweet ($17, in multiple fabrics).

I love that Isabel Toledo is back.  I've been wearing my oxfords and flats all winter and I think these urban Mesh flats ($35) would be great walking around or biking around the city shoes.

And the Champion Gem skimmers ($28) just say "yoga shoe", which to me equals comfort.  They come in black as well and the toe band is adjustable. I like to wear shoes like these to walk around our favorite near-by destination, the mountain town of Asheville, because they are soft and light on my feet.  Perfect for shopping on a relaxing weekend.

I still love my heels, I promise, but with all the cute flats out now, it's hard not to get get my eye redirected.

3 Second Fashion Show - 9-23-2010

Finally time for another 3 Second Fashion Show.  I have been remiss, I know. But really it was because I was afraid of all of the bugs!  I got mauled this summer and I can't stand going out for even 3 seconds!

Lots of black in today's outfit but there are glints here and there.  The lace cardigan is from the Benhaz Sarafpour for Target and the skirt is Target as well.  The tights are from Kushyfoot and the shoes are the Isabel Toledo for Payless oxfords.

I actually had someone tell me the shoes are cute and ugly at the same time.   What do you think???  I don't have a lot of yellow so I liked having a bit of brightness from the sole.  I wanted to pair them with black today but how fun will these be with bright solid tights? I think I have a pair in that same bright yellow color. 

Those will be next!

Featured Shoe: Isabel Toledo Pom Pom flat

I like to get inexpensive flats for keeping in my office or for walking around city streets when know they might get a bit beat up. But I also want them to be classic and cute, because I know I may need to grab them in a hurry and pair them up with a random outfit.

I usually prefer a metallic color or black and these pom pom flats from the Isabel Toledo for Payless collection fit the bill perfectly.

Cute. Simple. Fun. And only $35! Grab them while you can.

UPDATE - Fashion's Night Out Events with Payless.

Payless will be having a big Fashion’s Night Out event in NYC.  You can hop on board one of Payless’ Fashion Rides – free grey line double decker buses – and head to the Lexington Avenue store (between 57th and 58th streets) on Friday, September 10 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm with all four Payless Guest Designers: Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Patricia Field and Isabel Toledo on hand, who will be available for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity

WHERE: Payless ShoeSource, 716 Lexington Ave. at 58th Street

Payless is also selling an exclusive limited-edition Fashion's Night Out Totes for $10 in more than 40 stores throughout the city, while supplies last, beginning Sept. 10 with $5 per tote sold donated to the NYC AIDS Fund.

A limited quantity of totes pre-signed by all four Payless Guest Designers will also be available at the Lexington store only Sept. 10 beginning at 7 p.m.

Reaching the Masses

I am generally a fan of designer collaboration. I think that good design should be available at all price points and this absolutely is possible. That's why you will find shoes all along the price spectrum in my closet. If I like it, I don't care about it's pedigree.

So I was excited for the upcoming collaboration between Isabel Toledo and Payless. Payless has been doing a much better job than even Target with bringing better designs down to a lower price while still looking cute. And these sketches released earlier this year pointed to a cute pairing. Quirky, fun and playful shoes that would add a punch of color to Fall outfits.

I love the idea of wearing these chunky cut-out oxfords with charcoal tights and running all over the city. And the heeled version, below, with the colorful soles are equally cute.

But part of the appeal is that these were going available to everyone (at least via online). While the pricepoint of just under $40 is higher than the usual Payless shoe, it's not that far. And these are more unique than I'm seeing in Nine West or the like.

But here is the problem.... they are only doing the red, white and blue (the best options in my mind) through Colette... France.

Now, I love Colette. They have some of the best buyers and always carry enviable, covetable items. And they have items all along the price range. But why do this?

Okay, I can guess - while from a marketing perspective it's great for the designer to say they are excited to reach out to a whole new group of shoppers but it's another to actually align yourself with Payless, a store that's changing it's image but is known for inexpensive goods. So you put one token pair in Payless, probably mainly online with a few select stores getting them in stock, and then you sell the rest at Colette, a much more chic storefront.... and clientele.

So I'm torn. I like the red sole option below and from what I see of these I'll probably like the red oxfords. But will I be able to get them? If shipping from France is around $15-$20 or more that jumps the price to around $60. Not sure it's worth it.

What do you think? Of course, the full line of bags and shoes are yet to be revealed. I'll be curious to see how this line is distributed. Are we worthy enough to get them here in the US or not?