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!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Christian Siriano Fall 2010

There was quite a huge crowd for the Christian Siriano Fall 2010 show but luckily I was able to snag an aisle seat and grab some shots of the show. Overall I felt a very late 1930s - early 1940s evening wear feel about the pieces with soft drapey, flowy gowns, large ruffles and languid bows which were combined with strong and sometimes excessive shoes.



Per the information provided, Christian was "inspired by 1960s Parisian women who dressed up every day." The shoes were inspired by 18th and 19th century French antique furniture with filigree detailing and clawfoot lion's paw foot tubs.

The ruffles were a very strong theme from the dresses down to the Cabriole evening shoe shown in black and royal blue satin.

I found the severe Gladiator boot to be a challenging pairing with the flowy dresses but they could be an interesting work boot.

The shoe styles had very modern shapes, especially this Cloven boot, with wedge heels. Surprising with the My Man Godfrey style dresses.

I will be interested to see how these metallic embellishments are translated, if at all, to the real world Payless stores. The materials used in this collection - gold and silver filigree, patent croc in wine and charcoal and brown and black patent python - can be go really wrong when less expensive materials are used. And we have seen how the Spring runway designs were toned down for the stores from this:

to this:

There has been a statement that a limited edition "direct-from-the-runway" capsule collection will be available in select store in early March. I think it would be great if they do bring the full runway style to consumers.

See more images on my Flickr

Runway images on Style.com

Updates on Payless on the Runway

Sheath Your Talons - Toned Down Siriano for Payless

We've all seen how many of the designer/mass-market collaborations get toned down to appeal to the, well, mass markets. But I think this goes against the whole strategy at the collaboration's core.

Why should Payless even bother to work with and support a designer like Siriano who can help them tap into a new fashion-forward audience with the pieces he shows on the runway...



... and then water them down to the point that they bear no resemblance or retain any of their interest or appeal.

I don't normally shop in Payless because the style isn't usually there. But I have bought four pairs of their Lela Rose line and like them very much.

I know Christian's style is more extreme but they could retain something from the runway.

If they aren't going to commit to the styles then just don't bother!