This weekend only, you can save up to 65% off all shoes by Franco Sarto on the 6pm.com website. I nearly fell off my chair, because my current favorite pair of shoes right now (the ones so posh and comfortable my friends are sick of seeing them) are of course Franco Sarto, and I have been promising myself to find and purchase another such pair. Now is the perfect time! From loafers to boots, there are so many hot styles I would give my eyeteeth for that it's actually painful to choose a Style Bard fave, but I guess it would have to be these--aptly named 'Cherish.' This military-style patent slingback flat and all other Franco Sarto shoes are all now only $39.95. Styles and sizes are expected to soar off the shelves, so act now if you want a great pair of designer shoes on the cheap.
Want to shop Hot Topic styles without battling your way past tweenyboppers and fankids (or being seen in the store?)(I jest)(sort of)? Well you can order your favorite alternative shoe styles right online, and have them shipped to you for free for a limited time when you use code HTFRSHP100 at checkout. There is a $100 minimum, so if your new shoes don't quite meet it, you might want to throw in your favorite band shirt (or, sigh, Twilight New Moon merchandise) to qualify. Style Bard faves are these 'Blue Sailor' heels because she actually knows a girl who has them and rocks them out. She's worn them with a few different low-key outfits and always looks tremendously cute (not kitschy), to the point where SB and her Lil Sis have started looking at more outlandish shoes because this mutual friend has set the standard for making them work. High heels, wedges, sandals, boots and sneakers are also available for men and women at Hot Topic.
It's not too late to get your Steve Madden shoes shipped to you absolutely free. Just shop the Steve Madden website and use code CJFREESHIP when it's time to check out; all shipping costs will become nullified. Style Bard faves are these exceptionally hot 'Persis' bootie-pumps, currently on pre-order. I am absolutely in love with them, and I'm already thinking about the ways to wear them as the weather cools off, with tights or toe rings or who knows what! If you're also smitten, you can put in the order now--while the sale applies--and start saving up; Steve Madden won't charge your card until the items are shipped (for free). These are currently slotted for the end of August.
Now you can shop comfy, snug, Ugg-like boots at Lugz--and save money doing it. These new arrivals to the Lugz line are suede-lined, herringbone-soled, sheepskin-lined boots that already cost way less than their name-brand competitors. But you can save even more; here's the deal: you can save $5 off any purchase with code 5oFF. You can save $10 on a $40 min. purchase with code 10oFF. You can save $15 dollars off $75 with code 15SAVE. Or you can save $25 off $100 with 25SAVE. Got all that? Pretty much, no matter what you do, you're going to save money if you go ahead and grab yourself a pair of "Hi" (mid-calf) or "Lo" (ankle-high) boots from Lugz before Winter, when prices will undoubtedly be back to normal. Then the emails start pouring in, and everyone wants to know where they can shop to save money on warm, weatherproof boots and I'm just going to have to tell you one of the time-honored truths of retail saving: you've gotta shop off-season. It'll sting at the time, but we can avoid all of that hurt if you just accept it now and start thinking if you want 'em in Brown, Tan or Black.
Out of the blue, an easy way to save $5. Just pick up a pair of shoes from Shoebuy--any shoes, your favorite shoes--and you'll see $5 removed from the price when you go to check out. It's just a short end-of-season sale, and it will only last a few days, so take advantage while the getting is good. Style Bard faves are these 'Oncue' sandals in Yellow Croc by Circa Joan and David--from experience, the brand is super-comfortable and typically timeless, although I do like that the bright color of these shoes take you out on a limb. You know how people refer to $.25 as a gumball (it used to be called a phone call, back in the day)? Well I call $5 a cup of coffee (or a cup of Jamba Juice, depending on my mood). When I think in terms of getting a free Venti Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks, it somehow makes it even more enticing to save. Although I guess these days I should start to think of it in terms of a round-trip on the subway, instead. What does an extra $5 mean to your life?
Previously, when you spent $50 at PacSun, you could earn $20 toward your next PacSun purchase. Now, for a limited time, when you place any order at Pacific Sunwear--without limit--you can still redeem a $20 credit toward your next order. That even goes for these new Fox 'Body Rock' flats in Black or Red, the only pair of non-sandals available at PacSun--aren't they super cute? This deal can be combined with Free Shipping on all orders over $75, but if your order doesn't meet that quota, you only have to pay a $5 flat rate, no matter how large or heavy your order is.
Saturday Note from Style Bard Heading into New Paltz for Sunday-Monday. Have you ever been? It will be nice to leave the city for a few days. Posts will go up on schedule, but comment moderation and email replies will be slow to nil. PS: The shoes from Steve Madden are being returned. More on that later this week. ~SB
In lieu of a *Deal of the Week* this Friday, I wanted to put in my two cents about the recent Amazon acquisition of Zappos, which was formally announced on July 22, 2009, and is expected to finalize by the end of this year.
Naturally, I am a huge fan of Zappos.com and my first fear (like everyone else's) was that this sale/merger would compromise the high level of quality that has been synonymous with the Zappos brand since day one (and believe me, the Style Bard has had an eye on this site since well before it was the household name it is today).
This "quality" I mention was showcased primarily in two ways: 1) customer service and 2) relateability.
In the first case, Zappos demonstrates a dedication to customer service by not only understanding what the online consumer wants--fast shipping, an easily navigable website, lots of choices--but also via sales support, in the form of a friendly and knowledgeable staff who answers calls and replies to web inquiries in a respectful, timely and helpful way. After sales support is also evident (your access doesn't disappear once your credit card is approved)--in fact, it's just as easy to return shoes to Zappos as it was to buy them (free, and typically overnight), which makes overall interaction with the e-tail site much more appealing.
In the second case, Zappos demonstrates its brand as a unique entity by creating a voice and culture that goes above and beyond a cute name and clever marketing. A stellar example is the Zappos blog, which is always a fun read, full of insider tidbits and eclectic extras. The team at Zappos seems convivial and quirky--highly relateable, like friends you just haven't met yet. (Personally, the blogs always made me secretly yearn to work for Zappos in some capacity, even though they are based in Nevada, a long commute from New York City.) Effectively, Zappos comes across a genuine and humane brand, rather than a well-oiled corporate machine offering first-rate service simply because it seems competitive and profitable to do so.
These two prominent brand features went a long way in establishing Zappos as a lead retailer online--of shoes, then handbags, then apparel and now highly diversified subsets including ski and skate equipment.
Now Amazon is taking control of 100% of shares in the company, so what happens to these Zappos hallmarks? Well, in a letter to his employees, CEO Tony Hsieh says:
We realized that Amazon's resources, technology, and operational experience had the potential to greatly accelerate our growth so that we could grow the Zappos brand and culture even faster. On the flip side, through the process Amazon realized that it really was the case that our culture is the platform that enables us to deliver the Zappos experience to our customers. Jeff Bezos (CEO of Amazon) made it clear that he had a great deal of respect for our culture and that Amazon would look to protect it.
Affiliates of Zappos (including the Style Bard) received this letter as part of an overall announcement about the merger. It was mostly short and informative--("Our brand will continue to be separate from the Amazon brand and we plan to continue to run Zappos as an independent entity.")--but the inclusion of the CEO letter was undoubtedly meant to reassure; and it works. The letter conveys a sense of at-ease confidence; familiar and exhaustive, transparent and jocular.
Upon reading it, I do believe that Zappos intends to preserve its culture. Preemptive to loyalist complaints, this seems to be the very heart of the CEO letter (a focal point that is driven home so hard that the word "culture" is repeated 21 times throughout). But then, fellow shoe-blogger Manolo says it best in his reactive post:
Of the course, Jeff Bezos is claiming Amazon intends to maintain the Zappos culture intact. [...] Okay, but please allow the Manolo to take the wait and see attitude.
Yes, I think everyone has a right to remain skeptical--customers and affiliates alike. Hopefully, our doubt and renewed interest in the future of Zappos will only further encourage them to demonstrate (if not build upon) the brand's recognized devotion to quality and service in coming months.
Ultimately, I have to think that because it behooves Zappos as a company to maintain their sense of self--their "culture"--for the gratification of their public (regardless of whatever changes and turnovers occur behind closed doors), there is every reason to believe (fingers crossed) that Zappos will remain Zappos, and loyal customers--such as Style Bard Shoes readers--will encounter the same personality and ease of shopping to which they are accustomed.
Furthermore, now that the internet has exploded with comparison of Zappos' ideal customer service standards to Amazon's (which have been called, to quote Manolo again, "Meh") we might even be so optimistic as to think Amazon might reconsider how they're currently running their own retail programs. Perhaps we will witness some in-house improvements, geared to meet the precedent set by Zappos? Maybe this will even spark a 'net-wide trend, evincing the value of dedicated customer service? Committed online shoppers (such as myself) can only hope.
Learn more from the lips of Jeff Bezos, Amazon CEO:
Leave a comment and let me know what you think: is this the beginning of a beautiful partnership, or the end of an era?
For a limited time you can use code AFREEUSA to get Free Shipping on your entire order from DesignerShoes. DesignerShoes is known for two things: selling dressy shoes (you've unwittingly encountered them on thousands of prom-goers, brides and wedding attendants) and for selling a wide range of wide and plus-size shoes (up to size 13). If you need dress shoes for any occasion--including satin dyeable shoes for poor bridesmaids doomed to some incomprehensible shade of Teal--then DesignerShoes is for you. Style Bard faves are these elegant 'Sharmain' pumps from Touch-Ups. The best part about them (other than their subtle sophistication and the fact that they come in a handful of different colors) is that they have a heel of less than 3" which will make it much easier to tolerate a banquet that lasts long into the wee evening hours and may even require dancing. No need to kick off your shoes under the table--just keep an even keel in low-heeled, sensible shoes. There is such a thing as a practical dress shoe, see?
It couldn't be helped. I've been trying and trying to hold it off, but it simply wasn't possible. The retailers have decided that it is back-to-school time, so I must begin passing on to you back-to-school savings...even though as you're sitting under the shade of a tree the park, eating an ice cream cone and watching the kids run around half-dressed and carefree, the school bells and homework of September are the last thing on your mind. At least, if you must tolerate the thought of back-to-school shopping in the midst of July, you can know that you'll save money if you choose to get a head start. For example, if you want to pick up some kicks for your kids at Adidas, you can save 20% with code SPORT101 or SAVINGS101 for a limited time. Not only can you take 20% off, you'll also receive a $5 credit toward shipping (which makes the shipping free). See, now *I* think it's crazy because with kids, their feet could just as easily grow half a size by the time school starts, and then you're certainly SOL. As if what you need to do is fill out return slips and ship shoes back to shoe depots while you're trying to figure out which bus to put the kid on in the morning, and if they'll need colored pencils (again) this year. But if you think that getting back-to-school shoe shopping out of the way might help you enjoy the rest of Summer a little more freely, then go for it. I like the looks of these 'Attitude Lo' sneakers, myself (available in kids' sizes 1-10). Don't forget to use your savings code!
Today only, you can buy trendy Steve Madden shoes in a variety of styles--from wedges to sandals to boots--for only $19.95. This means that shoes are as much as 80%off their original price, and sizes are flying off the shelves. You can get a great steal if you shop fast, before someone else grabs your faves and before prices return to normal first thing tomorrow morning. Style Bard faves are these 'Kodetwo' flats in Gold--and guess what? She already bought them (snagged the last pair in my size!) and they're on their way to her home (errr, office) right now. So excited!They were originally $79.95, but I got them for 79% off at just $19.95. If you love 'em too, they also come in Black, Silver, White and Red.
Browsing the list, I almost couldn't believe I could possibly rank amongst some of my favorite fashion blogs, like daily reads GoFugYourself and Manolo's Shoe Blog.
Congrats to all of my fashion blogging friends who made the list! And thank you to my readers for visiting my pages; I mean, I talk to myself about shoes all the time ("But do I need another pair of silver buckle shoes?" "Will these make my other booties jealous?" "Ooooh, buy those, buy those!") but it's just not the same without y'all putting your two cents in, too. You guys are the difference between calling myself a fashion blogger and becoming the crazy lady with too many shoes--so though I don't say it enough, thank you so much!
Through the end of the month you can get your new Old Navy shoes shipped for free! The only qualification is that your total order amounts to at least $75, and you enter code FREE75 when you go to check out. Considering how affordable Old Navy shoes are, you should be able to get a cute little outfit . Don't forget some kind of cover-up; it's that time of year when the night starts getting chilly, seemingly out of nowhere, even though it finally started to feel like Summer. Such is life. Good thing Old Navy had some super cute cover-ups and cardigans on sale now (I know, I was just there a few days ago myself). Anyway, the perfect shoes to transition from flirty, sunny Summer days to the creeping chill of Fall are these 'Faux-Leather Peep-Toe' flats. Though I'd go for the Purple option (of course), they also come in Black, Gray, Black Snake and Brown Snake. And they're now on sale for only $15, so grab 'em while they last.
Once upon a time--a time of more leisure and accessibility--Style Bard used to visit every Nordstrom Semi-Annual Sale and Nordstrom Anniversary Sale during the day, when everyone was at work, and she would spend lengthy time poring over the shoe sale and mentally tabbing what she'd like to buy and how much she would save. Good times. Well, though those days are long in the past, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still a favorite event of mine, and I am happy to let you know it's going on now. You can save mega bucks on designer name shoes such as Stuart Weitzman, Franco Sarto, Via Spiga, Enzo Angiolini, Donald J. Pliner and BP (the Nordstrom house brand, a fave of mine). Here are three helpful hints: go on a weekday, get there early, and be prepared to throw elbows. For real! Women can get nasty over sales this good. Style Bard might resort to some violence to get her hands on these 'Angie' slouched boots by Jessica Simpson, only $99.90 for a very limited time--and delightfully Purple!
Saturday Note from Style Bard Today I stood on my feet for hours and walked around NYC a bit, and my feet didn't hurt. Am I evolving? Don't worry; I'm not taking the back-up bandaids out of the purse just yet. Ah, city life. ~SB
Style Bard is always pleased to be able to offer readers an exclusive savings code as a thank-you for your support. This week, Moxsie.com has prepared a special code just for you--use STYLEBARD when you check out to save 10% off your next order. But what is Moxsie? Much like the renowned Etsy, Moxsie is a site that brings together independent designers and lets them show their wares on a larger community scale. They're just getting started, so you can watch them grow from the ground up by checking out the site now. Moxsie has just added a Jewelry shop and a Sneakers shop to its bounty. You can support unique men's and women's shoe brands like Greedy Geniuses, Generic Surplus or United Kranes--or check out Style Bard's fave, Sneaky Steves. (Sneaky--get it??) After all, where else are you going to fine the perfect day-glo Orange kicks to pull off that 80s look you've been dying to emulate? As the website says, they're designed to help you stand out from the pack. If nothing else, they're my favorites because it's just fun to type 'Moxsie Sneaky Steve Dicky Day Orange' which is what this JPEG is filed under. It's like these words make absolutely no sense! How fun; try it!
Piperlime has snuck in another fabulous one-day sale...just in time for a two-for Thursday! So though you've already got ASICS sneakers at Endless to shop today, now you can also choose from Piperlime's a wide assortment of regular-price sneaks for recreation or hard-core athletics, all 20% off for the rest of the day. Fantastic sale day, if you're in the market for sneakers. In an alternate reality in which I shop for sneakers ever, Style Bard faves would be these classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star X-Hi in Black. Check out the sale before it hits Midnight and prices return to normal, as if it were all a dream...
If you're looking for a dependable pair of workout sneakers, you'll be pleased to know that Endless.com--home to free overnight shipping and free returns--just added ASICS to its list of shoe brands. Now, we all know I'm not a fan of sneakers, but if I were forced to buy a pair I'd favor these ASICS 'Gel-FX 2 Women's Training Shoes' in Silver with Purple accents. What about that free gift? All you have to do is spend $80 and you'll immediately receive $10 of credit toward Amazon.com MP3s. I think it's a great pair, since you'll need some upbeat jams for your new treadmill routine, right? Nothing says getting in shape like a great pair of new shoes and an awesome playlist to put you in the mood. The shoes shown above are just the right price to qualify you for your new tunes.
It's time for the Summer Sandal Clearance at Payless! If you're like me, you're thinking, gee, is summer over already? Worry not, I believe we've still got a handful or so of balmy, beachy days ahead. But I guess Payless is getting a jump-start by clearing out some summer shoes to make way for incoming fall supplies. That's all right, it just means sooner savings for us--while there's still time to enjoy the sandals we buy! Score. Here's the deal: most sandals are less than $10. Canvas sandals start at $9.99, fashion sandals start at $7.99 and beach sandals start as low as $4.99. Can't beat those prices! Style Bard faves are these Montego Bay Club 'Patty' metallic sandals. They're available in three colors, which range from $10.99-$14.99. Right now the Blue are catching my fancy, but if you're a fan of fuchsia, you've gotta see these shiny sandals in Pink!
Always $5.95 Flat Rate Shipping; Free Shipping to Stores
For a limited time, you can receive Free Shipping on your order from Robeez, the renowned provider of safe and supportive baby's shoes. All you need to do is buy two pairs of baby shoes at once, and your order will automatically qualify. Robeez shoes suit infants from birth to four years old, and there's even assistance on the site to help you figure out what size and type of shoe is best for your child. Personally, I just think they're cute as all get-out. They come with the most adorable designs, such as trucks, kittens, giraffes, turtles, lions and butterflies. These 'Daisy' shoes for girls are now on sale for only $15.99! Whether you're expecting your first or adding another beloved bundle to a growing family, Robeez will make life with an infant just a little easier by taking care of their teeny feet. Easy to slip-on, yet with non-slip soles, these are the perfect way to keep tiny toes protected and cozy.
Two weeks ago I showed readers some of the hottest Cloudwalker shoe styles from Avenue.com, and asked you to guess which ones I would choose as the Style Bard faves.
It was #3, the Fiona! I favor these shoes because they're perfect summer after summer for every casual outfit that needs that extra touch of height (without being too high). I also like that there are four great colors to choose from, to go with any outfit. Actually, I'd say the biggest hint was in the color choice shown--the faux-croc finish is very trendy right now, and long-time SB fans will know that I love a good pink, green or purple shoe.
But which contender was randomly drawn to receive their favorite pair of sandals from Avenue?
Congratulations, P.! You're the winner of free shoes from Avenue. I'll be in touch with you soon via e-mail so that you can tell me which pair of Cloudwalkers shoes are your faves--and have them sent to you for free.
For a limited time, you can have your whole order at Skechers.com shipped to you for free just by signing up for their mailing list. Well, Skechers calls it 'VIP Club Membership' but since that makes me think of joining a club or paying dues or opening a credit card account (none of which are involved), let's just call it a mailing list. Fill out a very basic form with your email address, and you'll receive updates about Skechers sales and events--plus, your shipping will always be free--a savings of approximately $8.50 per order! As an added bonus, Skechers VIP Club Members don't have to pay sales tax on their online purchase (unless you're a CA resident). Though we all know I'm not a big fan of "practical shoes," I'd say this deal is worth heading to the site to sign up! (PS--the style featured is called 'Skechers Sassies-Endless' in the color of Luggage. They are generously described as a 'dress wedge' but I think they'd be best for a casual summer outing, like a day on the waterfront. Plus, they seem supremely comfortable.)
We all know that 90% of this blog is an excuse for me to talk about what kind of shoes I love. That's why everyone knows that I'm obsessed with: 1) boots; 2) architechtural heels; 3) shoes with zippers; 4) green shoes.
But there's another side to that coin: dislike. As it's oft mentioned, I happen to hate sneakers. I also hate Crocs and Uggs. (And I mean this in a general sense, not when these shoes are needed for practicality, like hiking, gardening or trekking through the snow.) Here's another one for that list--and this may be the shoe that I hate most of all--fringe. I hatehatehatehateHATE fringe shoes. Behold the fringe mania of my discontent:
This trend hit the mainstream last year on winter boots before creeping up on summer shoes. But though these warm-weather variants call back to the very debut of the fringe trend, tell me: how absolutely fugly are these booties? I know I can't change your mind if you're a fringephile, since my very own best girlfriend insists on wearing her fringe-bedecked footwear out even to bars where we hope to meet men. But I beseech you, dear reader, not to wear anything with fringe, star-print cutouts and gives the illusion of cankles. I beg!
Why did someone have to staple that ugly swatch of fringe felt to an otherwise cute sandal?
This flip-flop is just as attractive--if not more so--without the fringe, yes/yes?
And these--sans fringe, these blood-orange beauties would be perfect for a cocktail dress, right? (Actually, on these heels, I can truly see the appeal of the fringe--to tickle your toes as you slide them on! Hey, that's fun!)
For that special occasion when just the top of your foot gets a wee bit chilly?
...because your ankles wanna go out dressed as little hula dancers, and you can't stop them?
Throughout the weeks as I painstakingly comb through shoe sales and shoe deals, I keep running into this loathsome trend, each shoe more ugly than the last. When I see the fringed shoes on the streets of New York City, it appalls just as viscerally. I have never seen fringe shoes that don't look utterly pointless. If I've ever found one pair that seemed half-decent, it was this bizarre blend of fringe sandal and boat shoe, from Payless:
There's something so chipper and Tiffany-esque about the coloring and design that you can almost overlook the fringe. Almost. At least it kind of sneaks up on you, other than these costume-like variations:
This is legitamately called "The Cherokee" by O'Neill. No joke. Someone tell me how this fits into the brand's surfer babe beach-bum aesthetic?
Of course, if you go all-out moccasin, it's more understandable to see the stamp of fringe, but then you're wearing a moccasin, so it's really pretty lose-lose.
When winter comes, I intend to do a secondary round-up of boots and booties with fringe trim. Assuming, that is, that the trend will persist in a few months' time. I'd like to pretend it'll just go away like a bad dream but, alas. If I cannot get my dearest and best friend to quit wearing fringe on her feet, I suspect my meager pleas and protests won't breach the masses anytime soon.
