BOGO at Payless

It's that time again! This week kicked off the latest buy one, get one at 50% off sale at Payless, everyone's favorite budget shoe store. BOGO comes on the heels (haha) of a spring savings spree and probably precedes a summer sale. So pretty much, it's always a good time to save, and I love to stop by anytime I'm passing a storefront just to check out the latest -- regardless of whether the newest styles are hit or miss. Last weekend I was window-shopping these "Havana" platforms designed by Christian Siriano; although I didn't have the time to try them on for fit or comfort, I can tell you they were definitely eye-catching. They're currently $64.99 -- a fair enough price, considering you'll get your next pair for half off. They also got a great review on Payless.com.

Expires: July 4, 2011

It's Here: The Payless Easter Sale

Unless you have bad memories of itchy tights and long church sermons, you may remember Easter as one of your favorite childhood holidays. With egg hunts, sweet treats and that fun-loving Easter Bunny mascot, it's a day full of kid-oriented fun. You (and your little one) can dress up to enjoy the holiday just like you always used to with Easter shoes on sale at Payless, like these "Kutie Knot" peep-toe, platform pumps that are now on sale for $19.99. Style Bard recommends leaving the itchy tights at home.

Expires: April 24, 2011

Payless Spring Escape Sale

Payless is getting us all geared up for warm weather with its Spring Escape Sale. That means tons of low-priced shoes in every style, including lots and lots of open-toe shoes, peep-toes and sandals. Boat shoes get a metallic twist with the Dexter "Ahoy Boat Moc," only $16.99 during the sale but otherwise $26.99. Remember, shipping is always free when you order for pickup at your local store.

Expires: April 4, 2011

BOGO at Payless!

Oh yes, it's time for the next round of BOGO at Payless. Buy any one pair of shoes, get the second pair for 50% off! And that's on top of any other sales or discounts taking place at the store. I should confess that there's a Payless about five seconds from my house, and I have to pass it whenever I head around the corner toward the subway or pharmacy. It's really, really hard not to at least wander through and check out what's new. I think that one thing I should start doing is checking out comfort levels of the shoes I like, such as these American Eagle 'Boho Huarache' flats which are surprisingly trendy, already on sale and named for one of my favorite things, Mexican food. See, Payless is really hit or miss for me in terms of comfort; one of my favorite and most comfortable pairs of wedges--and one set of white pumps--are from Payless (both cost about $5 each 'cause I'm savvy). But so many shoes are just not comfortable when I try them on. I'm just afraid if I went in to try something on, I'd walk out with five pairs of new shoes--especially during BOGO. But you know what? Let me know if there's a pair you're curious about and I'll see what I can do to scout the comfort level for you next time I go to pick up some milk and gum.

Flat Rate Shipping Always $5.95

Expires: September 9th, 2010

BOGO Sale Begins at Payless

It's time for BOGO at Payless! That's right, buy any shoes and get your next pair for 50% off. This is my favorite time to splurge on cheap summer trends that may not last more than a season. Like these Stella Gladiator Sandals in Silver, which with your savings will be well under $20. And it's also my favorite time to grab a gal pal and take her shopping too. But remember BOGO etiquette--you have to split the difference of the savings! (And it's perfectly okay to just buy two (or more!) pairs for yourself...)

Expires: June 28th, 2010

Free Shipping on Payless Shoes

Payless is now offering Free Shipping! Typically, Payless only ships shoes to your local store without cost. Now, you can have shoes delivered straight to your home if you complete your order before the end of the day Friday. Just use code SUMMERSHIP when you're ready to check out! Plus, orders must total at least $50. You can get started on reaching that sum by checking out new shoes by guest designer Christian Siriano. These fun, feminine 'Michelle' peep-toes are just one example; pumps, sandals and sneakers are also available.

Code: SUMMERSHIP

Expires: May 7th, 2010

BOGO Sale at Payless

Iiiiiiiiiiiit's back! That's right, it's time to kick off yet another wonderful BOGO sale to launch the season at Payless. You know the drill by now: buy one pair of shoes, get your second pair for 50% off! It's the perfect excuse to drag a friend along shoe shopping, IMHO. Of course, proper BOGO etiquette means you must split the difference of the savings between you--establish rules in advance so you don't start a ruckus in the shoe aisle. New arrivals that Style Bard can't wait to check out in person include these 'Camilla' flowered ballet flats by Dexter. To me, these shoes are the penultimate girly shoe to pair with your favorite skirts and sundresses, and the twee flowers with the metallic studs just shout Spring.

Expires: May 3rd, 2010

Payless BOGO Ends This Week

One week from today, the latest Payless BOGO sale will come to an end. I shopped it for a few hours a few weeks ago (yes, a few hours--I brought along some female cousins and we were all quite busy exploring the merchandise) and didn't land on two shoes I loved (they were out of my size in one) so I walked away with nothing. However, my sister bought a cute pair of purple wedges, and then returned to the store a week later to buy two more styles. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find any of the ones she purchased on the website, but I will tell you that one pair turned out to be only $3. Way to make me proud, Big Sis! Anyway, if you are like me and think you might have missed out on some steals, I wanted to let you know that there is still time to get a great deal on two pairs of shoes from Payless. Spring's guest designers include alive+olivia, Lela Rose and Christian Seriano. My favorites include these 'Downtown Girl Open-Toe Boots' by alice+olivia, which are new for Spring. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to see them in person but let's just say that I hope they live up to how cute they could potentially be on me!

Expires: February 15th, 2010

BOGO Sale at Payless

Yes, it's that time again: BOGO from Payless! Now, this happens several times a year, and Style Bard Shoes has been around for several years now, but I think this may be the first time I've actually announced this sale on the very first hour of the very first day of the buy one, get one 50% off sale. That means you get to be the first to check out new merchandise and save on sale merchandise. I point that out because though there have been many fabulous additions since the last Payless BOGO sale, if you check out the marked-down shoes you can find amazing steals like these Fioni 'Kensington' oxford pumps, which are exactly what my sister happens to be shopping for in the $50-$100 price point. And these? Are only $14.99. Now, that's not to say that all shoes are created equal, and a $15 heel is the same as a $95 heel, but I happen to own two pairs of Fioni footwear, and they're not only comfortable but have lasted me through several years of travels and traipses. Worth trying on before you look elsewhere? You bet. Want to be sure you'll have them in your size? As always, when you shop online and order to your local store, your order ships for free.

Expires: February 15th, 2010

BOGO on Payless Shoes

It's time for the seasonal BOGO sale at Payless! You know the drill: buy one pair of Payless shoes and get the second pair for half price. Second pair must be equal or lesser value than the first. So grab your sister or best friend and head to your local store! My trick? Split the savings between you, so you both end up saving a little on your new shoes. Style Bard faves are these 'Anstin' flats by American Eagle, which I have tried on numerous times but not yet bought for some reason. Probably because I need another pair of black flats like a hole in the head; but on the other hand, can you ever have too many pairs of comfortable black flats? Although trust me, if I'd ever seen these in my size in silver or animal print (as seen on the website), they would so be mine by now.

Shoes ordered online to a local store will be shipped for free.

Expires: December 1st, 2009

It's Time for BOGO at Payless!

It's that time again! Yes indeed, it's Buy One, Get One 50% Off time at Payless. You know the drill. Pay for the pair of shoes with the highest price tag, and get half off the pair of shoes with the lower pricetag. Easy as pie! I'm definitely always sucked in to this deal when I'm browing Payless (online or in person) so I still get a wee bit excited every time the sale debuts anew. Actually, I was trying on shoes in a Harlem, NYC, Payless last week and I found a pair of boots I loved. I can't seem to find them on the site right now, which is truly a shame. Instead, I'll offer you these 'Whitney Cuff Boots' by Fioni for considered. I'm not sure what they'd make your ankles look like, but I imagine they could be extremely flattering to the rest of your legs with a pair of dark leggings or tights. This sale only lasts a few weeks, so be sure to check out all of the new Fall shoe styles at Payless while it lasts.

Always $5.95 Ground Shipping (Free Deliveries to Your Local Store)

Expires: October 12th, 2009

Back-to-School BOGO from Payless

BOGO! Just in time for back-to-school shoe shopping, Payless is launching its famous buy one, get one 50% off sale. It's pretty self-explanatory, but when you buy any pair of shoes (or accessories) from Payless, you'll get the second of equal or lesser value for 50% off its original price. If you're shopping for teens' back-to-school styles, I recommend a great pair of practical flats, like the 'Brice' style by American Eagle (available in four color variations). Shipping to your house is always $5.95, but it's free to have your order shipped to your local Payless location. Enjoy starting the school year in style!

Expires: September 7th, 2009

Payless Summer Sandal Clearance

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

Expires: July 27th, 2009

Shoes I Hate

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.

BOGO at Payless

Yay! I love this announcement: it's time for BOGO at Payless! From now through June 30th, when you buy any pair of shoes, you'll get the second pair (ofequalorlesservalue) for 50% off! For starters, I love these shiny shiny Montego Bay Club 'Vallin' sandals. They're now $22.99 and they would dress up any casual outfit and compliment most summer dresses. But there are plenty of wedges and heels and sneakers available as well. Take your pick--then take 50% off your next pick! Man, I love this sale (yeah, I shop Payless and I'm not ashamed). Let me know if you get anything good!

Expires: June 30th, 2009

BOGO from Payless

It's that time again! That's right--BOGO from Payless. That means when you buy one pair of shoes, you get the next pair of shoes for 50% off. What irresistible styles are in store for you during this buy one, get one cycle? How about a pair of zoe&zac shoes? Every time you buy a pair of zoe&zac shoes, Payless contributes a dollar to The Nature Conservancy to plant a tree. So if you use BOGO and get two pairs of shoes...well, you get the idea. Style Bard faves are these open-toe Purple zoe&zac 'Tigerlily' espadrilles (also available in Brown). Save the Earth and get two pairs of new cute shoes? Now that's a bargain.

Expires: May 4th, 2009

Easter Shoes on Sale at Payless

Looking for the perfect pair of shiny, pretty shoes to go with your little girl's Easter dress? How about a new pair of Spring shoes for yourself, which can also be worn with your Sunday best? Payless is currently promoting Easter shoes. Girls' shoes are starting at $9.99, and women's shoes are starting at $12.99. These Smart Fit 'Fiona' flats are designed to slip on and off a toddler's foot with ease, yet be supportive, balanced and safe when they're securely on her foot. (Mommies, don't fret--that buckle-looking strap is actually secured by Velco. Whew!) Plus, they're just so darn cute with their little bow and glossy patent upper--not to mention that striking, feminine ombre Pink! As always, shoppers can have their orders sent to their local store for free, or qualify for Free Shipping to their homes with orders of $50 or more. Payless recommends placing orders by tomorrow with expedited delivery--or Wednesday with rush delivery--for shoes to arrive on time for Easter.

Expires: April 12th, 2009

40% Off + Free Shipping from Payless

This season's BOGO has come to a close, so now it's time to save 40% off select Spring shoes in the Hello Spring Sale. Not only that, but you can also receive Free Shipping on your whole order when you spend a minimum of $50. At Payless, that goes a long way! I'd start with these American Eagle 'Karter' peep-toe wedges, which are now only $19.99 and available in Black, Teal or White. But there are also some very affordable flats, sandals and heels that are very tempting, and I wouldn't be surprised if I come home with a few new shoes the next time I go to check out Payless wares.

Expires: March 23rd, 2009