If you're anything like me, you usually avoid the synthetic horrors that crowd the looming shoe stacks of Payless Shoe Source. Against all odds, however, the store is definitely worth a second look this season. Designer Lela Rose has signed up to design for Payless, following a trend started by Abaete, whose Fall 2007 line is already available, this past March.
The Abaete line has decided flaws, like this awful patent boot (going for an atrocious $70) with a cuff that zips on–then again, if you're contemplating a Catwoman costume for Halloween this fall it'll be right up your alley. The rest of us may want to abstain from this and other shoe horrors like absurdly tacky fluorescent flats
.
There are a few gems in the midst of the muck, though; two fabulous, guilt-free finds stand out from this otherwise mottled line. The Flavin Platform, an adorable metallic sandal (the brown is fall-fabulous), and the Debra Wedge
, a performance shoe that's all business and will look great with the bold lines of fall suits.
I can't criticize the Lela Rose line yet; it hasn't been fully released and the runway shots look promising. You can get a good first impression from the small sampling below. The line is set to release late summer/early fall, so be on the lookout for it any time now.
Price: $25-30
Find Them: Payless.com
See All Of The Week’s Sample Sales
Check Out Lady Gaga and Cate Blanchett In Vogue
Avoid Winter Doldrums with Franco Sarto Boots
I have purchased Payless shoes many times. I find that the style and variety depends on the store location. (Location is everything!!! I shop three different stores usually. Recently found an incredibe summer sale and purchased 6 pairs of shoes for 52.00. This paticular store had merchandise sent there from several stores.
I usually receive lots of compliments and inquiries as to where my shoes were purchased.
What do you guys think? I kinda dig those red patent stilettos…
i saw prototypes of these shoes at fashion week in february at some event i had to go to…
the shoes as far as design are NICE and do not look remotely cheap irl. i was insanely impressed, especially since they were displayed with leiber bags, which we all know, are not in any way inexpensive or generic. the accessories and shoes held their own with everything else they had on display, which was all high end.
that said, i’m not sure how they’d feel on your feet after a few hours.
I like the black shoes on the far left. I went on Payless.com and didn’t see them. Are those coming soon to Payless? I have to have them!
I admit, I often have a “phobia” about Payless – great for kids but maybe not adults. But last season I was there looking for boots for my kids and stocked up on fabulous finds…suede slouch boots for $15! You can’t beat that – and I often had people stop me on the street asking where I got them from.
Once purchased a pair of black fake suede platform wedgie from Payless….Someone thought I paid at least 200.00 for them. That was 7 years ago. I still have them and they are still in style. Nice to have expensive merchandise copied at very reasonable prices so that ordinary people can afford to be fashionable and own more shoes.
Payless is worth at least a three times per month visit.