Tieks: An Endorsement

$175, Tieks

I have been looking for comfortable black flats (that aren't Toms) ever since I realized that I was going to work in London. I needed some good, classic, COMFORTABLE flats for commuting. I have other flats (here and here) that I really like, and that are fairly comfortable, but they weren't plain enough to be good commuting shoes. 

Tieks are Oprah's favorite shoe, and even though I'm not a huge Oprah fan, she usually has okay taste. Not to mention, these shoes have been featured on a lot of blogs. So I ordered a pair. Shipping was easy and fast, and my shoes got here in excellent quality. 

The shoes themselves came in a little box, along with a fake flower elastic thing, a reusable bag that can be stuffed in a little sac, and a little pouch to store the Tieks. Honestly, I wish they would knock $10 off the hefty price tag and just do away with these little extras. 

The shoes are excellent quality. The leather is great, and the rubber soles are very sturdy. The insoles are cushioned and comfortable. The first time I tried them on, I felt it was too tight in the toe-box and too long as a shoe. (The only have whole sizes which can also be difficult for some people). There is a bit more toe cleavage than I like, but just a bit.

After wearing them around the apartment for a few days, they leather molded to my feet more, so that they're more comfortable. One thing that sold me on these shoes is the fact that the back of the shoes don't rub against my heels. I always, always have that problem with cheap flats and these did not give me any blisters at all. 

Although I haven't worn them out for an extended period yet, they feel very comfortable. I think they're just as comfortable as my Toms for walking for hours. I don't think I would really travel in these shoes though, since I wear my Rainbows in the spring/summer and my boots in the fall/winter. They will definitely serve their purpose in being commuting flats.

Finally, I was at first hesitant to buy these shoes because of the blue soles and the little blue stripe on the heel, but when I saw them in person, I liked it a lot. It was a lot more subtle than in the photos and it's hard to see much blue when you're actually wearing them and walking in them. I'm going to wear these shoes for a few months and see how they hold up. Meanwhile, I've got my eye on this shiny patent red crocodile pair and this hot pink pair. 

The Weekly Gimme: Rag & Bone Newbury Booties

$495, Shopbop

I don't know what I've been doing. Honestly. I keep meaning to post, but then I get sucked in by terrible television and cakes and napping. Unemployment makes the days seem longer and yet also shorter.

Anyway, I'm in Hotlanta right now and I just went shopping yesterday. Got a really cute tweed suit set from Banana Republic and some black jeans from Madewell. And my first pair of Loubies!! Just the Simple 100s in black, which is the perfect foundation for a designer shoe collection.

Speaking of classic shoes, I've got my eye on these Rag & Bone Newbury booties. They're classic and pretty much every who's who has a pair. The only question is whether I should get them in black leather or a dark suede. I might even go off the reservation and get some hunter green suede booties.

The Weekly Gimme: Zara Asymmetric Leather Pointy Shoe

$99.90, Zara

Red shoes. I can't get enough. There's nothing sexier than a red shoe. Seriously. These are the perfect height (3.75"), the perfect color, and they're real leather.

I also love the special touch of the asymmetrical top; the black version at Zara sold out quickly last season, so I might have to snatch these up.

However, I'm wavering. I would have to wear these 50 ish times for the price per wear to be worth it. Sigh. Decisions.

The Weekly Gimme: Zara Chain Sandal

$49.99, Zara

These would have been the perfect graduation shoes, had I jumped on them fast enough. However, in the six hours since I saw them while in BarBri and I went home and finished all of my chores, my size sold out. Alas.

I might buy them after graduation when they come back in stock, because I'm still looking for a metallic sandal. I recently bought a pair of pumps from Zara, and I was so pleased with their quality and fit, as well as the shipping speed. I rarely have any luck in-store at Zara, but their e-retail experience is excellent. 

Things I Bought: May Edition

This month, it's not "Things I Like" but rather "Things I Bought." The reason for this is that I had such a successful month of shopping and also lounging that I haven't had time to try out all of my new things yet. These are just a few of the new purchases I'm most excited about.

Things I Like: April Edition

Oops, guess I missed the month of March. Time has really flown by; I feel like when you're an "adult", months just go by suddenly. I feel like I've been in a coma for half of winter. Anyway, going clockwise from top left:

The Weekly Gimme: Geox Lola Ballet Flats

**Update: These shoes broke! They just kind of ripped down the side as I was walking home one night . . . I'd worn them less than 10 times.**

$140, Zappos

I don't like those Tory Burch Reva flats. First, they don't really look that comfortable, especially for people who don't have super-weird, super-narrow feet. Also, why are they so expensive? Second, why do you want to wear these shoes that everyone else is wearing? They really don't say much about your fashion sense, except that you like what everyone else likes.

Anyway, I like these ballet flats. They have rubber soles, which is supposed to make them comfortable and non-slip. Also, the body is made from perforated leather, which means that it will keep your feet cool. I also think they're really cute, which is hard to do with shoes that are meant to be comfortable. 

I also like the solid black color or the grey/lime color. I think these would be great to wear while commuting and I'm definitely going to pick up a pair soon. If only Zappos had sales . . . 

Sole Society Shoes

I would recommend Sole Society as a good website to purchase shoes if you're on a budget. Although not as cheap as the other sites, it has more comfortable and classic shoes. The sizing is not consistent, however, and quality is (obviously) not as good as more expensive shoes.

The Weekly Gimme: Tom's Shabby Chic Classics

$58, Tom's

Yes, I know that I have now posted TWO floral shoes on this site. I can't help it, I just love this floral trend. It speaks to my Victorian heart. I also love Tom's, even though their coolness factor has severely waned. Yes, they're a bit ugly in shape, but they come in adorable fabrics and they're so very comfortable.

I suppose people get excited about the charity thing too, but whatevs. 

The issue with Tom's is that they get dirty very easily, and I find them difficult to clean. They're also so convenient and comfortable that I find myself wearing only them for weeks at a time. 

The Weekly Gimme: Frye Paige Tall Riding Boots

Yeah, I know. Weekly? The Gimmes are starting to get overwhelming. I've decided to go more toward quality than quantity, which explains this week's Gimme:

$378, Zappos

I was thinking the other day that I really need some gray boots. I was also thinking that I really needed a pair of Frye boots. Ta da! These boots are very simple, without much embellishment, which is what I'm into right now. In a world where everyone has buckles and studs and logos and other crap on their boots, it's actually refreshing and unique to have a plain boot.

Frye, obviously, has a great reputation for boots, so I know that these are made of quality leather and will last a long time. Considering that, the price point actually isn't too precious. The real question is deciding on a color among the many.

The Daily Gimme: Ravesh Bow Pumps + Hukkster

$148.95, Nordstrom

The Daily Gimme: Madelaine Pumps

$39.95, Shoedazzle

Welp, Negotiation Workshop is still happening. so . . . yeah. These shoes are cute though! I would love them with a gray sheath dress or even a blousy shirt and skinnies. I wish I was one of those girls who could wear heels even on the weekends.

The Daily Gimme: Striped Sandals by Dolce Vita

$64.99, Modcloth

Yeah, I know it's January. In Boston. But it's good to plan ahead. Also, I was shopping on Newbury Street today and I saw a bunch of Dolce Vita shoes, so I feel like the Universe is telling me to buy these shoes. Just kidding.

But I still want these sandals.

They're a bit pore polished and socially acceptable than my Rainbows. Also, British people really frown upon flip-flops. Did you know that?

Meadow at Midnight Slipper from Modcloth

$49.99, Modcloth

I refuse to be held hostage by boring brown shoes. Moccasins don't have to be boring, friends. They can be cute and covered in little flowers. I returned two other pairs of moccasins before I settled on these for my take-out-the-trash, get-the-mail, across-the-street errands.

They're comfy, have good non-slip soles and are warm and furry. They are a bit loose, but they have no half-sizes, so it is what it is. Unfortunately, like other moccasins, they can get a bit grungy and gross after a few weeks of wear. However, they will work for the winter and at this price, you can't expect them to last forever.

Nine West Flax Glitter Pumps

$49.99, Nine West

Got these sparkly shoes yesterday in the mail. Like most Nine West shoes, they are TTS, not too high and comfy. And they are so. Damn. Sparkly. I would wear these with a party dress for a New Year's Eve party or with dark wash skinnies and a embellished tank/tee for a night out.

A few glitter pieces had fallen off in the box, and a teeny bit rubbed off when I was trying them on, but overall the glitter stuck pretty well. Additionally, there is a thin line of white leather that runs around the shoe, which prevents any part of your skin from touching (and being cut by) the glitter.

I got them on sale from 6pm, but they are sold widely online elsewhere. Because these shoes aren't something you can wear all the time, I didn't feel like spending very much on them.

The Daily Gimme: Joy Pumps

$99, Nine West

Argh. It's hard to have a Daily Gimme when you are shopping all the time. Not that I'm complaining . . . I will update y'all on the holiday buying frenzy in a bit. I also have a spankin' new camera, so I might even be able to post some real photos. 

I like these pumps because they are like cowboy boots but in pump form. They would be cute peeking out from under jeans (skinny and boot cut) and would also be nice for a casual Friday look with a shirt-dress. They are like something a high-class Nashville hooker would wear and that appeals to me.

I purchased a pair of pumps this year from Boutique 9, which is like the upscale version of Nine West. The shoes were fairly comfortable and very cute. However, I don't feel like they were worth $100, so I am going to wait for these to go on sale before I pull the trigger.

Purple Paisley Pumps

Two outfits that I would wear if I had anywhere to go or anything to do. Those purple pumps are from Target for only $29.99!! They are super comfy (no seriously) and cute. Also, since they're so inexpensive, I can wear them even in mucky situations. I am considering buying them in more colors, such as red or blue. Generally, I've had really good experience with Target shoes. They are on trend and inexpensive and not uncomfortable. 

In other news, I've started a new show--Hart of Dixie. It's awesome-terrible. Everyone should watch it. 

Mr. UPS Man, Where Are You?

$250 119, amazon

Y'all, I'm waiting for these shoes to come. They are the sole beacons of light in this dreary day. I got them on sale off of Gilt, but I had to order a half-size larger than I normally wear. I'm hoping that the reviews about tightness/small toe box are accurate. However, I figured that with the ankle strap, and maybe some gel heel backs and some petals, these shoes could actually fit very well. I just couldn't turn down half-price Pour La Victoire shoes, especially the exact ones I've been wanting. 

Anyway, we will see how they look/feel when they come! 

Bucolic Belle Dress from Modcloth

dress: $52.99 39.99, Modcloth; shoes: $99, Guess

Just in time for the holidays.. .

Aldo Whitley Heels

Want to see what was in my latest package? Click past the jump. . .