Monday, July 26, 2010

Payless? Seriously? Seriously!


One of my readers sent me a “shoemergency” asking for help. She is a new mom on the go and struggles finding cute, stylish and comfortable flats that are vegan. As a new mom that is always on the go, she needs wardrobe options that are easy breezy and have a put together look in a flash. Having great accessories, like stylish shoes, ready to go in your closet make that ‘effortlessly chic’ look truly effortless. In searching for some comfortable and stylish vegan shoes, I discovered that vegan in the shoe world often times means frumpy. I found endless amounts of shoes with very square toes and heavy, thick heels. This look is the express way to Dowdyville. As a new mom, I think there are already several emotional battles over body image concerns. So, I think avoiding all things dowdy and frumpy is Priority #1 when looking for wardrobe options. Finding shoes that are more streamlined, classic and have sleeker silhouettes are your best bet.

Finding vegan shoes that fit the bill proved harder than I imagined, until I found American Eagle shoes by Payless. Yes, as in Payless Shoe Source, the shoe store with the orange sign and the rows of self service shoe boxes arranged by size. I discovered these great finds by way of a tip from a girl in a shop who was sporting the black patent Anstin Point Flat (http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?productId=64602&catId=cat10376&lotId=065407&subCatId=&selectedSegment=Adult). I was shocked that they were from Payless. In researching these little lovelies, I was very happy to find that not only do they have a padded insole but a rubber sole on the bottom for extra cushioning, which means REALLY COMFY! Also, the insole was lined in a super soft jersey fabric. Now, I am very weary of less expensive shoes that have a patent finish because they look like they are made out of very cheap looking materials from miles away. Not these! They look really great. The pointed toe and style of these make them very office appropriate. And the very best part of these shoes is that the regular price is only $22.99. I tried on a number of their other flats and found the same good quality of materials, high level of comfort and really cute styles. Unbelievably, some were on sale for as low as $7! I can’t attest to their durability but for such a low price, this is a great way to stay on trend in an affordable way. I am not vegan, but this is an easy way to do my part in supporting cruelty-free efforts.

Office worthy, fashionable vegan shoes for these prices truly deserve recognition. My reader sent the picture on the bottom of her getting rung up at Payless after my suggestion to go there. Looks like she found a few things she liked. ;)

Sadly, I have to say that I wasn’t really impressed with the pumps selections. But, keep a look out as I’ll be doing a post on vegan heels soon. But, in the meantime, Payless. Seriously!

3 comments:

Erica said...

I have a pair of these AE flats from Payless, too. They're not great for all-day wear but def good walking-to/from-work shoes. The NYC sidewalks tear up the toes, but I just keep painting the scratches with black nail polish!

Cheers!
existenceET.blogspot.com

The Working Girl's Shoe Closet said...

Yeah, I wasn't sure about their durability and I only wore them about 20 minutes walking around the store. I like the nail polish tip! I'm sure it will come in handy for more than just this pair. ;)

umar muzammil said...

nice