Shoe Rental...

Keeping up with the Jones' seems to be a way of life these days, even in these tough economic times. Everyone wants to look and feel like they are living up to what they see on television and in magazines. Yes, celebrities CAN afford all the new and hot goods, but do they really HAVE to? Probably not! Celebs are great marketing tools for companies and they obviously utilize them to their fullest capacity. This seasons fashion campaign, the sexy new liquor, the hottest new shoes...these are all sneaky ways companies get the average Joe to spend their do-re-mi!

Honestly, I see nothing wrong with wanting what you want, buy those $16oo Louboutins if you want...just make sure you can pay your rent, tuition and possibly buy some groceries! But, buying full price or simply buying may no longer even be necessary. Bag, Borrow or Steal made a huge impact on the bag snobs and bag-nistas and some new companies are going even further. Rent me a Handbag has clothing, bags and SHOES in stock!!! You can rent, buy and even lay-a-way! What? Insane! Yes, designer shoes that you can borrow or buy, weekly or monthly at ridiculous prices!

Pro: You're saving a sh*tload of money and can rent as long as you want or buy at a discounted price. You can become a member for even an even more discounted price. Borrow for a special event or night out or buy those fab shoes you always wanted!

Cons: Not always having your size in stock and although some goods are brand new some will be pre-worn. Limited sizes, and sometimes limited selections.

These 3 mamas below are just a sneak-peek in the wide selection that Rent-me-a-Handbag carries. Check them out, I seriously doubt that you'll be disappointed!

Chanel
Retail: $695, Rent as Member: $56/mo, Buy as Member: $348


Christian Louboutin
Retail: $1,020, Rent as Member: $82/mo, Buy as Member: $714


Fendi
Retail: $615, Rent as Member: $49/mo, Buy as Member: $308

The Shoenista turns into Dear Abby...

Dear Shoenista:

I’m off to Paris in two weeks and while I’m very excited, my feet are a little hesitant. As a New York City gal I do a lot of walking, but I will be truly putting my feet to the test, making my rounds through the “city of lights”. During my last trip I had the good fortune of being there in the summer, when flip flops and sandals can give your feet a stylish break. No such luck this time! I already have all my stylish outfits selected (in my mind at least, I don’t pack until the “day of”), but my shoes on the other hand are up in the air. I’m looking for the perfect flat. My dream flat would be like my dream man--dark, handsome, comfortable, trusty, classic, stylish and perfect for any occasion. Also, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that our economy is pretty much the equivalent of dog poo, so affordability is key! Can you help me out Shoenista, if not for me, for my aching dogs! Woof, woof!

xoxo

Soleless in Paris

p.s. I also have flat feet *ouch*!

Dear Soleless in Paris,

I simply cannot explain how elated I was to receive your email. Obviously you already know that I live to give you women and men advice on what should and should not be gracing your feet, so I am more than ready to get down to business. I agree that black should be the color of choice...it goes with everything. I would also like to express my insane jealousy of your trip to the big "City of Lights" and all things fashionable. Remember Shoey on your travels! ;)

Elie Tahari, Sale $138.60

These are really sweet ballet flats. Available in both black and silver with a dash of garnish at the toe and comfort of a rubber pieced sole, I think these may love your feet as much as you love them!

MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sale $89.25

A bow makes everything better, doesn't it? It can feminize (is that even a word??) just about anything! The patent leather doesn't make a shabby showing on these Michael Kors flats either. Great with a dress, skirt, slacks or jeans!

Marc by Marc Jacobs, $250

Not black and probably not in the range you were looking to spend, but oh-so-adorable! I figured that I would slip them in there!

Kate Spade, Sale $99.99

Ultra-classy for a simple flat shoe. You can wear these years from now. The puzzle ornament from the right foot will be the missing link to the left. How fun!

Jeffrey Campbell, Sale $71.40

Because flats usually lose some style points, I figured the corseted ankle would bring a little sexy back. Still this shoe is quite versatile!

Alexandre Herchcovitch, $119

A little sporty, a little hipster and a whole lot of cute! Yes, they are plastic...a collaboration between A.H. and Melissa...but I'm sure they are comfy! Just remember your socks!


Christian Louboutin, $539

Just in case you changed your mind about spending a boat load or by some miraculous event this Debbie-Downer of an economy changes or you meet Mr. Tall, Dark and Rich...at this point handsome is not so important... I took it upon myself to throw in the jeweled flat from Monsieur Louboutin himself. You are after all going to be in his homeland...shouldn't you go prepared???

Bonnie & Clyde

Why do I love this pic? It is the perfect portrayal of me and my inamorato! Never has a picture been more accurate. The sameness of the dark, crisp, denim contrasted by the obvious difference in choice of footwear. Although our strong differences may seem conflicting, its quite the opposite- harmonious! Staying true to ourselves allows us to participate in the appreciation of the dissimilarities between us and actually learn to embrace them.

It is my "sole" belief that your footwear says much about you. Whether you like the athletic stylings and comfort of a sneaker or the edgy aesthetic of a dress shoe, they both speak volumes. So, how do I express my personality vs my love sponge? While the majority of the shoes that I post are really on my wish list, there are a select few that I feel speak exceptionally well for me. For the Fall these are the few that my "sole" seems to be vibing with. Unfortunately, my wallet doesn't agree so we'll have to work something out...

I've got the basic black pump, with a lil' extra, of course...
Sergio Rossi $554


Another pump with just a splash of color...I need this to brighten up any all-black ensemble I wear...
Be&D $425


I fancy these...sort of booties, but not really. I can't sport my crazy textured tights with these.
Robert Clergerie $850


I these soooooo much! I'm currently scouring my house as we speak to find things I can pawn so I can purchase them. And no, I'm not joking!!!
Christian Louboutin $1555


And last but not least, the not so basic black boot. These are fiya!!!
Bally $870


As for my other half, these are his findings...

Naturally, the green and white "drawn" Nike joints!


Marc Jacobs...pseudo spectators!


Reebok Pumps...not too manly to rock pink!


So, how does your footwear compare to your mates???

The Devil Wears...

A black t-shirt, jeans and sneakers and sports a buzz cut.

While attempting to score tickets to the extraordinarily hyped-up new Batman movie, The Dark Knight, me and the Mister spot The Darkness himself, Mr. David Blaine, on line in front of us. Having watched all of his stunts via television and other "magic" he's performed I have always been mesmerized and afraid of him all at the same time, yet I could not help myself from wanting to see him attempt something live.

As we exit the line, since ALL of The Dark Knight shows had been sold out, we sort of bum rush him. Eerily, he simply turns around, removes his ear-piece and asks us to present a quarter. He then instructs the Mister to write his name and places it in my dominant hand. He continues ranting about how our minds can allow us to do anything if we really believe it...he presses some nerve on my forearm 3 times, I open my hand and the quarter is bent. We stand there with our mouths hanging open and he breezes away. Since I'm due for a lifetime of doom, I just pray God that he did not take my soul with him yet!!!! LOL!

Immediately, we searched for another quarter and stupidly attempt the same trick- NO HAPS!!! The Mister is amazed, me- a bit more afraid of something I don't understand and cannot explain. Damn you David Blaine!!!! Oh, and did I mention he is sort of HOT. Of course I'd think that LUCIFER was HOT!!! Pray for me...

For the remainder of the evening we tell every single person we come into contact with. Naturally, they are looking at us like a couple of stoners...respect the smoke, it won't really hurt you...and I get to thinking about how I can incorporate it into my blog. Well, being as though the general theme is quite demonic, I want to leave you with these devilish designs from Rodarte, produced by Christian Louboutin. I give you the best advice one could share when spotting a woman wearing any of these- "Don't piss this bitch off!"

Wedding Bells are Ringing

Tis' the season for getting married! I actually love going to weddings...why you ask? Where else can you go dressed to the nines and are able to eat, drink and dance until you throw up- for FREE??? Love it, love it, love it. What I do hate? Those god-awful dresses and stripper-esque lucite shoes. Yuck! Seriously, if my man of SEVEN YEARS actually grows balls big enough to ask me, then I'll be sporting a really chic suit and these Christian Louboutin Anemone darlings...
Hell, I'd wear these alone!

But what should the more traditional bride slip into? My take on it is that, just because you cannot see them, doesn't mean they should not look good. Allow them to be either precious keepsakes or shoes that you are able to wear again without the bride-shoe stigma attached to them.

For instance, if you are more into memorabilia check out Sergio Rossi's collection of bridal shoes. He not only offers classic styles, but also the option of time stamping you and hubby's name and the date of your nuptuals inside your precious shoe!




That would satisfy your "something new", but what if you were looking for something blue? The ever mythical Christian Louboutin blue-soled wedding shoe, was once available, but because of some legal battles the line was discontinued. I'll show you them just to tease you anyhow...

But, if you still crave that "something blue" on your feet, then there are definitely a few options. 1. You can dye a pair of satin, white shoes or 2. You can just purchase a pair! Brian Atwood has created two in particular that I am a fan of. They are two different shades of blue, but do the job superbly!



Add a little "vintage" to the mix for the "something old". This pair from Haberdashery, an online vintage shop, can be a beautiful accent to the perfect dress!


I've searched the web endlessly for shoes that can be borrowed, and came up with nill! So, instead I've decided to give you a few more "new" options from My Glass Slipper. Enjoy!

Guiseppe Zanotti




Kate Spade

Sunday Spotlight

Often enough, as people, we tend to remiss those who influence our lives and those who have influenced the things we have come to love. Obviously, I am referring to the Shoe trendsetters of yester-year. Like apparel, most trends that we see and adore today are updated replicas of what some adventurous designer made popular at the height of their careers ions ago.

One particular Designer that I feel compelled to "Spotlight" is the French Shoe Articifer, Andre Perugia. Born of Italian heritage in Nice, France he began his craft while training in his father's workshop at the tender age of 16. Rapidly honing in on his craft, he became much more knowledgable than his teacher, his father, and subsequently took over the family business.


The high society Parisian's quickly became enamored with Perugia's ingenuity and many solicited him to create their own extraordinary shoes. Shortly thereafter, Perugia began creating historic footwear for the rich and famous.

We can thank Monsieur Perugia for many shoe trends, the Platform, the Corkscrew bottom shoe and countless Stilettos. His influence is quite apparent in what we go ga-ga over today. I guess the saying, "what goes around comes around" is always quite evident in fashion.

1948 Perugia creation for famous Parisian singer Mistinguett


2008 Classic Christian Louboutin


1950's Perugia paying Homage to Picasso


2008 YSL paying Homage to Perugia


Perugia's infamous "Heel-less shoe"


2008 Antonio Berardi's Heel-less interpretation

Hey Big Spender...

The Shoenista will not let you down! As promised I have some great selections for you high-rollers! Now, we will all want to get our grubby little paws on these Faaaabulous shoes, I guarantee it, but these babies are only for the serious Shoe-Lovers and not the faint of heart or those low on funds!

Can't you see yourself doing your "Naomi Campbell" walk in all of these??? As long as you don't take them off and start beating someone with them, you're all aces! Enjoy!

Jimmy Choo $332


Chloe $339 On Sale


Givenchy $699


Ruthie Davis $785


Manolo Blahnik $815


Yves St. Laurent $995


Roberto Cavalli $1,085 On Sale


Guiseppe Zanotti $1,115


Christian Louboutin for L'Wren Scott $4,692
Yes, the price is correct! These are 100% crocodile. I've cried already...I've cried!