In Shoe, Out

Snap Decision Shoe Finds

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The best shoe stores in Chicago

The best shoe stores in Chicago have the kicks you need, whether you're gearing up for a big walk or need new heels for Saturday night

Not a shoe post.

I am going to try out the shoe stores here. Let’s see what finds there are!

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Brand: Converse Style: unknown Size(s): 8 Color(s): blue with white base Type: sneaker Feature(s): knitted upper, iconic Converse sneakers, white base I was made aware that Converse are better when a half size up because the toe box is quite narrow around the joints when I bought my first pair I still have in mint condition in my true size. I skipped the 7.5 to try the 8. Great fit. I went for this one because of the knitted upper. It was cute and breathy on top. I usually get hot when wearing sneakers, so the breathable knitting was a boon. The color is versatile enough and the knit is close enough to not pass for overly casual. I am considering going back to get these to stock in time for spring and summer, or even use for hot autumn days.

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Not a shoe post. 

I heard of this Chicagoland based shoe store. It seems to be a boutique version of DSW from my brief browse of the website. Will check out!

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Brand: Michael Kors Style: Slide Sandals Size(s): 7.5, 8, 8.5 Color(s): Rose pink and gold, cork Type: Single strap sandals, slide sandals, flats Feature(s): cork bottoms, cork soles, PU hard leather single strap, bright summer appearance, minimalist chic look, gold trim, MK design I'm not a fan of slide sandals or slipper sandals. I also don't like a single wide strap across my toe area because of the potential painful creasing or digging into my skin or pinching in bad places. The strap here is a harder material, so of course sent up warning flags because there is greater likelihood of pinching or pain from lack of give. I tried on the 7.5, first. The base was a perfect fit but I was concerned over time my heel would stick comically out. I went up to 8. Pinching! Even an 8.5 didn't resolve the painful digging when flexing the toes while walking. I think a half size bigger is fine. I personally couldn't stand the digging, and I don't think even breaking it on would be any better. I love the cork base and summer colors. I also saw it in a bright yellow. Unfortunately slide sandals with such a hard material as this one are out. At least I gave it a try.

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Brand: Saks Fifth Avenue Style: SF-Cathy Color(s): black Size(s): 7, 7.5 Type(s): high heels/pumps Feature(s): 3.5-4 inch heel, fake suede, high arch, rounded pointy toe

This is a black suede version of the smokey cobalt blue SF-Cathy awhile back. I mentioned before that the cobalt blue color didn’t work for me. This one was nicer because it was black. Same thing applies where I love the shape, toe box a bit tight such that I preferred 7.5, my true size, and these style is definitely projected to be painful because you are literally resting on your toes: the heel and arch are just support to ensure you are on your toes. For some reason trying on this pair was a bit looser compared to the blue one? My guess is it was tried in enough the material might have stretched. Therefore this one was more comfortable than the other pair. Not sure how I feel about that, lol!

I mentioned before in passing I am not a fan of fake suede, or any suede for that matter. My dislike stems from obeying unable to clean well, easy to get dirty, and especially when black, any spot is super visible. As someone who does take average care of my shoes, suede-like materials are more effort than they are worth for the appearance.

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Brand: Saks Fifth Ave Style: Snake Skin Print Size(s): 7.5, 8 Color(s): Grey, off white, white Type: High heels/pumps Feature(s): Snake skin print, textured print, 3.5-4 inch heel, high arch, pointy toes

This is similar to Saks’ Leopard print in orange and pink. I personally do not like outlandish prints — into which I categorize leopard, crocodile, and snake — but this one got a pass because of the pale coloring. Yes, the snake print and texturing is unmistakeable, butter pale whites and greys mute the loudness, bringing the shape more in focus as a sexy heel with some mild texturing. Tasteful choice!

On to the wearing the heel itself. This material is harder than similar styles in softer materials than fake suede or PU leather, so there is less give. Because of that, even a 7.5 made me worried about it being so tight around the toe joints I would get severe foot pain if I wore this too long. Unfortunately size 8 was too loose in the most important part that keeps regular pumps onto the feet: the back. This is a problem with the arch so high. Still, it definitely looked sexy. I loved the life it gave my calves. I would recommend a narrower foot or for those whom it is biologically impossible a pair with materials that have more give.

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Not a shoe post.

I’m on the lookout but not necessarily a hunt fora good, preferably leather traveling duffel like bag.The bottom one is Cole Haan; I forget the top. I took a picture of the two together to lament how I wish the two could combine into one bag. I’m not thrilled by the dark brown grey of the Cole Haan bag, but wish it could get a bit of the color of the top bag. I don’t want the bottom duffle bag to be super rounded as pictured, but as some nice a little more edge as the top and maybe some side pockets.

Well, the quest, peripheral as it is, continues. And life rolls on.

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Brand: Michael Kors Style: Hamilton Mid Patent Size(s): 7.5, 8 Color: Blushed nude Type: High heels/pumps Feature(s): 3.5 inch heel, low arch, cut outs, patent leather, nude look, pointy toe I freely admit, I'm in love with the light link, blushed pink, blushed nude, etc., trend. My eye was caught by this pair's color, not so much the design. I am not fond of cutouts, including too strapped or stringy looks. I personally find them an overdone fashion statement when classic shapes are enough. This has cutouts near the toe box and near the back of the heel. The cutouts are slip, elongated diamond shapes, so are tasteful. An interesting note is the low arch in spite of the high heel. Generally heels hitting the 3.5 inch mark and higher without platforms try to make the feet look petite and dainty to assist the silhouette of a taper from wide hips to small feet by designing the shoes with a high arch. This pair, however, has a lower arch so the shoes and thus the feet look longer (due to the pointy toe shape). While I do prefer the dainty look, this was amazingly comfortable, and is a happy compromise of low arch, higher heel height, and overall length of shoe and feet appearance. I think that if this pair was in a darker color like black it might have a better slimming effect. Onto fit. I mentioned above these are amazingly comfortable. The toe box does not pinch the sides of the toes when standing or walking. The cutouts, too do not pinch in weird places around the sides or top of the feet (another smaller reason I don't like cutouts). Pressure is assigned more to the arch of the feet, so one can choose to switch being resting on the balls or the feet or the heel without undue pain. Overall I'm pretty impressed with this pair. I have had mixed results with Michael Kors in the past, hence my picking over the shoe so critically. I love the color a lot, especially that it is patent leather. The biggest turn off is of course the cutouts. I'm putting this on the back burner.

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Brand: Coach Style: forgot Color(s): Dark tan/taupe, black Type(s): high heels/pumps Feature(s): 2-2.5 inch heel, no arch, two tone color block, decorative metal chain, pointy toe, real leather upper

This style has been out for quite a while. I honestly down go for Coach’s lower heels because I can find better value for price with the same style and better colors elsewhere, but I thought I’d give it a try for the sake of memories and putting the final gavel pound on such a judgement.

I am not fond of the shape of the toe box. Yes, it’s pointed, but the oblong shape that ends in a pointed tip reminds me of the Coneheads. I rarely go for pointy cone shaped toe boxes for that reason. Cone ones also are super cramped. Not great for room for meet and extended wear.

The middle of the insole however is nicely cushioned for the natural arch. The back does not slip out but has good grip.

I did not like the tan color. I might have been able to get over the cone tip if the two tone color was better.

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Not a shoe post.

There was a sale for autumn scarves for Michael Kors brand. I took a picture of this scarf not because I liked it, but because it felt like a tough carpet or rug! The material wasn’t soft but firmer and on the light side of scratchy. This isn’t the kind of scarf I would want to tuck anywhere on my face, let around around it. I’d probably just use this as a shawl (it’s a big scarf) if I was wearing long sleeves so the rough material doesn’t touch my skin.

Bad decision, MK.

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The shoe in the middle looks exactly like Saks Fifth Avenue’s SF-Cathy shoes I’ve reviewed earlier (in black and cobalt blue). Here it is a different, lower end brand (Call It Spring) but for $20 on sale at Macy’s, not the “cheap” price of $70 on clearance at Saks. This is a reminder why it is important to look around. I’m curious about checking these out to see how they compare.

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Brand: Saks Fifth Avenue Style: SF-Cathy Color(s): smokey cobalt blue Size(s): 7, 7.5 Type(s): high heels/pumps Feature(s): 3.5-4 inch heel, fake suede, high arch, rounded pointy toe So, after experiencing Saks' Erika heels that were super hard to put my feet into, I was more cautious in this one because it too had a high arch. I tried the 7 first. Foot slipped in easily. A little tight around the toe joints, which was solved by a 7.5, but the overall fit was better in a 7. To save my toes I would stick with the 7.5, only because this high arch means I'm literally on the tips of my toes. It isn't so much looser but the extra room in the toe box was nice. I was concerned that my foot might slip out but it was decently snug, but wasn't as snug as the 7. I really liked this look. The high arch with no platform keeps the feet looking small and dainty. The pointy toe wasn't so far elongated to the point of comical, yet added sophistication in the profile. It actually reminded me of some of Prada's 3.5 inch and 4 inch platform-less heels. There wasn't so much material the shoe overwhelmed my foot, so when wearing the eyes can travel easily up and down. Becaus my feet were kept proportionally small, my figure was emphasized, especially the taper from hips to ankles and finally sexy heels. I liked this shoe a lot. The downside is that it is a suede like material. I dislike suede or any fake suede because the need to clean it is cumbersome. I have to worry about fuzz, dirt, liquids let alone just water... Just ugh. The other concern is I'm not in the market for such a bright color. If I was I think this style would be in the running in spite of my aversion to heels higher than 3 inch without a platform, but definitely in a different color and material.

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Brand: Saks Fifth Avenue 

Style: Leopard Print 

Size(s): 7, 7.5 

Color(s): Pink and golden tan leopard print 

Type(s): High heels/pumps Feature(s): 3-3.5 inch heel, fun and wild print, rounded pointy toe 

 Very cute and fun! I was drawn to the interplay of pink inside the sea of light, golden tan and black spots. It definitely softens the glaring leopard print such that this is a fun pair of shoes worn for dress up or dress down. The fit was much better than Saks' other heels. I think because the heel height on this on was lower. Looking at the shape of the arch and shoe length, this shoe is designed to be more comfortable. I liked walking around with this. Little pain in toe box and toe joints. Low and comfortable while fun. The material is clearly easy to clean (just wipe!). 

 I will seriously consider this with a big condition. Because the leopard print is rather loud albeit fun, I wouldn’t buy this unless if cane down seriously in price to under $35. I would definitely consider this shoe silhouette in different colors.

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Brand: Nine West Style: Unknown Size(s): 7, 7.5, 8 Color(s): Black Type(s): High heel boots Feature(s): 4-4.5 inch heel, sturdy heel, rounded pointy toe, full ankle coverage, medium high arch, PU leather

I liked this because I need a replacement for my current PU leather high heel boot. This one has a similar shape (little thinner) heel but it is much taller. The arxh is therefore sharper than I would like such that I don’t think this is a good “comfortable” heel. I was surprised by how it felt wearing it during the initial walking test. The size 7 was too tight, especially for right foot. Choosing 7.5 or 8 was a toss up. I think 8 would be a bit dangerous since the placendntbofvthe foot arch and balls of feet are just slightly off compared to 7.5. The toe box is comfortable, big I don’t think it would be comfortable after stressing the balls of the heels for so long, especially for big toe joint.

I passed on this because I was unsure if I was willing to put up with the height. I want a lower heel, even though the shoe was desirable. The silhouette did masks my feet look much bigger, which is fine for boots.

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Brand: Nine West Style: forgot Color(s): Dark taupe Type(s): Flats Feature(s): pointy toe, 1 inch heel, ankle strap, mid strap, patent leather I really like this. The straps ensure it fit securely while giving a tiny pit of life. The toe box was roomy, and the point didn't extend comically far out. My feet did look a bit bigger than usual, but it was acceptable. Having two straps can be a bit of a hassle, but after some experimentation, I was able to skip these on with just the front/mid strap and both straps buckled. I don't like the dark taupe color. It doesn't fit my skin color well. Nor does it suit my wardrobe colors. Pass for a different color.

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Brand: forgot

Style: forgot

Size(s): 7.5, 8, 8.5

Type(s): Sneakers, slip on

Feature(s): no back, no shoelaces, slipper shoes, casual, lightweight

So, when I first saw this it reminded me of typical slip on sneakers with laces. But I liked how it as much easier to slip on. It would be perfect if rushing out to do something quick without socks. The fit is wide with lots of room but is still snug against your feet. I liked the 7.5 a lot, but did go up to 8 and 8.5 to compare fit. I would choose between 7.5 and 8. It is so comfortable and lightweight; walking with it feels like walking barefoot.

My gripe is I hate the silhouette, even though this boat-like shape that also looks like decorative gardening bricks is really popular among female fashion sneakers, it just looks awful. It makes my feet look big and bloated, especially when viewed from the front or top. I did like the darker almost navy blue color.

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Brand: Saks Fifth Avenue

Style: Erika Size: 7, 7.5

Color(s): Black

Type(s): High heels/pumps

Feature(s): 3.5-4 inch heel, slanted design across toes with deep cutout, pointy toe, PU leather, high arch

I don’t usually try on heels with cut outs that are far deep into the sides. Usually because that is where my foot and the shoe are bending, the sides of the cut out dig into my bones, causing pain in my foot or bunions. I went up to my normal size of 7.5 and it wasn’t too bad. The higher arch was mitigated by the lovely look that made my foot dainty while distributing the pressure on the balls of the feet. Shifting my weight made it sit much better. Walking was not an issue. Just walk like normal, with no fear of shoe falling off. The slanted cut across was a very sexy touch to the already sexy silhouette, accessorize get without wearing an actual accessory. I’m considering it.