Shoes News Early December
Online Luxury Sample Sales
In the past year, being thrifty and frugal has become virtuous. Luxury brands are in trouble everywhere and looking for ways to ramp up sales without looking like they are selling to the mainstream, rather than the upscale customers that have previously lined their walk-in closets with luxury shoes for every occasion.
Online sellers that discount luxury brands are “flourishing” according to a recent article in The Economist. E-tailers of luxury goods, like RueLaLa.com, are positioned as members-only, exclusive sites. RueLaLa.com’s site says they are “an exclusive online destination of premier brand, private sale Boutiques that are open just two days each. Joining is free, but you must be sponsored by an existing Member.” Likewise, competing site, Gilt.com promises “Luxury brands. Hand-selected styles. Members-only prices.” They as well offer short-term sales of hand-picked styles for 36 hours only, with discounts of up to 70% off retail prices.
These new members-only sites do not show up in search-engine results, and the time limited and very unpredictable rotation of goods is designed to mimic the physical sample-sales that luxury-goods buyers in Los Angeles and New York City find daily. Now customers in far-flung areas can get the best bargains on the highest-end goods, provided they are invited into the fold.
Paris Story with Legs
The hottest look in footwear in the City of Light this fall is sexy, over-the-knee boots in leather and suede. They are spotted on young and older women alike, as a replacement for leggings or pants, and very frequently paired with a short skirt or a tunic and tights. They have been seen with laces that go all the way up the front, in stiletto heels, and in flats and wedges, as well as some that are combination leather boots and pants. (Really!) They can be seen in all of the stores, with prices ranging from $1500– $4500. Of course, once the trend catches on in the United States, the New York designers will have no problem producing them en masse at all price points.
Fold Up Shoes
Redfoot Revolution has been making the original fold-up shoes for a few years now across the pond in jolly old England. But the trend has just begun to sweep the states, and it’s being helped along by the “Sex and the City” versions of the shoes, complete with one style for each of the girls in the movie, and cute little mini shoe boxes.
The shoes have ultra-flexible soles and fold in half to be stowed in their own little cases to toss in your purse or pocket. They are perfect for running for the bus, running around the office, and for the walk home after a night out on the town.
The Redfoot Revolution is now also making a men’s line, so he can toss them in his gym bag and still be ready to dash to the office after his workout.
Buy a pair or two for yourself; buy some for your closest friends. Most of all be prepared to tell everybody where they can get their own!
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