Ever since Payless went upscale, I've kept a close eye on it. The Fall designer shoes are avail and they're totally affordable. Alice + Olivia, Abaeté, Lela Rose, and Christian Siriano deliver sass via jewels, tassels, lace, chains, and buckles — all for under $60. Now my only question is, where are those amazing Abaeté chain booties? I'll keep a lookout for them, but in the meantime, check out what's in store.
The Payless collaborations were in full swing this season, making catwalk appearances at Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia, Christian Siriano, and Abaete shows. The Lela Rose range was significantly more demure than the other three--which may convince a high school-er or two that six inch platforms with spikes on the front are perfect for prom. Our favorites? The Payless Abaete ankle boots with chains wrapped around the front.
Tailcoats, Chains, and Lurex at Abaete Fab checked out the Abaete show, and if we had our way, we'd just fast-forward to autumn and wear everything now. It's a little bit Twilight, a little bit French, and — huzzah! — there are some insanely great and affordable shoes.
While serenaded by a live string orchestra at Abaete, I fell in love with three things. A "Theodore" tailored jacket in black twill that fulfills my vampire fantasies, the Abaete for Payless "Antoine" fold over black bootie with chain detail (remember they do a designer collaboration every season?), and lurex flecks and waves found on numerous tops and dresses. The collection was pretty Fab as a whole, inspired by Les Incroyables, a fashion subculture of post-revolutionary French society in the 1790s. See what I mean about a vampy vibe?
No, we're not talking about our grainy photos, we're talking about instances of real-life affordability on the catwalks. Last night, at Catherine Holstein's presentation, we were told that the designer's price point has lowered this season. While there were some murmurs of criticism, most of the young gals were talking hurriedly about which pieces they would buy. As for other examples, we saw Abaete's Payless range on the catwalk just a few hours ago. To us, the chain-wrapped ankle boots and platforms looked just as chic and, at times, difficult to walk in, as anything.
The Budget Babe has the scoop on a pair of Abaete for Payless gladiator heels which retail for only 38 dollars.
Handmade Detroit makes Valentine's Day cards for Fred Flare's Valentines For A Cause promotion.
Shiny Squirrel loves the vibrant mixed prints in a photograph by William Eggleston.
The Shoe Goddess reports on the opening of a Browns concept store that will benefit shoe lovers worldwide.
Perhaps the most generous of all collaborations is that of Payless and the designer-after all, where else could you go Collab Mad for less than twenty dollars? This holiday/resort season Payless worked with Patricia Field, Abaete, and Lela Rose on capsule collections that cover club hopping, island hopping, and black tie hopping respectively. To see the Payless/Holiday line sheets, click here.
Payless's collaboration with various high-end designers like Lela Rose, Abaeté, and Alice + Olivia is nothing new, but what is new is its designer collection for Fall. You will mainly find footwear, with some handbags and sunglasses sprinkled in. Some items fall flat, but still, others, like these Alice + Olivia for Payless Back Zip Boots ($48), shine. Find out what other pieces from Payless's Fall designer collection made Fab's cut.
