Designer Shoes at Payless

September 30th, 2008 by crystal

It’s becoming ever more popular and common for designers to create collections for us regular gals. And why not? We provide a much larger market than those who can afford Manolos or Louboutins. And, we’d like to own more than one defining piece for the season which is all we can afford if we buy couture (if even that!).
With Isaac Mizrahi, Vera Wang, and many others, it’s now possible to own designer fashion at reasonable prices. Yes, it IS different than owning a killer pair of Manolo Blahniks or a Prada dress. The quality’s different (it has to be) and you’re more likely to see a ton of other people wearing it. But, these are still shoes, bags, and clothing designed by designers who have cutting-edge styles and trends in mind. So, they’re definitely worth checking out.

Payless jumped on this bandwagon a couple of years ago. Abaete was one of the first designer lines offered at Payless. Lela Rose followed. And now, we have Alice + Olivia added to the mix.
Read more to learn about these designers, their styles, their Fall 2008 shoes and previews for Spring 2009.

Abaete

About the Designer

Abaete is designed by Laura Poretzky. Poretzky studied at the Rhode Island School of Design before working for Ralph Lauren. Her first independent line was a swimwear and resort collection called James. In 2005, she began Abaete (a family name) and began designing shoes for Payless in 2006.

The Style

Laura Poretzky’s childhood was split between Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and New York. This explains why her collection has been characterized as a very unique blend of “French femininity, Brazilian sensuality and American simplicity.”

Fall 2008 Collection

Abaete’s Fall ‘08 Collection for Payless is predominantly Gray and Black, featuring studded details and a choice for almost every Fall 2008 Shoe Trend.

Studded Slouch Boot ($55), Peep Toe Heel in Gray or Black ($38), Bootie ($45), Studded Pump ($38)

Spring 2009 Preview

The inspiration for the clothing collection is the dichotomy of “the good girls we are and the bad girls we want to be”. The corresponding shoes pull from both the gladiator style and the bootie that’s so popular this Fall.

Images from Style.com

Lela Rose

About the Designer

After studying at the Parsons School of Design, Lela Rose worked for Christian Francis Roth and Richard Tyler before creating her first independent collection in 1998. In 2006, Rose created her first Bridal Collection. She began creating for Payless in 2007.

The Style

Lela Rose’s style is ultra feminine, very embellished and uses unique fabric combinations. She is known for whimsical creations that are both classic and trendy.

Fall 2008 Collection

Lela Rose’s collection for Fall 2008 reflects her tendency to embellish. Many of the shoes are adorned with bows in different shapes and sizes. Peep toe heels are also included. I love the tweed-ish ones!

Autumn Hue Slingbacks ($35), Bow Heels ($35), Tweed Peep-Toe Heels ($38), Bow Flat ($34)

Spring 2009 Preview

Inspired by African tribal prints, the collection was characterized by “rich pigments and textures”. The shoes were equally exciting. The heels were unique both in composition and style. I can’t wait for this collection to come out in stores!

Photos Located at Getty Images

Alice + Olivia

About the Designer

Stacey Bendet started Alice + Olivia when she became tired of wearing the same old denim. She wanted a pair of pants that fit as well as denim, but was more interesting. So, she tore down her brocade curtains and created her first ‘Stacey Pants’. Alice + Olivia (the names of Stacey and her former co-designer’s mothers) was originally a pants-only line. After seeing the first show where the models wore only pants and strategically placed flowers, Andrew Rosen of Theory signed on as partner. Alice + Olivia now includes men’s and children’s collections and is much more than just pants. Stacey Bendet has created quite a name for herself as sole designer. She just married Eric Eisner (Michael Eisner’s son) and the two are expecting a baby soon. What a life!

The Style

As you can guess from a designer who’s first hit project was a pair of pants made out of curtains, Stacey Bendet’s style is flirty, sexy and edgy. To sum it up with one word: FUN!

Fall 2008 Collection

The Fall 2008 Collection is definitely edgy. Futuristic ankle boots and decorated mary janes are the stars of this collection.

Ankle Boot ($48), Mary Jane Wedge ($38), Houndstooth Mary Janes ($38), Sweater Bootie ($48)

Spring 2009 Collection

Hippy chic was the inspiration for this collection. Bright colors, floral accents, with just a touch of a feminine side. More fun!

Photos located at Getty Images.

The shoes shown here are the ones I think epitomize Fall 2008 style. There are some others you might want to check out at Payless.com.

Each of these collections also contains a few purses that are in line with Fall 2008 trends. Check those out, too.