I got my invitation to Shoe Dazzle a few weeks ago and I must admit I was tempted. This new service, founded by Kim Kardashian, asks you to fill out a short survey and then selects five possible pairs of shoes that should suit your tastes based on your responses. You select one of the five, fork over $39, and they ship you your brand new shoes. You do this every month, and are charged the fee every month, though you can cancel at any time.
As a confirmed shoe addict, the prospect of joining what is, in essence, a Shoe-of-the-Month Club was almost too much to resist. And many of the sample shoes shown on the site are REALLY cute:
But I have grave reservations.
So these shoes only cost $39. I'm more than happy to pay such a piddly amount for shoes I can see, handle, and try on in person ... or for a brand that I already trust that's gone on clearance. But the site proclaims that its shoes are from "Michael Antonio and other stylish, high quality shoe designers." Antonio appears to make shoes from synthetics, perched atop towering heels for rock-bottom prices. Not really my speed. And then who knows what the mystery designers will contribute?
Now I do buy cheap shoes and REALLY don't consider myself a shoe snob .... but I dunno, friends. I get a bad feeling about it all. A too-good-to-be-true, these-shoes-will-encourage-footstink, don't-be-fooled-by-the-cuteness kind of feeling. The shoes are returnable, you aren't forced to buy every month, and the terms seem flexible and reasonable ... and yet I just get a sinking, suspicious feeling that these babies won't last more than a few wearings before falling to pieces.
Also, I can't imagine this service working well for a persnickety shoe consumer such as myself. I can see it working for someone who has infinite storage space, for someone who needs help amassing a bigger, better collection of shoes, or for someone who is just looking to have some fun trying out new styles. But I think I'll save my pennies for shoes I can choose completely on my own.
What do you think of the Shoe Dazzle concept? Any chance you'd try it out yourself? Know anyone who's taken the plunge?
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48 comments:
I duuno- I have my reservations too. For me it seems too indulgent actaully- I don't need all of those shoes!
On a student budget, I can't quite add to my collection on a monthly basis, but if I would, I agree with you about wanting to handle and try on the shoe in person. Especially at that price.
Shoes are the one item I have the hardest time ordering online because you really need to see how it fits! And I'm never sure which size to order since I sometimes fit an 8.5 and sometimes a 9, so again, trying it on is key.
Yeah, sorry Kim K.... I don't think the Shoe of the Mont
Sounds sketchy... I hate cheaply made shoes and I think I learned my "stay away from things of the month that are returnable and seem to good to be true" lesson thanks to all my friends getting burned by BMG and Columbia house CD clubs when I was in 7th grade. No thank you, Kim Kardashian, I'll stick to the DSW clearance section.
Hmm, I have very tempted to try it out. I mean I have bought shoes from Target that are under 25 bucks. I have one pair I bought in 2006 still going strong. Of course with my shoes I a bit ocd. I wipe the bottoms off, spray with foot stuff, in my running shoes I spray lysol. I think that all stems from growing up poor and wanting to really hold on to whatever I buy. I will go check it out, maybe try it for a few months. Then come and let you ladies know if I feel my money was wasted. How does that sound? I will be the guinea pig.
I love all that I seen here so far....amazing shoes!
~Hurricane B~: Go for it, doll! But only if you've really got the interest and the dough ...
I blogged about my first shoedazzle experience today.
So far I am really impressed with the service, though I have a few critiques of their website, I understand they are a start-up just getting going.
My first pair of shoes are gorgeous and after 3 wears seem better quality than 1/2 the shoes I have bought at Target (My entire shoe collection comes from Target and Marshall's). They are very comfortable too, even for my one foot with fit issues.
The reason why I signed up is a find I have trouble taking risks in my shoes selection so I have a collection of almost entirely black and brown pumps and wedges. I am hope this will force me out of my comfort zone a bit. But I totally understand it's not for everyone!
I wonder what shoe lines they have contracted with... And with KK? I would worry that I'd be getting a lot of hooker heels.
HEY - wouldn't it be funny to log on and insist that your style was defined by crocs and brogues?
LeeHovey: Come back! Can't access your profile to read your post about your Shoe Dazzle experience! Drop a link in a comment, won't you?
Sal,
Sorry! I always forget I keep my profile private!
http://tomboyfashion.blogspot.com/
ugh. it seems really shady! and, even though i am not really a shoe addict, i do like to try them on in person and see what i am getting. sending things back is always kind of a hassle.
also, i don't like the "because i can" thing--just because i have the ability to acquire something without restraint doesn't mean i should.
i say, go with your gut.
Hmmm...this sounds really interesting...I am really curious to see what shoes they would pick for me! At the very least, I'm going to check out the site.
I'm a shoe snob. there. I said it. I like to know my shoes are leather and well made.
You make an excellent point. As a girl with a big shoe collection already AND little storage space to begin with, I'm not sure I'd really want to join something like this. I'm not a shoe snob either (although one day I WILL own a pair of Louboutins...), but if I'm going to buy a pair of cheapie shoes...I want to try them on first. There is a myriad of things that can go wrong with them and forty bucks is a lot of money each month on shoes if you're not actually going to wear them.
PS--I love your blog. :)
Do you ever get a chance to shop with fellow fashionistas?
I don't know, it seems kind of sketchy to me. But really, the main qualm I have with it is that you don't get to GO OUT and pick your own shoes. There is something infinitely satisfying about shoe-shopping that I think this experience would take out of the mix. And as much as I love shoes, a new pair of towering heels EVERY MONTH would start to be kind of a lot.
Passion4Fashion: Actually, very few of my friends would describe themselves as "fashionistas." And I really prefer to shop alone! That way, I can be focused and relentless in my quest.
My policy is anything that sounds too good to be true, is. Also, you don't get something for nothing.
I don't like cheap goods. Inexpensive is fine, "cheap" is not. Give me quality over quantity any time.
Hmm... An interesting concept (though I must admit, since I don't find Kim K.'s personal style my cup of tea, that kind of turns me off to the site). Tempting, very tempting. Especially for a gal like me who loves the idea of a new pair of shoes per month! But the low price is making me wonder how the quality of the shoes is, despite the fact that I'd love to only pay $39 for a new pair of shoes! I have "problem" feet, and I much prefer trolling through DSW's clearance room or one of the designer discount warehouses, than buying something sight unseen. It'll be interesting though to hear about people's experiences with this!
I say that there is no way in hell you need more shoes!
At this put, you *want* new shoes because they're gorgeous and comfortable and perfect, and so I would say that this is entirely the wrong service for you.
Me? I don't think I'd be able to walk 5 metres in any of those shoes, so...
Hi there-I'm not really into synthentics for shoes, so this would be a major concern. Plus, I do like to handle and try shoes,rather than buy them online, unlike other items. Have a lovely weekend!
not on my budget...lol
Seems too good to be true. The shoes I buy (mainly Fluevogs and FarylRobins) are in the $200 range so my feet are used to that kind of quality.
I was one of the original members of Bag Borrow or Steal and I liked that concept better - really good quality but you didn't own it forever. Unfortunately, BBS got pretty expensive over time too.
I guess I'd generally like to buy fewer, nicer things.
I like WendyB's distinction between inexpensive and cheap. I've bought shoes that don't cost a lot and worn them to death quite happily (hello, Payless), but I'm wary of anything that seems like it'll fall apart almost immediately. Also, a new pair of shoes every month?! That's 12 pairs of cheap shoes a year and approximately $480...I'd rather just buy 3 or 4 really good pairs.
I like this concept. I think it's a good way to build up a nice shoe closet (if you don't already have too many shoes). Not sure it would work for me though. I have funny feet--my feet are narrow. Because of my narrow feet, I tend to buy my shoes at places like Nordstrom's or zappos.com where they cater to people with funny feet (like me). I too am a shoe snob in that I like nice expensive shoes, as they tend to last longer, feel great, and look great too. But I do like this shoe club idea.
I must be super cheap- I don't think $39 shoes are a steal at all! I mean sure, I've spent more than that, but I wouldn't consider it a major deal.
I'm by no means a shoe snob. If exchanging sizes was easy and I had a money tree, I would be tempted. I love shoes and definitely could use a little nudge to get myself some more exciting styles.
I don't like the idea of *having* to buy a $39 pair of shoes every month (or at least most months). I could certainly spend that much on a pair, and 12 new pair in a year is not unreasonable to me, but I agree- not enough freedom!
Sounds a little scary to me to be honest! I would be scared of getting tied up with having to pay, and not getting very nice shoes out of it...but then continuing to pay in the hopes of a really nice pair. I guess it depends on the quality of the shoes, not to mention the questions they ask! Maybe once there are enough reviews of their service online, it may be worth a stint.
im so picky with my shoes (the fit)that i always have to try them on in person and havent bought online shoes! but im interested to hear what peoples experiences are with this new site
I would never pay more than $20 for cheaply made synthetics... hehe (Stella McCartney synthetics are another matter)
I mean the whole "you get what you pay for" is definitely true. At the end of the year that would be 12 pairs of shoes I probably would never wear.
I have to agree with you- I like trying shoes on in person, being able to feel the material/get an estimate of how sturdy they are.
No to mention I don't have the budget to buy shoes I don't really pine for!
I signed up, took my survey and now waiting for the "famous stylists picking out the 5 for me"{. The reason I am wanting to try it is cause of several reasons.
1. I am a lover of Marshalls,TJ Maxx, Outlet Malls to get the brands I love on my budget. You know the champagne taste on a beer budget...well that is me.
2. Now that I live in Europe can not get those stores anymore, have to do everything online clearance anyways.
3, European size for me in 40 which is 10..lots of places do not sell that. And only like to shop when the USD is doing great,
4. I am a shoe addict, and set a limit every month anyways. So figure try this out for a couple.
=)
Great price, I too have some reservations...might look fab only in the pics??? Quality is important these days... Sal+hubby, great weekend okie! XO*
Oh I haven't heard of this! Eesh! At first I had to contain my excitement. It does/did seem too good to be true!!! But then I remembered how I've felt buying inexpensive things that I don't love, but like--- and how they sit in my closest and remind me of my mass-consumerist ways. So, I think I'll try to stay untempted...but I will go browse now ;)
i have got to say that i am a shoe addict... even if i dont have room lol i cant help but buy new shoes any where i like. i do have some faves though (one example betsey) and i fell into this =) and i am on my second pair and i cannot tell you how much i love the pairs they have given me as a selection. it has been very hard to decide on just one! i also adore the bag it comes with it (a storage lil bag).
i too thought it was too good to be true, but i am giving it a chance. and honestly for being not too expensive my pairs have been amazing! they feel great and look great (i think). i am honestly looking forward to my next month. I might be posting pics of the two pairs i have up on my blog.
but i truly am a shoe addict... and one day i will get the really good ones =) maybe some jimmys =)
I'll be honest, I'm a shoe snob and the idea that you can get shoes for $39 (without markdowns, hallelujah for sales) is a little sketchy. Nothing like sweaty feet in PVC... Besides, I like to shop, why would I let a website steal my joy?
I understand your reservations, but I think this site is actually the real deal. I've bought two pairs of shoes from ShoeDazzle and they are GREAT!
It's not for people who spend hundreds on shoes but it's perfect if you want stylish, cute shoes for going out, you can't go wrong.
Stacy
What's the fun in getting shoes without shopping for them? I don't understand the point of the concept one little jot!
I felt a bit iffy about it too when I first saw it. Usually, I find that if I buy shoes that are less than $50 original price, they hurt my feet. Also, I think I'd rather be putting that $39 a month towards buying a pair of shoes from a brand that I know I love, rather than getting a pair from some "mystery designer"
so so many fabulous shoes!!
i guess i forgot to add that i still buy shoes lol those are just extra lil gifts i get each month lol
Yeah, something about it is so sketchy. I love me a bargain, but sometimes shoes are so worth the extra money. They're the only part of fashion that can really do physical damage to your body!
I was tempted as well. Surprise shoes - delivered to your door - what fun! Then I conquered that with the realities. 1. I am WAY picky about shoe fit. 2. I'm guessing they're probably cheap shoes. Ugh. And I'm not against cheap shoes. However, cheap shoes tend not to feel so good on the feet. Hence, the fit situation, again. Meh, I think I'll pass. For now. At least until I read some good reviews.
P.S. Sal - I also prefer to shop alone for much the same reason.
XOXO, MissAmy
i've gotten my first pair and LOVE my new shoes. I can't wait to get my 2nd pair!!! They look like they are durable and not cheap. I've worn them like 4 times this month and they haven't hurt my feet and are actually quite comfortable considering the heel is pretty high. I made a deal with my husband since I'll be getting a pair each month that I will get rid of an old pair everytime I get a new one!! Sounds like a deal to me. : )
I could do this with bags but not shoes. It's not the whole other people's feet have been in there because I do buy used shoes a lot BUT my size can be tricky and honestly I wouldn't fork out that much for cheap synthetic shoes when if I saved perhaps 4 months of that $39, I could buy some really awesome shoes...for keeps! It's a nice idea - but not for me!
OH! I thought it was like you get shoes for a month, and then you send it on its way. Like BBS.
Anyhoo, this takes the fun out of shopping for me, I would rather go on gojane and spend $15 if I wanted cheap shoes :)
I joined ShoeDazzle after I read about it on People.com. I have to say, usually, I don't buy "cheap" things, not that I buy really expensive things, but don't go for discount too often. Well, I love the shoes I've received from ShoeDazzle so far. They are SO cute, a little different and really do look like nice shoes. I'm really excited about it, but I understand your reservations. Just thought I'd tell everyone that it's a great site.
I also am a Shoe Dazzle member and I have gotten my first pair of shoes and just LOVE them! My 2nd pair are on the way.
You can choose to skip any month but you have to remember to go to your login site and do so. If you don't choose to pick a shoe or skip that month, they will charge your crdit card and you will just get a shoe credit.
I post my shoe choices every month on my blog.
I have bought Michael Antonio shoes at the $10 a pair shoe store. They kill my feel... I closed my membership the same day I joined! If Shoe Dazzle adds quality for a fare montly fee, I would consider going back!
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