Pretty Things Borrowed From The Internet

The following are pretty things I love but either can't afford; don't truly need; or for the sake of practicality won't buy them. I love big blingy diamonds but can't justify spending 36k plus on a single piece of jewelry, and I don't need more dresses or sandals. Still, I love them all:

The top👆image is a ring designed By Bonnie Jewelry, as a gift for her Hong Kong mother. It's a 3 1/2 carat center pear-shaped diamond with two 1/2 carat accent pear-shaped diamonds. They are D-grade diamonds. Unaffordable for us average Janes ... yet stunning! The ratio of the center pear shape is ideal. The cut for a pear doesn't get any better, and you will pay a mint for it if you aren't Bonnie's mother!

Unlike the diamond ring, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark's Moss And Spy Elodie dress is affordable for a gal with a job. The high-lacy neck and A-line skirt look lovely on her! I try not to buy what I don't need and really have no upcoming events to justify buying a new dress, plus I have suitable dresses if an occasion to wear one pops up.

At 1st glance, Birkenstock sandals are quite ugly, but everybody is wearing them on the streets of Manhattan and I'm told they are ultra comfortable. Yesterday a woman told me she haven't taken hers off since buying them. Averaging $145 for leather, they run up to $200. Can so many people be wrong? If you walk miles and miles on city pavement with arch support and stability, ugly becomes beautiful!

If I go far from home on foot, I don't wear sandals. All summer long I wear Old Navy $2 flip-flops, inside my apartment only. I already own a supportive pair of Merrell sandals that I wear if I travel by car, or walk short distances. Birkenstock sandals would be worth the cost if its contoured arch support lets you walk all over town with ease. For sure your feet are worth investing in to prevent foot problems! Certain colors go on sale for $72, but I'll pass until I need a new pair of sandals.

Nice things, eh? That pricey diamond ring makes me wish I were either Bonnie's mother or Kim Kardashian, otherwise, I'm happy to be me!


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Portland Leather Goods Are About Quality

Portland Leather goods are designed to be simple, durable, and affordable. It's genuine leather people don't have to save 6 months of salary to buy! The inventory is understated and basic, yet well-crafted and pragmatic. In your possession, the well-priced pieces will endure for decades.

My favorite articles are the backpacks, totes, and Chelsea boots. A selection of small leather goods (again note, they're real leather, not synthetic!) is a good value even before applying a 25% discount code or perusing the Amost Perfect Sales section.

The wallets do everything we need them to do, and for simple basic designs, the above Chelsea boots (available in several colors) and matching tote bag are a smashing duo!

What Portland Leather items tempt you? Do the fair prices compared to their French competitors surprise you, or make you wonder why you'd ever pay 1000s more for a designer name?

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#Shorts: Platform Shoes

Take a good look at the impractical shoes of youth. I wore them once upon a time. Platform shoes are a hazard. With elevation, you have little control when losing your balance. If the side of your platform steps on a pebble, you're going down!

Undeniably cute. Funny, I don't toss them as I tend to be a discarder (I know ... a made up word, but it fits), not a collector.

Alas, I've now joined the sensible shoes set!

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Bejeweled Athletic Shoes

Blue by Betsey Johnson

As a gal who loves the glitter of gemstones, bejeweled athletic shoes always catch my eye, yet I don't own a pair and am not tempted to buy them for myself. When it comes to footwear I always select function over fashion so never stray from Nike. It's likely because I live in New York City and walk miles on concrete. Also, I don't want to invest in more than one pair of athletic shoes at a time as the functional ones with guaranteed arch support and stable heels are expensive, and I desire more from my sneakers (or trainers as the British like to say) than to look good wearing them. Lately, when I buy shoes (or clothes), I don't forget their original purpose and want them to serve their intended purpose.

Kurt Geiger London Laney Crystal

That said embellished sneakers (a/k/a tennis shoes) are a trend, especially with a chunky midsole that will boost your height by an inch or so. Without a doubt, they're super cute and can elevate your style! An all-black or neutral outfit will benefit from a pop of shimmer.

Tretorn Nylite Plus Glitter 

You can find them for under $80 (if unlike me) you don't mind having multiple pairs of sneakers hanging out in your closet. They're not as washable as sneakers without jewels which may limit their use, but if you have a job or attend a lot of events where you can dress casually smart, you'll probably get your money's worth buying a pair. It all depends on your lifestyle.

Clarks Nova Spark Sneaker

While I've never bought bejeweled sneakers, I do own black bejeweled high heels and previously owned (1) black and (2) silver rhinestone ballet flats, which are fun to wear! Often other people compliment them, so the sparkly style seems to be a mood booster!💫

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Vivaia Shoes Are Machine Washable

It takes a different kind of shoe for me to consider shoes that are not real leather because I always have trouble wearing man-made, non-leather shoes. Either they are too stiff and I can never break them in, or they are too hot, or they click and clack with every step. In fact, I've sworn off so-called liberated leather shoes.

Then along comes Vivaia shoes (established in 2020), a sustainable shoe company on a mission to make quality, comfortable and stylish footwear using recycled materials that are sourced from nature. Believe it or not, Vivaia shoes are made of recycled plastic water bottles. Plastic water bottles are turned into spools of flexible thread that is knitted into form. According to the merchant, Vivaia flats feel like sneakers. Their signature sustainable material is not only soft, cozy, and breathable, but they will last for years to come, and they are reasonably priced too!

Indeed, Vivaia shoes and boots are super fashionable: classic and understated, as well as, ultra-modern with vitality and pizzazz. The fashion-forward shoes won't go out of style.

Moreover not only is attention paid to the exterior design, but also to the interior of the footwear. The inside heel is cushioned to avoid blisters, and insoles are added to provide high rebound (or bounce), and arch support.

The over-the-knee boots are made with recycled plastic water bottles plus wool for warmth in cold weather. They pull up like thick socks and stay put (as in don't fall down during the day). Furthermore, all Vivaia shoes and boots are machine washable. Now that's different, it means they're easy to clean!

Moreover, the retailer says their shoes are perfect for people with wide feet and bunions. In Vivaia shoes, "your feet won't be squeezed, pushed, pulled, or bent out of shape."

For comfort is the main reason to buy Vivaia shoes. As for sustainability, sources such as the Harvard Business Review argue that sustainable fashion is a myth. Once a plastic bottle is turned into fashion, it's no longer recyclable, but goes into a landfill. In fact, the best way of saving our environment is to buy less and re-use (i.e., shop 2nd hand) fashion. I must confess to never buying 2nd hand shoes, but I only buy the footwear I need and stop buying until I need replacement shoes or boots. That said ...

Enough colors and styles are offered for a day of work, a night out on the town, or a walk through the park. Certainly, Vivaia shoes are worth a browse, an open mind, and some serious consideration.

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The Pillow Shoe Is A Fad

There's a new fad in town: The Pillow Shoes. They are the rage of TicTac, and I think for good reason. They are cheap, comfortable and casual smart. Although not enough support to walk miles and miles in, pillow shoes offer good enough support to loaf around the house, as well as, run quick errands in the neighborhood.

In warm weather I normally wear $2 Old Navy flip flops around my apartment, but these offer greater support and are arguably more stylish. There are a number of retailers making the shoe style, but I like the brand, Mesh Beach Shoes for their anti-slip soles and ergonomic design claim which is supposed to evenly distribute the pressure between you feet and hips to help avoid the pain of knots and cramps. They are lightweight, waterproof and have lots of happy customers based upon what reads like honest reviews. The website features 6 colors including blue and beige. 

More expensive than flip flops for sure, but you get durability, support and style ... a fair trade off ... and hey, you can add a few inches to your height by slipping into a pair.🦶🩴

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No More Vegan Leather Shoes For Moi

Take a look at the last pair of vegan leather shoes I expect to ever buy. I'll consider imitation leather for handbags or articles of clothing, but not for shoes. In my experience, ''liberated leather'' just can't match the fit or comfort of genuine leather shoes. There's always an unexpected issue with them.

To the left is exhibit A, my JBU walking shoes: Adorable style ... and for short walks, they are fine. But, the vegan leather is stiff, and it never softens. After a summer of wear, the shoes haven't conformed to my feet fitting like a glove as real leather tends to do. Fake leather doesn't seem to stretch or give to accommodate a toe ... and the sides of the shoes puff out when I take a step, not hug my feet as leather does. 

Luckily they were a T.J. Maxx find, so a bargain. Certainly, I like the brand, JBU, which makes a quality orthopedic-approved footbed, but in the future, I'll always pursue this retailer's and all shoes carefully to ensure I'm buying real leather. These shoes in leather would be perfect!

For the lesser ticket price I paid at TJ Maxx I'll get my money's worth, yet I want shoes to do it all, i.e. carry me over short and long terrains so I can own fewer pairs of shoes.

Still, I gave it a try. I wonder how people who wear only vegan leather shoes manage? Are they mostly in sneakers? Do they avoid hard concrete pavement? Are they the taxi and Uber set? Hmm, I would miss the sights, sounds, and easy exercise of walking all over Manhattan.

Next let's look at another brand, a leather shoe I may buy next time! Technically a sandal -- a hybrid, closed-toe walking shoe, if you will. Customers rave about them: The Keen Women's Rose Sandal has tons of glowing customer reviews on multiple sites! Similar to the JBU in style, support, and rubber soles.

Two brands to keep on our leather-preferred radars! What's more, both companies bring back their popular walking styles season after season (with minor tweaks) and you won't miss out by not ordering them before you need a pair. Should you need a pair though, the sales are on!

Teva Leather Omnium 2 for men

Another company, Teva, with a similar type of walking/sporty shoe is perhaps superior in quality -- but has only a leather option for men right now. Check back in the future to see what comes out for women. Not everybody needs waterproofed shoes all the time, which may explain why leather is disappearing as the material for these types of airy walking shoes.

A closed-toe-airy-walking shoe is versatile. Not only will it take you from summer to fall, but you can wear them when open-toe sandals are too slight or casual. They are sandals bumped up a notch to casual smart. Make them in durable leather, please!

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5 Walking Sandals With Arch Support + 2 for the Pool

Merrell Women's Sandspur Rose Leather Sandal

No longer do I make the mistake of wearing unsupportive sandals. Sure, I aim for cute and stylish, yet I've become a sensible shoe woman. I've crossed the rubicon, and there's no turning back! All my shoes, including my sandals, must be fit for walking miles on unforgiving concrete and thus support my feet. It's the numero uno quality I look for in footwear and will forgo style if necessary. That said, if I can find both fashion and foot doctor approved sandals, I'd buy them, but the shoes don't go home without function!

Nowadays all my shoes including sandals must have 4 details: 

1) Arch support - I have high aches. They scream for structure!

2) Stable heels - 1 & 2: Like peanut butter and jelly or locks and bagels. 

3) Leather uppers - Any shoes I've owned not made of leather have failed me. They don't conform to my feet, and they  don't let my feet breathe, so they get hot. I'm done with synthetic upper materials in shoes. Finito!

4) A firm yet soft foot bed - Forget rock hard. Finita!!😂 After a certain age, we start to lose the fat that pads the soles of our feet, so the cushioning must be in the footbed of our shoes. 

Now that we know what to look for, the following are 5 sandals to consider if you walk a lot on city pavement:

1) Merrell Women's Sandspur Rose Leather Sandal - Luckily I found these sandals on sale last winter, yet they start at a reasonable price, and many other Merrell styles have the same arch support and stable heels construction. These are super stylish on the feet!

2) Berkenstock Women's Arizona Soft Footbed Fashion Sandal - Super pricy and popular with men and women. For the money look for 100% upper leather with the soft footbed selection. Paying $100+ for synthetic Berkenshock sandals is crazy! Like the other sandals selected by THE SAVVY SHOPPER, this one conforms to the shape of your foot and heels. Comes in women's and unisex sizes.

3) Therafit Eva Women's Leather Adjustable Strap Slip On Sandal - For women who love slides. Offers superior arch support and deep heel cups for stability. 

4) Rockport Women's Briah Perf Sling Wedge Sandal - A garden party sandal, obviously not for hiking miles and miles in, but supportive and stable enough to get you to the party on public transit without the need to carry a change of shoes to the party. Full grain leather with a soft breathable interior including cushioned heels and a supportive outsole. The upper Nubuck leather is made to look new for the life of the shoes. Very affordable shoe, as well as, shoe brand!

5) Vionic Backstrap Sandal -Vionic sandals have built-in orthotic arch support that is especially supportive for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Like the other choices, the shoes are made to ease heel pain.

Bonus sandals for the beach and swimming pool: 

1) Arches Support Flip Flops - They are bonus sandals because they aren't leather; and according to podiatrists, you shouldn't walk long distances on city pavement in flip flops ever ... and yet, sometimes you must go near the water where leather would be ruined! 

To be honest, I wear $3 Old Navy flip flops, or $10 Crocs from T.J. Maxx at the beach or by the pool, as well as, around the house, but Arches have the podiatrist-favored real arch support and are made strong to last. After a season of wear the thongs sometimes break on my Old Navy and Croc flip flops ... once causing me to walk 2 blocks home barefoot in my neighborhood. Arches are reinforced to not have such inconvenient "blowouts."

2) LLSOARSS Plantar Fasciitis Feet Sandal With Arch Support - Customers claim they are as supportive as Vionic sandals for less. At times Amazon lists them as low as $12. LLSOARSS flip flops have superior arch support and are constructed to stop heel pain. They prevent sore and tired feet too. A few customers say they experience foot odor when wearing LLSOAESS, which won't happen if you save them for the pool.

The numero uno element of supportive sandals is met in this list of 5 sandals  plus 2 for the pool ... and with style!  Looks like we don't have to skip fashion this summer!🏖

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Slip On Lands' End Comfort Summer Shoes

As warm weather approaches sensible shoes with arch support and stable heels are a must! Recently I ordered the perfect spring/summer shoes: Lands' End Comfort Mary Janes. 

They have leather uppers with sneaker-comfort footbeds and durable rubber outsoles with sturdy traction. Taking them on a test drive, I walked from Manhattan's Upper Eastside to Midtown (a distance of several miles) to find they protect my feet from taking a harsh pounding on concrete. I love them! They're practical and cute!

Moreover on foot, the Lands' End Comfort Mary Janes don't look juvenile and are versatile to wear with pants, leggings, skirts and dresses. Another beneficial feature is their velcro-like strap closures, for easy slip on and off, as well as, hassle-free adjustments. 

The Woman's Comfort Elastic Ballet Flats are trickier. The sizing is off so you have to order up from your regular shoe size. They are not for walking long distances on concrete pavement but for bouncing around your house, garden and neighborhood. Soft leather uppers have insoles that are foam cushioned. An elastic edge molds to your feet.

Lands' End Women's All Weather Closed Toe Sandals let some air in. They have soft suede uppers, shock-absorbing footbeds and sturdy rubber outsoles fit for hiking.

For hanging out at the swimming pool or boating dock, there are several styles of quick drying water shoes, water sandals and lightweight flat Comfort Slider Sandals in several colors.

The offerings are priced attractively before adding 40% off promotions and free shipping. This summer, let's get comfy in quality and style without going broke!

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