Leather Boot & Shoe Care

I've long been inspired by menswear; I especially love reading men's style blogs and mags because the emphasis is on style, fit, & quality and how to care for those items, as as opposed to women's style magazines which are much more trend and brand-conscious.  That being said, I want to direct you to two resources: one by Aili's favorite magazine, Esquire, put together a pretty good shoe care guide and the other by menswear blog Put This On.  

Boots, in particular, can be some of the most expensive footwear you purchase, but are expected to rough it through the salt, snow, mud, and slush of fall and winter, so it's good to know how to take care of your investment.

1. Ikea Shoe Horn - My dad claims this elongated shoe horn from Ikea is the best purchase we've ever made. haha.  Ikea--making dads happy everywhere.  The shoe horn obviously protects the back of your shoe from crumpling and maintains the integrity of the shoe's shape.  I wasn't sold on the shoe horn until a trip to a traditional Korean restaurant, where customers removed their shoes and slipped them back on with the aid of the extended shoe horn. Brilliant innovation! Now there's no need to bend over when you need to slide your shoes back on. ($0.99)

2. A Soft Cloth or a sock that's lost its mate in the caverns of the dryer.

3. Wool Shoe Inserts - These inserts are dual purpose: comfort and warmth.  They can make your shoes feel a little tight, but if you're between sizes, then these might be a good option.   I picked mine up on a whim in a tran station for 1€, and they've held up pretty well.  Check out this well-rated pair on Amazon for around $13 including shipping.

4. Frye Conditioning cream & weather protectant - I picked up this one from Zappos (where it has 5 star ratings!), and I'm a big fan; it's a fairly simple product that weather protects, restores, and conditions leather.  Another plus, as far as I can tell, it's odorless.  I've used it on all of my leather shoes--from flats to heels--and I don't think it's discolored any of my own shoes; that being said, I'd caution you to test a little patch of leather and see how it looks before committing fully. ($9) | shop

I had a cobbler add a rubber sole to my the soles of a few pairs of my shoes that feature a smooth leather sole.  The extra tread is a good thing for a klutzy soul like myself.  Cobblers offer a full list of services that you might not have realized were available; among other services, they can stretch, restore, and condition shoes as well as replace zippers, soles,  heels, or heel tips.

Speaking of boots, have you checked out our winter boot picks? 

Finally, I'd like to turn the discussion to shoe trees and boot shapers.  

Boot Shapers - I know you can pick these up from anywhere from $8 on up, and if that's your thing, then go for it, but the poor man's boot shaper--a sturdy magazine (I especially love the Nordstrom catalogs because they're free and shipped straight to your door) or an empty wine bottle--does the job just fine.

Shoe Trees - I don't have one of these, but my favorite men's style magazines and blogs emphasize the importance of shoe trees for maintaining the integrity of the shoe's shape.  Do you have any experience with shoe trees?  Thoughts?

Finally, you might be interested in checking out this video about taking care of leather pumps, and in particular Christian Louboutins by Wendy of Wendy's Lookbook.  


























I hope this wasn't too long and you found this information helpful!

Talbots Shoes: Final Sale is the worst.

I had some luck with shoes in my previous experience with Talbots shoes, so when the prices were too irresistible, I ordered a few (or six) pairs.  When placing this order, however, I was mostly interested in the Lyla Tuxedo Ballet flat and the Envelope Suede Clutches--both of which I diligently to go on sale.  When I finally added them to my cart and checked out for the price of under $25 each, I was triumphant.  Hours later a very sad e-mail popped into my inbox explaining that these items--the only items I really wanted--were allegedly out of stock.  I see that they're currently in stock now in multiple colors and sizes, but now marked final sale.  I hate you, Final Sale (especially you, JCrew final sale).  I am disillusioned.  lol.  No really, though; that's the price you pay when you want stuff on the cheap: you win some, you lose some.  This time I lost, but when I win, the satisfaction of getting a great deal for a quality item is nothing short of thrilling.  :D

All of these shoes turned out to be lemons for me, especially because I find Talbots shoe sizing to be very inconsistent, though when I was returning the SA mentioned that their shoes tend to run big.  Here are my quick thoughts on the items that I purchased:

Lyla Suede Bow Flat in Warm Taupe: I actually liked this pair of flats best.  They're a very light rose blush tone in a suede-y type material that really allows the leopard print bow to pop.  Makes me think I might have liked the Tuxedo flat.  Half size too big.  Aili vetoed these.  Returned.

Suede Pump in Scarlet & Black: The top of the shoe digs into the back of my heel.  1" platform, but generally an uncomfortable shoe.  Decently made with nice styling and vibrant colors, otherwise. Returned.

Judi Rhinestone Captoe: Half size too big for me.  Weird satiny material.  I was also unimpressed by the crystal details.  Returned.

The ever elusive Lyla Tuxedo Flats: I first spotted these shoes at ShoppingWithM; check out her review of the adorable pink & red version.  If you are interested in black & white patent version of the Lyla Tuxedo Flats, see Elle of Fast Food & Fast Fashion review them here.

Envelope Suede Clutch (also in Ikat): No in-person experience with this item, but it comes in some fabulous colors.  And I still kind of want one, but I am resisting final sale.

I've had excellent experiences with Talbots customer services, even when I come in returning hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise.  I don't always find winners at Talbots, but I like shopping there because of the great customer service and because their pieces come in a variety of non-traditional sizes.

Shoes & Accessories Galore

Scotty Essential Flat, Banana Republic (final sale price of $13) - I'm not sure if I can cross "Classic Black Flats" off of my Wishlist, but this pair of flats is cute and the patterned details keep things interesting.  The footbed is padded, and they're comfy... for the price and the quality, I definitely can't complain.

Pilar Strappy Wedge in Brown by Mossimo, Target ($14.99 at my local Target, but $29.99 online) - These shoes also come in nude, pink, and black.  Seeing Rosa of Love at First Shop rock DV by Dolce Vita's Pali Wedge, gave me shoe envy.  So when the Pali Wedge went on sale at Piperlime ($49.99), I picked them up.  After I put in my order, I spotted the Pilar Wedges at Target, and they look suspiciously similar to the Pali Wedge.  :)  The Pilar Wedges fit TTS, are comfy for the most part, but on first-wear the top straps cut into my ankles making them a little uncomfortable, but nothing I can't get over.  The Pali Wedges have a synthetic lining & outsole, so I'm not sure if the Pilar Strappy Wedge differs significantly in quality from the Pilar Wedges, and I sent the Palis back to Piperlime (free shipping + free returns!).  Anyway, $14.99 in my book is a good deal.  See them styled here.

1. Large Metal Stud Earrings in shiny silver, Express ($14.90) - Express currently has a buy 1 get 1 50% off jewelry deal.  The Janes at Jane Squared really like Express jewelry as seen here and here.

2. Loft ($13.99) - The clasp on this earring is clumsy, and taking them off makes me slightly nervous that I might damage the earring, and more importantly my ear. 

3. Loft (final sale price of $3.42)

4. Loft (final sale price, including sales tax, of $3.42) - Earrings numbered 2 through 4 were purchased at my local Loft on July 9, so I'm not sure if they'll still be in stores, and I couldn't find them online.

From top to bottom: Faceted Gem Stretch Bracelet, Express ($19.90); Pearl Bead Stretch Bracelet in mother of pearl, Express ($19.90); Pearl Bead Stretch Bracelet in pearl, Express ($19.90) - Though, I like Express's jewelry quite a lot, I sincerely despise their customer service and return policy; in my opinion, Express stocks low quality clothing for inappropriately high prices.  I used to love their suiting--pencil skirts & editor pants, in particular--but as of late, their pieces aren't as classy.   All that being said, I think I'll take a permanent long break from shopping there.  If you do, however, plan on picking something up at Express, their jewelry is currently buy 1 get 1 50% off. :)

Talbots Shoe Reviews

Before regularly reading personal style and shopping blogs, I had never really thought much of or about Talbots.  To me, Talbots always seemed like a brand that didn't carry pieces that would suit my sense of style, but I found lots of accessories that I liked, as well as a few flirty dresses.  Anyway, Ema of My Closet, My Baby, and I always writes about her favorite pieces from Talbots, and her review on the Pointy-Toe Pumps inspired me to check out Talbots' website.  I came across the shoe section of the Red Hanger Sale, and I was so excited to see that several of their shoes come in a wide width which is perfect for my wide (or "extra-stable" as my dad calls them) feet.  

Overall, my experience with Talbots was positive.  I felt the prices were reasonable, the promotional codes excellent, and the customer service helpful.  I will definitely keep an eye on their shoe selection in the future.

1. Pyramid-studded Leather Ballet Flats in Surf Blue ($42.72) - I think the color of this pair of flats is super fun.  These shoes fit TTS, and I do like the pyramid studs. They're made of leather, but aren't as nice as the Studded Leather Ballet Flats.  I think the studs are glued on, and I'm a bit afraid that if I pulled really hard on them (though I'm not sure why I'd do that. :D), they would just rip off.

2. Patent Leather Pointy-Toe Pumps in Cameo Rose ($35.52) - I ordered these shoes in 8W, but they're actually a half-size too big for me.  I've always purchased shoes in size 8, but have secretly suspected that I'm actually a 7.5 in terms of length but need the roomier proportions the size 8 offers.  I ordered them again in 7.5W, and I'll see how that fits.  If the 7.5's end up being too small, I think I'll just use some inserts for the 8W's or something.  Other than the sizing issue, I really love this pinky-nude color.  It's so pretty!  The color doesn't totally blend into my skin, but still elongates my legs.  I'm not sure my photos do the color justice.

3. Studded Leather Ballet Flats in Black ($33.10)- I'm not sure I love these flats.  I think I expected them to look a bit edgier than they actually are.  That being said, these flats are really well made.  The leather is soft and luxurious, but the material isn't supple; it's sturdy and will stand up to being scratched and stomped around in and will still hold its shape.  The footbed seems to be cushioned fairly well.  These flats have a sturdy half-inch heel that adds a tiny boost of height.

If you're planning on placing an order at Talbots, you should try using the code 023087249 for an additional 20% off + free shipping.  I believe you can only use this code once/Talbots account.  The prices I've noted include the July promotion code, as well as my my area's sales tax of 6.25%.