StyleTread: your new - too easy - online shopping destination

There's a new online shoe shopping presence called StyleTread and it's about to make it super easy to shoe shop 24/7.

With over 5,000 shoes and numerous major shoe brands online, StyleTread delivers the most sought after styles from a large range of Australian and select international designers with fast and free delivery and a 100-day free return policy.

And how's this: StyleTread has a 100% record delivering shoes within three working days to every state and territory in Australia whether it’s a metro or regional delivery. Your lusted-after shoes will be on your feet before you know it! Scarily easy...

Here's what you do: find your fave pair, use the secure credit card or PayPal payment option and have them delivered fast and free of charge to try on with different outfits in the comfort of your own home. If they aren’t quite what you had in mind, StyleTread will pick them up from your home or office for free, quickly and with a full refund. Um, what...? That's just too good...!

StyleTread also has shoes for the boys and a range of children's shoes. But who are we kidding? They'd simply be filler, alleviating-the-guilt purchases... it's all about shoes for us...

Now, excuse me while I go shopping - from my couch...

See www.styletread.com.au

Alina Van - New Shoe Obsession

Shoes, shoes, shoes... accessories, bags, bangles, shoes.

Okay then... now that I have your attention...

Introducing Alina Van, the new shoe store on the block with a difference.

Launched in October 2010 - and named after the gorgeous designer herself (she even models in some of these shots - stunning!), Alina Van offers a range of stylish heels, flats, bags and jewellery which reflect Alina's Chinese-Russian cultural background, while incorporating the latest trends, always adding an extra, quirky finish.

All the shoes are designed by Alina together with a team of footwear pros.

I have the tan slingback pair, as modelled here by Alina, and the second I put them on I was in love. Something about the structure of this sturdy, utterly stylish, cut-away platform makes them unexpectedly comfy and completely sexy. The shoe also comes in an electric blue, though I was easily sold on the tan colour - it's my fave wardrobe hue right now.

Prices range from $149.95 - $249.95 and just this week the Alina Van site has launched online shopping!

To buy online, or for more info and inspiration, see: http://www.alinavan.com/ or visit the stylish Sydney store at 400 Oxford Street, Paddington.

Emu Australia - WIN a pair of Winter Ugg Boots!

Yes, winter ugg boots are the domain of cold-weather wear, and these babies make me wish this dreaded heat will go away already...

And you can win a pair of these Emu Australia boots right now!

Simply comment below (or send an email to josiegags@optusnet.com.au) and tell me in 25 words or less why you (or perhaps your Valentine!) deserve this little pair of heaven. You can choose either a pair in pink or the chestnut colour (as pictured).

They're valued at $159 and worth every cent! If you can't wait to try your hand to win this one pair I have up for grabs, go to www.emuaustralia.com for info on how to get yours now.

40% off fashion - see Marie Claire Australia March 2011 issue

The March 2011 issue of Marie Claire features a damn fine shopping offer.

Head into stores including PeepToe, Sambag, Mimco, Fleur Wood, and more and get a whopping 40% off selected key pieces.

Just bring your issue of Marie Claire and go shopping, baby.

Best of all, if that offer (see page 181 and 182 of the March issue) is available online, you can do it from home and still get the hefty discount.

A Peter Lang belt at 40% off? Yes, please.

It's EMU versus UGG - and the, er, shoes are off...

As posted on cocoperez.com (Perez Hilton's fashion-related gossip website) last year, US-based company Decker Outdoor Corporation which owns UGG Australia had filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against their competitor EMU Australia, claiming they're "deliberately confusing customers".

The issue comes over the generic word “ugg."

And now cocoperez is reporting that EMU is fighting back as they’ve now filed a lawsuit alleging that Decker’s original “ugg” trademark was really obtained after a false statement to the US Trademark Office and is therefore invalid.

This means Decker could eventually lose all of its registration rights in the US.

Paul Neate, EMU Australia’s owner, reveals:

"Decker has aggressively marketed their 'ugg' – Australia marks and many consumers are unaware of the fact that UGG Australia is in fact American-owned and based. There is a lot more to be told about the history of the word 'ugg,' not only in Australia and Asia but also in the USA, Canada and in the UK and Europe.

We believe in time the courts will come to hear the truth in different jurisdictions and will hand down decisions that make this history clearer for all concerned."

What do you think about it all?

Trixan Body: online shopping with free delivery pre-Christmas

What is going ON with these amazing looking cossies teasing me out of my comfy cooler weather clothes!?

This little number is courtesy of online shopping mecca Trixan Body.

And to ensure what you really, really want is delivered by that all-important December 25 deadline, the site - http://www.trixanbody.com.au/ -
is offering FREE Express Post delivery on all orders! Well, hello!

Trixan Body offers a wide range of Aussie and overseas swimwear, lingerie, shapewear and activewear brands, all available without blowing the budget. As a family friendly website, all relatives are covered (yep, even that hard-to-buy-for one) so really it’s a one stop shop for your entire Christmas list.

And Trixan Body offers free shipping and free returns on ALL purchases. So, you can return anything completely free of charge. Nice.

Trixan Body also has a 125% price match guarantee. Find it cheaper and they’ll beat it. What generous peeps.

Choose from a huge selection of products from brands including Seafolly, Bonds, Gottex, Puma, Lovable and many more, then place your order. Within one working day, you’ll have an individually wrapped gift for under your Christmas tree.

Go to http://www.trixanbody.com.au/ and let the (dangerously good) shopping begin.

Michigan Avenue: Jessica Alba, December 2010

Jessica Alba wears delectable Michael Kors shoes (and Jen Kao knit dress) for the cover of American 'Michigan Avenue' magazine December 2010 issue which frankly, make me wanna lick my computer screen.

Here are all the pics from inside her fashion spread for the mag.

My other new love affair is with this magazine: where have you been all my life?

You can see the entire edition online here:

http://www.michiganavemag.com/digital-edition

Gideon: world-first 100% Australian-made, sweatshop-free, sustainable sneaker.

I was so impressed when I heard about Gideon.

Gideon sneakers are the world's first 100% Australian made, sweatshop-free, completely sustainable sneaker. The cool shoes are a venture of Rupert and Matt Noffs (of the Noffs Foundation), who have taken a proactive stance against the exploitation of factory employees by manufacturing Gideon in Sydney.

Made from kangaroo leather and cane toad hide, the hand stitched premium sneaker is street-cred with a conscience. It's highly likely sneaker-freakers are drooling over the images right now - lucky for them the uber cool shoes come in a variety of colours and styles. We know they love collecting... but these are deffo worth actually wearing, not just for safe keeping in a box.

With all profits going directly to the Noffs Foundation Street University, Gideon shoes are available now through http://www.gideon.com.au/ and select retail outlets across Australia within weeks, with a launch in the US to follow. RRP from $189-$320.

For more, see http://www.gideon.com.au/ or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GIDEONShoes and read their blog musings at http://www.gideonshoes.blogspot.com/

EMU Australia: slippers as outdoor-wear

The slipper has been spotted out of the house!

Should this be a cause for celebration?

Or should we recoil in horror?

I am thinking the former.

I would LOVE to go out in my slippers to get the Sunday paper.

Hold up fashionistas, don't 'stone' me with your Louboutins!

I get the paper delivered... and I only have to go out the front door.

There has been much deliberation - and heated blog discussion - on whether the humble, full-length ugg boot should ever have been worn as footwear out of the comfy confines of the home.

Then along came one Pamela Anderson and turned this fashion credo on its head.

And now, actress Jessica Stroup has taken the sheepskin slipper - this one from EMU Australia - out on the street.

Where to next for the slipper, peeps? Weddings?

For these babies (called the ‘Jolie’ slipper, $79.95) and other styles, see: http://www.emuaustralia.com.au/

Nat-Sui shoes: first Sydney store! Opening tomorrow.

Nat-Sui - the long time fave label amongst shoe connoisseurs - is moving to Sydney.

And in the stylish shopping precinct of Queen Street, Woollahra no less, nestled between the likes of Collette Dinnigan, Lisa Ho, Tim O’Connor and Orson and Blake.

The Nat-Sui story began in Noosa Heads, QLD over a decade ago. The brand soon gained a reputation for quality and style - and the ability to offer affordable luxury made with the highest quality materials. At its helm is shoe guru, entrepreneur Natalie Mainwaring.

Today the label has a flagship store in popular James Street Brisbane, an online store, and is stocked in over 100 boutiques across the country. With the Brisbane flagship a huge success - locals love it, as well as both national and international visitors - Nat-Sui decided it was time to take the brand to Sydneysiders.

Nat-Sui draws inspiration worldwide, and creates collections that offer something more than the norm – taking their lead from international runways, street style and even Natalie’s three daughters, aged between 9-25. All these elements have a hand in the design process and the lush finished product.

What to say about these styles featured here?

One, I could certainly picture exactly what I'd wear with each shoe. That little leopard number is so va-va-voom, and has the perfect sized heel. While those beige sandals... well, I'd never take them off. The of-the-moment fringing and on-trend colour would positively give all my nude-hued outfits that extra edge (I may send this link to hubby and remind him I am a size 8!).

The Nat-Sui label sources the highest quality materials from around the globe – think hand-treated water snake, fish skin, metallic and patent leather in myriad colours, shiny croc skin, soft suede and sparkling Swarovski crystals, jewels and coloured stones.

So, for Sydney shoe freaks, here are the deets you need to know:

OFFICIAL OPENING:
Wednesday 24 November

SYDNEY STORE DETAILS:
90 Queen Street, Woollahra
Call: 02 9362 9423

ONLINE STORE:
www.nat-sui.com.au

The Pocket Shoe - a handbag essential

Every single time I go out, I squish a pair of ballet flats in my handbag. I hate doing that because they're not meant to be squished. Or, I put a pair of flatties in my car if they don't fit in my bag (which kinda defeats the purpose: by the time I am driving home, I don't need them anymore).

So, I love, love these little gems: the 'Pocket Shoe'.

Available in black, folding up in its own pouch (and coming in the cutest box when you order online) plus, they're under $40 bucks, it's a brilliant, almost essential buy for this season's party and racing season (please girls, DON'T take your high heels after a day at the races, no matter how sore your feet: it screams "I am a bogan").

Buy a pair of these babies and you're set.

See: www.pocketshoe.com.au

Nat-Sui shoes are now online. You have been warned.

Brisbane based shoe label Nat-Sui have just launched their online store.

As someone who has only just experienced buying a pair of too-divine shoes online, this is a wonderful - yet dangerous - development.

Nat-Sui are renowned for their shoes for every occasion - from sky high embellished stilettos to the perfect jewelled summer sandal, they're now all available from the comfort of home. Me likey.

Known for their unique designs and extravagant trims of feathers, bows and tassles, the new summer collection is something to behold if these babies are anything to go by. Those wedges! I'd like them served hot with a side of sweet chilli sauce and sour cream, please.

Pop coloured platforms, snakeskin and suede sandals, chic raffia wedges and metallic flats are just a sampling of some of their key pieces available in-store this season.

Natalie Mainwaring, the head designer behind the Nat-Sui label is a pioneer in the industry – her most recent success, the opening of the label’s first flagship store on Brisbane’s most fashionable strip, James Street.

This year also saw Nat-Sui’s debut on the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival runway to rave reviews.

Nat-Sui have always drawn inspiration worldwide, to create collections that step outside the box – taking their lead from international runways, street style and even Natalie’s three daughters, who are aged between 9-25. All these elements have a hand in the design process.

Expect extravagant, highest quality materials from around the globe for Nat-Sui shoes – think hand-treated water snake, fish skin, metallic and patent leather in more colours than you can count, shiny croc skin, soft suede and sparkling Swarovski crystals, jewels and coloured stones.

And hello, they're comfy!

Celeb fans include Delta Goodrem, Marcia Hines, Sophie Monk, Deborah Hutton, Tara Moss and The Veronicas.

See www.nat-sui.com.au

You know you wanna...

Bespoke thongs. Yes.

Made to measure thongs are here.

The launch of My-Vale brings the opp to create custom-made sandals to fit individual feet. So, you can combine the comfort and therapeutic benefits of an orthotic shoe, with the fashionability of a pair of thongs. Noice.

When an order is placed online through www.my-vale.com.au you are guaranteed that your My-Vales will be exclusively handmade in Australia by a team of experienced craftsman including orthopaedic specialists, and shaped according to your foot. Bonus: order them and receive them within 14 days.

The idea for this creation was born on Curl Curl Beach near Sydney when footwear specialist Markus Schott decided to combine the Australian way of life with his family’s long-standing tradition of orthopaedic shoemaking. My-Vale has already been a great success in Germany, and seeing as we're a thong-obsessed nation, My-Vale are confident they will be just as popular here in Oz.

There are myriad of patterns and colours to choose from: 45 styles available for women and 30 for men, ranging from basic black or white thongs, coloured leather straps, leather floral decorations and even Swarovski-stones. No two pairs are the same.

Markus Schott inventor of My-Vale said: “We know that a pair of thongs is a staple in the Australian wardrobe which is why we thought Australia was the perfect place to launch My-Vale after our great success in Germany. Plus, Australia is where the whole idea was born. With My-Vale it really is all about you as an individual. It’s comfort, protection and support for your feet combined with your ultimate style.”

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Select what design you want and place your order online through www.my-vale.com.au
2. In the mail you will receive your Vale footprint box where you simply sink each foot into the shapeable foam provided to create your distinctive foot impression.
3. Place a pencil or pen point between your big toe and second toe to make a mark.
4. Then send the footprint box back to My-Vale free of charge.
5. When the box arrives at the My-Vale production site, they will get to work on your sandal right away. A custom built 3D scanner is used to scan your foot’s individual landscape (your Vale). This Vale is then cut out and your sandal is put together according to the model that you chose when you ordered. Each pair takes around three hours of work and involves 25 different steps.
6. In a short time (roughly two weeks), you’ll receive your custom-made My-Vales.

Visit www.my-vale.com.au to order your pair. Prices start from $189

Nordstrom Sale

My initial purpose for going on the Nordstrom website was to look for shoes in size 12. As it turns out, they have a pretty wide selection of shoes in that size, some of which are quite nice and/or on sale for quite a discount. Of course, before I knew it, I was instead browsing their hosiery page, where they have quite a decent selection of things on sale as well.

Some of their sale includes Nordstrom brand hosiery, which I've posted about a few times in the past. Typically, their brand is pretty inexpensive to begin with. What's more, though, is right now they have quite a selection on sale, many items from 30-50% off. Seeing as they're the only department store in my area that takes hosiery seriously, this is probably a sale worth checking out in person, even if their closest store is a bit more of a drive than some of the other department stores around.

A pretty good example of their wide selection as well as their sale prices is the Nordstrom Spiral Crochet Tights, pictured above. This isn't the type of detail you typically find with department store brand hosiery. Furthermore, they're made in Italy, which should ensure good quality, at least from my experience. Now the best part is, they're marked 33% off. This means that instead of the already reasonable price of $24.00, these are only $15.90. And that's just one example. There are quite a few good things for sale here.

I may have to jump in my car and check out what else they have in the store. My only dilemma now is: should I find tights with shoes to match, or shoes with tights to match? Ah, decisions decisions...

Pushing the Envelope

Nine times out of ten, I am able to limit myself strictly underwear when it comes to my fetish for wearing women's clothing. Well, as you might've guessed already, today was one of those one in ten days.

In addition to my panty/stocking and foot fetish, I definitely have a shoe fetish. It's not something I've acted on to any great degree, mainly because I have a difficult size to locate (12) and I don't really have a lot of room for shoes in my place (seeing as how I already have panties and stockings stuffed into every crevice of my condo). But the fetish itself, coupled with my need to let my inner female out in the open from time to time, led me to go shoe shopping this afternoon.

I went at lunch, in hopes that the store would be quieter than after work. This particular store is quite a drive away, but I knew they had 12 so I went. As I had hoped, the store was quite quiet. I asked the clerk if they carried size 12 (it had been a while since I went there) but they did, and she went in back to find a few things. She came out with two pairs, both with very high heels and kind of a scaled texture to them. I looked them over wondering to myself if I had the courage. Finally I blurted out "Is it okay if I tried them on?" She said "of course", so I removed my shoes to reveal black nylon with reinforced toes. I slipped the pumps on and started to walk around. I looked in the mirror and raised my pant leg to reveal even more of my sheer tights. They were actually a bit big on my foot and I was struggling somewhat to walk in them. I sheepishly apologized saying that I don't wear pumps that often. She couldn't have been sweeter as she smiled back and told me it was okay. She suggested that she could find something with a smaller heel and walked in back.

A minute later she emerged with these pumps here, called the Walcott, in dark purple. They fit my foot perfectly, and I was walking around the store like a pro. She told me that they looked really good and I could put them with a pair of jeans and a "cute top". Without a thought, I told her that I really wanted to do more shopping now. She told me that I definitely should. My face probably had a look of disbelief.

As she rang me up I asked her how often they got new styles in and she told me every Monday and to check back on Tuesdays and Wednesdays because that's when they'd be fully unpacked. Before I left I extended my hand and introduced myself. She introduced herself and shook my hand. I thanked her profusely for all her help and headed out of the store. I couldn't have been happier about the experience.

As for the cute top? No, I didn't go looking for one anywhere in the mall, but I must admit, I am tempted...