I had a pretty bad habit which I’m in the process of curing. That is, extending brand name snobbery to various high street stores. Whilst I love what the high street has to offer, there are certain ones which I hold in higher estimation. This is an absolutely appalling attitude to take as every retail store is trying to up their game in these volatile times. For example, Topshop, Zara, H&M are all on the ‘good’ list and I used to venture into THOSE high street stores first because of their supposedly more ‘fashion-forward’ pieces. This is just not the case anymore so my new agenda is to scour EVERYWHERE and explore all possibilities and ignore those previous stigmas like…. Mango having awful quality, Warehouse looking a little wag-ish/cheap. None of that
So, I’ll just throw this first bit of exploration out to you all as it was my first time delving in the the website of….wait for it…. Victorias Secret. You may come back and be aghast at my strange delight with it. Now, seeing as I live in the UK, my only real knowledge of Victorias Secret is where in a random Friends episode, Chandler seemed pretty chuffed to receive the latest Victorias Secret catalogue. I gather it’s a little bit raunchy and they use some sooper-sexy models. None of that of course should peak my interest but I surf on over to their shoe department and find they have a delectable selection of ankle boots that are ticking all my requirements for boots buying for the new season. I did have to go through the site with a fine toothed comb to really make sure I wasn’t just seeing things and that I’m not buying into pleather tack. For not too much money, even with shipping and a useful 20% discount on boots, you get…
… these ankle boots with the buckled straps that come in a chunky heel or a thinner one…
…ribboned shoe boots in different colours of satin with patent touches and *gasp* the ones on the right are from…dare I say it…J-Lo’s range of shoe boots. I need confirmation here… am I the only one being taken with the multicoloured ribboned ones, that combo of purple, violet and teal seeming rather appealing?…
…knee highs that have features reminiscent of certain shoes on the catwalk. I have in the past objected to very expensive knitted slouch boots as I do ponder whether it’s better to just wear ankle boots with some nice thick legwarmers but these ones being not that expensive and seeming rather lush and thick (scraggy thin knits just won’t do) are again quite appealing. The patent combat boots in two lengths if elevated a few inches could be passed off as Chloe and if you didn’t want to look like a scary giantess, again these are affordable viable options…
…finally, the two boots I’m torn between and coincidentally on a back order. Yes, those Balenciaga-hoof boots have gotten a pretty darn good replica here by Sam Edelman in my opinion. I was baffled as to why it got so much attention/hating when one of the Olsen twins (the fact that I don’t know which one just goes to show how clueless I am as to what the celeb circles are up to fashion-wise…) nabbed the Balenciaga ones from AW06-7 and wore them with, I think, great aplomb. Then there’s another slight nod to Balenciaga with some lace-boots with a buckle at the top in suede, except sans peeptoe. I am doubting whether having hooves as feet is a practical possibility but despite them being ‘oh my god – so last season’, I’m still fairly set on clumping about in them. The lace-ups are a more wearable option and they are VERY reasonable with the great exchange rate at the moment but but but…
…the side of me which has no experience of Victorias Secret and not knowing whether it’s the equivalent of me buying shoes from the local pound shop in the UK has put a damper on pressing that order button. One step at a time I guess. I may be exploring all avenues but parting with the cash? I’m just not quite there yet.
came across this debate in regards to the “pregnancy dress” feel it needs some female input on fashion and looks, check it out and vote on it. http://whoiswrong.com/view-case/132/the_pregnancy_dress_fashion_trend_is_terrible/
wow… i think i might go for those Balenciaga-hoof replicas..
The ribbon ones are pretty well pretty.
-h
Yes, I’d be a bit wary of buying shoes from Victoria’s Secret. I haven’t been in the store in years, but their quality in general was never that great, and push-up bras have always been their big selling point.
personally, i would buy anything from anywhere aslong as it’s somewhat durable. (i am a very poor starving student, so i can’t afford to be too choosy). i’d go for it and test it out. if it works out, bam! you’ve got another fashion source. if not, then you move on. that’s the fun of exploring. at least you won’t be wondering anymore.
Id very much like those balenciaga-a-likes, the bondage rocking horsey ones
I kind of fancy them too..except they dont curve out at all like the originals. But I guess thats the point, theyd get in trouble.
VS should just open a store and call it something else, cause I think the association is what pushes people away.
thanks for the finds!!!! i was scouring all over to find the perfect boot. victoria secret as far as bras is average but in terms of the shoes you are picking are fabulous. all the brands really hold up. i have a few of them and they have lasted me for years. i give it a thumbs up.
fashion week in nyc begins tomorrow. i am dressing/help out at the preen show. very excited. thanks for really introducing me to them.
This is too funny, I just ordered those Balenciaga hoof-like knock offs a week ago (and yeah, they are back ordered, but appear worth the wait!) I’ve had good experience buying shoes/clothes from V.Secret, and since the price is such a steal, why not try them out? You may be surprised!
Order the Hoof-shoes Susie! They are so cool and perfect for this season!
Love them!
I just bought the hoof boots…. the 20% discount means that you’re getting your shipping for free. Which to me justified the purchase 😀
It says that they’re back ordered until 09/10/2007 that means the 10th of Sept right, not the 9th of Oct? Confusing American dates.
I have never gone wrong with their clothes. The pants and shirts are good quality, so I would hope their shoes are too.
yeah, i purchased a pair of boots on zappos that i thought were going to be ‘as good as’ and you know what, i hate them. i put them away, and brought them back out, and i still hate them. back to the drawing board for me!
🙁
Victoria’s Secret gets a bit of a slutty rep because their models (Gisele, anyone?), decor, and window displays are often decked in garters, unnecessary push-up bras, and the occasional seasonal Santa hat. However, their quality on undergarments is superb (at least if you were suckered into a $45 bra; I’m not sure about the bargain panties), so I assume it naturally translates to the clothes. From the whispers of VS clothing I’ve heard, they’re pretty good. I wouldn’t expect Balenciaga quality (duh), but I think you’ll be pleasantly suprised.
Ok guys… I did it and ordered them… They give you 90 days to return them anyhow so I’m not too fussed if they turn out to be duds….
I’m assuming those are American dates as I saw another pair of boots backordered 9/19/07 and of course there is not month 19 so Janine, not long to wait for those boots to be winging their way over to us!
Gosh…I hope I haven’t shot myself in the foot by posting those boots and having loads of people nab them in a US8…..
We shall see how this first exploration into the tacky/slutty world of VS goes…
the americans have a different date system… they say “september 19th”, so 09/19 is 19/09 for us euros!
Noooo! Not Victoria’s Secret!!! Bleech, everything they make is of terrible quality…just awful.