Black boots make me happy….

I don’t know what it is about a nice pair of black boots that just makes my mouth water. Doesn’t matter if its leather or suede I love them all. This year I’m in search for a knee length pair of boots to replace my beloved, suede ones. I wear those babies everyday of the winter and I finally wore out the heels and had to replace them.

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My criteria:

– Knee length: I don’t like super long ones since they mess with my body proportions, and I already have a pair of fabulous ankle boots that can carry me over at least for another yr.

– Must be leather or suede: I don’t do fake stuff. I find it wont last as long. The better the fabric and maintenance the longer you can enjoy your boots!

– Details: I don’t mind shoes/boots with some detail or buckle, strap on them. But it has to be delicate looking, nothing worse than a chunky pair of boots, unless you are in the army or work in construction sights.

– Price: this is a bit tricky, I love a good brand name but the price tag sometimes hurts my already empty pockets. So lets say up to $300.

– Got to be flat or very tiny little heel so I walk with them for long periods of time and be comfortable at work.

– Full zipper: I have major problems with boots that don’t have a full zipper. I current boots don’t have them but they were the only pair of boots I ever tried that I could manage and I can fit my jeans in them.

– Versatile: I have to be able to wear them with my jeans tucked in, leggings, dresses and skirts (very important)

So I went high and low, different stores and I found a few nice options. Not all of the boots I found were in my price range but some are worth sharing.

Golden Goose – Charlye Pull on Boots ($1210)

Diane von Furstenberg – Weekend Suede Flat Boots with Ankle Wrap ($395)

Golden Goose – Charlye Pull on Bots with Instep Strap ($1265)

All these boots are amazing, over priced and not exactly what I’m looking for. I want them ALL! lol

I love the brown Golden Goose boots, I never heard of this brand and I found out the hand make all their boots and that’s why they’re so expensive. Love it, even more exclusive and unique!

The DvF boots on the other hand is more realistic to my criteria list, except the price is a bit too high and it might not go with all my dresses and skirts. But as casual wear, its a winner.

But, I’m on a budget and I still have to look at few more places before I can open my wallet and spend my hard earned money. When I finally find my new boots Ill post a picture of them …..

Till I find my boots though I’m going to look through my new shoe inspiration book, “Shoe Gallery Calendar 2010“, lots of pretty shoes, sigh….

Love the Discounts!

I’m not sure why people are still talking about the recession and using lines  like “in these tough times”, I work in a retail store and I see no tough times, i see lots of demanding people who want to get more for their buck but oh boy oh boy, they have no problem dropping a few bills for a pair of pants, t-shirts and a sweater given the perk of having their discount coupons!!!!

I for one love discounts and promotions and secret shopping events. There’s nothing better than knowing that I paid %40 less than other people for my cashmere sweater, or that I remembered that there was a %20 discount coupon in LouLou for a store that I want to shop at. One of the things I have learned by working in retail is, always make friends with the staff or the managers, it pays off!

I’m not saying like anything sketchy is going on, but lets say they might give you an extra coupon or let you know when new items are going on sale and offering to put a side your size for you, giving you an advantage over other shoppers. Another tip is to always have an email account dedicated to mailing lists to your favorite retailers, extra coupons people!! So next time you’re shopping at your favorite store, pay attention to the person who’s helping you, ask their name and ask if they have a mailing list.

Here are some of my favorite stores in Canada who happen to have good mailing lists:

BCBG.com : random discounts and $100 off of you purchase of $300 and more

Shoppersdrugmart.ca : 20 times the points, 15 times the point or %15 off

Bananarepublic.ca: Spend $125 get %25 off, random coupons for %25 to %30 off, secret events

Clubmonaco.com: Gift with purchase or student discounts

Bestbuy.ca: Sales, promotions and if you’re a reward member coupons!!!

Ill let you guys know if there are more good sites to sign up for…. 🙂

Happy discount shopping!!!!!! 🙂