The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Spring/Summer Shoes at DSW





Clockwise from top-left: Strappy studded heels from Zigi Soho ($59.95); Cut-out details on real-leather Steve Madden Luxe Collection heels ($42 on clearance); Metallic/Python gladiator flats by Modern Vintage ($129.95 - ouch!); Gucci-inspired platform heels (also similar to the YSL Tribute heel) by Diba ($49.95).


A few days ago I checked out my nearest DSW to see what was in store for spring, and I must say I was very impressed. While the most current styles weren't priced that much lower than what you'd pay at a department store, they had a fantastic selection and you can always wait for a sale (or sign up for the DSW rewards club online or in-store to get coupons via email and snail mail.) I tried on just about every shoe in the clearance section and ended up buying a pair of Calvin Klein black leather platform pumps from $40, marked down 80 percent (you do the math, hehe). Incidentally, those are the only shoes I did not photograph yet, that pic will have to come. Do you have love for DSW? What's your strategy for scoring great deals at this popular shoe warehouse?

(MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP)






Steve Madden Luxe Collection Flats, $69.94 plus additional mark-down (I forget what the blue tag represents)







Huarache-inspired high heel sandals by Lauren Ralph Lauren.







BCBG Paris cage heels (remind me of the YSL cage platforms)




I came really close to getting these Steve Madden Luxe shoeties (?) with cut-out detailing. Real leather, pretty comfy but would have liked a padded footbed. They were about $42 on clearance.


I was in love with this buttery soft leather cross-body style bag by The Sak but it was still around $100. Not bad, but not a bargain!


My DSW had a decent selection of bags and clutches by Urban Expressions (high quality designer-inspired bags), Franco Sarto, Jessica Simpson, Tignanello, Mondani and more.


More bags in happy spring colors!
Comments
I saw those Modern Vintage gladiators (BTW Just blogged about my Modern Vintage boots - the ones I got through Shopstyle, that you featured on your blog? Awesome boots - pain in the ass to get them though!) anyway, I saw those sandals at Winners (which is TJ Maxx, different name)and they were more or less the same price too. Is DSW and TJ Maxx/Winners the same store?
#1 Wanderlusting (Homepage) on 2009-04-28 13:31 (Reply)
Re: Shopflick, was it the company or more crazy ship-to-Canada stuff?

Also, I don't think DSW is owned by TJ Maxx. I think TJ Maxx just owns Marshalls...
#1.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-04-28 16:05 (Reply)
no way! all of those options are fantastic!
#2 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-04-28 14:39 (Reply)
I haven't been to DSW in ages ... but now that the ban is finally over, I should really rekindle my love for this wonderland of footwear. ;-)
#3 Sal (Homepage) on 2009-04-28 14:49 (Reply)
I was in DSW this weekend and I too was very impressed. The bag selection was great and shoes too - I left with 3 pairs. My strategy is to make a beeline for the clearance section and then walk each aisle.
#4 janelle (Homepage) on 2009-04-28 14:55 (Reply)
A girl after my own heart :-)
#4.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-04-28 15:59 (Reply)
OK OK OK I MUST have those... any idea on the actaul name of the shoes or what the cost was for "Huarache-inspired high heel sandals by Lauren Ralph Lauren" I can't find it online anywhere :-(

Thanks for this great post! It has inspired me to go in for look.
#4.1.1 Sylvie (Homepage) on 2009-04-28 16:05 (Reply)
Thanks for the fantastic post, BB! I often avoid large shoe retailers, but I'm in the market for some summer shoe staples. I'll definitely be checking out my local DSW. How is the size selection there? (I wear a size 5.5 - Part of the reason I avoid large shoe warehouses ... They rarely carry my size and, if they do, they run out quickly. Makes me a Zappos girl. Haha.)
#5 Katie on 2009-04-28 16:17 (Reply)
My DSW appeared to be very well stocked, neatly stacked towers of boxes beneath every shoe that was on display. Next time I'll pay attention to the ranges and report back :-)
#5.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-04-28 17:44 (Reply)
FYI: another great gladiator inspired sandal. For $20, it's a steal. I've only worn them once but they were comfortable for the most part.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10817287
#6 Rachelle on 2009-04-28 17:04 (Reply)
I had no idea Wal-Mart sells shoes...
#6.1 Ivy (Homepage) on 2009-04-29 01:45 (Reply)
Here's my experience on trying on these shoes:

Diba pair in black - wasn't much of a fan when I tried em on because the platform at the bottom was too thick and slightly gave off a stripper shoe feel lol. I did however find a pair exactly like it by BCBG for around $69.95 in brown (they're also cute in black). They're worth the extra $20 for quality and appearance IMO.

BCBG cage heels in gold - tried em on & loved em too. I'd recommend signing up to DSWs mailing list because they consistently send out coupons ..that in turn lure me back lol
#7 Bella on 2009-04-28 17:31 (Reply)
I have been impressed with the stylish selections at DSW this year also! Very affordable current shoes.

Earlier this year I nabbed some Skecher ballet flat/sneakers with rhinestones and Nine West loafers, both on clearance...then I went back for one of those "happy" Franco Sarto handbags. Funny that out of the bags they have there you zeroed in on the same ones that I liked best.
#8 Someone on 2009-04-28 17:39 (Reply)
i love that bag by The Sak! unfortunately!
#9 piggy on 2009-04-28 19:21 (Reply)
DSW does have a lot of great deals, again it also depends on where you look. It just like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, not all of them are well stocked or have the same merchandise as others. This DSW seems to be chock full of awesome shoes!

im loving the come back of the cage stilettos....FINALLY haha
#10 Neira (Homepage) on 2009-04-28 20:01 (Reply)
I love DSW. I ordered a pair of leather Matisse riding boots from them a few weeks ago, and I basically used all of my coupons to get them for $30.

I need to go there some time soon to buy some wedges.
#11 Joann on 2009-04-28 23:00 (Reply)
I would have to agree that DSW has a great selection, and it's not just because they give me a paycheck =)

By the way, if you find a pair of shoes you love and you notice your size is sold out check to see if there is an asterisk mark in the left hand corner of the sign. It indicates that the store should get more in later.

When someone tried taking pictures in my store, my manager asked them to put their camera away.
#12 Melanie on 2009-04-28 23:09 (Reply)
I couldn't find the Steve Madden Luxe Collection heel you tried on Online :-(. I will have to go to my nearest DSW to see if they have them
#13 GisEl on 2009-04-29 00:36 (Reply)
Soft leather bag is just wow! I really loved it. Great collection of style.
#14 Global Friends (Homepage) on 2009-04-29 04:33 (Reply)
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