Cheryl Shops

Website of the week
As MW will tell you, I have expensive taste in just about everything. But my wallet often takes its hardest hit from my shoe addiction. The argument I like to give for spending a lot on my footwear is that expensive shoes tend to be more comfortable, but that's not entirely true. The real reason I like to spend more on my shoes is that expensive shoes just look nicer--the leather is softer, the shape is more streamlined, and you're less likely to find errant threads or bits of glue. So, yeah, I'm pretty snobby about my footwear, but every once in awhile, an affordable new brand comes along and knocks my (literal and figurative) socks off. I first started noticing Dolce Vita shoes while in L.A. over the summer, then come fall, their foldover ankle booties were everywhere (including in the Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide). The brand is now carried on a bunch of sites, from Urban Outfitters to Zappos, but I've found the best place to find the entire line--as well as a well-edited collection of jewelry and clothing--is on Dolce Vita's website, which happens to be having a nifty little sale as we speak. Dolce Vita shoes are generally a step above Steven by Steve Madden price-wise, but they look far more sophisticated--think Lower East Side hipster, not Lower East Side hooker. For example, this cuffed black boot is trendy (slouchy shape) and classic at the same time (stiletto heel, gently pointed toe).



I think it can be a challenge to make a platform boot or shoe not look tarty, and this buckle boot is anything but. I can totally see Kate Moss wearing it with a skinny jean.


These Mary Jane flats remind me of a style made by a certain downtown New York footwear designer--at about a quarter of the price--and I love that they come in an array of colors.



And I've definitely been looking for a pair of brown riding boots. These are a strong contender.



I was even more pleasantly surprised, however, by the selection of clothing, from such well-made, totally cool designers as Vivienne Westwood and McGinn. Random, yes, but how gorgeous is this Vivienne Westwood top?



I also liked this quirky, and totally affordable "Winged Migration" necklace from the small but focused accessories collection.



Shipping for all this wonderful stuff ranges from $9-$17, but when I clicked on location, I felt really stupid--there's an actual, bricks-and-mortar Dolce Vita store at 149 Ludlow Street, a mere six or so blocks from my apartment on, yes, the Lower East Side. Duh. So I'll be taking a trip there this weekend to try my shoes on in person. After all, they may look expensive, but they have to be comfortable too. Or so I tell everyone.