The Official (almost) Hump Day Enabling Post - February 28, 2012

I've been slacking on these, I know. But, to my credit, Wednesday has become a regular workout evening in my schedule, so at least I'm being productive when I'm not blogging at you all. Cut me some slack. Please. ;)

• First of all - USE EBATES!!!! I cannot stress this enough. It's FREE money.
• The 50SALE code is still taking 50% off of sale (get it - "50SALE") merchandise at JessicaSimpsonCollection.com. And, as always, you get free shipping with any order over $100. I've gotten multiple pairs and so should you. Calie may be my new favorite every-day shoe. Super comfy and versatile and they're only $30 right now and available in a butt-ton of colors.
• Heels.com has another Groupon running. Spend $25 to get $50 or spend $50 to get $100. It's a helluva deal - especially on new releases that no one's got on sale yet. The Betsey Johnson Mortica's will be here Thursday because of this deal.
• StreetModa.com is a little gem that was recently brought to my attention. They carry a lot of major brands for below retail, with free shipping and good sales. If you sign up for their text messages, you'll get a code for 25% off. I got a pair of Betsey Johnson blush Dareah pumps for $31! They'll be here tomorrow. :)
• 6pm is advertising that they will be running Leap Day Sales starting at midnight PST tonight. Zappos is advertising that anything bought tomorrow will have until NEXT Leap Day to be returned - new, unused, original packaging. That's FOUR years.
• LEAP15 will get you 15% off your entire order at ChineseLaundry.com
• SteveMadden.com has a big clearance sale running - no code needed.
• Click on that link over there ------> for Shoes.com, use the code SECRET20, and you'll get 20% off your purchase. And I'll get traffic logging for you clicking there. Win-win. 
• JustFab still has some stuff left in their Birthday Sale BOGO.

Well, that's everything I've noted on my posty-note for tonight. I'll be back on Thursday to go over the 1st of the month releases at all the clubs. I may also have a review or two of my new Betsey's that are due in over the next couple days.

Happy Shopping!
-A

They really shouldn't be this comfortable, but they are.

I got my shoes from the Jessica Simpson 50%-off-sale-items Sale. And, as usual, the brand has knocked it out of the park.


First up is Ely in Burnt Red. The black on this shoe - strap, heel cup, platform - is satin. The remainder is patent leather. These run narrow but true to size. My toes are right at the edge, but 1/2 size up would be way too big. They're super padded on the insole and soft. They aren't heavy and feel nowhere near their 5" heel height. The platform is right at 1.5". (Measurements taken on a size 7) With the 50SALE code, these range up at $17.50! Unbelievable deal! I wish they had other colors left, I'd get them all.

The second pair is Calie in Ultra Violet. These feel and look exactly like Oscar to me. In fact, I suspect that these are the mainstream Oscar, whereas that one is specific to DSW. They're very true to size, soft and padded on the inside, they're a good height for all day and because of the lack of platform, they're a little more versatile. Unfortunately, I don't really care for the other colors these are currently available in or else I would get more. But, these came in at a paltry $30, so the other colors are tempting, even if I don't like them.

If you haven't taken advantage of this sale, I suggest you do so. The code is 50SALE and it works on everything in the sale section of the website. Not just on shoes, and not just on things already marked down. Calie and Ely were both showing regular price but rang up at these killer prices. What are you waiting for? Run! Go! Shop!

-A

The temperature in here has dropped, no?

Here's something I never thought I'd say - I have found a pair of flats that are cute AND comfy. And I genuinely like them. And, with shipping, they were less than $20! These shoes which have made me think the unthinkable are the Iron Fist "Love Bites" flats. I got them just because they were cheap and cute. I didn't expect to actually like them.

They run a little big on me, so I did have to put an insert in the heel to keep them on. Also, the little heart and skull trinkets? Yeah, they rattle and move around when you walk. It's flippin' obnoxious. When I got home today, I played the part of Suzy-Sew-Happy and tacked them down with a needle and thread so they'd calm the hell down. Now, they wiggle, but don't go completely nuts and the shoes are MUCH more tolerable.

So, there you have it. I have lost my mind and fallen for a pair of flats. I never thought I'd see the day. Hell has frozen over.

"Little Black Bag"

Does anyone know anything about a new membership site called "Little Black Bag"? It sounds like it could be pretty cool. I signed up just to see what it's all about. At first glance, it looks like you choose a couple of things from a selection of items - your bag - for $49.95. But then, you can trade and swap from other girls' bags. Very interesting to start.

It looks like they carry the same type of stuff as Send The Trend, but designer names like Betsey Johnson, Michael Kohrs, etc.

The many joys of hot shoes

Sadly they are no longer available.

I wore red Aubrey from ShoeDazzle on my errands this afternoon. At Hobby Lobby, this little girl (6 maybe?) looked at them and said to her mother "Mommy, why don't you wear shoes like that?" Mommy was in Crocs.

Then, at Victoria's Secret, the sales girl, literally hollers from across the room "I Love your boots!". She was at the checkout when I was ready to go, so I gave her one of my ShoeDazzle referral cards. She was so happy she gave me 10% off the lingerie. Score!!!!

SHOEMERGENCY! Sale Alert!

JessicaSimpsonCollection.com is running an additional 50% off all Sale items with code 50SALE. But wait, it gets better...a lot of stuff is running even cheaper than the lowest marked price before the sale. Go, check it out, put some stuff in your cart, plug in the code and see what you get. I just got the burnt red Ely and the ultra violet Calie for a total of $54.50 with shipping. And,  as always with her site, you get free shipping on any order over $100.

Run! Run! Run! What are you waiting for?!?!?!?!? Go!

(Thanks, Heather for the heads-up and Gin for the term "Shoemergency!" Love you both!)

An excuse to wear hot red shoes to work....

I'm a sucker for a good Hallmark Holiday. I'm wearing an adorable heart necklace and lips ring from the amazing Monica's Fantabulous Fashions with these babies. 

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you from Dita and I. 

<3

Just another manic Monday.

I've been sooooooo busy this weekend. Today was no exception. I hate Mondays. I really really do.

But, today was the kickoff of New York Fashion Week and Betsey Johnson came out with a bang. You can watch the whole thing here. I'm loving the layering, the bright colors against the neutrals, and I'm starting to dig the patterned and colored tights too.

I watched the Marc Jacobs and Reem Acra shows today, too, but neither really did anything for me. There are several that I missed and will try to catch online later and several more I'm dying to see. I'll update you on the exciting ones.

Going back to doing absolutely nothing now.
-A

Movers and Shakers

Carrington from ShoeDazzle and I met Governor Hickenlooper today. Too bad it was a rush picture and I didn't have time to really pose. This is one squirrel that gets around. ;)

Major Update! Refund Obtained!!!!!!!!

As for the AMIclubwear fiasco, they notified me this afternoon, and I verified with her, that they refunded Jenn's money in full today. This did not happen until after she and I reposted everything on their page yesterday to 'remind' them about their promise on this blog to take care of the situation. They still maintained that the shoes were not defective and have made no move of changing their policy of returns for store credit. I believe they did this only once they realized that neither Jenn nor I, nor any of you were going to let this go away. I will not recommend them nor direct anyone to their page until that is changed to at least an option of an actual refund. Hilariously, after I posted on one of their Facebook posts asking why they hadn't taken care of this yet, three other ladies posted that they were having issues also. I hope that we caused them a bad day and maybe they'll think twice before they try to keep the next person's money.

 

 I'm pissy, and I have minions. 

It's a Good Shoe-Wednesday!

I promised you a review, but I lied. You're gonna get two short-ish reviews instead of one big one. And there is a major update on the AMIclubwear Fiasco to fill you in on too - but I'll post that separately. I'm going to deal with these things instead of an Enabling post since there aren't any to-die-for sales going on this week.

You better back off - I will cut you.

First of all, "I" arrived today. Well, more specifically, Andie from ShoeDazzle arrived today. She's too big. I suspected she would be because flats hate me and it's never as simple as just ordering my true size. That being said, she's really cute and super comfy. I like this loafer style more than the ballet style I think. Maybe that's why flats and I have never gotten along; I've been wearing the wrong type. The ballet style doesn't get along with my tingers but these do. The studs seem well attached and properly placed. There are a few snags if you look really closely at the shoe - but anyone that close is getting kicked. So who cares what they think, right? Hubby doesn't like them, he thinks they're too spikey and weird. But weird is what I like in my flats. Something has to glam them up, because plain and boring just doesn't cut it. I'm going to swap them for .5 size down and then make the final decision.

I used my Heels.com Groupon to get the Jessica Simpson Sheri in Cloud Burst. She came in today too. OMFG! I love these. They're narrow and tinger-friendly (Yay for me!) and feel like slippers on my feet. The colors are gorgeous. They aren't overbearing though, so these shouldn't be as hard to style as I feared. On my size 7, the heel is 5.25" and the platform is 1.5". I'm actually a little shocked by these measurements - they don't feel anything near that tall. I'm counting these in place of the nearly identical, closed toe, Beijo from my "Wanted" list. One down, 5 to go.

Tuesday Odds and Ends

There are just a few random things floating around in my brain tonight. It's Tuesday - I have nothing else to do.

Are you aware that swimming laps seriously wreaks havoc on a pedi? We're talking 4 toes completely barren of polish after 10 laps. I'm either going to have to figure out how to avoid this or else I'm just gonna stop working out. Considering that I can barely move my arms and legs after tonight's swim, I think the latter sounds wonderful right now. The other possibility is that the polish sucks - and that could very well be the case. I really like the way this Julep polish goes on, but it's staying power is lacking. In a matter of a few days after putting it on, one or more toes will have completely chipped off. Back to the OPI I go. Especially considering I don't want to have to repaint my toes during the Jamaica trip in July. I need to find the perfect color in the perfect polish so that I can show off my perfect toes with my newly toned body - see the first item. It ALWAYS comes back to Jamaica. It's like the 6 Degrees of Ocho Rios up in here, Yo!

It's kinda cotton candy-ish in color

I have a pretty good shoe week going on this week - Yesterday I got Hadley in pink from JustFab's Birthday Sale. They're cute and true to size, but a little wide. But not so wide that an insert won't save them. The color is a creamy pink that I actually didn't own before now. I didn't think there was a pink that I didn't own. The heel is not as high as their usual fare either. I like them.

Tomorrow, Andie will be here from ShoeDazzle. Some real-life pictures have come in and they're really cute. I figure I'll either love them or hate them. There will be no in between. I promised you all a review and you'll get it - either way.
 

Sheri is Beijo's toe-showing sister

I also got the Heels.com Groupon (I had to - I couldn't resist anymore!) and got the Jessica Simpson Sheri in Cloud Burst which will also be here tomorrow. I thought I wanted Beijo instead but decided the colors are more summery and I'd be happier with the peep toe. Hubby says the colors remind him of a 1980's ski boat's interior. I'll let everyone know what I think about them when they get here.

I've ordered a pair of Iron Fist "Love Bites" flats that will be here on Thursday. I'm a little worried about how they'll fit, but they're really cute so I've got my fingers crossed. They're running a 25% off code "HEART" on their website IronFistClothing.com right now and have tons of cute stuff on sale already that I just couldn't pass up. (Yes, you've read this correctly - I have not one, but TWO pairs of flats coming in this week. What the hell is wrong with me?)

Finally, am I the only human that just doesn't understand or care for Pinterest? I'm being told that I can really further this blog by using it, but it bores me. I just don't get it. Anywho - follow me at pinterest.com/shoesquirrel/ I promise I'll try to remember that it exists.

I'm gonna kick back even further on the couch and regret my decision to get in shape. Y'all have a good night!

-A

Happy Football Sunday!

I've been insanely busy this weekend. I started a new 'workout' regimen - where I go about every other day and swim until my limbs give out. So far, I've done it twice and it's cost me a new swimsuit and sore shoulders. I the blew any health gains from that by eating my arse off today during the game. Homemade salsa, guac, boiled artichokes, cheese, and split pea soup. All in the last 6 hours or so. I think I gained 5 pounds.

As for shoes: I'm trying to decide on which item from my 'wanted' list would be the best use of a heels.com Groupon (or Groupons hehe). I've got it narrowed down to the Jessica Simpson Sheri in Cloud Burst (in lieu of Beijo in same colors) or the Betsey Johnson Morticia in black floral. I'm gonna try to convince hubby to get me whichever other one I don't get. lol

As for the game today - did you see JustFab's commercial? The opening is horribly trashy. That is all. I guarantee you some moron male conceived of that idea. Dumbass.

Also, as of right now, no other peep has been heard from AMIclubwear. I'm assuming it's solely because it's been the weekend. They have until end of business tomorrow before I blast them again.

Now, I'm off to bed to get ready for another week.

Talk at you later!
-A

A Little Bit of De-Enabling for a Change

In the past, I've included AMIClubwear.com in my usual Hump Day sales posts. Not any more. I will, in fact, not shop there myself anymore, and after you hear this, you may not either.

One of my big issues is refund and exchange policies. I've seen it done well, and I've seen it done badly. It's rare that it gets THIS bad, though.

Yesterday, a friend of mine, Jenn Mangano, informed a group of us that she had run into a serious problem with them - they won't refund her money and made her pay to send defective shoes back. In her own words:

I need help before I freaking flip out. Remember when AMIclubwear.com was having that 50% sale for New Years Day? I ordered a pair of SM Bevv-L Leopard heels, and after a freaking mountain of problems between ordering to actually receiving the shoes, they turned out to be defective. Shocker, it IS me ordering these shoes, and I apparently have more bad shoe karma in me yet. Bald spots, two-toned coloring between the platform and toebox-- you name it, and it was wrong with these freaking heels. I emailed them requesting permission to return them (wtf?!) describing all the defects in full detail. They approved the return, and as per their policy, were thereby held responsible for shipping fees in returning defective merchandise along with a full refund of the originally paid amount (as opposed to only store credit for returns made for reasons other than defect.) SO I boxed them up and shipped them out that day. Wait for it.....

I received an email a few days ago letting me know that my return was processed and a store credit of $58.49 was added to my account... that's definitely not the $73.04 that I'm supposed to be refunded, nor is it including the additional $11 in shipping to return the freaking things. I shot off a well-worded email letting them know of the error and requesting I be correctly refunded the money I'm due, making sure to directly quote the policies listed on their site. Here's their response:

Hello Jennifer,
Your return has been processed on 1/26/12 and upon inspection of the item, defects were not found as claimed. Our returns department inspected the item as per your stated complaint found on the RMA form, however, the item was found to be in good condition with no signs of a manufacture defect. Since item was not found to be defective, return shipping cost will not be reimbursed and only store credit will be issued.

Store credit has been issued to you for $58.49 and the credit will be used towards your next online purchase.
If you have any further questions at this time, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your understanding.

-AMIclubwear

WHAT. THE. F*CK. That is COMPLETE bullsh*t, and they know it! Of course I didn't take any pictures-- I didn't think I'd have to argue my case as a customer who was sold defective merchandise. SO, any ideas as to what I should do?? I'm just floored.

Jenn, rightly, is disputing the charges through PayPal. The next step that we came up with is to blast them on their Facebook page, but the cowards don't allow external posts on their page. That is a HUGE indicator of bad customer service and policies. It tells me they fear these blast posts while a respectable company should have nothing to fear. With Jenn's permission, I chose to post this on here so that the few hundred of you that read this regularly will think twice before buying from them again. First of all, I don't agree with anyone having to pay return shipping. I also don't agree with return policies which only offer store credit unless they decide your item was defective. It's a dishonest cop-out and no company that follows this path should remain in business.

My blood is boiling over this on her behalf.  a)No one should basically be called a F&%$*^ liar by a company and b) I view them offering store credit in lieu of a refund as theft. She obviously no longer wants to do business with them, but to get her money's worth, she has to. I'm honestly guessing with all the huge sales they've been running lately that they're trying to correct cash flow problems and probably can't afford to issue refunds. Something shady is going on over there and I don't like it at all.

I'll keep you updated on the outcome. Though, unless PayPal handles the issue, I expect that this trashy company will prevail. Consider yourselves warned.

-A

First of the Month Wrap Up

I knew February was going to be a downer.

• JustFab bored me to death with their February releases. They usually have one or two things I at least consider and this month was blah, bland, and boring. Nothing even caught my eye in my boutique, my friends' boutiques, or in their various collections. I will give them credit though - it looks like their average heel height came down a smidge. But just. They're running some type of contest with cards in your orders, so you may win something if you buy something. The details are on their site. As for me, I'll wait and see what they release mid-month. Score: Shopping diet fell asleep and doesn't care
• SoleSociety is even more boring than JustFab this month, if that is even possible. Seriously, I don't understand why they think their stuff is worth $50/pair. Contrary to popular myth, most of their stuff is not actually real leather. A few things are, but not nearly all of them. And they deactivated their boots - which I was hoping would go on sale because, again, ridiculous pricing. Score: Shopping diet intact
• Speaking of overpriced... ShoeMint is barely even worth a mention this month. They released another 3 shoes...AGAIN. Apparently they either don't get the 'personalized' concept or they REALLY weren't ready to launch when they did. One of the shoes is a flat that was quickly found elsewhere for $20. One of the others is a plain leather pump - for $80!!!! Me thinks not. Not no way, not no how. They need to step it up badly.  Score: Shopping diet not only intact, but running in the opposite direction.



Ignore the shoe - focus on the name.







• Now onto ShoeDazzle: They had some cute stuff - but nothing that really screamed at me to come home. There are lots of springy colors and looks. Some of their heel heights came down, too. BUT...they named a shoe after me. (kinda) Meet Andie. Of course I had to order them, how often am I gonna see MY name on a shoe? Exactly. So what if it's got an extra 'e' on the end - I'll deal with it. My first reaction though, when it was posted on my wall this morning - I'm suing them for defamation of character. Second thought - why did it have to be a flat? I hate flats and they hate me. It could have been the ugliest heel you've ever seen and it would have been better than a flat. I'm guessing my shopping diet has pissed of the shoe gods and this is their retribution. They are also available in black, but I felt there wasn't enough contrast in the detailing on them. Apparently I want them to stick out. Hopefully I won't maim myself or others with these.  Score: Do these really have to count? I mean look at them. 

I guess that wraps up the major shoe clubs. I'll throw you guys an honest review of Andie when she gets here. I can about promise that it will be the only flats review on this blog, ever.


I'm gonna go eat dinner then I'll toss an Enabling post your way. And a consumer warning about some shady business practices a friend ran into.

TTFN!
-A