During my freshman year of college I was amazed at how many girls wore designer denim to class and toted their books around in enormous Coach bags every day. How do they afford it? Why would they waste such a cute, expensive outfit on 8 AM class? It wasn’t the parade of sweats and pajamas I had been prepared for by older friends.

Instead I saw Seven For All Mankind, Paige, Primp, BCBG, Free People, Steve Madden, etc. etc. etc: What distinguishes these particular brands from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or those created by T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s? After questioning several of my designer brand sporting friends and trying to justify several of my own purchases, I came up with the following list:

SIX REASONS TO GO DESIGNER

1. Product Quality – Many people who don’t believe in buying designer brands say that you are only paying for the brand name and that the product is no better than any other. While you are paying in part for the “privilege” to wear the brand’s name, you are also probably purchasing a product that is high quality. For example, I buy designer denim because it fits better and lasts longer than the jeans I buy for $25.00 at Bob’s. Designer clothes are usually made from finer fabrics and have superior stitching compared to those of bargain stores.

2. Consistency – Most people who wear designer clothes swear by a few designers. For example, someone might own thirty pairs of Paige jeans but refuse to even look at Joe’s Jeans. Both are expensive, high quality brands, so what’s the difference? Paige jeans consistently fit, last, and look great, where Joe’s Jeans aren’t as flattering (this isn’t my personal opinion, it’s just an example). People keep going back to the same brands because they consistently perform well for them. Read More »

Oh, summer. Oh, summer and your delicious, delicious shoes.

This is the time of year when I long the most for new shoes. Summer shoes are bright and fun and eye-catching. And it’s warm enough that you don’t have to cover them up with pants, jeans, or other such nonsense.

But sometimes, friends…sometimes summer shoes betray us. Sometimes high heeled sandals bust our heels. Sometimes seemingly-perfect shoes cut up the backs of our feet. So while I can’t guarantee anything, I have combed the internet searching for shoes that at least look like they might not kill you.

Here, dear College Candies, are the shoes I am lusting after right now, that I imagine will leave me with chaste, unharmed tootsies. Read More »

February has just started up, and since I like to get ahead of myself, I’m pretty sure that means spring is just around the corner. I’m that much closer putting away my many pairs of black opaque tights and letting the legs go bare.

Spring wear has been settling in stores for a few weeks now, so we’ve all gotten a glimpse of what to expect this season. But what’s really stood out to me are all of the bright colored items from dresses to handbags. Bold hues of blue, yellow and red are everywhere. Luckily we can all get the runway look for less, thanks to Forever21 and the like. Read More »

I don’t know when it happened, but in the course of a few years the prices at Steve Madden have gone up and up and up. Yes, the man makes some cute shoes, but come on; they are supposed to be for the common (yet chic) lady.

Well, the good news is he is having a major online sale. And I mean major. Up to 75% off of what seems like a thousand different styles.

Unlike other sales I have found lately (namely, at KateSpade.com), this sale isn’t on the old and outdated stuff. Sure, there are some ugly inclusions in the sale section, but most of the stuff being marked down is simply marvelous. Looking for a hot new pair of boots? There are so many good ones to choose from! Read More »

Every girl knows that shoes can make an outfit.

Right this very moment I’m staring at my sisters cream and navy Marc Jacobs patent stacked heels just wishing I didn’t have to strap on my cowboy boots for my night time hostessing job.

Cowgirl chic is not an easy to look to pull off.

In college, it is all about comfort and when the weather gets too cold for your rainbows and your Uggs are well, fug, it’s nice to have a few warm standbys.

This season, instead of my All-American chucks, I’m eyeing a pair of high top sneakers. I tried to convince my boyfriend that this style was totally him but he wouldn’t take the bait, so I’m going to. This pair from Nine West are more lady with an edge than rockabilly hipster, which I’m digging for fall.

The only shoe I fully rely on come fall are my flat boots. No girl can live without a warm and comfy pair to pull on at a moments notice.

Jeans, dresses, skirts, the flat boot works with every article of clothing. And finally affordable shoe designers are making them with some darling details. I can’t get enough of the buttons on these Steve Madden’s and the zip off tops of these Abaete for Payless. Read More »

I bought a pair of Steve Madden black and white polka dot wedges when I was 16. They were adorable—cute little criss-cross ankle strap, magenta labels on the inside. I loved those shoes. I still love those shoes. They’re probably the oldest ones in my closet—or a close second to one other pair.

Almost ten years later, they finally gave in to my abuse and one of them broke. I cried a little, I’m not going to lie. So I decided that I would take them into a repair shop, and pay more to have them fixed than I did to buy them to begin with.

When I picked them up from the shop, I was so happy to see them, I put them on straight away—with my gym clothes mind you—and strutted them for the rest of the evening. Hardly taken them off since.

And this is just one of my many pairs of Steve Madden shoes I’ve owned throughout the years. I love him. I don’t care that he went to prison for a little—all the more hours for him to dream up beautiful décor for my feet.

But I question what’s going on with this new contest he has going on. Art+Sole is a really cool concept—you, his devoted buyers, get to select the next model of shoe to come out for the fall line. Seems great—for the people, by the people. That’s America right there. Read More »

I love my man. I met him back in 6th grade, and I fell in love. I feel so blessed to have such a long, trusting realtionship. Every year, every season, he brings me so many pretty things. We have really grown together. He knows exactly what I like and every year, even with all my indecisiveness and ever-changing moods and tastes, he has stood up to the challange. And this year, Steve Madden, my main man (in shoes that is… although I would never object to dating a man who could literally make me the little old lady who lived in her shoe) has made me proud again by bringing a plethora of styles to feed my/your foot fetish.

And what’s more is that right now on SteveMadden.com and in Steve Madden stores nation wide there is a major sale going on. (um, who’s excited for the next rainy day?)

Steve’s shoes this summer are so similar to those of the uber–exclusive (read: muy expensivo) designers…. (many are much cuter and for ¼ of the price much more appealing) I saw a shoe JUST like these by Marc Jacobs. Adorable! Read More »

He’s been around as long as I can remember. Our love affair began in the seventh grade. We met at the mall. I was shopping for the first day of school; he was sitting near the window in Nordstrom.

Well, not actually him, but one of the many fruits of his labors: the black elastic slide with the little platform bottom. A staple for any “it” girl in 1998.

And that was only the beginning of my nine year relationship with one Mr. Steve Madden.

We have both grown and changed over the years. I got boobs, curves and went to college. Steve went to jail, got out of jail, started going by Steven and created a much more sophisticated and sexy line of shoes.

And now, just as I have finally gotten comfortable with who I am, Mr. Madden has changed once again; this time adding dresses to match his already popular wedges, flats and oh-so-high-heels. And they are everything you would expect from the King of Shoes….and a whole lot more. Steve Madden dresses are flirty, flattering and perfect for Spring (if it ever shows up!). The cuts are beautiful and definitely draw attention to all the right parts (like those boobs I mentioned earlier…) Read More »

Leopard print is just one of those things that never goes out of style. I’ve had a thing for the print since I was a little kid but to give yourself a more adult look of leopard, try wearing just one bold statement piece.

Cameron Diaz looks flawless wearing these leopard wedges (that cost a fortune, I’m sure).

Save yourself some money by heading to the mall and grabbing one of these sexy wedges from Steve Madden or Kenneth Cole…both for under $100!