Payless: Not just for flip flops anymore
The only time I go into Payless is when I've worn bad shoes to the mall and desperately need a pair of $8 flats or flip flops so my dogs don't break halfway to Orange Julius. It happened the other day at Tyrone Square Mall, while I was on a mad mission to the MAC counter at Dillards. I swung inside, but I didn't just see ugly foam sandals and generic Velcro tennis shoes.
Surprise! The shoes at Payless are so cute these days. They're drinking the Target Kool-Aid of designer names for the masses, and that's cool with this guy. Payless now has lines from Project Runway alum Christian Siriano, Michelle Obama fave Isabel Toledo, and girly queen Lela Rose.
Check out these Alexandra Exotic strappy sandals from Christian Siriano, on sale for $24.99:
And these Miraflores flats from Lela Rose, $34.99.
I tried these on these Tweed Galilea Bow Peep Toes from Lela Rose and fell in love. They were so HIGH and WONDERFUL yet so comfortable, and I really, really, really wanted to take them home and wear them while I do my dishes and walk the dog.
But I gotta be honest. The $44.99 price tag made me stop dead in my own painful shoes. I'm pretty sure the name of the place contains both "Pay" and "Less," and that wasn't doing it for me. I could buy something for the same price in Dillards.
That's the Payless game. The shoes go on sale pretty much all the time as they move farther down the racks, so the goal is never to pay full price. But that's when the challenge begins, because as the sale prices start, the selection goes away.
I also tried on a pair of Christian Siriano black pumps with a metallic heel. They were gorgeous and they were on sale, but they were a half-size too small, the last pair in the store. And I can't even find them on the website now, because I assume they are from last season. I left without anything, but my feet felt better after sitting down in the aisles for five minutes.
In conclusion...
Payless, you saucy little minx. Stop teasing. Put those shoes on sale.
Deal Diva Stephanie
Photos: payless.com
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
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A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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