With the coming of a new season, students are beginning to flock back to the quad in droves. Styles are changing, and this includes the sudden reappearance of skin and toes to the public. Fashionistas, such as our readers, should not be condemned to tennis shoes and ballet flats. From gladiator sandals to flip-flops, the time is right to invest in open-toed selections and free those feet! Unfortunately, depending on where young collegiettes do their shoe shopping, these cornerstones to any spring ensemble have the potential to break the bank.
Do not fret, Her Campus faithfuls! There are several ways to make sure that your wardrobe is varied yet affordable.
Tip #1: Do not be afraid to shop at Payless or Shoe Department Encore.
Despite the appearance of these stores, they boast some of the best shoe shopping available. Often times, these places will pick up on brands or styles from more popular stores, such as American Eagle or Forever 21, and sell them at a much cheaper price. They will even have unique products that cannot be found in other chains. Discount sales are easy and cheap way to walk away with several additions to any spring wardrobe. The shoes above, from Payless, are only twenty dollars! Most days, these stores are ghost towns, and the products are ripe for the taking. When it comes to shopping spots such as these, the mantra is clear: bargains, bargains, bargains!
Tip #2: Invest in SwitchFlops and Snap Shoes by Lindsay Phillips.
The innovation creations of Lindsay Phillips have been a well-kept secret in the world of fashion. Her brand specializes in variety and changing your look in mere seconds on a whim. Shoppers need only pick a starting sole, say a black sandal, and they can snap off the top decoration and swap it with others or simply wear the bare shoe. This intricate shoe brand also boasts flip-flops with swappable straps. Investing in just one pair of shoes can lead to a world of outfit opportunities with several different accessories. For the colder days and nights, Lindsay Phillips also offers ballet flats in several colors with switchable designs, and her clothing line is just as delightful. When introducing any new piece of clothing into your wardrobe, matching with a variety of different outfits is key!
Tip #3: When in doubt, shop online.
Although I do not always suggest this as a first option, online shopping is a quick way to access thousands of pairs of shoes. Popular sites, such as Zappos, have gained larger user bases for their services. Still, using the Internet to do your shopping is risky business as you cannot try the shoes on, and shipping takes a while. Usually, this should be seen as a last ditch effort at finding new shoes, but it does reveal a larger product market.
The time has come, loyal readers. Swap out those tennis shoes with your jeans for pair of Lindsay Phillips. If you’re going out on the town, dress up that sundress with some gladiator sandals! Either way, spring is here. With the changing seasons comes changing clothing styles. With great deals in the store and even online, there is no reason not to shop!