Kathy Van Zeeland at Shoebuy - Affordable Glitz & Glamour

Like any little girl, Kathy van Zeeland loved to play dress up by accessorizing herself with handbags, shoes and hats. Little did she know that this childhood pastime of hers would become her driving passion and career. After a few years as an accessory buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue, she began to design her own accessories. Along with her husband, she designed and led the launch of Nine West, Enzo Angiolini and Easy Spirit Accessories. Ten years and 10 million handbags later in early 2004, she decided it was time to launch her own line of accessories. Kathy’s commitment to her customers is to constantly develop new, exclusive materials of the highest quality and create the most trend-right product each season. Luxury should truly be affordable, and thanks to Kathy Van Zeeland and Shoebuy.com, you can look great without breaking the bank! Pieces from Kathy’s collection have been featured in magazines like Cosmopolitan, Lucky, Glamour, Accessories, Redbook, Marie Claire, Teen People, Good Housekeeping, Seventeen and others. You can now find Kathy’s entire collection of designer sunglasses at Shoebuy.com! From retro plastics with fun embellishments to funky metals in streamlined designs, the Kathy Van Zeeland Accessory Collection has it all.

Trendy Casuals for Women at Shoebuy.com

Ever have one of those days when you really don't feel like negotiating every crack and bump in the sidewalk wearing towering heels? You're not alone (it happens to me every other day). More and more women are demanding trendy styles that don't require them to examine every inch of the sidewalk before they step. Thank goodness the footwear designers are listening. Most designers are turning to the original kings and queens of casual fashion: the Europeans. By taking a page out of the "European Guide to Casual Fashion" (don't you wish such a book existed?) and coming up with styles that are deliciously trendy but not necessary back-breaking, they are giving women a category of shoes that for the longest time was only available to men. Here are some of my favorites in trendy, casual shoes: L.A.M.B. Katella Tex Channel your inner punk star in these funky canvas slip-ons from Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. shoe collection. The canvas upper is decorated with a chain pattern, while the side is embroidered with a gold lamb. The right shoe has a gold-plated D-ring piece and the left shoe has a woven Rasta label. Features also include faux vulcanized construction with a molded rubber outsole that has "LOVE ANGEL MUSIC BABY" foxing. Available in army green/black (shown), black/white chains, and natural/gold in sizes 6.5-11. Keds Champion As seen in Elle Girl (April 2006), these breathable canvas upper sneakers with a soft, cotton terry lining are a classic. Pair them with a skirt, shorts, crop pants, or jeans; they pretty much go with anything. Features include a bound sock lining, contrast stitch details, and a blown rubber calendar outsole that makes them lightweight and comfortable. Rhiannon from Hawaii, who wears these with jeans, says “I am very happy with these shoes. I'm sure I will order another pair. I have a pair of white leather ones as well and I love them... if they get dirty I can simply throw them in the washer.” Available in black (shown), denim, pink and white canvas in sizes 5-13. adidas 7406 ST This stylish sneaker by adidas has a look that screams classic 1974, but modern street features that make it a perfect leisure shoe for 2006. Perfect for those days when you’re feeling a little more ‘Sporty Spice’ than ‘Posh Spice’. Upper: Full-grain perforated leather for comfort and soft feel. Lining: Synthetic. Inlay: EVA insole for comfort. Midsole: Pre-molded EVA midsole for optimized comfort and cushioning. Outsole: Rubber outsole for durability and comfort. Available in white/scarlet (shown) in sizes 7-10. K-Swiss Locarno A great casual shoe by K-Swiss that has a combination smooth full-grain leather/synthetic leather upper. Features include: signature striping treatment and a K-Swiss shield on the side, molded Aosta rubber cupsole outsole with forefoot flex grooves, two-tone metal D-Rings, an embroidered spell-out on tongue and a K-Swiss shield on heel. Available in 10 different color combinations (rock/baby blue shown here) in sizes 5-11. Ellesse Primo These Euro-inspired casual trainers by Ellesse give your outfit just a touch of Italian chic. Primo is made from full grain leather with a padded tongue and collar and features a molded EVA midsole and a rubber spike outsole. Great style, high quality and a sleek silhouette are all part of the Ellesse look. Find these in green/white/black (shown), chocolate/sky, and turquoise/lime in sizes 6-12. Reebok RV Speed Prima The Speed Prima has a sporty, streamlined design with soft leather upper for comfort and support. I highly recommend this style if you’re going to be on your feet for hours but want to look good. Its lightweight, die-cut EVA midsole adds extra cushioning, while the molded sockliner offers comfort, cushioning and durability. Durable high abrasion rubber outsole offers extra traction. Available in white/oat/black/nut brown (shown) or carbon/jaffa orange/black in sizes 6-10. Skechers Bikers Fixate The sneaker mule is one of the few hybrid styles that actually works. The frills-free design of the Skechers Fixate allows it to be worn with anything from jeans to skirts; I personally think these look fantastic with an above-knee denim skirt and cute polo top. Features of this shoe include an easy-on open back, mesh upper, elastic “lacing” system on the front, and lightweight construction. Judy Joens from Corona, CA, who bought these to wear on an everyday basis, says “They feel great on your feet, never get tired walking all day long. Got so many complements on them!” Available in light blue/blue in sizes 5-10. Merrell Barrado – Black A touch of tennis and a little track, the Merrell Barrado is a sporty slip-on of breathable stretch mesh that would fit right in on both the cobble-stoned streets of Europe and on the sandy beaches of the Bahamas. Thanks to its 4-way breathable stretch mesh/soft Italian leather, soft mesh lining, pigskin heel lining, an instep zip and slip lasted construction, they guarantee nothing short of heavenly comfort. Its sticky sole and grooves are perfect for beachcombing too. GG from Northern Virginia bought these in a size 10 and has this to say about them: “WOW! These shoes are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn AND they don't look like a size 10. My feet actually look normal-size. They're sneakers, trendy looking and so comfortable that I wish I could afford every color. I even put off foot surgery for 6 months because I could walk in these shoes without pain. Double Wow!” Available in black in sizes 5-11. Check out the entire collection of Trendy Casual Shoes for Women at Shoebuy.com!

Chunky Platform Sandals with Heels at Shoebuy

A very prominent trend this spring/summer season is the emergence of two distinct areas of footwear: the flat and the super-high heel. It's safe to say that you're either on one side or another...no gray area. You've seen the flats that I think are great, but what about the other extreme? Forget delicate, which has been done to death, and embrace the chunkiness. No, I'm not talking about soup. I'm talking about stacked heels and platforms. Think over-the-top colors, in your face embellishments and towering heels. The best part about platform sandals is that whether you wear them with a great pair of chinos or a flowy dress, they look great! Here are my picks from the latest platform sandals: Bronx Melissa 82721 No knows chunkiness better than Bronx, as demonstrated by this earth-tone platform sandal. It features a stylish Kansas leather upper in a criss-cross pattern across the vamp, an open toe, wooden sole and metal studs along the side, all of which contribute to its edgy look. With a substantial 3” heel, this sandal will put you a step above the rest. Available in sizes 7-11. Bolo Borba Evoke the warm climate of the tropics in this gorgeous platform slide sandal from Bolo. Crafted from shrunken calf leather that is soft to the touch, the Borba is a great style for the summer. A beautiful flower detail adorns the front band, which arches over a cushioned insole and cork bottom. My personal favorite is this version with a natural body and pretty plum accents. The stacked heel measures 3 ½”. Available in sizes 6-11. Carlos by Carlos Santana Blues These pretty platform sandals from Carlos Santana start with leather in a stripy slide style with braided detail and a center gather. Matching ankle strap with an adjustable metal buckle and elastic panel, smooth lining. Cushioned footbed, rounded toe provide comfort. Don't believe me? Lorrie from VA, who bought this shoe in orange, says "I purchased these shoes because I love platform sandals and I thought the burnt orange color was great! In person, the color was even better than on the website and the shoes fit perfect. I've always had luck with Carlos Santana shoes finding that they fit well, and are as comfortable as heels can get." Features a 3 ¾” high heel with woven burlap fabric detail and smooth outsole. Available in sizes 5.5-10. Dr. Scholl's Jubilee Make up your own rules of style with these wonderful wedge heeled slides from Original Dr. Scholl's, with signature comfort. Leather upper features a center accent buckle detail. Features a cushioned footbed for added comfort. Sleek 3 inch wedge high heel with stitching accents, traction patterned outsole. Elizabeth from Chicago has this to say about these slides: "Love this shoe! Trusted the Dr Scholl's name to provide comfot and it does. Very stylish shoe, can walk in them for hours without discomfort." White (shown) is the color du jour for footwear this spring; for evening, black is great too. Available in sizes 7-10. Touch Ups Tanya Platforms for the bride, courtesy of Touch Ups! This beautiful ankle strap platform with an open toe vamp features embroidery decoration accented by a delicate touch of clear beads. Lightly cushioned midsole, smooth leather footbed with toe strap wrapped in soft satin. Cara, a bride from Long Island, bought these lovelies for her wedding: "I was totally in love with this shoe when I saw it. I had been looking for shoes for my wedding for a long time. I was so happy when I found this shoe that had embroidery on it like my dress has. Since they were so comfortable when I got them, I broke them in for the wedding already. I can't wait to dance up a storm at the wedding in my new shoes!" Available in sizes 5.5-11. Chinese Laundry Joker These ankle strap sandals by Chinese Laundry are a great way to embrace the platform trend for dressier occasions. Features include a satin upper with embroidered design and rhinestone accents, padded inner soles, an ankle strap for fit, and a stable 3” chunky heel. Platform measures approximately 1/2". Available in silver, black pearl satin in sizes 5-10. Tip: They run a little narrow, so you may want to order 1/2 size up or get them stretched at a cobbler when you get them.

Adorable Flats for Spring at Shoebuy.com

While it's safe to say that warm weather is here to stay, there are still those days when your toes still get a little nippy in flip-flops. A nice alternative to the uber-comfortable flip-flops is the ballet flat or skimmer. They look just as good with those cute skirts, crops or jeans, but they keep your toes warmer without making your feet sweat. Here are a few of my favorite ballet flats/skimmers from Shoebuy.com: Me Too Early If you love the metallic trend that sweeping the country (again) this season, you'll love these fashionable slingback flats from Me Too. Features include a multi-strap toe box, an elasticized sling to ensure fit, slightly rounded front for comfort and a flat footbed. Available in Gold Marbled Metallic Goat (shown) and Bronze Marbled Metallic Goat; sizes 6-11. Aerosoles Frillie Pepper I like the idea of this feminine flat from Aerosoles in this neutral bone with gold trim. Seriously, what can't you wear it with? This versatile leather flat is buttery soft, with gold scalloped edge and lacing detai. Faux suede sock lining and extra-cushioned insole for added comfort. Ultra-flexible two-piece rubber sole with covered 1/2" heel. Available in Bone Combo (shown), Black Combo, Dark Orange Combo and Light Green Combo; sizes 5-12. Bronx Ulli 63718 Want something a little funky and retro? Try these two-piece flats from Bronx. The round toe is covered with woven leather on the sides, while the heel cup has an ankle strap to hold your foot in place. Available in this neutral Black/Terra Vernice/Wind (shown) in sizes 6-11. Coloriffics Pretty Another metallic flat, this one is a more dressier silver version by Coloriffics. Simple, smooth and comfortable. Slip into this elegant dress slipper with flat flex sole for a beach wedding, or simply for a day out. Features a cute bow detail on front. Available in Silver Smooth (shown) in sizes 6-11. Indigo by Clarks Cristo This flat by Indigo is all about the features. Has elastic straps on the vamp and on the heel to hold your foot securely and snugly without being restrictive. Rich colors and quality leather make this shoe a must have accessory. Available in Sandstone Leather (shown), Black Leather, Cerulean Leather, Cherrywood Leather, and Coral Sandstone; sizes 5-12. Etienne Aigner Advise If you want something a little more country, this fun skimmer by Etienne Aigner is the one for you. Features include a rounded toe box for added comfort, metal and leather ornamentation, and a light fabric upper. Available in Pale Blue/Off White (shown), Pale Pink/Off White, Off White/Saddle and Celery/Linen; sizes 6-11. Royal Elastics Nu Florin A sporty take in the ballet flat, the Nu Florin by Royal Elastics features a light upper with sneaker-like contrast stitching, combination full grain leather, die-cut EVA midsole, and a molded rubber outsole. Available in White/Charcoal (shown) and Black/White; sizes 6-10. Keds Knack Embroidery No one does preppy casual better than Keds, as demonstrated by these simple skimmers. The Keds Knack is comfortable, stylish and goes with everything. I personally love the Poppy Red Canvas for an 'eye-popping' look; also available in Black Canvas, Peri Blue Canvas and White Smoke Canvas; sizes 6-11.