Part of my job as a fashion blogger is to bring you the best quality items at the friendliest prices. When I was in high school, my mother became obsessed with a small shoe store on Madison Avenue that offered quality shoes, unique designs and expert quality at around $400. While that’s not exactly cheap, if you compare it to today’s high-end shoe designers it sounds like bargain. One of the things that made my mother’s new found secret so intriguing was that all of the designer’s shoes had one distinctive trait. A red sole. Yes, they were Christian Louboutins and yes, they were all under $400 in the early 2000s. You see, it’s important to not only stick to the name brand shoes that you see all the celebrities wearing, but to also branch out and try to discover new designers that offer impeccable quality.
That’s why I was so happy to discover Kathryn Amberleigh, a little shoe mecca on both coasts for women who crave quality at an affordable price. Helmed by designer Kathryn Kim, she started her little emporium in 2007 in NYC to offer women well-heeled and fashion-forward options. The result? A high end find that start at around $250 (or $265 to be exact).
Okay, so now that I’ve gone on and on about the price, let’s talk about the goodies that I found! Known for unique designs, with contrasting fabrics and a favorite among fashion-celebs like Alexa Chung, Kathryn Amberleigh’s selection is vast and really has something for everyone. My favorite styles ranged from a simple grey heather knit wedge to a tie-up animal print bootie and cut out styles in neon hues like the ones pictures above. Oh, and they’re all hand-crafted with padded leather insoles (hello, comfort) and goat leather linings. Have I gloated enough about my not-so-secret little find? Now where to shop? Online at shop.kathrynamberleigh.com and in Los Angeles on West Third Street and in New York City on Mott Street (take the 6 to Spring). More info here.
Enjoy!
