Lights, Camera ... Platform? Sam Edelman's Novato on the Red Carpet

Every once in a while a shoe come along with star quality—that je ne sais quoi that makes such a presence without making a scene. Meet her, love her and embrace her: the Novato by Sam Edelman.

Kristin Cavallari of The Hills stepped out at the premier of Burlesque (starring Cher and Christina Aguilera) on November 15th in a stunning emerald, rhinestone-encrusted ruched mini by Zuhair Murad. Playing a supporting role (and supporting some top-model legs) was our star Novato slingback platform in blush patent. We absolutely love this look.

If you are still in doubt as to what to wear to your next holiday party or simply looking for that timeless, classy pump, look no further. Novato gives a star performance at every event.

The Novato is also available black glitter, black suede and army green suede.

 

We Got That: Fit-Flop Mukluks

Fit-flop, the ever-inventive collection of casual, sporty shoes bent on getting you in shape as you sally, has released their mukluks ... and we got 'em! We suppose if your personal trainer and the designers of UGG had a lovechild, it would look like this bootie. Sporting a genuine sheepskin upper and shearling lining on a one-inch platform, this mukluk comes in Chestnut and Black. Happy walking!

 

Lori's in the News: CBS Says We're #1.

Well. CBS just brightened our day with a cold-call to customer service telling us we'd placed tops in their "Best Shops for Shoes" ranking. See the list on CBS Chicago.

Lori’s is a Chicago institution! Stop in here to check out a great selection of the latest styles by both new and favorite designers. Be prepared though –- instead of looking at shoes on racks, they’re piled high from the floor up at Lori’s, making it easy to find your size. If you can’t make it to one of Lori’s three Chicago-land locations make sure to check out their impressive online store.

Got It: Chooka's Herringbone Rain Boot

Silly People Magazine! They spelled Lori's Shoes "N-O-R-D-S-T-R-O-M." Happens all the time. We don't take offense. We're happy to see Chooka's waterproof rain boot getting some press. We love its tweedy upper in classic gray herringbone. A dual buckle closure keeps errant drops out. The rubber sole is impervious to the nastiest water-filled pothole.

Lori's in the news: US Weekly + Hype Bag

The Hype Alex bag will add some shimmer to your shimmy.

If you so happened to pick up the US weekly last week and turned the pages to the US Style section, notice anything? Well not only was the CC Skye rhinestone and gold-plated bullet bracelet a stroke of genius, but did you see the Prada leather camo tote? OMG! 

Well amongst the fashion's best like Prada and Burberry sat Lori's Shoes—the preferred retailer of Hype bags. (Check the top right for the studded leather Alex shoulder bag just in case you missed it). Gor-geous! Obviously, this military trend is taking off. We're happy to have this and other hot items to fit your military style. Great trend pieces don't stay in stock at Lori's forever, so be quick on your toes this season. Feel free to shop it now!

Lori's in the News: Marie Claire

 

Well kinda. Lori's isn't necessarily in this news, but we do have this hot wedge by Chinese Laundry! Listed in Marie Claire for $89, we've got this versatile shoe in black for $80. Shop it now for a great wardrobe basic.

A Day in the Life. And Natalie Portman

Whew! We sure are busy over here at Lori's Shoes. While Lori's on a buying trip to Italy, we actually held a real, live meeting in the conference room! (It was a "Big Deal.") Most people even came and sat down in chairs and stuff and acted all serious! Our creative director did not feel like bringing his laptop for the trip from the studio. Instead he went native (a.k.a., "offline") with filler paper and a pen. David, our intrepid photographer, didn't feel like bringing his consciousness and consequently spent most of the meeting semi-awake.

See Lori? We're working! While the cat's away, the mice take some notes and doodle obsessively.

Many important things were discussed (not like you'd know, David!). Our creative director diligently took notes as well as a few drawings of young, soporific David. While we've redacted most notes to protect our trade secrets, we did leave the reminder to post the Natalie Portman appearance wearing Charles David to the premier of "Black Swan." We have this shoe coming in black, black suede, champagne and grey suede. It shipped from Charles David on September 9th, so we expect them very soon! Check back periodically for availability or send us a note.

We're also going to be posting more regularly on new arrivals in the internally monickered "Jessie's Corner." Jessie probably doesn't appreciate that, but she's not writing this blog! Ha ha looks like you lose too, Jess! Now it's back to work for this busy little bee! 

Delta Love Lori's Shoes

Delta Magazine recently included us in their fall trends roundup "Dressed to Kill," (September/October 2010: 32) featuring the Jeffrey Campbell camo lace-up boot next to Prada's Camo Riding Boot. (Such good company we keep!) Other favorite designers include Rag & Bone, Alice + Olivia, Smashbox and Sony. We're currently out of stock on that particular boot Delta featured, but check out our other camo options or heeled fall boots.

The lede reads in full: "Dressed to Kill: Delta dove hunts are the social events of the season. Delta Magazine editors style cutting-edge garb with the coolest gear to take you from the field to the afterparty."

Lori's Declared Best Shoe Store in Chicago by Time Out

We don't like to brag (well, maybe a little bit), but we were thrilled to be picked by Time Out as the best shoe store in Chicago. In a city with plenty of great selection (we beat out Akira, City Soles/Niche, House of Sole and St. Alfred), it's an especial honor to make the grade in the widely-read Time Out. Below is the review in full. Our blogging department blushes demurely.

Best Shoe Store
Lori's Shoes
Shoppers with a weakness for footwear find Lori's either a blessing or a curse—depending on the status of their bank account. The Lincoln Park emporium (there are two suburban locations in Highland Park and Northfield) stuffs a sizable space with American and European designer shoes, all marked 10 percent to 30 persent less than department-store prices. The selection includes everything from classics to trendy brands such as Jeffrey Campbell, Corso Como and Boutique 9, not to mention dozens of Italian exclusives. Better yet, you'd be hard pressed to find a physical shoe shop with a more complete e-commerce site, replete with weekly blog posts to keep you informed on the latest fashions.
824 W. Armitage Ave (773-281-5655, lorisshoes.com). —Jessica Herman

Extra, Extra: Lori's in Women's Health Magazine!

The September issue of Women's Health magazine recently declared "Accessories Are the New Outfit," and, by dint of the amount of space given to our Hype Jane bag, that Lori's is the new source for accessories. For the cost-conscious and the cash-strapped, accessories are a smart way to keep current without turning over your whole wardrobe.

The Jane was considered a "wow-worthy statement piece" to spruce up fall wardrobes. Studies show women wear less than half the clothes already in their closets. (We mean, really – how many pairs of jeans does one need?) With the proper handbag or a fantastic pair of shoes any outfit can feel new and fresh.

Accessories give you a chance to reinvent your look using the wardrobe you already have. Too many skinny jeans and not enough accessories? Try these options for two fresh looks with the same denim.

Pair this multi-colored chain necklace with a pair of Nicole Mambo booties (above right in Tuscany), a simple tank, cropped jacket and the Hype bag for a urban-sophisticate look.

For date night: same jeans, same bag, now add the Nine West Rocha in Taupe, a sheer ruffled shirt and you will have his heart at first glance.

Lori's in the News: Footwear News

From WWD's Footwear News to Instyle Magazine's Makeover edition, Lori's Shoes is being painted a trendsetter and business leader. We are OK with this. We try to be more than a shoe boutique – more like an all-around lifestyle experience. We measure our success through Lori's superstar status in recent news.

In Footwear News, Lori elaborates on our long-time partnership with venerable shoe brand Via Spiga.

"We began with the brand in the late 1980s. What led me to [it] was that it had a very specific customer in mind. It created a strong niche for itself. When you looked at a pump, you recognized by the look that it was a Via Spiga pump. They definitely stepped away from who the customer was over the years [but] have come back with a better understanding of what customers want, [which is] wearable footwear with a fashion edge. We've been buying more from the brand in the last couple years. We don't by a ton of styles, but buy depth in [our] key stores and keep reordering."

 

Elsewhere, with the help of the beautiful Jennifer Hudson, InStyle showcases one of our fall favorites, Hype Handbags. The embellished metal clutch is sassy – a classic silhouette bedecked with extreme embellishment. We have a great lineup of Hype coming this fall. We know you will go crazy for them (hopefully not literally ... though we do anticipate possible heart palpitations).

Sam Edelman in Marie Claire ... and at Lori's!

The Sam Edelman Effie recently made an appearance in Marie Claire magazine credited to us! We currently have it in black. Take some style tips from MC and pair this easy wedge to broken-in crewneck sweaters and cropped trousers for a vintaged, timeless prep.

Now That's a Review!

We were trawling the Internets as is our wont when we stumbled across what may be the most enthusiastic and glowing review of Lori's we've seen in a long time. Many, many thanks to Erica G. for her wonderful review and witty repartee. Get in on the fun yourself by reviewing us on Yelp.

Can't believe I haven't reviewed Lori's, I LOVE Lori's. I have shopped here since the area was not as swank as it is now. I shop here today. I worship shamelessly at the Altar Of The High Heel. They're bad for your feet, but shut up - they're HOT! I can't wear them every day (woe is me!), but I can keep them in the Archives to bust out when necessary. Gorgeous, gorgeous shoes and bags (and jewelry and accessories!). I browse more than I buy, but that's a comment on my wallet, not Lori's selection.

I bought a pair of shoes here that I took on an imminent trip to India. The shoes were casual! shiny! cute! dressy! hot! comfortable! They were all that and a slice of vindaloo. I wore them OUT in the Subcontinent, and bid a tearful goodbye to them when I left them behind, gasping for breath in the throes of their demise, in a fleabag Chennai motel. They wished me well. But ohhh, did they serve me well - and stylishly - thru cities, villages, rickshaw rides, train cars and ghats.

The selection is, yes, that good. You will find the shoes here that will change your life. You heard it from me. :-)