Cynthia Vincent for Target

Trips to Target in search of the retailer's latest designer collaboration have become part of my routine - and today was testament to that. Only a few pairs of Cynthia Vincent footwear remained on the nearly-destitute shelf.

My heart was set on the ballet flats with the modernized-technicolor-tribal print, but they sold out online just hours after their debut - and I didn't spy them on the store shelf. To ease my woes, I took a chance on the gladiator wedge.

The wedge definitely looks more expensive than $29.99 (which, let's face it, is the true test of whether or not something is truly a "steal"). The fit is true to size and the pair is surprisingly comfortable with a generous amount of padding in the insole. I wish the incline on the shoe was steeper, but the platform does makes the 4.25" wedge tolerable for gals who shy away from teeteringly high heels. Target missed the boat with the ankle strap, though. It's not adjustable and the width is too large for my ankles.

But my favorite part of the purchase is the packaging: a sunshine yellow box with silver writing. Last year I picked up a pair of Cynthia Vincent shoes and gushed over the cheerful dust bag, so it was a delight to see the color scheme repeated on the boxes.

If you're itching for the cognac wedges and can't find them, don't fret. The L.A. Times blog "All the Rage" reports that Target plans to replenish select styles in mid-May.

Reminder: Enter to win a set of Thomas Paul tea towels.

Flat Chance

I'm the type of girl who prefers to wear heels every day to work and for every special occasion. However it seems my footwear choice is being challenged this wedding season. My boyfriend's brother is getting married in June and plans to have his reception outdoors at his parents' country home. I'd rather not run the risk of puncturing their lawn with stiletto heels (a bit of a concern after too many celebratory cocktails), leaving me with two options: wedges or flats.

I'm not keen on wedges (I've tried, but I just can't fully embrace them), so I've begun searching for pretty flats. And it's not an easy task. (The Cynthia Vincent flats I purchased are gorgeous, but they're a bit heavy for the flirty summer dress I plan to wear.)

Here are some of the prettiest flats I've stumbled upon:


(Starting from top.)

Nine West, Noadiah Flat, $69.95
Lilly Pulitzer, Lady Mary Flat, $235
Kenneth Cole, Clean Cut, $69.95 (sale!)
Target, Sheryl Floral Print Ballet Flat, $19.99
Ettore Masotti, Ballet Flat, $149
Tory Burch, Kelly Patent Flat, $295

Shoe Woes

Yesterday I stopped at the gas station. After I was done pumping fuel and got back into my car, I noticed an overwhelming smell of gas - which continued for my commute to work. When I arrived at work and realized the smell still hadn't faded, my heart sank and I realized I stepped in gasoline and possibly ruined my favorite black flats.

They have a leather sole, which makes getting the smell out nearly impossible. I've tried soap and water, vinegar, baking soda, and now they're wrapped in newspaper in the trunk of my car.

To alleviate my sadness, I browsed for a new pair and stumbled across Amazon's designer shoe sale (up to 80% off select styles - click here). I purchased a beautiful pair of Cynthia Vincent flats (below) for $57 - nearly $230 off the original retail price!

And there are other gorgeous shoes on sale, like this pair of Giuseppe Zanotti pumps which are perfect for fall. Will you be ordering anything?