361/365 - More Uggs Knock Offs

Ever since Erica purchased her Uggs Slipper from Zappos, I have been coveting a pair. I've worn a hole in my current slipper and the cozy lining is all gone. I was hoping for a new pair at Christmas, but that didn't happen (I'm not complaining - Scott bought me something just as nice - I'll have to take a picture of that tomorrow).

I was mentally prepared to spend between $70 and $100 for a pair of slippers like Erica's. I went to the Zappos website and tried to select a size 7 slipper.

And received this message - "The Shoe / Size Combination you have selected is not Available" - at least 6 times!

OK, I understand. Christmas was a few days ago and I'm sure folks are heavy into the after Christmas shopping thing. I set up the "e-mail me when this selection becomes available" bit. Then I hit the local Outlet Mall's Famous Footwear store after work.

And came home with these:

And I only paid $35 for them!

Let's look at Erica's Uggs to compare:


I think I can live without the Uggs label on the top. And I will attest that my BearPaw slippers are just as comfortable.

And for $65 less than the Uggs, I think my wallet feels better!

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323/365 - These Boots Are Meant for Sloshing

We assembled at a local restaurant - an informal gathering to celebrate Jill's birthday. Jill didn't want any gifts, but Heather couldn't resist these funky rain boots.



Too bad we didn't have them two weeks ago. Oh, except it rarely rains in Vegas. I guess that's why they are sold here instead.

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305/365 - Harbinger

Gonna sell my car and go to Vegas
'Cause somebody told me
That's where dreams would be
Gonna sell my car and go to Vegas
Finally see my name upon the Palace marquis

Gonna quit my job and move to New York
'Cause somebody told me that's where
Dreamers should go
Gonna quit my job and move to New York
And tattoo my body with every Broadway show.

Listen up now honey, you're gonna be sorry
Can't get out from under a sky that is falling
And you say
No fame no money I'm nobody
The way I'm running has sure got me down
On my knees.
But next stop, Vegas please.
Gotta get to Vegas
Can you take me to Vegas?

Vegas by Sara Bareilles

Here's the Video of the song, from her Live at the Fillmore DVD/album:

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296/365 - Fast Shipping, Great Service

This is our second experience with Zappo's and once again, they have impressed us with their great service and fast shipping.

Ordered Saturday evening, arrived today. Wow.



Erica's latest [expensive] purchase. Yes, she agreed to pay for them herself, draining her account down to about 20 bucks.

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219/365 - Tax Free Shoes

The state of Illinois is giving us a little break this back to school season - Tax Free purchases of clothes, shoes and other school necessities. But local county taxes are still in effect, so in reality, tax reduced, not completely tax free.

But still a reason to go out and buy a new pair of running shoes, because I've started to experience some pain in my feet and I'm hoping I'm just at the end of the usable mileage on my old shoes.

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339/365 - New Converse

The latest fad to arrive at the house - Erica's new Converse sneakers. Since these sneaks have been around for ages (I remember them when I was a teen, too), it's hard to find much fault in their retro styling. [And they are not Reeboks, which I regret wearing in High School]



And a positive review of Zappos.com - we ordered the sneakers on Monday and they arrived today! Free shipping, and if the shoes didn't fit, free return shipping. Erica was so excited to see the box at the front door when she got home from school.

Another view, with a texture applied:


I think we are "complete" with Erica's fashion requests - at least for now!

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313/365 - Ugg Knock Offs

Having a 12 year old middle school daughter, I am subjected to the current fashion trends and fads. Last month - Aeropostale and Abercrombie and Fitch. This month - skinny jeans, Converse sneakers and Ugg boots.

Fortunately, Erica possesses some "common sense frugality" when it comes to expensive name brand items. I think that stems from my insistence that she pony up the funds to buy some of these "must have" items. So, when she realized Uggs cost upwards of $120-$200, she was OK with buying a copy cat version for half price.

The Shoe Carnival boasts a nice selection of identically styled boots, and with Buy one, get one 1/2 price, I got myself a pair (because I'm all about trying to stay trendy - well, not really, but they are very warm and comfy!)

Erica's pair (the traditional light brown color):


I opted for the darker brown boots - really fits "me" better than the light brown ones:


And we bought them on the warmest day of the Fall season - 70 degF out there today! But it never hurts to plan ahead.

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197/365 - Out with the Old

And in with some new sneakers. We got our money's worth out of his old sneakers - I think they were purchased way back in October of 2008 and the bottom soles were starting to come apart.


We purchased the new pair at the local Kohl's. I love that store!

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