I was cruising Target the other day to pick up, oh, I don’t know… toothpaste or something, and I spotted this fun little pair of flats.  The shoes and toothpaste are nowhere near each other at my local Target- I confess to taking a lap of the store just for funsies.

It’s been a while since I’ve bought shoes from Target- cheap shoes usually leave my feet with blisters and an ache- but considering these shoes cost just a bit more than the two-pack of toothpaste I was there to pick up, I threw caution to the wind and bought these as well.

I wore them out shopping, and they did rub my feet a bit red, but I also own more expensive shoes that have done the same.  I’ll file this away under “bargains”.

The B. Makowsky sandals are new, I just got them at the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale.  I’d never heard of this brand before, but they are really comfortable, and the leather is really soft.  The sunglasses are Ray Ban, and the purse is Coach.  The necklace is from Claire’s; I bought it back in college, and is the most complemented piece of jewelry I’ve ever had.  Rope bracelet “on loan” from my momma.

Photo: Gretchen Lilly

These Moccasins from Manimal are the most traditional looking, and I love the ribcage detail on the front of the shoe.  I also like how soft and flexible they look; most moccasins I’ve seen in stores are like suede penny loafers, with a hard, inflexible sole.

This Trail Boot from Arrow Moccasin Company is nice and sleek looking.  I can see it paired with shorts or leggings.  I also like the shine of the leather, and think it would wear quite nicely.

So, I only learned about Quoddy because of their partnership with J.Crew, but I totally dig these Ring Boots.  There is just this awesome mix of rugged traditional and edgy contemporary.

All of these shoes are handmade in the USA, which at a minimum, helps justify the cost.  But, it’s also nice to know that these shoes were made with skill and attention, when so many shoes fall apart quickly.

I was so impressed!  I’ve never seen such a work of art surrounding a construction project.  These little critters were all carved into the wood.  What a bit of unexpected beauty while shopping.

They both cut really well, and you can adjust the tension on the blades (for cutting through thick paper).  I also wanted to get them because each pair comes with a plastic pouch that snaps shut AND a plastic blade cover.  I’m really looking forward to using the small ones on upcoming projects- I like the idea of making small, precision cuts on my collages.

As I said above, the sale is on ALL of her products- there were some really cute labeling stickers that I just may have to go pick up before the sale is over.