For the Bargain Hunter: Fashion Highs & Fashion Lows

There are several styles that come with springtime, and the high fashion runways are crowded with current cream-of-the-crop trends. Based off of the looks from New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, styles like platform shoes, thick, chunky heels and flats are top priority for the season. 

For those of us not modeling on these runways, a sensibly-priced stand-in works just fine. The tricky part, of course, is finding the alternative that perfectly replaces your designer desire. We've collected a few of our favorite high-end spring styles, along with their budget-friendly counterparts. These styles prove you definitely don't have to sacrifice quality by paying less.

Trend: Clog

Designer: Coach
Alternative: Dansko
Price Difference: $195

Trend: Flats

Designer: Tory Burch
Alternative: Chocolate Blu
Price Difference: $110

Trend: Slip-on Loafer

Designer: Bally
Alternative: OluKai
Price Difference: $285

Trend: Platform/Chunky Heel

Designer: Fendi
Alternative: Clarks
Price Difference: $680

Shoes feel even better on your feet when you don’t have to sacrifice an arm and a leg to buy them. Your wardrobe doesn't have to be as expensive as it looks - and these styles are prime examples of that concept. With the money you save with these substitutes, you may even be in the market for another pair of shoes!

Put a Little Spring in Your Step and Treat Your Feet!

Boots have been the star in many of our closets for the past few months, making it easy to forget to give our feet the TLC they deserve. Sandal season is fast approaching, and we want to help you get ready to expose those toes! The warmer weather spring brings is the perfect opportunity to let your tootsies come out of hiding, and maybe even show off a new paint job in some chic picks from our Spring 2015 sandal collection.

For our local readers, we took the liberty of compiling the top five nail salons in Brookline for you to visit (in no particular order). Whether you’re looking for a single pampering session to break into the season, or testing out great new places to frequent, stopping by any of these locations will surely make you want to show off a fresh mani/pedi. And for readers outside of Boston, if you’re ever in the area, don’t forget to pop in one of these amazing salons to treat yourself! 1. Alexandra’s Beauty Salon and Spa - 318 Harvard St. Brookline, MA 02446 Alexandra’s offers a unique salon experience, in that they treat every visitor as an individual canvas. While that is the general goal of attending a salon, Alexandra’s undeniably delivers on that promise. We could rave about them, but their Yelp rating says it all - 5/5 stars. 2. Aer Nailbar - 1042 Beacon St. Brookline, MA 02446 Known for their massive selection of polish colors and clean-as-a-whistle environment, Aer Nailbar is open seven days a week for those of you with a tight schedule. If you have never been to Aer Nail Bar, we have great news - first time customers receive a discount of 15%. Plus, during your birthday month, this salon offers 20% off your service for the entire month. Sweet deal! 3. MiniLuxe - 481 Harvard St. Brookline, MA 02446 This full service salon is a great one-stop shop to take care of your beauty errands in one fell swoop. MiniLuxe not only offers the usual nail services, it offers a fantastic brow specialist and waxing amenities as well. It doesn’t hurt that this nail salon is also connected to a Massage Envy next door, giving it a luxury spa feel at an affordable rate. 4. Golden Finger Nails - 1389 Beacon St. Brookline, MA 02446 This salon comes personally recommended by one of our Simons Shoes team members (and it’s worth noting, her manicure is always pristine). Simplicity is key, and Golden Finger Nails offers a no-frills traditional take on delivering salon-quality service. Pricing is reasonable in general, and especially by comparison to neighboring nail shops. What more could you ask for than a job well done for a price your wallet will smile at? 5. Brookline Nail Design - 52 Boylston St. Brookline, MA 02445 A quaint nail shop boasting rave reviews, Brookline Nail Design offers convenience and quality for their patrons. Customers seem to be particularly fond of this salon’s ability to give a truly personalized manicure, and the price point is a sweet spot. This location is known for its staff’s ability to accommodate walk-ins and effortlessly schedule appointments around your busy schedule.

Spring Item Alert: Dafna Scout by Naot

It’s safe to say - especially near us in New England - we’re ready to start shedding heavy layers and big winter boots in favor of a lighter load. While the view out the window may not quite reflect it, spring is definitely around the corner (we promise)! Naot, one of our favorite brands, had their minds on springtime as well - and the Dafna Scout boot is the beautiful proof.

This versatile canvas boot boasts a lightweight lug sole, giving the look of a combat boot, but the airy feel of a casual springtime shoe. Not to mention, because it’s Naot, it offers the comfort and support for your feet that the brand consistently delivers. Even better, it doesn't just work for spring - breathable canvas means you can keep wearing Scout well into the summer heat. Temperatures will rise come July, but the Scout will see you through multiple seasons without fail.

The best part? Ladies aren't the only ones who get to have fun with this style - Scout has a unisex look, and it’s available in black and gray, in both men’s and women’s sizes.

Fun Fact: The Naot Scout was worn by the cast of Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1! This boot is tough enough for a crew like Katniss and Gale, and carefree and cushioned for on-the-go types like Jennifer Lawrence herself.

And hey, we wouldn't doubt that a laid-back guy like Liam Hemsworth would rock these, too!

Collaborating with Elissa Garza of Style-Wire

Black booties are a fall basic, right? Well, we're happy to have Boston Style Blogger, Elissa Garza show us how to add fun and flair to a great pair of our favorites this season. We were happy to spend some time together in the store trying on great styles from Camper's fall 2014 line and are excited to share her take on a wardrobe staple. Take a look at some photos and make sure to hop on over to her blog to participate in our giveaway, where there are two $50 Simons Shoes giftcards up for grabs! Stay tuned for more from Simons and Style-Wire. 

We're featured on alliewears - One of Boston's Best Style Blogs

We're so happy to share with you a great style post we worked on with Allie Lochiatto, Boston Style Blogger extraordinaire! We spent some time together in the store trying on the beautiful shoes from this season's Clark's Narrative Collection. She chose the unusually beautiful Movie Act boot in a subtle Grey Ombre and styled them in a great casual way for the beginning of fall. Take a look at some photos and make sure to hop on over to her blog to participate in our giveaway, where there are two $50 Simons Shoes giftcards up for grabs! 

Fall Trend: Urban Cowboy

Have you been eyeing a great pair of cowboy or western boots, but aren't sure how to meld them with your city-chic style? Lucky for you this season is chock-full of trendy pieces that will pair with your favorite pair of cowboy boots and still earn you street cred for style.

Ponchos and tribal knit sweaters are hugely on trend this fall. Pair them with leggings and a knee high boot like these beautiful leather Pikolinos or wear them with boot cut jeans and a fab pair of Naot Sirocco ankle boots.  Don't forget a fabulous tote - we can't resist this studded version from Frye. 

Looking for something a little more girly? You can't go wrong with fringe and lace. The delicately embroidered Taos Priviledge and the comfortable and textured Verga by Blondo (available in store) add a western flair to these beautiful pieces. But don't worry you can mix and match with your sky high heels too. Complete the look with a fab clutch, like this pretty lady from Frye. 

For ulitmate versatility mix your favorite florals or plaids with a leather anchor piece (like a killer bomber jacket or stunning pants) and add an understated country boot, like these brown leather booties from Pikolinos (in store) or classy suede wedges from Dansko, to polish it up. Adding a weathered leather satchel for texture will bring it all together. 

Shop the Summer Sale and get Great Looks for Fall!

It's one of our very favorite times of year - End-of-Summer Sale time! We've looked over sale items from some local boutiques and found great wardrobe pieces that will go from warm summer sun to cool fall breezes without skipping a beat. 

This femme tee has it all, a sweet peter-pan color, a delicate stripe, and super girly peplum. Wear it with your favorite white cropped jeans and these bright Chocolat Blu slides through the end of summer. Once the days turn cooler pair it with black pants or dark wash jeans, a bright cardigan, and fun flats by Rieker. Find this top by Payal at Boston's Vira Boutique or in their online store.

Nothing makes a statement like (tastefully placed) animal print. This gorgeous sheath by Max & Cleo has an elegant mix of ruffles & jungle patterns and can go from conservative office to wild night out without much trouble. Through the end of the summer go bare-legged and wear it with these funky flats by Chocolat Blu. For fall pair it with black tights and booties for the ultimate in chic. Find it at Twilight Boutique Boston or in their online store. 

These were super on trend this summer, but you don't have to tuck them away (or shun them on the sale rack) as Labor Day approaches. Wear them through the summer with breezy trapeze tanks and your favorite flat sandals, like these from Patagonia. In the fall pair them with a black sequined top, black blazer and black studded wedges to add a pop of color to your typical "going-out" outfit!

Coral Jeans by NYDJ - On Sale at Nordstrom