Fab online shoe boutique SimplySoles has launched its first brick-and-mortar shop in the up-and-coming area of Columbia Heights.

Mother of two, trained CPA and “tax master” Kassie Rempel launched her online site and catalog business in 2004, but knew that her DC clientele needed a spot to shop.

“Most people open a store first and then create a website. I chose to do just the opposite and make my products available worldwide and establish the SimplySoles brand by exposing it to fashion connoisseurs everywhere. That will always be a goal of ours, but now we get to meet face to face with our customers and engage them in a way we’ve not done before. We are known for our excellent customer service and that will continue to be a top priority in our new location,” says Rempel, who has been named as one of the top five emerging entrepreneurs in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Awards, recognized by the Washington Business Journal as one of the 2008 Women Who Mean Business, and has been featured on the cover of Fortune Small Business magazine in a story on extreme customer service.

In addition to designers like Tory Burch, Chie Mihara, Delman, Bettye Muller and Lilly Pulitzer, Rempel has started her own shoe line that’s exclusive to SimplySoles. It’s called named lillybee consists of nine styles (including two that are vegan), all of which are are shipped to the customer in a durable, quilted bag named the ShoeShuttle that is designed for transporting shoes and also saving trees in the process by eliminating the need for a shoe box. Best of all, every pair is $195 or less. (Check out the Kristen. Hilary and Gwyneth, above.)

If you can visit the cheerful pink and chandelier-filled store in person, be sure to bring a pair of gently worn closed-toe shoes. Simply Soles will donate them to Suited for Change, a local non-profit that helps women in transition dress for success. You’ll also receive a 10% discount on your next purchase just by making the donation.

SIMPLYSOLES ADDRESS: 1438 Park Road NW, Washington, DC 20010. If you can’t make it in person (the store is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) … be sure to shop online at www.simplysoles.com

Don’t forget to take advantage of our StoreAdore-exclusive deals, either! Enter “IADOREU” in the promotional code section at checkout to receive your free gift. Gifts are as follows:

Spend $50 or more and receive a SimplySoles Reusable Grocery Bag
Spend $100 or more and receive an Aluminum SimplySoles Water Bottle with Carabineer
Spend $500 or more and receive a pair of SoleSavers.

EXCLUSIVE SALE, DECEMBER 1: On Monday, December 1, at 8 a.m. EST, SimplySoles.com will have a super sale for 24-hours only on in-stock merchandise ordered via the internet. Free shipping on orders of $50
or more and free returns through December 24, 2008. All merchandise will be discounted 40% and quantities are limited.

Here at Store Adore we pride ourselves on all things fashion. But when I’m leaving the office and heading to happy hour, the last thing I want is to look like I was sitting in a cubicle all day (cause I wasn’t!). Green and Blue brings a touch of boutique chic to the otherwise offbeat café and bookstore-lined Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington DC. This tiny treasure stocks upbeat, work-appropriate classics that are great for layering on or trading out once the clock hits 6. In addition to the well-known brands, the shop also sells an ever-growing collection of co-owner Daniela Cermanova’s custom-made wearable designs sold under the house-exclusive label, Ela Ela Couture. Cermanova and her partner, Michaela Schwartz, stock the minimalist space with an equally streamlined inventory of go-with-everything colors on less than a dozen racks. How does Green and Blue maintain a small selection but a big following? Daniela tells us in this week’s Store Interview.

SA: What are your current bestsellers? What items have been flying off the shelves in your store?

G&B: The biggest bestseller this season is definitely Walter Military Style Jacket, which almost sold out few days after we received it.

SA: What trend are you most excited to see this season?

G&B: This season we are most excited about long sweater cardigans.

One we like the best is this Cynthia Steffe Cream Chunky Cardi.

SA: What trends are you happy to see go?

G&B: We are definitely happy to finally see baby doll dresses go, and excited to see waistlines and more refined shapes come back.

SA: If you could only chose three words to embody your store, what would it be?

G&B: Chic, classic, unique.

SA: How would you describe your core customer?

G&B: Our typical customer is a professional women in her thirties, who wants classic outfits but with a twist of style. She’s the kind of woman that can go seamlessly from office to happy hour or cocktail party.

SA: Your pride yourself on a small, intimately set store, what sets you apart from other bigger boutiques?

G&B: Next to selling other designers, we also design and make custom clothing and custom jewelry and offer our customers free alterations on items bought in our store.

SA: What are your favorite items that you offer?

G&B: One of a kind custom made bracelets, like this one.

SA: These days, everyone (even the most high end shopper) is looking for a deal. What is an example of something of great value that a shopper can find at your store?

G&B: Our handmade ELA ELA earrings cost only $24, but are made with sterling silver and high quality gem stones and Swarovski crystals.

Dainty-toed size 6s and 7s can easily step into each new season’s footwear, but shoe shopping is no picnic for the size-10-and-up set. Luckily, Barefoot Tess specializes in sizes running all the way up to a women’s 13 (some styles even run to a 15) and designs that are anything but clunky. The store is expertly stocked with shoes from designer names as well as more affordable brands. No matter what the style, price range or shoes size, Barefoot Tess has your latest wardrobe addition somewhere in store. But don’t just take our word for it: hear what the folks at Barefoot Tess have to say about what makes their Baltimore shop so special.

SA: What items have been flying off the proverbial shelves on your site and in your store?

BT: In terms of flats, Bernardo (above, $152) is flying off the shelves—we’ve already had to restock. Corso Como Sadie is our most popular boot (also above, $259), and lastly, the hidden wedge boots from 80%20 ($189) are a huge hit!

SA: What item or trend are you most excited about this season?

BT: We are in love with boots this season—from booties to flats to heels. Some of our favorite lines include Corso Como, All Black, 80%20, and Faryl Robin. We have some gorgeous high-end offerings from Delman, Chie Mihara, Tashkent, and Loeffler Randall.

SA: If you could only chose three words to embody your store, what would they be?

BT: Diverse, unique, and larger-than-life!

SA: How would you describe your core customer?

BT: Fashionable, frustrated, and loyal. We have customers from all over the world who have spent years searching for larger sizes, narrows, wides, etc. They have often had difficulty finding shoes, let alone stylish options, in their size, and have frequently been dismissed by shoe clerks and store owners. Many of our customers have written testimonials on our blog about their experiences before Barefoot Tess. In addition, our customers are very involved—we don’t only rely on them to buy shoes from us, but also to write in with sizing tips, reviews, and suggestions.

SA: What makes your site and store stand out from the competition?

BT: Although, of course, we are slightly biased, we truly think Barefoot Tess is completely unique. Every season, we negotiate with designers to expand their lines to include larger sizes. And not just any designers—if we see a shoe or designer we like, we won’t take no for an answer. At your local department store, it can often be difficult to find even a size 10 or 11 in the style you want. At Barefoot Tess, we have exclusives from many of today’s most popular designers—from moderately-priced to high end. For example, All Black agreed to make its boots up to size 14 for us this winter, and luxe brands like Loeffler Randall (like their fabulous Ivy Boot. Below, $795) expanded whole lines for us up to a sie 12. We carry everything from sneakers to wedding shoes, and frequently follow up customer suggestions of their favorite brands. In addition, this year we launched our own line of shoes. We had well-known designer Matt Bernson create a line of Tess flats in sizes up to 14 that are divine.

SA:What is the funniest or most unusual customer experience you’ve had.

BT: At Barefoot Tess, we’re always trying to get the word out. Last year, we saw a segment on the Tyra Banks Show about a woman with large size feet who couldn’t find shoes for her wedding. The show provided her with some, and we were bummed not to have been part of it! Lo and behold, several months later the woman on the show contacted us herself. It turns out that lot of the shoes on show were actually small sizes! I guess you can’t believe everything you see on her TV. Now she is one of our favorite customers!

SA: Everyone is trying to save money this season. What is the best bargain at your store?

Blowfish is one of our favorite price-savvy lines. We have loads of cute flats by the brand, like the Segway (above, $60) for under $70. Soft Style is a new brand we’re carry this fall where all of the shoes fall between $50 and $69, including the Sabina heel (above, $59). We have a great black pump, slingback and even harder to find in this price range, a tall black boot. Plus the Soft Style shoes come up to size 12 and are great for our customers with wider feet. Lastly, Barefoot Tess has its our own line of shoes, including the $49 Dublin flat and the “Puddle Jumper” rain boot (below, $69), which has been a bit hit this season.

Check out Alicia’s sneakers: sky blue Adidas with ruby red velvet trim. You can so tell she’s a sneaker fanatic. When I chatted with her, she confessed: “I have a bit of a sneaker problem. It used to be Puma; now it’s Nike and Adidas.” She oft frequents sneaker superstar hole-in-the-wall, Bodega, but these beauties came from Karmaloop. She’s got over 25 pairs. She adds, “High tops are my new thing.”

Where can you find funky sneaks? Boston is exploding with boutiques serving just this niche. Check out the three newest arrivals on Boston’s sneaker scene…

1. X- Squared, 201 Newbury Street, Back Bay, Boston

Rumored to be owned, at least in part, by a local rock-n-roller (or was it a sports celeb?), this second floor space is decked out with fancy fittings that have become so popular for high end sneaker specimens. Lines like PF Flyers, Nike, Supra, Palladium, Reebok, Circa, Creative Recreaction and British Knights in every color, from lime green to bubble gum pink, made even this ballerina flat devotee consider slipping on a pair of gold metallic lace ups.

2. The Achilles Project, 283 Summer Street, Waterfront, Boston

In addition to its illuminated shrine of artful sneakers, this new high fashion haven in which clothing is displayed in re-configurable glass and metal boxes hung from the ceiling, includes chi chi bar/restaurant Persephone, a party space complete with DJ booth, and flat screen TVs with Wii. What more could a guy (and his girlfriend) ask for?

3. Concepts, 11 Brattle Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge

Originally the poor cousin to local shoe fave, The Tannery, Concepts now has its own shiny new storefront. The sleek interior shows off labels like Clot, Vivism and Nike SB in all their brightly colored, high-priced glory. For less expensive lines and sale selections, check out their overflow at The Tannery (which also has a relatively new space). The stash is in the back of the store.

Sign up for Store Adore here.

With the election merely weeks away, we’re in the final leg of political season. Had enough of campaign buttons and “Rock the Vote” tees, but still want to show support for your candidate? Or maybe you’re attending a debate watching party and need a hostess gift that extends beyond a life-sized cardboard standup of your candidate? Indeed, the serious pundit in your life would probably appreciate something more sophisticated. We scoured our favorite shop for gifts that are smart, often quirky and befitting for lucky gift-getters of every political ilk.

Renowned Washington, DC-based jeweler Ann Hand takes sporting your American pride and political message to new heights. Why slap a bumper sticker on your car when you can sport these shades (regularly $175, Store Adore price $149)? A running tally in the window of Hand’s eponymous Washington, DC shop and on her website has Obama winning by a landslide. Save 15 percent on all costume jewelry.

Since the celeb favorite Barackawear line was founded last year, the company has sold more than 20,000 items (like this hoodie, regularly $40, Store Adore price $32) emblazoned with the eye-catching “Barack-the-Vote” mantra, and over $7,000 has been donated to the senator’s campaign. Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent on all Barackawear.

Most things in life can be boiled down to a phrase on a t-shirt. At D.I.Y. site Spreadshirt, you choose from a variety of high quality products (tees, aprons, sweats and more) and add your own text and motifs. Or, you can purchase designs by other pundits who also have a way with words. A few of our faves: this Pucker Up for Palin tee (regularly $25.90), this PALINtologist Bib (regularly $14.90) and a Hockey Moms for Palin hoodie (regularly $38.90) . Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent on any purchase of $30 or more at Spreadshirt.

The mission behind New York-based site Uncommon Goods—to connect people with products that are unique expressions of individuality, high in quality and low in negative environmental impact—guarantees that buyer’s remorse won’t kick in. The site devotes an entire section to politically themed gifts, like these candidate noteholders ($25) and political party mugs ($12)—available for Democrats and Republicans, the country turns all blue or red, respectively, as your pour in hot water.

At online indie marketplace Etsy, aspiring artisans can sell their handmade wares directly. A search for the word “election” delivers 55 pages of results and provides a unique snapshot of which way the artistic community is leaning these days. These Palin/McCain and Obama/Biden earring sets ($12) are—to someone—a perfect pair.

If you’re the one hosting the party, hit up Plum Party to liven up your table and find favors your hosts will never forget. The site devotes a whole section to election themed gifts, where you can find candidate cups (regularly $18, Store Adore price $14), dinner plates (regularly, $5 for a set of 8, Store Adore price $4), patriotic napkins (regularly $5 for 16, Store Adore price $4), and even politically-themed “off-coloring” books, (regularly, $7.50, Store Adore price $6). Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent on everything at Plum Party.

Ready to clean up the country? Feel Good/VOTE soap (regularly $7.50) has an olive branch scent to remind us to take care of business peacefully. Plus, what better way to remind yourself to get to your polling station on election day then to set a reminder in the shower? From quirky gift site Wishingfish, Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent on any purchase of $40 or more.

ALSO SHOWN:

This clever gag gift reminds us that “there are more than just two parties. In fact, the Pick Your Party Wheel O’ Wisdom (regularly $7.50) features 14, including lesser known ones like the Peace & Freedom and Prohibitionist parties. With a spin of the wheel, interesting facts, slogans and stats appear. When you like everything you see, you know that the arrow points to your perfect political match. From Knock Knock, where Store Adore shoppers save 15 percent on any purchase of $50 or more.

A Mano: Candidate buckets ($35) are chic and functional too. Don’t you wish your candidate was like that too? Call to order at 202-298-7200.

Eleni’s: Hand-iced Candidate cookies ($59) are sweet even when the political process isn’t.

Toms Shoes: Political party shoes come in Democrat, Republican and Split Decision ($45 each).

More from Etsy: Bi-Partisan Pillows ($22), Elephant Necklace ($12 also available as a donkey), vegan Hope on a Rope ($15, also available in McCain), Obama Graffiti necklace.

Who says the retail market is slowing? Check out these new L.A. area stores.

Ten Over Six (in Beverly Boulevard)

7427 Beverly Boulevard, 323-330-9355, www.tenover6.com

Whether it’s a 10am meeting with important clients or 6pm cocktails with a hot date, the time is always right for knock-their-socks-off accessories. Local shoe designer Kristen Lee, along with her posse of partners, including husband Joe Cole, stylist Gina Correll and designer Brady Cunningham, have established a co-op devoted to extraordinary accessories by brands both established (Gryson, Botkier and Foley + Corinna) and emerging (Ligia Dias and Subversive) as well as their own limited run private label scarves, tanks and more. Visually, the boutique reflects the creativity of the minds behind it—shoppers are treated to a “down the rabbit hole” experience with shoes displayed on a wall of intertwined chairs, necklaces mounted in frame cut-outs along one wall and handbags offered up from outstretched sculptured hands on the other.A private salon,” painted rose red in a stark contrast to the white space of the main shop, houses a selection of well-priced vintage accessories. Cleverly complementing the accessories collection, Brooklyn’s The Future Perfect offers a store-in-store of its unique home decor and furniture. The result is a must-see for passionate shoppers, design aficionados and art enthusiasts alike.

Revolve (in Melrose Heights, West Hollywood)

8452 Melrose Avenue, 323-944-0311, www.revolveclothing.com

What would happen if the pages of your favorite e-commerce site came to life? L.A.’s new Revolve makes that fantasy a reality. Mirroring the colors and vibe of the slick site, the white-walled boutique with rotating black fixtures features the same great selection as the beloved e-shop, focusing on fashion’s current favored brands with a first-on-the-scene quickness. Monitoring the trends and popularity of certain items through the site, the boutique serves as a touch-and-feel “best of” list, with an ever-rotating selection based on what shoppers currently crave from, Rory Beca’s silky tops to Guy Baxter’s ruffled blouses to Mike & Chris boots. Nevertheless, though the shop’s URL may read Revolve Clothing, the world here revolves around denim. Between the site and the store, every back-pocket label is accounted for (over 100 brands at our last count), from Acne Jeans to Z Brand, AG to Wrangler, and everything in between. Much as the site is devoted to editorial-style features including style guides from big name celebrity stylists and costume designers, the boutique shares a flair for marketing clothing as art, with a courtyard housing several glass-case-enclosed mannequins “modeling” an exhibit of seasonal trends or other fashion features. And just as the site boasts free returns, free two- to three-day shipping, and best of all, the promise to match any online competitor’s non-clearance price, the in-store service is just as sweet.

Visionary (in Melrose Heights)

8568 1/2 Melrose Avenue, www.visionaryboutique.com 310-659-1177

Narrowly defined, a visionary is one of unusually keen foresight. Visionary owner Magda Rod can count herself amongst those with future seeing powers. Tucked away in a courtyard across from Melrose’s Urth Caffe, a beacon of California see-and-be-seen culture, Visionary Boutique is devoted to the green scene, stocking earth-friendly products for shoppers of all ages. From makeup and beauty products to jewelry (all fair trade!) to clothing from buzzworthy brands such as Linda Loudermilk and Battalion to gifts and children’s toys, Visionary has covered the market to bring its customers the best in sustainable products. It’s hard to miss the boutique’s large “sentiment” tree with paper leaves (recycled, natch!) where shoppers have inscribed their own “my wish for the world is” visions for the future. In an effort to truly make a difference in the world beyond the boutique, Visionary has promised to plant one tree for every item sold. Shop freely and heal the world.

Taj Taj (in Abbot Kinney, Venice)

1605 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, 310-310-3837, www.tajtaj.com

What can be found at Abbot Kinney’s Taj Taj? Enough Bollywood-colored gems to fill the Taj Mahal! Inspired by a trip to India, husband-and-wife team Kip Wood and Fritzi Horstman have been turning out delicate jewelry made of sculpted gold wire, natural Irish linen and colorful gemstones since 2004. Styles range from simple single drop pendant necklaces to multi-stone lariats, drop earrings, stackable bracelets and elaborate rings mirroring the kaleidoscopic designs of Indian print saris. The delicate nature of the collection makes them perfect pieces for layering everyday or adding something special to your special occasion dresses. Fans of the brand’s exotic collection can now make a pilgrimage to their first freestanding boutique, situated on a blossoming stretch of Venice’s Abbot Kinney. Those who can’s make it will enjoy shopping the selection with ease at the brand’s easy-to-navigate e-commerce site.

I’m sure all you East Coasters already battling fall’s chill want to hear my complaints [editor’s note: you’re right, we don’t!], but I’m heartbroken that it’s still too darn hot in Los Angeles for fall’s finery. I’m aching to top my jeans with a school girl blazer and trade my tangerine toe nail polish for the luscious purple shades I’ve seen in so many magazines.

For those of you who, like me, are still stuck in the dog days of summer, I’ve hunted down items that will help bring some fall to your lives without having to wait for Mother Nature to follow suit.

LA hot spot and e-shop Intuition stocks this breezy dress by Ra Mona La Rue. Despite the lengthy sleeves, the light-as-air silk material won’t feel too stuffy in the heat, and the caramel tones speak to fall’s richer shades. I’ll be wearing this versatile piece as a dress now and throwing it on with skinny jeans and fringed suede boots when it finally cools down. It’s priced at $370, but it’s only $296 with your exclusive 20% Store Adore discount.

Speaking of fringe…who wants to wait for boot weather to sport this trend? This Rozae Nichols fringe vest ($757 at Madison) can easily be worn with summer’s sleeveless tops—you’ll have plenty of breathing room in the sweltering sun.

Accessories are a great way to take the plunge into fall’s trends before the thermometer dips below 85. This Kara Ross statement necklace ($250 from Plaza Too) will look just as fetching over a sweater dress come November as it does over a plain tank now.

The deep grey color of these suede Chloe wedges ($840 at Satine) say falls, yet the backless architectural design will keep feet cool in the extreme heat. The open peep toe is also perfect for showcasing my must-have purple polish.

If you’re looking for the perfect plum for your tootsies too, look no further. Check out the dramatic purplish black hue of Branwen’s Feather by butter LONDON 3 Free ($12.00 at Beauty.com). An added bonus…the polish is toxin-free—it contains no potentially hazardous chemicals.

You don’t need me to tell you (I already did) that the world is…uh…ending? No, not really - I just mean that, you know, we’re approaching 2012, and the economy’s sleeping next to the toilet, making the world as we know it a wee bit eerie. And just in time for Halloween! In the relatively market-neutral world of fashion, All Hallow’s Eve is a festival not to be undercelebrated: a Voudou extravaganza of creativity, visual stimulation and the transportive power of imagination, it is now and has always been my favorite day of the year. Following is my short list of go-to places for garter belts, top hats, plastic puke and fog machines—as brought to you by the Big Apple.

For PVC Pole Dancers: Ricky’s NYC

It’s a tragedy that Ricky’s proper doesn’t sell online, because Manhattanites (rightly) kneel at the altar of this beauty/makeup/costume mecca.  For 345 days out of the year, Ricky’s is the best place around for designer shampoo and shea butter creams—but come autumn it specializes in everything Halloween. The best news is that the entire Ricky’s Halloween collection is available for purchase nationwide to anyone with a mouse and an internet connection.  From orange nails, garter belts and pink wigs to neon thigh-highs and pre-packaged PVC costumes, Ricky’s is great for last-minute finds and drag-show inspired getups. Everything’s also pretty cheap. This place is so beloved for this stuff, in fact, it even runs an all-year Halloween franchise down on Wall Street. (Photo thanks to Daily Mail.)

For Marie Antoinettes: Halloween Adventure

This store is legendary, and for good reason. Housed in an old Gothic East Village building across an entire avenue and two blocks, online shoppers and NYC locals rely on Halloween Adventure for the massive selection of costumes and incredible masks/rubber heads. It’s also favored by local theater companies, celebrities and Tom Cruise would-bes for the basement rental department of voluminous velvet gowns, capes and tophats. Even if you don’t have Marc Jacobs’s gala to attend, or other reason to justify the rental cost, you’ll find all the cheaper props, favors, apartment decorations you can imagine (no, really, it’s not a hyperbole—I once went looking for a sword and spent 20 minutes debating between 14 varieties). Just be prepared, come September 25th, to stand in line to gain admission. And have a stiff drink first. The crowds are epic. (Photo thanks to Indiewire.)

For Magicians’ Assistants: Abracadabra

In the market for trick gum, new-and-improved-squirting-flowers, boomerang bowties or super stink bombs? Abracadabra is the Mario’s Magic Shop of Chelsea, and even if your needs vary from Pee Wee’s, you’ll have a hard time leaving the shop without some fake mustachios or a juggling set. Abracadabra specializes in magic props but also boasts a huge costume department that includes movie references (think Trinity’s Matrix coat) and full bodied plush costumes (fuzzy dolphin anyone?). Like any self-respecting year-round Halloween joint, carries wigs, guns, clown supplies and FX stuff like fog machines and strobe lights. (Photo thanks to TVworthwatching.)

For Madonnas, Little J’s, and anything DIY: Tokio 7, Beacon’s Closet, and The Salvation Army

Sometimes DIY costumes require merely a couple of sandwich boards and some puffy paint; but certain occasions call for vintage finds, cut-up-able random items, and other reliable used crap. Whether you’re going as Courtney Love c. 1994, Little J, a walking pun, or Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie, New York’s secondhand scene is the way to go. On the higher end, Tokio 7 carries all the old Givenchy and Chanel you could need in a gorgeous flapper getup (and for like, fifty bucks). Brooklyn’s Beacon’s Closet is the place for aspiring Debbie Harrys or Punky Brewsters. And the Salvation Army…well, it simply can’t be beat for trash-turned-treasure of all kinds. (Photo thanks to UrbanAddiction.)

It’s finally fall, and I got my first taste of crisp, cool weather this weekend during a jaunt to East Hampton. The forecast? Rain, with a side of clouds and more drizzle. It was the perfect excuse to don the wellies (mine are rainbow stripes) and search for fall weather apparel.

My quest? Boots, boots and more boots. Not only are booties on of this season’s key trends, but they’re infinitely wearable in short, tall, flat or high-heeled varieties. Here are a few of the to-die-for pieces of footwear I came across during my travels:

I’m a big fan of anything I can tuck into boots, and at $371.25, these black suede flats are a no-brainer. The snakeskin trim adds a modern touch. Available at Tory Burch … they’re on sale!

They may not be the center of style in any season, but Uggs sure were on the feet of many a fashionable-looking lady in the Hamptons. After all, what can beat cozy slippers that pass as shoes? My hot pink pair is looking a bit worse for wear, so I picked up a new pair at Shoe Inn.

(Image courtesy of Zappos.com)

The fringe on these is too cute to pass up, but I like these because they look up-to-date, not 1978 revisited. $455 by JOIE, available at RevolveClothing.com.

The detailing on these L.A.M.B. booties reminds me of a Philip Lim shirt– perfectly decorative but not over the top. I love, love, love these–especially the of-the-moment grey color. $425 (also in black) at ShopBop.com.

I’m a huge fan of SimplySoles.com, the DC-based e-commerce company and sole purveyor of hot local brand lilybee. But the best part is the ecclectic mix of smaller and big-brand designers; these Chie Mihara “Dosha” boots are the perfect twist on your average black ankle boot. $525.

With an unlimited budget, who WOULDN’T want these crystal-studded Giuseppe Zanotti booties, a cool $1075 at Intermix. I saw them in the window of the East Hampton store, and made several “visits” over the course of a weekend.

(Sweet deal - use code ADORE at checkout to get $50 off any purchase of $350 or more at Intermix Online).

In case you too get caught in the rain, cheer up with these cute as a button wellies (with miniature whales!), only $60 at South Moon Under. I am, quite literally, obsessed with this store.

(Not a local? Snag free shipping with code ADORE on purchases over $100 through October 15th).

I shop for a living. I run a website called Store Adore, an online guide to the best boutique shopping around the country and online. I get paid (at least in theory) to browse, analyze and think about stores and what is inside of them. I look at cute stuff online even when it isn’t my lunch hour. Click here to read Store Adore Co-Founder Meredith Barnett’s full article in The Huffingon Post.