Stuart Weitzman Mocarena Moccasin

Who’s done with their holiday shopping? Raise your hands. Ok, you, you, and you need to leave. Done already, are you kidding me?! I haven’t even started and you’re over here flaunting your efficiency at me! Whatever. I’m not inefficient, I’m adventurous. I like to live life in the fast lane. Or at least, the procrastination lane. Oh yeah, when that becomes an Olympic sport, I will be racking up the gold medals. Besides, I can’t go out shopping just yet. I don’t have my shopping ensemble quite put together. I have the roomy handbag to carry all my crap, plus the small things I buy, plus whatever else I decide to cram in there. One of my Twitter peeps suggested a cross-body bag for keeping hands free for browsing and carrying. Excellent idea! Now go get your own blog. So now that we have the handbag squared away, on to the next most important shopping accessory—shoes. As much as I love my platform heels, there is no way I’m going to walk around a mall all day in them. There are times when practicality has to win out over fashion. I know, I never thought I’d utter those words either. Of course, the first alternative that probably springs to mind is flats, but even ballet flats can be uncomfortable after a while if the bottom is too flat or thin. Definitely not made for powering through a mall on a mission. The solution? Driving moccasins, like this Stuart Weitzman Mocarena.

Heyyy, Mocarena! Ay! Have the song stuck in your head now? Awesome. Let’s move on. Yes, I said driving mocassin. I guess the most obvious solution for walking through the malls and shopping centers and ginormous box stores would be walking shoes, but if you want to maintain a stylish yet comfortable look, go with the mocs. I love the teal color of this Mocarena, which is a hot fall color this year. It’s made from one hundred percent suede, and is adorned with two tassels on the vamp, and gunmetal hardware. The sole is textured rubber, so you’ll get plenty of traction when you’re fighting over the stuff in the bargain bins. At just half an inch, the heel will offer some support without fatiguing your legs. It’s also available in a nice black soft patent with croc pattern detailing on the vamp, as well as a khaki color that is apparently made from elephant hide. Oh, Stuart, you disappoint me. Elephant? Really? Only one of the most intelligent animals to walk the planet, not to mention in constant danger of poachers and land encroachment. I’m still including the Mocarena here because I really do like this teal suede one, but do me a favor and avoid the elephant one, huh? As if there isn’t enough regular leather out there, let’s see how many endangered animals we can make shoes from! Last time I checked, there was no shortage of cows. Way to go, Weitzman. Jackass. The Mocarena sells for $285 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Now, I know this lilac isn’t exactly a fall color, but I just really like this Vigotti Calla loafer. And why go with boring brown or black when you can add a gorgeous splash of color to your fall wardrobe? Not to mention, these babies will carry right over into spring and summer. The Calla is made from one hundred percent pebbled Nappa leather, not, you know, dolphin or panda. You hear that, Weitzman? Although it’s called a loafer, it has the traditional rubber driver’s sole, that extends up onto the back of the heel to protect the leather from wear while driving. It’s also a perfect shopping shoe because the footbed is cushioned, and has arch support. You should be able to make a few laps around the mall in these. The Calla features a unique silver metal ornament on the vamp. It’s also available in black, and in white, both with the same silver adornment. And remember—no rule against wearing white after Labor Day, so go for it, if you want to. The best part? It’s on sale. The Calla usually sells for $99, but you can get it for only $74 right now at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Speaking of adding a splash of color to your fall wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with red. Especially red suede. The Naturalizer Levity will spice up any drab ensemble. It’s also available in smooth black leather, and both colors have contrast stitching and a bow accent for a sophisticated look. The Levity is lined with leather, which will conform to your foot as you wear it, and keep your foot dry if you wear it on bare feet. The insole also provides arch support, so slip these on and you really will feel some levity going on while you’re trudging through the stores. The man-made sole is non-slip, so don’t worry if the sidewalks are a little wet or icy. You’ll look good and keep your footing. Try it out for just $69.90 at Zappos.com.

Bonus! Want to get a head start on your spring wardrobe? There is a gorgeous pair of green suede Kate Spade Sabrina loafers on sale at Piperlime.com right now. They’re usually $225, but have been marked down to just $129.99. I would be all over that, but the available sizes are limited, and of course, my size is already sold out. Hurry before your size is gone too!