IRL No. 1: Kimberly B.'s Raffaella Venturini Boots

We're proud to introduce Lori's In Real Life campaign, where we ask you to send us your pictures of yourself and/or girlfriends looking smashing in Lori's-bought shoes and accessories.

Have vacation pictures of you in your newest sandals? Send 'em along! Did you buy a pair of evening shoes and a handbag for a special occasion? We'd like to see!

Selected pictures will then be posted to Lori's online Fashion Trends blog so others can see you and your goods out and about.

And in return, selected participants will be rewarded with Lori's Preferred Customer status, meaning you'll receive 10% off any online order... for a year!

Kimberly B., Chicago

Our first submission comes to us from hometown girl and Lincoln Park shopper, Kimberly B. She shows us how she paired her incredible Rafaella Venturini boots with tights and a wrap dress on her 30th birthday. And we think you look great!

Keep it up, and enjoy your new online discount.

THIS WEEK'S HOT LIST: Bernie Mev. On Sale!

Sporty styles from Bernie Mev are topping Lori's Hot List this week. They're cute; they're comfortable... and they're on sale. Hurrah!

From the Point in aqua and sand to the crisscrossing Nia, shoppers are slipping on Bernie's athletic styles and saying, "Yes!" to a great deal.

While the Point and Nia are ideal everyday shoes, we can't help but think that one of their best virtues is as dependable vacation wear. Both styles are perfect for spending long hours site seeing, and both are extremely versatile.

And priced around $30, you can buy two.

Need addition for your approaching getaway? Check out our other sale items here.

Putting It Together No. 3: Island Style

This week Lori's continues its new series in the fashion blog: Putting It Together. We'll show you how to marry some of our favorite pieces in perfect harmony.

After all, the style world can get difficult to navigate and fashion matchmaking is fun... and much less risky than the potential horror of setting your best friend up with your co-worker.

Look No. 3: Island Style
Have a summer resort vacation planned or heading to a destination beach wedding? Lori's has got you covered with P.I.T. No. 3: Island style.

We've paired our strappy Coral Blue sandals with one of our newest clutch styles from HOBO. Add a pair of gold earrings from Alexia Crawford and... voila! The perfect mix of island sophistication and dress-it-up, dress-it-down versatility.

STYLE WATCH: Cocktail Rings

The latest wave in this year's statement-making jewelry trend is big, sparkly, detailed rings. From flowers and oversized stones to bauble styles, finger dresser-uppers have been a staple of summer's fashion magazines.

"It's all about the hand this season," says senior Lincoln Park sales associate Kathryn. "With the rise in popularity of clutches, people are accessorizing with rings and bracelets more than necklaces and earrings."

And they're not just for cocktail hour anymore.

We think they're fun to wear with everyday looks like tunics and tights, or even an empire waist summer dress.

What to look for in a cocktail ring is style and detail, whether that be bold colors wrapped in a gold setting or multiple stones set in a tall silver bauble. Our favorites include single stone rings from Betty Carr or canary-colored designs from Lauren G Adams.

THIS WEEK'S HOT LIST: Oh Cadee!

Armitage Avenue shoppers (including Lori!) just can't seem to get enough of the Calvin Klein Cadee, making it this week's Lori's top seller.

The shoe combines mod, ultra shiny metallic leather with the silhouette of a classic Roman-inspired sandal.

It's also a really comfortable shoe that goes with everything.

We've been wearing the Cadee casual with jeans and a tunic top, then using it to dress up a cotton summer dress for nighttime.

We love the Cadee, but if you're a Lori's lady who needs a little extra support in the sole, try Natural Comfort's metallic sandal, or the Elvie from La Canadienne.

LORI'S UPDATE: Your picture here!

Love shoes. Love you. Love you in the shoes!

We're proud to introduce Lori's In Real Life campaign, where we ask you to send us your pictures of yourself and/or girlfriends looking smashing in Lori's-bought shoes and accessories.

Have vacation pictures of you in your newest sandals? Send 'em along! Did you buy a pair of evening shoes and a handbag for a special occasion? We'd like to see!

Selected pictures will then be posted to Lori's online Fashion Trends blog so others can see you and your goods out and about.

And in return, selected participants will be rewarded with Lori's Preferred Customer status, meaning you’ll receive 10% off any online order... for a year!

Please see the participation details below and enjoy!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Send an email to info@lorisshoes.com with one picture of you and/or friends wearing Lori's shoes or accessories as a .jpeg attachment. In the body of the email, please include:

* Your name, town, and where the picture was taken
* The brand name of your accessory(s)
* Whether yours was an online or in-store purchase (please include which Lori's, too)

You will receive an email notification if your picture is chosen, and a confirmation of your status as a preferred customer!

LORI'S UPDATE: New Markdowns

All Black. Kate Spade. Andre Assous. Eric Michael. Oodles of styles from some of our favorite brands are now on sale.

When it comes to shoe sales, the hardest decision isn't where or when to go (um, Lori's. Now!). It's who to tell.

Do you tell your same-size wearing pals about Lori's newest markdown, or keep the good for yourself?

After much deliberation, we say... spread the word! Lori's has oodles of new sale styles to gawk at – from All Black and Andre Assous, to Kate Spade, Eric Michael and more, so there's plenty to go around. Plus, you and your fellow size 8 can share (perhaps four feet are better than two?!).

We invite you to peruse the latest items added to the Sale page.

STYLE WATCH: Nina's New Steal

You know it. We know it. But we'll say it again. Just for fun.

Lori's is always on the lookout for great deals.

And as it turns out, so is Glamour magazine. The publication's online edition highlighted the Derlin from Nina, which just happens to be one of Lori's best sellers.

Glamour offered the metallic and classy (and surprisingly comfortable) Nina shoe as a "steal" compared to Christian Louboutin. The Derlin has a similarly sleek silhouette and sparkly metallic upper as its designer counterpart... but at just over one-tenth the price!

H.U.R.R.A.H.!

Putting It Together No. 2: Natural Beauty

This week Lori's continues its new series in the fashion blog: Putting It Together. We'll show you how to marry some of our favorite pieces in perfect harmony.

After all, the style world can get difficult to navigate and fashion matchmaking is fun... and much less risky than the potential horror of setting your best friend up with your co-worker.

Look No. 2: Natural Beauty
The second look in our P.I.T series captures the vibe of this summer's easy-breezy natural beauty trend, combining a woven texture shoe with soft, brushed gold jewelry.

The pieces: Boutique 9 Let Go 2 pump in brown, A.V. Maxx's mixed gold bangles, David Aubrey's gold leaf earrings, and Amici's Nevis clutch in brown.

STYLE WATCH: As Seen on Oprah

Oprah and Lori's have more than Chicago roots in common. As we found out yesterday, some of her favorite things are our favorite things!

On the May 29th show, the Second City's most famous hostess unveiled her annual collection of summer favorites. Making the list of "things perfect for summer" are the soon to be in-stock wide brimmed sunhat from Hat Attack, and Havaianas' Slim Season floral flip-flop.

Both items are expected to be in-store by Friday, June 1st. Call 888.334.SHOE during store hours for ordering details!

THIS JUST IN AT LORI'S: Dolce Vita. Hurrah!

We. Heart. Dolce Vita.

Over the past two weeks, new styles have arrived on a near-daily basis from one of our favorite brands - Dolce Vita.

We count the Flip, a fishskin flip flop sandal available in four colors as one of our latest newcomers, as well as a little sophisticated flat called the Moritz. Both shoes embody everything Dolce Vita has come to stand for - unique Italian design, unequaled craftsmanship and excellent comfort.

Oh, and at prices we can afford, too (!).

Stay tuned next week for more Dolce Vita arrivals, including patent leather pumps with fabulous lucite details.

THIS WEEK'S HOT LIST: The Yellow Box Dart

What if Lori's was to tell you we had the most: Trendy. Hot. Comfortable. And affordable little shoe? You'd want to know about it, right?!

Well today we're here to say, we have the most: Trendy. Hot. Comfortable. And affordable little shoe!

And people have noticed. That's why Yellow Box's Dart has made its way to the top of Lori's Armitage Avenue Best Sellers List.

The Dart is sexy and vibrant, patent (okay, faux patent) slingback with a thick, corked heel. It's that thick heel combined with above average cushioning in the insole that gives the shoe long-term wear potential.

And did we mention it's $42.00? It is.

Now you know. Why wait?

Putting It Together No. 1: City Cas(ual)

This week Lori's starts a new series in the fashion blog: Putting It Together. We'll show you how to marry some of our favorite pieces in perfect harmony.

After all, the style world can get difficult to navigate and fashion matchmaking is fun... and much less risky than the potential horror of setting your best friend up with your co-worker.

Look No. 1: City Cas
We call look number one City Cas(ual). It's ideal for Saturdays along the Mag Mile, casual Fridays or dinner with the girls.

The pieces: Boutique 58's pointed toe low wedge Nadia in black patent, High Fashion Handbags two-pocket faux patent satchel, and Alexia Crawford’s brushed gold link chain necklace.

Enjoy!

STYLE WATCH: No splurges, just steals

You work hard. And Lori's understands.

That's why we're always on the lookout for up-and-coming designers and style-rich replicas.

Our latest find? Pictro Alessandro's part -tote, part-oversized shoulder bag.

The bag looks like others you've seen in star gazing magazines or celebrity watch blogs. It has the same shape, bent and knotted tote handles, and gold details as bags two- or three-times (gasp!) its price.

Hurrah for having the bag you want. With money still left for shoes.

Other copies we're proud to carry:
* Wanted Wiz flats and sandals
* Sam Edelman wedges
* Coral Blue sandals

LORI'S UPDATE: Gladiator Sandals

We already know you're a fashion warrior on the inside, why not show it on the out?

Ladies, it's time to strap on your gladiator sandals.

In one of this season's hottest trends, celebs from A to Z (Russel Crowe not included!) have been spotted in their favorite Roman-inspired shoes. A few have sported their strappy sandals with wrap dresses and tunic tops while others have chosen ankle length jeans.

Lori's favorites? Kate Spade's snakeskin Flame, Vaneli's Belcy (but don't make us choose between black and white, please) and MIA's Capri.

Time to lace 'em up! We know you have it in you...

THIS JUST IN AT LORI'S: More European delights

Been holding out for the perfect shoe to wear with your new summer wardrobe?

Lori's says, your wait is over.

Straight from Europe, we just received a pair of Veletto woven platforms that we've been anticipating since September. From heel to toe, the shoes are covered in woven Italian leather, making them the perfect combination of flirt, fashion and class (Lori's disclaimer: These shoes may induce staring!).

In other Just In news, we dare you to check out our newest flats from iX Spain. Lori's loves how these authentic ballets make us feel like little girls again yet their style and sophistication are undeniable. We plan to wear them with our new favorite little white trapeze dress (because that old tutu doesn't still fit. Does it?!).

STYLE WATCH: As Seen in People: Dionne

Did you miss Sam Edleman's Celine the first time around? No worries Lori's ladies, she's back!

After flying out our doors in March, this sought-after, much-publicized little snakeskin flat is once again sitting among our stacks of shoes. Green? Got her. Yellow? You bet. Blue? Back, too.

A few of Lori's other best sellers have found their way back as well, including Steve Madden's Richh in black and white, and Bees in pink. The Enzo Angiolini Maylie in black patent has also recently re-arrived (and check out the new red patent style coming Monday. Red, hurrah!).

Enjoy (but don't wait this time)!

LORI'S UPDATE: Moms Love Us

It's no secret, Moms love us.

This Mother's Day, why not show the special Mom in your life how much you care by bringing home something in Lori's trademark pink box? She deserves it.

We think the pretty and delicate necklaces from Viv & Ingrid are a can't miss, as are the gorgeous yet affordable pieces from A.V. Maxx (Mom would be so proud!).

Lori's Top Jewelry Trends for Mom
1. Charms
2. Nature-inspired pieces
3. Brightly colored stones
4. Gold
5. Jewelry for layering

Can't decide? Let Mom choose with a Lori's gift card. She knows best after all.

Who's that girl?!

Who is that stunning model???

Usually not having a foot model for a photo shoot would come as a big problem (for a shoe shoot!), but not us! Lori has always been involved in everything we do, and when we found ourselves without a model, she jumped in feet first and said, "I'll do it!"

Lori assisted in picking out the funky patent pumps to model and was then propped up on a platform for about an hour modeling various shoes. Boy was she a natural!

We played her favorite music in the background and it wasn't long before she amazed us with her original poses!

Want to preview the results? The picture at right is Lori in action...

THIS WEEK'S HOT LIST: Enzo Angiolini Maylie

Lori's online chart topper should come as no surprise this week. What's not to love about the classy, sexy, sophisticated... and affordable... Maylie from Enzo Angiolini?

The Maylie follows the form of past favorites. It's versatile (no need to change between the office and happy hour!); it's timeless (black patent, stiletto, peep toe. hello!); and it's easy on our wallets ($56!).

While the Maylie in black was the preferred style this third week of April, the ivory version has been an in-store show stopper. Lori's thinks shoppers are attracted to its shiny, croc embossed upper. We are!

Thanks, Maylie, for keeping our steps light and our wallets heavy.