Santee Spring Shoe Trends 2015

Spring is in the air and on the shelves of Santee Alley stores. We stopped by local favorite I Heart Fashion to get the inside scoop on this season's must-haves.

Platforms: A couple seasons ago it was all about the platform pump and now the platform sandal is taking its place. The best thing about this trend is that the stacked sole makes it that much more comfortable to walk in heels! 

Strappy: Strappy sandals of all kinds can be seen at all our shoe stores, but specifically the "gladiator" type. These were really popular back in 2009 and we're seeing a more modern version return for 2015.

P.S. The single sole strappy heel is still going strong. We're big fans of the patent versions pictured below.

Booties: It might seem counter intuitive but booties are big this spring, both the traditional bootie and the sandal version.

Mules: Here's a trend we haven't seen in a while! The mule has been making appearances on the runway and all over Instagram. This season it's being presented as a "low ankle" heel but we've seen both the traditional mule and it's Spring 2015 cousin gain popularity in the alley.

For more current trends and to see the latest styles in Santee Alley follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

I Heart Fashion

1031 Maple Ave inside Santee Alley

213-746-6336

Santee Alley Favorite: Heels!

One of the best things to shop for in Santee Alley (wholesale and retail)? Heels! The alley is THE place for women's footwear in the LA Fashion District. While there is no "footwear sub-district" in the Fashion District, the alley is easily the area in the district with the highest concentration of shoe stores for men, children, and especially women. The women's shoe stores in the alley are lined top-to-bottom with the most popular shoe trends and must-haves for the season. Santee Alley shoe vendors are usually importers, manufacturers, distributors, or a combination of all three. You are buying direct from the source, which keeps prices down. The average price for heels in the alley is $25-30, while sandals are usually less than $20, and the average price for boots can go up to $35.

Not sure where to start shopping? We suggest I Heat Fashion at 1021 inside Santee Alley. It is located near the Santee Alley entrance at Olympic Boulevard, between Maple Avenue and Santee Street.

I Heart Fashion

Wholesale & Retail

1021 Maple Ave. inside Santee Alley

213-742-8919

See more of I Heart Fashion here.

Hello Boot Season! Fall Boot Trends at Santee Alley

Though it certainly doesn't feel like it here in sunny Southern California, summer is coming to an end in exactly two weeks which marks the official start of boot season! Or as some people like to call it "fall". The Santee Alley's stores already have the season's must-haves in stock, as well as the traditional fall staples. We're seeing a return of the combat boot in ankle and knee length styles. In fact, we've spotted A LOT of knee length styles, and we're predicting it will be a big trend this season. Even the gladiator sandals are taking it to next level (see below). A few other trends that will be big this season: multiple buckles, open-toe booties, and lace-up heels.

All shoes featured in this post can be purchased at I Heart Fashion, located at 1021 Maple Ave. inside the alley. For pricing and purchase inquiries please contact the store directly at 213-742-8919.

Weekly Fashion Finds: New dresses and dress top + discounts on women's clothing and shoe purchases!

Forever Fashion and I Heart Fashion

Last week we introduced you to two of our new stores, I Heart Fashion (1021-B) and Forever Fashion (1019-B), and this week both stores are offering readers a 10% discount on their entire purchase. The code word is "ARIANA".

Our friends at Vickie's Fashion (1136-B Santee St.) have new styles this week. Lots of cute dresses and dress tops. Perfect for a summer night! Scroll down to see more photos and as always, please contact Vickie's directly with any purchase or pricing inquiries at (213) 745-4336.

I Heart Fashion: Santee Alley Summer Shoe Trends

Just like Forever Fashion, I Heart Fashion had its grand opening in Santee Alley recently. The shoe retailer carries a variety of styles from comfy flats to embellished platform pumps, but most importantly when we visited them last week they had exclusive styles not yet available at other retailers!

At I Heart Fashion you'll find some of the most popular trends this season:

• Clear/Lucite Heels
• Bright Colored Creepers - We saw these on an online retailer selling for double! (See second photo below.)
• Very detailed sparkly heels - Still going strong!
• Bold flats - These are not your ordinary ballet flats. Think bright colors, unique designs, and lots of details.

I Heart Fashion is located at 1021 Maple Ave. inside Santee Alley.

Weekly Fashion Finds: New Store Openings!

The building complex at 1019-1025 Maple Ave. has undergone major renovations. As some of you may remember, the building was heavily damaged in a fire last year. After a complete make over, we are happy to announce new stores have opened up at this location and they look fantastic!

Pictured above: Mia, located at 1025-B Maple Ave. inside Santee Alley. Mia is very well merchandised. They carry trendy women's fashions including tops, dresses, skirts, pants, and jeans.

Pictured below: I Heart Fashion, located at 1021-B Maple Ave. inside Santee Alley. AMAZING shoe selection! When we visited, they had just opened and were carrying styles we didn't see at any other shoe store in the alley. We'll be featuring them on the blog later this week, so stay tuned.

Pictured below: Forever Fashion, located at 1019-B Maple Ave. inside Santee Alley. Forever Fashion is a women's wholesale and retail vendor. When we visited, they had a very good selection of cut-off shorts and high-waisted jeans. We will also be featuring them on the blog this week.