Nine West

Profile

For well-made, well-priced women's footwear that treads the line between time-honored conservative and understated yet of-the-moment stylish, Nine West stands on solid retail ground. The chain’s offerings range from sensible pumps for the office to strappy slingbacks for a night on the town; they're especially rich in simple, unadorned leather boots in classic neutrals like black and tan. Nine West mainly carries its own house line along with the chunkier, more casual�and more comfort-oriented�Cloud 9 brand. Some stores also carry the Euro-mode Enzo Angiolini line as well. The chain's seasonal merchandise keeps up with current trends; during the 2005 hippie craze, for instance, stores quickly featured Indian-inspired sequined sandals and wooden jewelry. Nine West accessories selections are impressive, especially in handbags like leather satchels and canvas hobos. Brides-to-be can find nice wedding pumps here at prices that won't mean scaling back on the honeymoon. Seekers of spike-festooned patent leather boots or mile-high platforms, look elsewhere. — Geeta Dayal

Key Departments

Bridal Shoes

The go-to shoe spot for budget-conscious brides. This chain carries nine different bridal styles ranging from rhinestone slingbacks to beaded strappy sandals. A bride can wear their classic pumps for the ceremony and slip on a wilder pair for the reception without breaking the bank.