Private Shoe Clubs: A Who's Who and What's What

Shoe Clubs, Shoe Clubs, Everywhere!

With all of the new options out there for online shoe shoppers, it can be hard to keep up. If you aren't yet familiar with them, the private shoe club is revolutionizing the way shoe-lovers shop. Instead of you "going to the store" like in ye olden days, the store essentially comes to you. The basic idea is that in joining a private shoe club, you see a small selection of options that has been curated or narrowed down from the vast, vast selection that is out there. By entering your preferences, ratings and tastes, you decide what your shopping experience will be like. Most often, you receive a personalized daily email with things you will like (though you can always opt out of these). And of course, these sites still have a huge selection of shoes and products, as you'll see, and you can still see their entire inventory if you like. 

In our experience, all of the clubs offer excellent shipping rates and return policies, and generally get high marks for customer service.

Take a look at "The Big Five" private shoe shopping clubs, and see what you think! Which appeals to you most? 

1. Shoemint

Average shoe price: $79.98

What you can get: Women's shoes, handbags

Brands: Designed for Shoemint

Shoemint was started by Rachel Bilson and Nicole Chavez, and is a very similar personal shopper idea to ShoeDazzle. The biggest difference is that Shoemint is more high end, with your average shoe starting at about $80. You get sleeker, more designer looks for those prices, a very streamlined website and overall a nicer shopping experience. All shoes are designed by Rachel and Nicole, and the inventory is small and manageable. Each shoe even comes with a very cute video, style notes, and tips on how and where to wear The Shoemint experience feels something like popping into a small, exlcusive boutique.

Sign up here. 

2. MYHABIT

Average shoe price: 60% discounted high end shoes

What you can get: Women and Men's shoes, clothing, handbags, accessories, beauty products

Brands: Corso Como, Pour la Victoire, Calvin Klein, Chloe, Cosabella, Stuart Weitzman, Jil Sander, etc.

MYHABIT is a private shopping experience that works with Amazon's huge inventory. MYHABIT sets itself apart from the others by offering dramatic discounts on well-known designers and brands. It was founded by Amazon in response to customers' desires to have a more tailored shopping experience. The typical markdown is 60% on brands like Corso Como (Nordstrom), Pour la Victoire, Calvin Klein, Chloe, Cosabella and Jil Sander. Items will go on sale typically at 9am and end 72 hours later. The big perk to MYHABIT is the huge selection, given their cooperation with Amazon. The site also features an inspirational style guide blog called theFIX, to help you narrow your choices.

Sign up here.

3. Shoe Dazzle

Average shoe price: $39.95

What you can get: Women's shoes, jewelry, handbags, jewelry

Brands: Designed for ShoeDazzle

ShoeDazzle is like having your own personal shopper for shoes, handbags, apparel and jewelry. As a client you get a new "showroom" full of personalized recommendations from the ShoeDazzle stylists. Membership is free, and the shopping is very afforadable. You start by taking a 3 minute quiz, choosing which looks appeal most to you. Every day, you get an email (or you can opt out of the daily email) telling you about the various looks and trends in your showroom. Every month, your showroom changes. All products are designed by the ShoeDazzle stylists. ShoeDazzle's biggest perk is its attention to styling personalized looks for each user, matching products together to inspire you.

Sign up here. 

4. Shoe Privée

Average shoe price: $19.95-$49.95

What you can get: Women's Shoes, some apparel

Brands: Designed for Shoe Privée

Shoe Privée was the first free online private shoe shopping club. It has the inexpensive options of ShoeDazzle with the open selection (not personalized) of MYHABIT. Shoe Privée offers both short and long term sales, with special options for "Barganistias" and trend watches. The site is fun and colorful, and the experience of shopping feels a lot like flipping through a magazine. The big bonus for shoe lovers is that this site really focuses on shoes above all else.

Sign up here.

5.  JustFab

Average shoe prices: VIP member - $39, Regular member - $49-$79

What you can get: Women's shoes, jewelry, handbags

Brands: Designed for JustFab with some small designers like Iron Fist

JustFab offers free personal styling by celebrity stylists, free shipping both ways, and 50% off your first item if you buy it the first day. JustFab offers the occasional small designer brands like Iron Fist, but generally sells its own designs. You start by creating your personalized profile and offering a few details about you like your shoe size. You then get items picked for you every month in your "lookbook." What's unique about JustFab? First, you have the choice of membership. With "VIP," you get a shoe every month (of course you can always return it or cancel) for a discounted price ($40). With the regular membership, you pay whenever you want a specific shoe, but pay higher prices for them. The second interesting feature is the community - JustFab encourages you to upload pictures of your shoes, share your thoughts and ratings on them, and to make friends with fellow shoppers.

Sign up here.

 

Comments

[Kayla Hoffman]

LOVE! Thanks for posting this so I don't have to be a member at all of them to figure out what I want. I'm so glad I found your site. I will be linking to you often for my readers :)

[flippy]

If you love shoes, be sure to visit
www.appareldynasty.com - We are a small and fun shoe company with cute prints!

[George@Tiltedsole]

I really liked the five clubs that you suggested with their average price. Your little review about each and every store was also very helpful. Many women like to buy online nowadays but an occasional visit to shopping centres is also a great way to enjoy the day with friends or family. Branded items are always very high in demand due to the quality of their manufacture, but they must be affordable, especially with lower disposable income as a result of the economic crisis.