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TOPEKA, Kan., April 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As frigid winter temperatures give way to eagerly anticipated sunny skies and milder weather, shoppers yearn to overhaul their closets. Despite the lingering economic chill, fashion fans can rest assured that a wardrobe rebirth is entirely possible as Payless ShoeSource(R) unveils a spring line of fun, affordable footwear and accessory style solutions.
With price points averaging under $25 an item, Payless offers up-to-the minute trends for shoppers seeking to snag the hottest looks - like gladiator-inspired sandals, natural espadrille and cork wedges, and colorful pumps - without compromising their budgets.
"Shoppers need not worry - accessorizing for spring has never been easier and more affordable," said LuAnn Via, president of Payless ShoeSource. "As always, Payless is on a mission to democratize fashion in footwear and accessories by offering new spring styles at great prices so everybody can have access to the season's most-coveted trends. Whether slipping into a pair of strappy sandals or grabbing a plaid-patterned clutch, Payless accessories will rejuvenate your wardrobe and provide a much-needed breath of fresh air this spring."
Payless' spring offerings include its popular Designer Collections, exclusive labels featuring original designs by fashion designers including Abaete for Payless(TM) by Laura Poretzky, Lela Rose for Payless(TM) by Lela Rose, and alice + olivia for Payless(TM) by Stacey Bendet.
Unveiled at the Abaete runway show at New York Fashion Week, Laura Poretzky's 11th shoe and accessory collection for Payless channels a striking, edgy aesthetic. A strappy gladiator-inspired flat is offered in black and white colorations, while a black mule sandal features decorative lacing wrapped up with a bow, a pretty peep-toe and a sultry stiletto heel with a lacquered finish.
The spring '09 Lela Rose for Payless collection - the designer's seventh line for Payless - pairs rich fabrics with a range of silhouettes from peep-toe wedge sandals to flats. Materials such as gingham and satin accented with a mix of clear acrylic, natural wood, and frayed-ribbon marry rustic charm with city sophistication.
Stacey Bendet's fourth alice + olivia for Payless collection showcases fresh styles with a cool retro vibe. High-shine contrasts with strong pops of color accenting Mary Jane heels and flats, wedges, and a peep-toe slingback bootie.
Ultimately, this spring shoppers can expect to see a range of trends to suit every style personality. Straps abound, featured in both high-heeled and flat gladiator silhouettes. Peep-toe, sling-back, and closed-toe wedges with cork and fabric-covered heels are popular, featuring uppers of plaid, nautical stripes, and brightly-colored solids. Strappy sandals hit the streets in a variety of silhouettes, including stacked, wedge, and sliver-covered heels. Expect colors such as coral, azure, tomato red, sky blue, and hot pink to convey the vibrancy of the spring season. For those in search of a hint of shine, metallics will also be featured on flats, slides, and thong sandals.
The Payless spring collection for women is currently available in stores nationwide. The line boasts dozens of fresh new footwear styles and coordinating handbags with more fashions arriving every few weeks into the summer season.
The latest looks are available for the men, boys and girls as well, offering up affordable on-trend family options for the coming spring holidays.
About Payless Designer Collections
Payless is on a mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories. The Payless Designer Collections - seasonal lines of original footwear and handbags created by New York fashion designers and hot off the runway - are a key piece of that strategy.
Payless designer labels are an expanding group that includes Lela Rose for Payless and special occasion line, Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose, as well as alice + olivia for Payless by Stacey Bendet, Christian Siriano for Payless and Abaete for Payless by Laura Poretzky. This select group of fashion designers create designer footwear and accessory collections for Payless featuring the latest runway looks. Each collection is unique and reflective of the designer's signature style. Payless' designer collections are among the most broadly distributed designer footwear lines available in the United States today. For more information about Payless at New York Fashion Week and the company's Guest Designers, please see paylessontherunway.com.
About Payless & Collective Brands, Inc.
Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of the end of fourth quarter 2008, the company operated more than 4,500 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com(R) at www.payless.com.
Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands American Eagle(TM), Airwalk(R), Dexter(R), Champion(R) and designer collections Abaete for Payless, Lela Rose for Payless and alice + olivia for Payless, among others; Stride Rite, focused on lifestyle and athletic branded footwear and high-quality children's footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite(R), Keds(R), Sperry Top-Sider(R), Robeez(R), and Saucony(R), among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk(R), Vision Street Wear(R), Sims(R), Lamar(R) and LTD(R). Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand's units can be found at www.collectivebrands.com.
