This Spring Shoppers Can Have Fun With the Latest Accessory Trends Like Wedges, Flats and Patent Without the High Price Tag

NEW YORK, March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers will experience fashion democracy this season as Payless ShoeSource(R) unveils its spring collection of on-trend footwear and accessories including it's popular Abaete for Payless designer label. Incorporating the season's hottest details at price points of on average under $20, fashion-conscious shoppers can have fun and experiment with the latest fashions like natural wedges, flowered flats, and structured handbags without blowing their budgets.

Payless is on a mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories, which means making the latest styles accessible to everybody at affordable prices. The retailer now delivers seasonal collections featuring original designs based on fashion trends from the coasts, Europe, and the fashion runway.

Inspired by the runway, Payless' first-ever designer label, Abaete for Payless, created by fashion designer Laura Poretzky, was launched in stores last Sept. with several styles selling out. The much-anticipated Abaete for Payless spring collection -- the third collection under the new designer label and unveiled at New York Fashion Week -- will be nationally available in select stores and Payless.com this month. The collection features five shoe styles and two coordinating handbags including two flats, a slide, a peep-toe pump and an up-the-leg wrap flat sandal, as well as a clutch and tote -- all priced below $25 an item. The Abaete for Payless Collection is the most widely distributed designer footwear line in the U.S. today.

Additional spring styles are showering into Payless stores with a diverse array of silhouettes and details. Mod wedges contrast with feminine flats, while bold black and white patterns alternate with softer hues. Shoppers can reach new fashion heights by rockin' in platform pumps, or keep it low-key with flats or delicate slides for a more demure look.

Floral detailing -- back again this spring season -- will distinguish straps, wedge platforms and fabrics, providing pops of color. Natural textures are prevalent in looks of cork, wood and woven accents, and the patent trend continues to be strong.

  Additional key footwear trends for the fall season include:

  * Silhouettes - ankle-wrap espadrilles, ballet flats, wedge sandals, peep-
    toe pumps, strappy flats
  * Colors - black & white combos, nautical reds, burnished bronze, soft
    golds, pale pewters, organic browns, and natural tans
  * Materials - linen, faux cork, patent, faux satin, patterned canvas, and
    denim
  * Details - floral cut-outs and appliquis, draw-string ties, ribbon ankle-
    wraps, and high-shine patent

The Payless spring collection for women is currently available in stores nationwide. The line boasts dozens of fresh new footwear styles with coordinating handbags. New styles are arriving every week including amazing dress styles for women and girl's perfectly timed for the spring holidays, starting as low as $15 an item.

About Payless Guest Designers

Laura Poretzky and Lela Rose are Payless guest designers -- select fashion designers that create designer footwear and accessory collections featuring the latest runway looks, which Payless brings to its stores at value prices. Each collection is unique and reflective of each designer's signature style: Rose who delivers a strong focus on "classic with a twist" and Poretzky's "American international," drawing from her rich international experiences living in Brazil, France and New York.

Payless has a multi-year arrangement with Poretzky, who designs a seasonal collection for the retailer under the Abaete for Payless designer label. The Lela Rose for Payless collection will be in stores for the coming fall and holiday seasons under the Lela Rose for Payless designer label.

About Payless

Payless ShoeSource, Inc., the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere, 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 the fourth quarter 2006, the company operated a total of 4,572 stores. In addition to its stores, customers can buy shoes over the Internet at http://www.payless.com/.