So, that was a long lead-in to this: Umi asked me again this summer if I’d be interested in reviewing something from the fall line. And I said yes. They sent these gorgeous Opera boots for my first grade daughter a few weeks ago.*

The weather here cooled a bit at the end of the week and she finally wore the boots to school. They looked absolutely darling.

She came downstairs that morning in the black Old Navy t-shirt, black footless tights from Walmart and a dark rinse pleated skort from Gap, looking for her Crocs maryjanes. I asked her if she wanted to wear the new boots instead. Her eyes lit up! Yes!

As everything I’ve seen from Umi, these boots are extremely well made. The leather is very, very nice. The stitching is impeccable. The styling is detailed and perfect. They look terribly comfy and I think they’ll be put to great use this fall. They will look great with skirts, dresses, jeans and other pants. It’s looking like these might be the “go-to” shoe in my daughter’s closet until spring.

The Opera boot comes in black and brown and retails at Umi for $115.  Also available at Zappos.com.

* Disclosure: Umi Shoes provided the boots to me for review (and to keep) free of charge in return for my review. They did not, by any means, tell me what to say or ask me to sway my review in their favor.

What are you waiting for?! Go buy some shoes! (I like these and these…)

These are on my littlest boy – he’s two and a peanut. And I seriously love these. They are lightweight but substantial, if that makes any sense. The straps and heel are made of kind of a microsuede material. I chose the blue and red option – it has a little bit of blue camouflage at the heel. So cute.

And speaking of the heel, I really, really like that these have a fully covered heel. Nothing exposed to slip out and twist little ankles. The walking platform is wide enough for chubby feet and the velcro closures and straps have never chafed or rubbed Harry’s little feet at all. They’re finished very nicely.

And he can take them on and off himself. Which is great. And not so great at times.

So, I can highly, highly recommend Umi’s Gator sandals for your little guys. (And I’m not saying that because Umi gave me the shoes for free – I really can’t think of anything bad to say about them other than they cost a bit more than sandals at Target…)

These come in a few different color selections – blue/red, chocolate/black and khaki/yellow. They’re normally $54 at umishoes.com.

BUT WAIT! Umi is having a 30% off sale now thru May 31st! You read that right – THIRTY PERCENT OFF! Use Promo Code MAY30 at checkout.

These were for my six year old daughter. She, of course, loved them straight out the box. They’re PINK! With FLOWERS!

I was excited to see how sturdy they appeared. But I’ll be honest – I wasn’t sure that they were as cute in person as in the photo on the Umi Shoes website. On the company site, they looked very much like casual Mary Janes.  And we know I love Mary Janes.  Up close, they seemed more “sneaker” to me.

After a few months of almost constant wear (as you can see by their dirty state in the photo here), I must say I couldn’t be happier with them. My daughter has worn them just about daily – with jeans and with casual knit skirts and dresses. They have held up well and have been approved by the gym teacher as okay for P.E. class. And the velcro strap makes them so easy to put on and take off – love it!

They are very much a sneaker – although with a bit more style – so, if you’re looking for a dressier shoe, I’d recommend looking at Umi’s other options (there are many darling styles there!).  I’m also eyeing the Riley style which is built on the same sole as the Lauren with a clear sporty look.

I’ve got a pair of boys’ sandals from Umi to review too! Look for it soon!

Umi Shoes is hosting a fabulous giveaway this month. Visit umishoes.com, sign up to receive the UmiFriends newsletter and you’ll be entered to win a FREE pair of Umi’s Prams – pre-walkers with European style. A new winner is chosen every day from now until February 28, 2009.

What are you waiting for? Oh! Did you want me to show you a few pairs of Umi’s Prams? You got it.

Pearl, costs $40. She comes in six different colors.

Bumpershoot, also $40 in three different colors.

And Puzzle, $40. Two color combos.

Now, I’m excited for two things. First, the spring/summer line is coming. And second, they now make shoes for older kids – Eleven.

Ummm, I need a toddler girl. Stat. Those green shoes on the bottom left are calling me…and I don’t think my two year old boys would like them.

Now, my six year old girl wouldn’t fit into the green See Kai Runs. But she’s a shoe girl. And she would LOVE to slide her little piggies into these Elevens (brand, not size).
Alexi, $54 at SeeKaiRun

Pixie, on sale now for $40.50 at SeeKaiRun

Everyone here is outgrowing shoes by the minute. I’m overwhelmed. I did get a peek at the Umi spring/summer catalog this week too – and there are some DARLING (and cool – for my seven year old son) shoes coming! I hope to share those with you in the coming weeks!

Anyway, the boots. They’re getting a littler harder to put on and zip up by the day. So, I’ve been looking for new boots. I found a few great options from Umi.

First up, a pair of hot RED boots!

The Mikado in ruby patent at Umi for $78. The Mikado is currently (as of 12/8/08) on sale at Zappos for $64.80.

Red boots not your thing? Then check out these darling appliqued boots in brown.

The Intaglio boot in chocolate has appliqued flowers up the tall (11.5 in.) shaft and also comes in raspberry. The Umi site may be sold out. Check Zappos for the Intaglio boot, $79.