TOPEKA, Kan., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Payless ShoeSource, the retailer on a mission to democratize fashion in footwear and accessories by offering the most in-demand styles at affordable prices, announced today the availability of its fall collection of footwear and accessories. The collection includes the first-ever Christian Siriano for Payless(TM) designer line, in addition to exclusive Payless designers labels Lela Rose for Payless(TM) and alice + olivia for Payless(TM).

As summer slips away and consumers begin to exchange sundresses for pants and jeans, Payless delivers the latest fall trends at prices that fashion fans on a budget can easily afford. Even in today's tight economic times, shoppers can still update their fall wardrobe with the season's must-have accessories including peep-toe booties, oxford pumps, and embellished flats, as well as leggings, legwarmers and draped chain jewelry. Price points start as low as under $10 -- and designer products start at $30 -- an item.

The Christian Siriano for Payless designer line debuts with four footwear and two handbag styles that take Siriano's sleek Egyptian-inspired runway aesthetic in an edgy direction. The collection includes "Saunter," a pointed-toe flat; "Slither," an ankle bootie; "Sandstrap," a hidden platform ankle-strap sandal; "Strut," a hidden platform pump; and the "Shanbag" over-sized tote and "Sassafras" ruffled clutch. The bootie, sandal, and pump feature Christian's unique chunky conical heel designed to look like an inverted pyramid. Faux-snakeskin materials and hieroglyphic prints also bring to life the golden tones of the desert, while rich teal and turquoise recall the waters of the Nile. Bronze-like chains and pyramid stud zipper details provide additional accents.

The Lela Rose for Payless designer label is back this fall season with a sophisticated twist on Rose's "enchanted forest" fall inspiration with products inspired by all its amazing living things. The line includes five footwear and two handbag styles: the "Mallory" shootie, "Newell" ballet flat, "Everett" round-toe pump, "Halsey" peep-toe pump, "Exeter" t-strap pump, "Flanders" tote, and "Almy" clutch. The styles are presented in materials such as a cobalt sueded fabric and multi-colored tweed that bring to mind the vivid hues of a butterfly or the petals of a wildflower. The "Exeter" pump features intricate cut-outs and straps that appear to "cage" the foot - a nod to Rose's concept of an insect's exoskeleton.

Stacey Bendet's Fall '09 collection for alice + olivia for Payless tells the stories of three stylish girls living in some of the world's most fashionable cities: Paris, New York, and Los Angeles. The line includes styles created specifically to complement the French coquette, Upper East Side prep school, and California bohemian design elements featured in Bendet's apparel line. A variety of silhouettes including the "Madison" wedge boot, "Robertson" peep-toe ankle bootie, "Sunset" tall slouch boot, "Essex" sling-back wedge, "Park" sweater cuff boot, and "Rivoli" clutch all channel each woman's unique style aesthetic with accents of lace overlay, studs and buckles.

Additional key footwear trends for the fall season include:

    --  Silhouettes - ankle booties, peep-toe pumps, point-toe flats, ruffle
        flats, oxford pumps, cuff booties, flat boots, graphic skate sneakers
    --  Colors - rich turquoise, classic grey, vivid cobalt, tomato red, basic
        black, mushroom brown, neutral tones
    --  Materials - cozy suede, snakeskin, patent, tweed, buffalo plaid, sweater
        knits, shearling trim, graphic canvas

    --  Details - studs, straps, ruffles, buckles, cuffs, chains, slouchy looks,
        cut-outs, ornament accents

The Payless fall collection for women is currently available in stores nationwide with Payless designer lines available in select stores and Payless.com. The full fall line boasts dozens of fresh new footwear styles, trend-right handbags, and cool-weather accessories with fresh products arriving every few weeks throughout the fall season. In addition to Payless designer labels styles are available under additional, well-recognized brands including Airwalk(R), American Eagle by Payless, Champion(R) and Dexter(R), among others.

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 second quarter 2009, 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, alice + olivia for Payless and Christian Siriano for Payless, among others; Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group, 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.

AMERICAN EAGLE BY PAYLESS IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS

Editor's Note: product samples and production-quality images are available upon request.

SOURCE Payless ShoeSource, Inc.