Meet my new Shoe Crush

Posh Pump

Oh man... I am crushing hard on these. I've been searching for a brown pump and I've been leaning towards something with more of a stacked heel but then I was browsing around the internets and saw this pair by Charles by Charles David. These are P-E-R-F-E-C-T! The shape is classic and then there's the croc embossed leather and the 4 1/4" heel and the price! The price is amazing. Ugh! Me want.

Vote, Vote, Vote!

Man I am really loving this week leading up to the election! I just received an email today from solestruck.com and they are also having a 20% off sale from now until November 4. Besides the wonderful deals to be had they want to encourage all of you to get out and vote. So do it. Not only is voting one of our God given rights I also consider it to be an incredible privilege. So get out and vote in this most important and historic election and since you're going out you may as well do it in a new pair of shoes! To save 20% use the discount code VOTENOV4 and see below for my faves.

Enzo Angiolini Depp

There is something incredibly intriguing about this bootie by Enzo Angiolini. I heart the shape and the lace up front and I really like that these are unlike anything I have in my shoe wardrobe. I would love to try them on. I would pair these with fall florals or something lacy .

Dolce Vita Molly

Sky high heeled mary janes!!!!! What's not to love? There is great contrast in texture and color. YUM - MY!

Betseyville Geri

This is a great shoe. Betsey's shoes can sometimes be over the top and a little out there but I really like these. They are a classic shape yet the star buckle adds the perfect whimsical touch.

Report Dalia

Ugh this is the perfect stacked heel loafer as far as I'm concerned. Well... almost perfect. If these came in brown they would so be mine. Gorgeous gray suede with a contrasting black patent bow across the vamp. Love!

Oh Deer! Guggenheim

These are AH-MA-ZING! Structured and feminine at the same time. This sassy little pump has me fit to be tied. There are so many unbelievably perfect little details. Seriously you have to get a closer look. The contrasting metallic leather and metal detail at the heel... Now, I'm smitten.

Vote Steve Madden and Save!

No matter what your political preferences or leanings, the folks at Steve Madden want you to save. Just enter VOTEMADDEN at check out and earn 20% off your entire purchase. Who doesn't love a deal.? Oh and I obviously got this email yesterday since the "button" says there are eight days left until the election but better late than never right? I don't know about you but I can't wait until next Tuesday. No matter what the outcome history will be made. Here are a few of my hot picks below.

Endear

Over the knee boots are HOT right now and believe me if I had the leg length I would be all over these. Here I am, once again, wishing I had longer legs. *Sigh* This is so the story of my life. Ladies if you've got it you need to rock these. Pair them with your skinny jeans or a skirt that hits just above where the top of the boot begins. Anything shorter and you're bound to look like you should be telling strangers you "Got a runner in your pantyhose" before you get on an elevator with Richard Gere.

Sellena

I LOVE these. I think it's because they are slightly reminiscent of these seriously amazing Jimmy Choos. Plus they are nude and I'm still on my quest. Okay maybe they're more than slightly reminiscent. I did tell my husband I wouldn't buy any new shoes for awhile. Does 3 weeks count as "a while"?

Slasssh

There is something about these that I really like. They are funky and fierce and little outside of my box. I think they would be so fun to wear and you are bound to get attention everywhere you go.

Vivvaa

Madden really loves throwing extra letters in his shoe style names doesn't he? Anyway I digress. I have been quietly searching for a pair of snake print/snake embossed shoes. These are just about perfect. I love the scalloped edge, the hidden platform, and the rounded toe. Ugh these would be a gorgeous addition to your neutral shoe wardrobe.

Ch-ch-ch-ch - Changes

It's a new week and a new me! I don't know if you noticed but I made some changes. I felt it was time for a new look. I mean, I'm always changing my hair. I don't think I've ever had the same haircut twice. I just felt it was time for the blog to get a face lift. I left the colors somewhat the same and I'm really digging the new layout. I hope you like it too!

Vacation

This blogger is taking vacation this week. I promise to be back starting next Monday. See you on the flip side!

Clare Boot - Luichiny

I absolutely adore this gorgeous ankle boot by Luichiny. Ugh! A girl doesn't need more than one pair of black ankle boots right? You're leather clad ankles will be the envy of the office, or the club, or the neighborhood, or anywhere you deem to go. A perfect black leather with an even better sheen. Top it off with a sweet be-bowed ankle and you have a boot any girl would love to own. This boot manages to be both feminine and fierce. Pair it with a fall floral dress, your favorite pair of skinny jeans, or a classic pencil skirt and oxford shirt. I'm already calculating the cost to wear ratio in my head. Shoot by the end of the season these bad boys will have paid for themselves and then some.

Stylish Finds for a Steal!

Times are tough. I know I'm not telling anyone anything they haven't heard over the past few months. I'm just coming off of the news that my car needs an $800 repair(Stupid car! She mutters woefully to herself). Thank goodness I went shoe shopping last weekend. If I would have waited until this weekend I would have felt too guilty to buy anything. But hey at least I was doing my part to stimulate the economy : ). Inspired by an email I received from endless.com I thought I'd show you some choice selections in shoes priced under $50. I'm telling you, you won't believe these are under $50. Please enjoy!

Union Bay Claremont

Boots for under $50???? These are hot and so on trend! I love the color, the knotted bow detail, and the 3 1/2" curved heel. Seriously sexy.

Unlisted - Ready to Spike

Wow... it's all in the details here. From the pleated "leather" to the four little buttons dotting the ankle. The pointed toe and stiletto heel will let you strut your stuff and stylishly take you from work to a night out on the town.

Memories - Rocket Dog

Adorable and in one of THE hot colors of the season. A gorgeous fabric upper that hints of silk shantung. Pretty pleating and a bow tops off your toes.

Wanted - Bow Flat

Black ribbon weaves its way around this incredibly delicious flat and ties itself into a perfect bow. The details in this flat will have everyone thinking you spent way more than you did.

Mystic Pump, Rampage

A classic style that is sure to carry you from season to season. The sassy peep toe pump will look great in the summer time or feel perfectly right when you pair them with tights.

Madden Girl Finallyy

Gray. Peep Toe. Button detail. Platform. The stitching. What more could a girl want? These are so perfect. I love gray so much and I love that this Fall it is finally getting a chance to shine.

Bongo, Pack Leader Oxford Pump

I keep hearing everywhere that the oxford pump is here to stay. Why not sport this hot little pair? A fabulous pump at an even better price.

Tim Gunn's Guide to Style & Sofft Shoes (a.k.a "wide shoes")

Well thanks to Google and Sitemeter I recently discovered that there are a number of you out there who are searching for the "wide shoes" featured on last week's episode. Back in July I blogged about Sofft shoes as being both comfortable AND stylish. I was incredibly excited when I saw them featured on TGGTS which managed to make me cry for the second week in a row. See below for a few of the latest looks from Sofft's Fall 2008 collection. All of which are available in wide. Don't see anything you like below? Check out the rest of the Fall collection here.

Sophi

Gorgeous suede in a berry blue hue. A pretty patent bow adorned with chrome accents tops your toes all with the comfort of a 3 1/4" (that's right I said comfort) stacked heel.

Magnolia

These are so sweet. From the piping to the button detail across the vamp. A wonderfully neutral hue sure to please even the most discerning of shoppers.

Gabby

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The suede, the patent leather piping, the peep toe... That beautiful cranberry hue is so on trend. Frankly, I'm smitten.

Shoe Trying Spree - Third Time's a Charm

Made plans to meet my friend Lizzy (a.k.a. Smitten Kitten) at the mall on Saturday to check out Macy's "Buy More Save More" Sale. Thought we might be able to combine our resources. Was a good idea in theory, not so much in practice. Smitten Kitten was looking for a pair of riding boots. I was looking for anything that caught my eye. The idea of finding the perfect pair of gray boots was in the back of my mind but I thought my search would more than likely prove to be futile.

1st Stop -Macy's

Jessica Simpson Daila Heel

Yes it's these again. I tried them on for the second time. Well, actually, I tried one of them on for the second time. The salesman brought out the box and it only had one shoe in it. Yes, you heard me. Of course my first thought was well maybe the other shoe is on display.
Ummm... no. The pair on display is a size 6. Keyword. Pair. So I got his attention to let him no there was only one shoe in the box. The scurrying commenced. They couldn't find it. Ooookay.
I decide that I want a brown pump with more of a stacked heel. Oh, and the other shoe. I found it. It was displayed over in the handbag section, with the JS purses.

BCBGirls Nancy Boot

Smitten Kitten spied these with her little eye. Eh. What the hell? Why not? Liked them but didn't LOOOVE them. They felt and looked a little too cheap.

Bandolino Edwena

These had caught my shopping companions interest when we were doing a little pre-browsing on the internets. Really cute and the leather looks and feels high quality but they did this funny little bunching around her ankles. She was also holding out for a pretty little pair she spied on the Aldo website. More about those a little later.

Calvin Klein Nana

On the way out I tried on these from the display. They were REALLY cute on. Smitten Kitten was not thrilled with them on the table but she was sold once I put them on my feet. Made a tentative plan to re-visit these if I didn't have any luck elsewhere. Then off we went to stop #2.

2nd stop - Nordie's

As soon as we rounded the corner towards Nordie's I spied a table with not one but two pairs of gray boots. Are those angels I hear? A chorus of them, no less. My eye is first drawn to these.

MICHAEL Michael Kors "Parker" Boot

And then sitting just below the Michael Kors boot was this pair.

Circa Joan & David Pretty Boot

I asked to try both of them on. I just knew the Circa Joan & David boot wouldn't fit around my "giant" 15" calves. I had to give myself options. I tried on the Michael Kors Boot first. It was a pull on. I knew I wouldn't have any trouble slipping into them and I didn't. Smitten Kitten wasn't digging on them as much as I was. She felt they were a little too Captain Hook or Captain Jack Sparrow or insert your favorite pirate's name here. Some of you may or may not remember but I have blogged about the "Pretty" boot here and here. Nordstrom didn't have the gray in my size but they did have the black. I slipped my foot into them positive I would never get them zipped. And then a miracle occurred. They zipped all the way up! They zipped all the way up! I pranced around the floor for a bit and pulled my jeans up to make sure I didn't have the dreaded calf muffin top. Eureka! No muffin top. Oh and guess what??? They were on sale. I know! It was meant to be. Marked down from $250 to $149. Sold! The sales girl checked and they were only available on-line BUT they are still regular price on-line. No worries. One quick phone call from Allison and the price adjustment was complete. YAY!!!!!!!!!! I should get them in 3-4 days.

Next stop - Aldo (It was Smitten Kitten's turn)

SK was on a mission and her mission was this little beauty below.

Orvillea

As far as riding boots are concerned, these are pure perfection. There is a gorgeous brass buckle on the side and perforated detailing at the vamp and ankle. Smitten Kitten was sold. While she was busy prancing around the store in all her whiskey hued leather glory I became intrigued with these.

Fanulanu

I'm so happy I slipped the display on. They were so hot! I love the cone shaped heel and the elastic (of course). It took me all of 2 seconds to decide they would be mine. Done and done. Can't wait to pair these with a wealth of looks as the weather turns. I hope everyone had a weekend as fulfilling as mine. Happy Monday everyone!

Splurge vs. Steal (x2)

Yay! It's splurge vs. steal. Although I do have to say that I am torn when I feature a splurge vs. steal because that typically means that some designer knocked off another designer and I don't think that's necessarily okay. But then for those of us on a budget it's a good thing because well, we like to look good too. So what can I say? Imitation IS the sincerest from of flattery. Am I right? Am I right?

If you read my post highlighting some of my favorite finds from the Resort 09 collections then you may remember this pair.

Sergio Rossi Platform Patent Slingback

Well thanks to Lindsay a loyal reader and, dare I say, cyber friend I discovered these little beauties by Jessica Simpson through a link she posted in the comments section.

Rolly Heel - Jessica Simpson

Quite a match, wouldn't you say? If you buy them don't forget to use the discount code Heels08 at check out.

My next splurge vs. steal features a very popular style. All of you fashionistas will recognize this lust-worthy pair immediately.

YSL Tribute Sandal

Argh! I want these. No. I need these. Except I really need them in the purple. This shoe is so utterly amazing. But for those of us on a budget you can purchase this pair below for a fraction of the price.


So that will be all for this episode (episode?) of Splurge Vs. Steal. Hope you enjoyed today's featured shoes. Happy shopping everyone!

Saturday! Saturday! Saturday!

Hm. Doesn't seem to have the same ring to it as Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! But no matter. Lovely ladies who reside near San Francisco do I have a deal for you! (I'm seriously jealous - BTW.) I've never been to California and I'm not familiar with the lay of the land but I'm thinking even if you don't live really close to San Fran this is worth the commute. I was recently contacted by Kelly the events director at the handbag and shoe line Goldenbleu and she asked if I would be interested in posting an evite to their big warehouse sale taking place this weekend. Um, of course I'm interested! And don't you love getting the inside scoop? So ladies, check it out below.

Do NOT miss your opportunity to get 60% - 85% off retail on some seriously gorgeous shoes. If you're not familiar with Goldenbleu I have pasted the text from the about section on their website below.

Goldenbleu was born from the desire to create a more exciting and original line of handbags than traditional mass-produced designer labels. What began as a project to create accessories that exuded quality and sophistication with a fresh perspective grew quickly into a full-blown line of handbags, clutches and totes. After consistent praise and overwhelming positive reaction, in 2004, Goldenbleu officially launched into the highly competitive and crowded handbag market. Goldenbleu quickly distinguished itself with its striking designs and luxurious leathers and continues to captivate discerning shoppers the world over.

Since the launch of the company four years ago, celebrity trend-setters such as Cameron Diaz, Rachel Bilson and Lucy Liu, have been spotted wearing Goldenbleu's sleek hobos, clutches and totes. The ever-evolving brand has grown to include shoes, boots, coin purses as well as travel bags. Sold in over 400 boutiques and high-end department stores in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, devotion to the brand has spread and intensified, with women everywhere embracing the Goldenbleu look and lifestyle.

Please take advantage of this amazing opportunity but make sure you RSVP to rsvp@goldenbleu.com.

If you're going, I'm a size 6.5 and I love heels. The higher the better. Damn it! This is so not fair. Also if you do go I'd love to hear from you and all about any amazing finds you might have picked up. I promise I won't be too envious. Oh and if you want to learn more about Goldenbleu check them out here.

Resort 2009

We're barely a month into Fall and the resort collections are hitting stores. Bergdorf Goodman sent me a tempting little emailing spotlighting some delicious shoes and handbags. With the weather taking its sweet ol time cooling off (at least here in the mid-west) and since the tights/open-toe shoes combo is now de rigueur you could pick yourself up a pretty little pair and wear them right away. Check out some of the gorgeous offerings below.

Valentino Bow Pump

Ugh! Valentino is killing me softly. Their Fall 08 collection left me one "smitten kitten" (Thanks Lizzy) and now this adorable bow pump has caught my eye. The color is gorgeous and will work with a wealth of looks. Jeans, skirts, dresses, you name it. And that bow, that bow is pure perfection.

Oscar de la Renta Open-Toe Sandal

A pretty shoe in an even prettier coral hue. Brushed patent leather give them a low-key distressed look and of course there is the elastic strap. You know how I love me some elastic straps.

Emilio Pucci Sequined Bootie

Oh you could wear these little beauties with sooo many things. I heart them. So utterly chic and so utterly of the moment. I can't think of a better way to throw a little sass into my evening wear(or even my day wear) than these.

Sergio Rossi Platform d'Orsay

Argh, the satin! Argh, the leather! Argh, the ruching! A perfect nude. My heart aches for these.

Sergio Rossi Platform Patent Slingback

A gorgeous platform pump guaranteed to be a classic. You will go to this pump again and again. And why wouldn't you? They're practically perfect in every way.

Oscar de la Renta Bow Slingback

What better way to start and end a post than with a bow. Natural straw with black patent leather trim. Pretty and wonderfully feminine. A great addition to any girls wardrobe.

Tim Gunn's Guide to Style + Tears = Redonkulous

The date: Saturday, October 4

The time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

I''m sitting on my bed minding my own business after getting out of the shower, flipping through the channels, and on comes Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. Bravo was replaying the season premier from Thursday and I quickly settled in with great anticipation. I am soon introduced to this adorable woman who recently moved to New York from D.C. Meredith. She is getting lost in her ill fitting suits and cable knit sweaters and is looking to find her style in the city that never sleeps. I like her instantly. (I won't bore you with all of the details but I certainly encourage you to check it out when they show it again, cause you know they will. ) However I will touch upon my two favorite moments. After receiving closet rehab and a few tips from Gretta and Tim, Meredith gets an amazing opportunity to visit Gilles Mendel and the design studios of J. Mendel. Intake of breath moment # 1. Not only does Meredith get the honor and priviledge of meeting Gilles. She gets the honor and priviledge of trying on some of his amazing designs. (In case you don't know visiting a designers showroom and trying on gorgeous duds is pretty par for the course on Tim Gunn's Guide to Style.) As Meredith came out in dress after dress I, of course, paid special attention to the shoes. Louboutins were definitely the order of the day and Meredith glided out gracefully in every pair. I took note of one particular pair.

The Christian Louboutin Lady Gres

However, the pair Meredith was sporting was a gorgeous black satin and I can not find a picture of them anywhere. So there they are above, in pewter. Her time at J. Mendel was over far too soon and Tim sent her back to the dressing room to change into her street clothes. Cut to Meredith coming back out from the dressing room and back to reality. She's wearing her street clothes all right but my girl is still sporting those Loubies. Sneaky little thing. Of course Tim noticed and made her give them back but how adorable is that? Oh and so would have done the same thing. Come on, you know you would have too.

After all was said and done Meredith put on a little runway show for all of her family and friends and everyone who helped her through the process was there as well. Everyone including Gilles Mendel. Well guess what Gilles did? He gave those beautiful Loubies to Meredith. Intake of breath moment # 2. Oh and I teared up. Teared up!!!!! That's right. I started crying while watching a show about fashion.

Why can't something like that happen to me? Ugh! So. Not. Fair.

A tiny glimpse of Meredith wearing her new shoes.

Destiny

Argh! I can hardly believe I'm saying this but... I am loving this shoe by... (don't judge) Paris Hilton. The suede, the bow, I'm done in. A beautiful shoe in one of THE colors of the season and at a great price point too. I've never felt one way or the other about Paris. I know that there are people out there that either love her or hate her. I am neither. I do know one thing. She may act dumb but I truly think that's all it is, an act. Love her or hate her these shoes are hot!

Destiny Suede Pump - Paris Hilton

Biker Chic (Rough and Tumble)

Shoes with tough details are hot right now. Heels and the Queen City blogged about this particular trend just a few days ago, calling them dominatrix heels and Piperlime just sent me an email touting the "Rock Star Femme" look is where it's at. My husband would call it "rough and tumble". No matter what you call it I am loving this look and am definitely on a mission to find a pair of my own to rock. Toughen up some of those girly ensembles I'm always sporting. Wanna get yourself a pair? When it comes to hardware look for buckles, studs, or zippers. For color, black is best. Personally, I'm partial to leather but if leather's not your thing there are plenty of synthetic materials to go around. Check out a few of my favorite finds below.

Bronx Zari

The wrap around leather strap at the ankle really toughens up these beautiful Bronx boots. I love the slouchy upper which is very chic and on trend.


Kiss Boot - Jessica Simpson

Yes, I know! They're flat! I couldn't believe it either but there are some really great elements here. From the zipper that starts at the arch and travels all the way up the shaft, to the buckled ankle strap. The thin traction sole ups it's biker/rocker quotient yet manages to remain feminine at the same time. Find these on heels.com and use your 15% discount using the code HEELS08.


Excel - Carlos by Carlos Santana

A black suede bootie in a classic shape with a modern twist. The zipper detailing is perfect, wrapping around from ankle to the top of the foot. The shape alone will make these a wardrobe staple. Wear these with pants, skirts, your skinny jeans, just about anything and you'll be ready to rock n' roll.



Mallory Boot - Jessica Simpson

Slouchy, sexy, with a hot little buckled detail in the back. Guaranteed to toughen up even the flirtiest of your fall florals and lace. Oh and guess what? You can use your 15% off discount from heels.com on these too. Don't forget the code. Heels08


Tayla Heel - Betsey Johnson

More zippers, I know but I really love these. The more I look at them the more I want them. The kicker was when I saw the lightning bolt zipper pull on the heel. You can use the discount on these too! I know, I'm awesome! Heels08


Pour La Victoire - Sabrina

I'm intrigued by these. Personally, they feel just a tad over the top but I'm teetering on the edge of whether or not I think they're great. They definitely have that rocker vibe. What do you guys think?


Striker Pump - Jessica Simpson

So the heel on these bad boys comes in around 5 inches. Hot heel, zippers, and leath-uh.
'Nough said.