Footwear
Take an Extra 40% Off at Steve Madden
The Lowdown: Umm, note to Steve Madden: the way to a budget fashionista’s heart is an extra-off-already-reduced-clearance sale, so you are officially our Valentine. You can pick us up at 8.
A note to the rest of you—Steve Madden is one of our fave shoe sources for hot, on-trend pieces. For an extra 40% off clearance, we might treat ourselves to something decadent (but still wearable through spring) like this Justyne peep-toe t-strap pumps (1) for $69.99. Or this Maddiee snakeskin sandal (2) for $69.99. Or this Rager platform patent t-strap (4), also $69.99. Or this Jiingle t-strap heel (3), $59.99. Okay, we’re stopping now.
Shop: Steve Madden
Comfortable Shoes on a Budget
Dear Budget Fashionista:
I’m a college student/public radio intern in beautiful San Francisco, and I’m on a very fixed budget. It’s getting colder in the bay area, and I need a pair of shoes that are suitable to wear at school and as an intern. Seen anything good this season? Thanks BF.
Answer: I’m all about comfort, especially when you have to run between school and internship. Try a brand like Aerosoles, which are stylish, comfortable and affordable. I’m a big fan of the Patrole Car boot , on sale for $74.25, which I bought earlier this year and LIVED in (my estimated cost per wear was around $.50). Here’s a tip for shopping Aerosoles: head to a brick and mortar location where you can often find shoes for under $30 and if you sign up for their shoe club, you can get notified of upcoming sales and special deals. Also DSW Shoewarehouse often has Aerosoles shoes for well under $40. I would check these two options before purchasing online
If you’re looking for options under $30, then you’re best bet is the Isaac Mizrahi line at Target. The IM shoes have features that most lower priced shoes don’t, like a padded footbed and, in many cases, real leather uppers. These features up the comfort and quality factor of a shoe. I’m loving this pair , for a very budget friendly price of $23.06. Unfortunately, Fall 2008 is the last season of IM at Target.
Political Fashion Comes to Rain Boots, $19.99 at Target
We all agree that Mrs. O has amazing budget-friendly style and, well, Govenor Palin rocks awesome shoes. Now Target, who knows a moneymaker when they see it, are selling donkey (for Democrats) and elephant (for Republicans) patterned rainboots for $19.99. This is the perfect accessory (and a good price for rain boots) for those who plan to spend the next month pounding the pavement for their favorite candidate/party.
P.S. I will give $20 to first person to send me a photo of either Hillary Clinton or Laura Bush rockin’ a pair of their party’s rain boots—$50 if you can find a photo of Cindy McCain wearing a pair.
(Please note any personal, nasty comments about either party will be deleted immediately. We’re talking about rain boots folks.)
Sigerson Morrison Shoes Now Online at Target.com
What: Sigerson Morrison shoes now online at Target.com
The Lowdown: Last month, we reported that the next big designer footwear line for Target from Sigerson Morrison was on its way, and those styles on now online. Boasting not-for-the-meek color, sparkle, and shine, the collection is just in time to get us ready (on a budget) for the upcoming holiday season—and most styles would be the perfect match for your super versatile Little Black Dress (LBD). Pick from booties, peep toes, pumps and flats—and remember, with these kinds of eye-catching details, you don’t need to go crazy with additional accessories, which means these shoes give you a whole lotta bang for your buck. And in these financial times? That’s what we’re talking about.
Three picks we dig:
Electtra Suede Booties, $39.99
Free Shipping on Accessories at Target
The Deal: Spend $50 and Get Free Shipping at Target.com
The Lowdown: Okay, between the handbags, wallets, belts and scarves, it would take us about 6.5 seconds to rack up a bill of at least $50 at Target—and get a bunch of great stuff in the process. To be able to do that from home, without having to pay extra for shipping? Fantastic. And with the direction the economy’s taking, we’re thinking updating accessories for less is our best fall fashion strategy. Like this Xhilaration oblong scarf for $9.99. Love it.
Shop: Target.com
The Bootine: Hot Again for Fall 2008
What: Bootines, booties, ankle boots, everywhere
What We Say: Last year, the bootine was THE shoe for fall. Well, this year isn’t very original, but once again the bootine (or bootie, or ankle boot, or whatever you wish to call it) is super hot again. Still perplexed on how to wear it? Don’t be, because it’s more versatile than you think—pair them with a pencil skirt and button down blouse; a sweater dress; or just denim or dress trousers, like you would any other boot. There are plenty of budget versions to be had (and if you have a pair from last year, even better!), but we’ve selected a handful that we figure would do nicely to take us all the way through the winter (assuming we waterproof properly).
Get It:
Metallic Leather Ankle Boot, $49, Spiegel
Patent Ankle Boot, on sale $24.99, Newport News
Ruched Ankle Boot, $27.99, Newport News
Madison Button Ankle Boot, $34.99, Payless
Free Shipping at Zappos.com
The Deal: Free Shipping at Zappos.com
The Lowdown: Zappos.com has long been one of our top picks for fab footwear, and right now shop from home and enjoy free shipping to your doorstep. Meaning you can put all those pennies you’ve been saving into the best possible pair. Like this super chic and totally versatile Steve Madden Darrline boot, $71.96.
Shop: Zappos.com
What to Buy Fall 2008: Newport News
Newport News is one of our favorite budget fashion destinations because they have a great selection of workwear and dressing-up pieces that walk the line between trendy and classic (and sure, there are some not-so-up-to-date options as well, but we choose to ignore those). Here are our picks for fall:
Convertible Leather Coat, $159. Want a fall outerwear piece that’s both practical and makes a statement? This is it—leather is timeless, as is the trench styling—but you’ll get double wear as it converts to a hip-length coat as well. Comes in black or taupe.
Striped Sweater Dress, $39-$44. The sweater dress is both cool and practical, and we like this bold horizontal stripe (still a hot pattern for the season)—wear it with tights and boots as shown, or some cool spectator booties and a big clutch.
Drapeneck Tunic Top, $39. Bold color, shine and a flattering cut, this top will look great this season with slim-cut dark denim and boots or possibly some gray trousers for the workplace.
High-Waist Wide Leg Jean, $39. This season, wide-leg and high-waist denim is a fashionable option and while some just won’t go there, if you love it this is an easy to wear option that’s not too trendy (no sailor buttons or suspenders, natch).
Luxe Velvet Blazer, $89. Black for fall should be glam and a little sexy, and we love this velvet blazer for transitioning some of your regular day-wear pieces into an evening out look.
Ombre Pump, $39. As we’ve said before, we expect ombre to slip outside of the style radar before too long, but for now, some shiny ombre is a fun and trendy update, and these are inexpensive enough to be a worthy little style splurge.
Save Up to 60% at Shoes.com’s Saturday Sale
The Deal: Save up to 60% at Shoes.com’s Saturday Sale!
The Lowdown: What better way to spend your Saturday than shopping for shoes? We would only indulge in that particular passtime, however, if we’re getting a great deal—and at Shoes.com, get up to 60% off during their Saturday Sale. We’re looking for something cute and comfortable, so we’re thinking these pretty quilted pink satin Report Vaughn flats might be just what we need—they’re on sale for $39.99.
Shop: Saturday at Shoes.com
Abaete, Lela Rose and alice+olivia at Payless
Payless has become a front-runner when it comes to bringing budget designer collections to the masses, which is why we find ourselves scanning their website eagerly each Spring and Fall to see what new treats await us . . . Right now, Abaete, Lela Rose and alice+olivia all have new styles online and in stores, and the choices, while not vast, please us. A breakdown:
alice+olivia
These offbeat designers bring handbags and footwear styles that range from the odd (these alice+olivia for Payless Rivington Ankle Boots) to the sublime (this super cute houndstooth Payless Park Clutch). Interestingly, the collection reflects the color palette we saw on the runways for Spring 09 (black, white and red), meaning some of these pieces could take you into the next season as well. Our fave: the Morton Mary Jane Wedge, $38
Abaete
Somber, somber, somber—Abaete’s collection is as neutral as it gets, with pieces ranging from grey to, well, black. Which isn’t very exciting but at the same time, grey and black are pretty darn useful and appear here on boots and pumps that will take you through the winter, easily. Our fave: the to-die-for Ysabel Pleated Bootine, $45.
Lela Rose
Lela Rose usually gives us something a little softer and more romantic, and this collection is no different—featuring pumps, round-toes, bows, and some soft color in the form of peach, orange, and spring green. The handbag choices aren’t setting us on fire, but for a cute little pair of special holiday shoes? Lela Rose has got it covered. Our fave: it’s a toss-up between the dramatic black and white Finch Pump, $38, and the impossibly pretty Sanborn Bow Flat, $34.
What to Buy Fall 2008: Walmart
Some of you might turn your nose up (still) at shopping for clothes at Walmart, but it’s our experience that amidst some of the fashion don’ts, Walmart is also a source of some super-affordable, surprisingly decent quality style do’s. And in this economy? We are sooo not above a cute wrap dress for under $20. We’ve picked some basics that will become part of your regular wardrobe rotation well into winter . . .
George ME Women’s Flounced Tweed Skirt, $19.82
George ME Ibiza Jacket, on clearance $8
Mock-Croc Laptop Tote Bag, $25
No Boundaries High Heel Mary Jane’s, $16.74
George Women’s Jersey Sleeveless Belted Faux Wrap Dress, $19.82
Big Sale Savings on Shoes at Piperlime
The Deal: Get big footwear savings at Piperlime’s sale on women’s shoes
The Lowdown: Piperlime has the namebrand shoes you want, and with great sale prices? They’re totally within reach. You could buy something for now, like this BCBGirls Scent on sale for $69.99, or something to tuck away for Spring—like these black Unisa Sarabenda heels which will be totally on trend, and are on sale now for $39.99.
Shop: Piperlime
Get 20% Off Your Order at Steve Madden
The Deal: Take 20% off your entire Steve Madden order through Sept. 25; enter code SAVE20 at checkout
The Lowdown: Do you really need another excuse to buy some new shoes for fall? Yes, we know you’re watching the bottom line (and we’re rooting for you) so this deal from Steve Madden will make it a little easier to squeeze those cute new peep toe pumps into your wardrobe allowance. Speaking of peep toe pumps, how about throwing in a little fab metallic with these Leilana Pewter Leather pumps, $49.99.
Shop: SteveMadden.com with code SAVE20
Abaete is Now at Payless
Abaete is now available at select Payless stores. I dropped by the store on 17th and 6th Avenue in NYC and I must say I was quite impressed with not only the style but the quality of the shoes. This was a much smarter move than the whole Star Jones shoe line. Good for you Payless!
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