You may still be looking for this sexy black heel worn by Whitney Port on The City, which was first spotted in the season 1 show opener.  As you can tell from my previous posts, I’ve been a little obsessed with finding it too.  However, this pair appeared in segment that was likely filmed at least a year ago, so it’s probably a sold-out style by now.  But, the good news is there are plenty of look-alike pairs, even more so than when season 1 aired.  In celebration of the season 2 of The City, which once again showed this coveted pair, we’re going to take a look at black ankle strap heels that are available now and capture this look:

ALDO Applin for $79.98 at ALDO.  Get free shipping with their VIPOFFER coupon code.

ALDO Streiff for $69.98 at ALDO.  Get free shipping with their VIPOFFER coupon code.

Steve Madden Tayla for $95.96 at Steve Madden.  Get free shipping with their SMFREESHIP coupon code.  You can also get 20% off if your order is over $100 or 25% off $125 or more.

Steven by Steve Madden Bryant on sale for $100 at Zappos with free shipping.

Elizabeth and James Jasmin on sale for $239.20 with free shipping at Zappos.

Dolce Vita Charlotte for $160 at Martin + Osa.  Get 20% off with coupon code 12244016 until 9/30/09.

SM Luxe Kiss (available in black) for $79.95 at DSW.  Members get free shipping by applying FALLSHP at checkout.

Matiko Winnie for $148 at Polished Sense.  Get 10% off orders $125 or more at checkout.

If you are still looking for Whitney’s cage shoe, also shown in the show opener, try the Dolce Vita Cher in limited sizes for $152 at 80s Purple or in dark silver at ShoeSteal for $129.60 (also limited sizes).  The similar Dolce Vita Celtic at Zappos is $178 with free shipping.  Update: I found this $22.80 Lattice Platform Bootie at Forever 21, a similar pair that costs much, much less.  There’s also the Colin Stuart Cut-Out Lace Up Bootie at Victoria’s Secret for $65.

When I saw this Dolce Vita Trinity studded pump, I immediately fell in love.  It’s the perfect shoe for incorporating that trendy rock-n-roll style to your look, but the extra-small studs make it more subtle and glam.  At $210, I’d consider this a bit of a splurge and I always try to get things on sale, so I’m glad current Bloomingdales coupon code BLMFRIEND takes an additional 20% off.  That reduces it by $42 to $168.  The best thing?  These shoes can add the perfect amount of edge to so many looks - dresses, leggings, jeans, you name it - so they are sure to get plenty of wear.   Coupon expires 10/4/09.

I don’t know about you, but I’m totally gearing up for Season 2 of The City on MTV September 29.  I can’t wait to see more of Whitney’s love and work escapades, those icy Olivia stares, the always-entertaining (and cutthroat) Kelly Cutrone and all the fashion, especially shoes.  Season 1 The City shoes brought plenty of eye candy, most notably the black ankle strap heel Whitney wore in the show opening - a shoe apparently no one could ID with absolute certainty (Including me, though I did try.  See all posts here).  Whitney also wore the gold Gucci Babouska studded sandal, a black cage shoe thought to be the black Dolce Vita Cher and more.  Now MTV has a The City Season 2 promo video that contains three new pairs, which can certainly be described as dramatic statement shoes. 

I managed to locate the pair Whitney is wearing, which is the Givenchy Patent Metal Lace Sandal.  This shoe doesn’t appear to be on sale anywhere right now, but it is priced at over $1,700, so I think some lower-priced alternatives are in order (let’s keep in mind that they won’t be exactly like the Givenchy pair, but should convey a similar look):

Report Signature Randolph for $187 at Shoes.com.  Apply coupon code BML2009 to get 20% off, which drops them to $149.60 with free shipping.

Luichiny Sneak By on sale for $66.83 with free shipping at Zappos.

Rocawear Haydin Pump for $79.99 at Heels.com.  Apply coupon code RAY20 to get 20% off no minimum, making your total $63.99 with free shipping.

N.Y.L.A. Via Leather Platform Sandal for $79.95 at DSW.  Rewards members get free shipping on $35 or more using coupon code FALLSHP at checkout.

Dollhouse Tosha for $55 at Torrid.com.  Get $10 off with coupon code 17SEPTEMBER until 9/30/09.

There are two other pairs in the promo that I haven’t been able to locate:

Anyone recognize these?  If so, let me know in the comments.

More The City Season 2 updates to come!

The City photos from MTV.com

You can’t deny that the Christian Louboutin Dillian is a gorgeous pair of shoes, but the hefty $1,695 price tag places them squarely in “look, but don’t touch” territory (this snakeskin version at Neiman Marcus is even higher at $2,875).  Enter the Dollhouse Soliel, which has a very similar look for a fraction of the cost.  I mentioned this pair was available at DSW in my Rachel Zoe shoes post, but unfortunately they are completely sold out.  If you are still pining for this pair, try these stores (color options and sizes may be limited):

Endless for $65.95 in black or purple

Shoe Bungalow for $54.98 in black or orange

Shoes.com for $48 in black or blue (only 1 size left in each). Get them for $38.40 after applying their BML2009 coupon code.  Update: They’ve restocked and they have this pair available in black, blue, purple or pewter.  Use code ENJOY09 to get 20% off.

Love My Shoes for $54.98 in black or orange.

Torrid for $64 in purple or black.  Get $10 off with coupon code 17SEPTEMBER until 9/30/09.

Update 9/26: Amazon also has this pair starting at $48 (depending on size/color selection) with free shipping.

You may have heard the announcement retailer H&M made earlier this year about their upcoming collaboration with luxe designer Jimmy Choo.  If you didn’t hear the news, surprise!  It’s time to get excited, especially for those of us who normally can’t squeeze a drool-worthy pair of Choos into the budget, no matter how hard we try.  The collection of shoes, clothes and accessories (said to be in the $60-$200 range for most styles) won’t be available for purchase in stores until November 14, but there are plenty of sneak-peek photos circulating around the internet now, whetting our appetites for what’s to come.  You can check out a slide show at The Cut. 

I noticed the black and blue heel (pictured above) totally looks like the Jimmy Choo Loop pair worn by Fergie several months ago (get a closer look at CoolSpotters) - although I don’t know if a neon orange option will be available.   There’s also major similarities with this blue H&M pair (pictured left) and another previous Jimmy Choo style, the Pixie (seen here at ThisNext).  Although they will be far less costly, at least the H&M shoes look like the real deal.

Unfortunately, H&M doesn’t sell online in the U.S., but you can find a store near you here.

I just happened to notice an especially good price on the sexy Betsey Johnson Caimile leopard sandal at Nordstrom today.  It is marked down 50% to $99.90, normally $199.95.  Also available for $99.90 is another leopard style, the Betsey Johnson Carlos, which is a bootie with cut-out detail.  Most other stores are charging around $150-$200 for these styles, so this is a great deal.  A wide selection of sizes are still available.  Sale price expiration is unknown.

Piperlime doesn’t offer coupon codes all that often, so it’s a treat when they do…which must be why their current coupon code is TREAT and takes 20% off your order.  The code applies to shoes and handbags and even sale items (not Final Sale), but it’s for three days only.  As always, shipping is free.  Speaking of plaid shoes, the exquisite Betsey Johnson Karatta plaid boot is reduced from $235 to $188 after coupon.  Expiration: 9/23/09

The Nine West Sobrina and over 300 other styles of Nine West shoes are on sale for just $24.95 today at 6pm.  With retail prices normally up to $160, you’ll save up to 85% during this sale and shipping adds $6.95.  Some other stand-out styles are the Nine West Bolero (very limited sizes), the Nine West Cityscene and the Nine West Kwest.  Expires 9/21/09.

Steve Madden is having a Spend More, Save More Sale, which takes 20% off $100 and 25% off $125 or more.  The discount shows automatically at checkout and shipping is also free when you apply their SMFREESHIP coupon code.  That means you can get the Steve Madden Brigght, a Balmain studded crystal sandal look-alike, for $97.46 shipped (regularly $129.95). 

I’m also seriously loving this style, the Steve Madden Regaal in leopard.  It’s $99.95, which is a mere 5-cents away from being 20% off.  However, add this indigo Steve Madden Lenorah for $29.95 to the mix and you’ll be eligible for 25% off instead.  That makes both pairs $97.42, which is like getting the clearance pair for free (and a bit of a discount on the Regaal as well!)

The sale ends 9/29/09.

She may be so over The Hills, but Lauren Conrad apparently isn’t over reality TV…or fashion design…or her expensive Miu Miu sandals.  If you’ve caught my posts on shoes from The City and The Rachel Zoe Project, you’ve probably gathered that I’m a reality show fan, especially of shows that are fashion-oriented, and The Hills has always been on my to-watch list.  I also have another guilty pleasure called In Touch magazine, which just reported that Lauren and her new boyfriend Kyle Howard might be getting engaged soon and have been approached by MTV to do a reality show together.  Although it’s certainly not definite at this point, I was a little surprised.  I mean, she’s been quite private about her relationship with Kyle and seemed ready to escape the cameras (and the drama) after years of being on reality TV.  Perhaps her potential change of heart has to do with her aspirations for fashion design.  Another reality show would keep her in the public eye, which usually results in increased sales.  On the other hand, reality shows are notoriously bad for relationships and she seems to have a good thing going with Kyle.  I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens, but I must say it would be quite interesting to see Lauren go from single L.A. girl to living the hitched life on camera (televised wedding anyone?)

So, now let’s talk about shoes.  Lauren’s fave shoe of the moment seems to be this Miu Miu Crisscross Platform, a sandal that she’s been virtually living in lately.  Unfortunately, for those of you who have $595 to drop on a sandal, the shoe doesn’t appear to be in stock anywhere (if you’re a size 10, see Bergdof Goodman or Neiman Marcus).  But, if you want a similar pair of sandals for that last bit of warm weather some of us have left, I found a few pairs for much less:

Luichiny Halo in limited sizes at Shoes.com for $56.79 with free shipping after using coupon code SAVE or at Amazon for $70.99 with free shipping.

Go Jane Snake Cross Strap Heel for $22.40. If you spend over $50, use coupon code GJSHIP50 for free shipping.

N.Y.L.A. Akila platform sandal in tan for $56.90 at Amazon.  There is also a brown version in limited sizes for $43.51.  Shipping is free.

ALDO Jolly for $59.98 at ALDO. Use coupon code VIPOFFER for free shipping.

On a final note, I noticed that the budget-friendly Lauren Conrad line for Kohls is now available.  There aren’t any shoes (I supposed she hasn’t delved into footwear as of yet), but there is a rather small selection of dresses, tops and pants for sale.  Yes, you can now buy your very own pair of Lauren Conrad skinny jeans.  If you see something you like, be sure to apply coupon codes NEW7123 (exp. 9/19) for 10% off and THISIS4FREE (exp. 9/27) for free shipping, no minimum required.  The codes can be used together.

Fall and plaid have always been a classic pair, but it seems especially so this year.  We’ve seen a bit of a resurgence of the ever-popular print lately, perhaps in a nod to the 90’s grunge trend - except much more polished and chic.  Plaid has definitely moved well beyond it’s own stereotypes (think: lumberjacks, school girls in uniforms, constructions workers, golfers etc.) and has found it’s way into much more fashionable territory - fitted blazers, cute button-downs and, of course, shoes.  Here are a few of my favorite plaid pairs:

N.Y.L.A. Mariah Platform Plaid Bootie for $89.95 at DSW.  Members get $10 off $49 with coupon code EXP10 (exp. 9/27) and free shipping on $35 using coupon code FALLSHP at checkout.  Membership is free.

Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege Pump for $110 at Shoes.com.  Get 20% off using coupon code BML2009 during checking, dropping them to $88 with free shipping.

Betsey Johnson Cade plaid mary jane for $140 at Zappos, discounted from $175.  Shipping is free.  Update: They are now marked down to $110, but almost sold out.  You can also find them at Lord & Taylor for $112.49.

Betsey Johnson Leopold plaid pump for $94.99 at ShoeSteal, the clearance site for Shoes.com.  Get an extra 20% off using coupon code STEALTOPS at checkout, making them $75.99.  Sizes are limited.

 Jones New York Proven plaid pump for $54.95 at DSW.  Members can apply the same coupon codes listed above (on the N.Y.L.A. pair) to get $10 off and free shipping, which would make the total $44.95.

Style & Co Wilma mary jane plaid pump on sale for $54.99 at Macys, reduced from $69.  Get another 20% off with coupon code WEEKEND at checkout, making them $43.99.  Coupon expires 9/20/09.

Guess Teach plaid pump for $110 at Guess.com

Diba Haig 93816 plaid bootie for $49.95 at DSW.  Members get $10 off and free shipping using the codes listed above, making your total $39.95.

If you’re looking to amp up your personal shoe collection for fall, a Buy More, Save More Sale is a great way to go.  I love this kind of sale because you really can save a lot, especially if you can afford to spend more to reap the highest discount (hence, the name of the sale).  In some cases, you can even get an extra pair of shoes for practically free, as I found previously in this Bloomingdales sale post from April.  Well, Lord & Taylor happens to be having a Buy More, Save More Sale right now, which takes 20% off 1 pair of shoes or boots, 25% off 2 or 3 pairs or 30% off 4 or more.  Both regular and sale shoes are eligible for the discount, but some brands are excluded.  I’ve been checking out these particular styles:

Betsey Johnson Rally black satin peep toe mary jane for $120

Steve Madden Bonanza tall suede boot in grey, black or brown for $63.20

BCBGeneration Dania suede platform pump in purple or black for $71.20

BCBGeneration Moira suede wedge bootie in brown or black for $94.40.

The prices listed take into account the 20% discount for 1 pair.

Ok, here’s where it gets interesting (and my trusty calculator gets busted out).  If you opt for the 25% off discount for 2 or 3 pairs, you can save up to $90 for the particular shoes listed here, which isn’t bad at all.  The 3 highest-priced items would total $267.75 after discount.  But, you can get all 4 pairs for $305.20, which is only about $37 more than getting just 3.  Obviously, the money-saving possibilities are endless depending on the styles you pick and the amount you want to spend, but be sure and work the numbers before the sale ends on 9/28/09.

By the way, current Lord & Taylor coupon code SEPTSALE for 15% off does not combine with this sale.

Target is known for having low-cost shoes that are typically pretty cute and on-trend, which is perfect for trying out different styles without blowing the budget or overly committing to what may be a fly-by-night fad.  What makes it even better?  Their current Fall Shoe Stock Up BOGO Sale, which takes 50% off the second pair you buy.  Although clearance shoes are excluded, most of Target’s regularly-priced shoes are less than $50, so you’re pretty much guaranteed not to overspend.  I like this Mossimo Kady boot in cognac for $34.99.  Get free shipping if you spend $50 or more.  Sale ends 9/19/09.

You may recall the news earlier this year that Christian Siriano of Project Runway would introduce a new line for discount shoe retailer Payless, as reported here by The Cut.  As you can see from the Fashion Week photos, these shoes aren’t your typical pair of Payless kicks.  In fact, The Cut worried that they might be too similar to Rodarte from a few seasons back.  Well, that may have been the least of their worries.  Fast-forward to this month and you’ll see that what actually hit the stores is quite different from how these pairs looked on the runway.  Don’t get me wrong, I still think these shoes are a step above the usual Payless pair (and I’m not a Payless downer, they clearly have their place in the market).  However, I think a lot of people got excited about this and subsequently got let down.  Especially anyone who wanted those insane chain platforms.  Sigh…I guess it was too good to be true.

See the entire Christian Siriano Payless line and then be sure to check out The Cut for a preview of the heel-bending next round…just don’t expect it to look like this once spring 2010 arrives.

Update: Get 20% off any Payless order using coupon code 27858 at checkout.  Expires 9/18/09.

Rachel Zoe and her team are back for season 2 of The Rachel Zoe Project on BRAVO and, I must say, they should probably call it “The Rachel Shoe Project” for all the shoe eye candy and lingering shoe camera shots they provide for all of us footwear fiends.  I loved season 1 of the show and hoped season 2 would retain the same authenticity and charm (at least as authentic as a reality show can be nowadays), so I had a glimmer of doubt watching the first episode after ”I die” and “Bananas” were emphatically stated right off the bat, seeming a bit contrived (ok, we get it, those are your catchphrases).  However, it didn’t take long to warm up to Team Zoe once again - fabulous style queen Rachel, angsty-cool rebel Taylor and charismatic cutie-pie Brad.  If you’re anything like me, you find yourself really wanting to go shopping with Rachel (for obvious reasons), followed by hitting the town with Taylor (to blow off that work-related steam) and having an all-out slumber party with Brad, complete with face masks, popcorn and rom-coms.  But, anyway, let’s get back to the subject.  What shoes have we seen in the first 3 episodes and how can you get the look for a lot less?  Read on:

We’ll start with every shoe lover’s dream, the wide array of shoes in Rachel Zoe’s studio.  O-M-G (as Brad would say).  It may be all in a day’s work for Team Zoe, but for the rest of us, it looks like paradise.  I’d really like to play dress-up in here.

Let’s move on to Rachel Zoe.  I’ve learned a few things about her shoe philosophy by watching the show and I think the main thing with her is height, height, height - the more, the better.  While discussing sky-high platforms with Brad, she comments that everyone looks much better with 7 more inches, to which Brad could not resist replying “Everywhere”.  She also admits to having plenty of “tranny” shoes in her closet, which is how she described this Louis Vuitton pair she wore to the Marc Jacobs show.  So, how can you get that dramatic Rachel Zoe style on a less-than-dramatic budget?  Try these pairs:

Bebe Veronica Platform Pump in leopard or snake for $149 at bebe.com or in pewter here (also mentioned at Rachel Zoe’s website).  Get 15% off $100 with coupon code 15OFF100 or free shipping on $150 or more with coupon code MAGAZINE (exp. 10/4)

Charles David Magnate in red at Amazon for $99.37 (black and tan also available for $85.98 or more depending on size/color combination) or at Endless for $118.22 in any color.  Shipping is free at either store.

Marc by Marc Jacobs 684903 sequined heel in gold or silver for $225, reduced from $449, at Zappos.  Shipping is free. 

The Dollhouse Soliel ruffled platform pump in black or purple is $49.95 at DSW.  Shipping is free on $35 or more for members using code SHIP84 at checkout.

The Michael Michael Kors Niki platform sandal in black or gold is $154 with free shipping at Zappos or $149.95 plus shipping at Nordstrom.  Shoes.com has very limited sizes left for $121.60 after applying 20% off coupon code BML2009 at checkout.

Then there’s the always hard-working (and often frustrated) assistant Taylor, who has an edgy style and has been seen sporting plenty of different shoes on the show.  What do the pairs have in common?  They are all in black.  Most notably, she rocks over-the-knee leather Christian Louboutin boots while managing not to look, er, street-walker-ish (not always an easy thing to pull off).  The trick she employs here is wearing a fuller skirt with a hem that stops just above the top of the boots.  I also spied her wearing simple, chic black flats with leggings, black stiletto ankle boots and black fringe boots.  Here are some shoes that capture the look without the designer price tag:

Colin Stuart Over The Knee Boots in black leather for $189 at Victoria’s Secret, $151.20 after applying 20% off boots coupon code 20VSBOOTS until 9/17/09.

Chinese Laundry Kingdom faux leather thigh high boots for $99 at Chinese Laundry.  Use coupon code CL10P for 10% off and free shipping, making your total $89.10.

Steve Madden Kobraa flats in black for $34.97 at Steve Madden.  Shipping is free using the SMFREESHIP coupon code.  Other color options available.

Minnetonka Hi Top Back Zip fringe boot in black for $36 at Shoes.com after applying BML2009 coupon code.  Also available at Amazon for $43.95 to $49.95 (depending on size/color selected) with free shipping. 

ALDO Seace for $140 at Amazon with free shipping.

We also learn a few shoe lessons while watching Rachel’s celebrity clients get styled.  Let’s take Liv Tyler for example.  While trying on clothes for everyday wear, Rachel points out that every woman should have a hot pair of red heels in her closet.  This is something we all probably know, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the power of red heels. 

Chinese Laundry Mileage red patent leather pump for $49.95 at DSW.  Shipping is free for members using SHIP84 coupon code.

Charles by Charles David Pomade for $63.22 at Endless with free shipping.

I’ll be on the lookout for more Rachel Zoe Project shoes in future episodes of season 2.  To see a selection of Rachel-approved styles, check out her shoe picks at Piperlime.

Photos from Bravotv.com

Update 9/14/09: I watched Episode 4 tonight and had to make a comment about Taylor (for all the naysayers that say she complains too much).  Clearly, Rachel depends on her for a couple things: she trusts her to do the job the way Rachel would do it herself and she knows Tay will always speak her mind and tell her the truth.  That’s not an easy thing to find for someone in Rachel’s position, although the vocal complaining comes along with the territory (personally, I think Tay thrives on challenge and naturally wants more at a certain point).  Brad, on the other hand, makes her laugh, which makes him invaluable as her constant companion at parties and work functions.  It takes a certain kind of person to pull that off.  And I so heart Rodger.  He’s just adorable as Rachel’s extra-supportive hub - love the online presence he had a role in too!