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!

Save some dough at ALDO right now during their End of Season Sandal Clearance.  All clearance sandals are reduced 50% off their original price and coupon code VIPOFFER gets you free shipping, no mininum required.  Choose from heels, flats and wedges.  Sale ends 9/14/09.

I was talking about FitFlop boots the other day and how I’m a bit hesitant to try them.  $200 is a lot to spend, after all.  But, the FitFlop sandal is a way more affordable option that provides the same range of fitness benefits.  Normally $59.99, the FitFlop Walkstar Jelly is now on clearance for just $29.99 during the Macys One Day Sale.  There are still several sizes left, but only in red, yellow and green.  The sale ends tomorrow 9/12/09.

Looking for something different?  Check out the rest of the clearance shoes at Macys, which are all reduced an extra 25% until tomorrow.  Another activewear pair to check out is this Easy Spirit Traveltime Quilted Clog Sneaker for $29.99, reduced from $59.

This is an interesting pair I came across.  The 80%20 Molly Hidden Wedge Sandal looks like a flat shoe, but it actually has a 2-1/2 inch wedge heel hidden inside, under the canvas boot shaft.  I imagine this would come in handy for a couple different scenarios - you either want the leg enhancement only heels can provide or you simply want to add inches to your height, all while sporting a flat style.  Pretty sneaky, huh?  I like that.  Amazon only has two sizes left in this style priced at $88.12 with free shipping. I also found them in additional sizes at eilatan.com for $109.64 and in olive at Polished Sense for $79.95, both with free shipping.  I’m not familiar with the last two sites, but Polished Sense has some cool pics of models wearing this shoe with various outfits, showing the different ways you can wear it.

I love when there’s a good sale on a sale (hence the name SOS) and I noticed Shoes.com has one going on right now.  Current shoes.com coupon code SAVE will take an extra 20% off any pair of sale or clearance shoes and shipping is also free.  There’s a virtual ton of shoes included here (i.e. plenty of scanning and searching), but I like to sort by my favorite brands to narrow it down.  Here’s the Betsey Johnson sale shoes and the Steve Madden sale shoes and the Chinese Laundry sale shoes and, of course, many more. Some brands are excluded and expiration is unknown.

In you have your mind set on a regularly-priced pair, use code BML2009 instead to get 20% off.

Most of us know about the FitFlop, a flip flop style fitness shoe that touts a much improved workout when you walk in them via increased muscle activity and toning, along with improved posture.  They call it a flip flop with the gym built in.  But, if you’re like me, you probably didn’t know they made boots, at least not of the mid-calf, double-faced sheepskin and suede variety.  I ran across these FitFlop Unik boots at Walker’s Warehouse, where they are taking pre-orders for $199.95.  They come in tan, chocolate and black and shipping is free using their current FITFLOPS coupon code.  Other new fall FitFlops are available as well.  Expected delivery is late September.

I’ve always been a little on the fence about trying these types of shoes.  For one, it would require actually walking in them (those treks from the living room to the restroom clearly won’t cut it).  Even if that’s being done regularly, I’d have to wonder how much improvement the shoe provides and how much is due to exercising more in general.  But, I try to keep an open mind and I think the boots are cute, so I’m tempted to try them out. 

Anyone out there have good luck with FitFlops or other similar pairs?

6pm has all styles of Oh Deer shoes on sale today for just $24.95, which is up to 85% off retail price.  A standout for me is the yummy Oh Deer Cupcake (retail $150), which has a nice red and black color scheme and contrasting sequined and patent leather material.  Also included in this sale is a selection of fall-ready boots, mostly comfy & cute wedge styles.  Shipping adds $6.95 and sale expires 9/9/09.