So…obviously it’s been awhile since I’ve updated the site.  I didn’t intend to stop posting, but the demands of life got pretty intense for me over the holidays: A project at work that required a lot of extra hours and family stuff basically took over.  But, it seems things have calmed down a bit and I really want to get back to something I love: shoes!  And talking about them on this blog!  I plan to get back into the swing of things and I thought answering some shoe questions I recently received would be a good way to start.  You may have noticed the gorgeous Enzo Angiolini Thaddea in purple pictured above - it’s a shoe I loved the first time I saw it, but I also posted it for a more specific reason:  I had a request from Jasmine on Facebook to help find purple / eggplant wedding shoes, preferably with some bling.  These are one of my favorite fancy purple pairs of the moment - I’m loving the feather and gem detail, not to mention the color - and they can be purchased at Lord & Taylor for $129.  Apply coupon code FINAL to get 15% off, making them $109.65 with free shipping (expires 2/7).  They are also available at Nordstrom for $119.95 with free shipping. 

I really like the Enzos, but I also realize that every bride is different in what they envision themselves walking down the aisle in.  Thus, we need options, options, and more options, which works out well because I never mind checking out more pretty purple shoes.  I think the Poetic License Spectacle in purple is a sweet choice.  It has a more classic vibe, but the all-over texture adds extra interest and the bow is bedecked in rhinestones for added bling.  Plus, the heel is just over 3 inches, which is quite moderate compared to many shoes available these days and may translate to additional comfort - avoiding foot pain is an obvious plus on the big day.  The Poetic Licence Spectacle is available at Endless for $60.23, down from $98.  If you spend over $100 on eligible styles, including this pair, you get 20% off through 2/14.

Here are some more dark purple heels I found, in various styles that range from classic to a bit more over-the-top dramatic (or somewhere in-between):

Steve Madden Bitter for $129.95 at Endless.  Get 20% off $100 on this style at checkout through 2/14/12.

RSVP Ramona for $53.40 with free shipping at 6pm.

Badgley Mischka Lissa in purple for $245 with free shipping at Zappos.

RSVP Fleur for $48.30 with free shipping at 6pm.

Bourne Susie for $140.51 with free shipping at Endless.

Paris Hilton Crystal for $99 at Macys.  Apply coupon code RED to get 20% off no minimum and free shipping on $99 or more (expires 2/5/12).

Isola Tate for $66.99 with free shipping at 6pm.

After a nice dose of purple bridal shoes, we’re going to switch gears to something completely different.  I had an email question from Shadae about the shoes above, which were pictured on Tumblr, and where to find them.  I actually recognized them right away because, well, this is the kind of shoe you remember once you lay your eyes on it. 

This is one of Jeffrey Campbell’s latest naughty creations, the heel-less, totally spiked out Jeffrey Campbell Shadow.  It’s definitely packing some serious edge for the fearless fashion lovers among us and can be found in black leather or patent at Karmaloop for $264 (no promo codes apply at this time) or at Solestruck in black leather for $264.95.

On a related note, Solestruck also offers the Jeffrey Campbell Prickly, a mary jane heel-less style in beige or black, for $219.95.

Have a great weekend!

I’m so happy it’s Friday, aren’t you?  In today’s Fun Shoes for Friday, I’m featuring not one, but two amazing shoes that I’ve talked about here on the blog and/or on Facebook before.  But, when there’s a new version of a style and it really stands out, it’s definitely worth another mention.  Like the Sam Edelman Roza, pictured above.  The Roza is very similar to the Sam Edelman Lorissa and it comes in many of the same colors, like nude and black, but it differs with its closed toe and higher 1″ hidden platform.  But, honestly, I’m posting about it today because of the color: the new ruby red suede version is gorgeous.  I love red heels anyway, but it’s even better that it’s a particularly on-trend shade right now and always a great color choice for the holiday season, making it a fierce party shoe option.  You can find it at Nordstrom for $224.95 with free shipping.  Update: You can also find this style at Karmaloop for $225 and get 20% off and free shipping with coupon code HTSauce or TREAT (expiration unknown).

I also had to point out these Aldo star heels again.  I recently professed my admiration for the first pair Aldo released in more muted tones, but they definitely took it up a notch in the glitz department with this version, which is covered in sequins.  Count me in.  You can find the Aldo Hafen at Aldo for $100 and apply coupon code getlucky75985 for 15% off (expiration unknown).

Have a great weekend!

Oh yes, leave it to Jeffrey Campbell to take a Western-inspired boot and amp it up to something completely awesome, à la the Jeffrey Campbell Giddy Stud in black and tan.  Even if you aren’t exactly inclined towards the cowgirl aesthetic, you gotta appreciate this modern interpretation of the style, which definitely has a cowgirl-meet-rockstar type of vibe with its wedge heel and studs galore.  I can’t help but love it.  Apparently, I’m not the only one because it’s already been selling quick at places like Solestruck and LuLus, but I’m still seeing a wide selection of sizes available at Envishoes, where they are priced at $289.95 with free shipping.

Happy Monday!

Oh wow, I am LOVING these skull booties from Iron Fist.  Clearly, these are ideal shoes for this time of year, with Halloween coming up and all, but skulls definitely aren’t relegated to the dark side (or costumes) anymore.  They’re much more mainstream in fashion these days, but still convey a certain edge.  So, wear them now to fit the Halloween theme and don them year-round whenever the mood strikes — it’s all good.  I also find that the studded cuff is reminiscent of those Isabel Marant booties that spawned a million knockoffs, but the skulls add extra kick.  I first spotted the Iron Fist Gold Star at Heels.com, where they are $99.99 with free shipping, but size selection is getting a bit low.  I also found them at the Iron Fist website for $90 in a wider selection of sizes.

When I first spotted the Jeffrey Campbell Lita with spikes, it was at Envishoes (which I posted about on Facebook) and I figured the combination of a cult fave like the Lita and the ongoing spike craze would certainly make it a quick sell-out.  My premonitions, however obvi they may be, were definitely on point — they not only sold out at places like Envishoes, Eilatan and Solestruck (only size 6 left on preorder), but they also went for upwards of $560 on eBay.  Wowza.  Whoever bought those may have been better off to hold off a bit because they are now at Karmaloop for $190, which is comparatively waaay less expensive.  Karmaloop still has a wide selection of sizes as of now but, of course, this could change at any time.  So, if you must have the spiked Lita, you might want to be quick on the draw.

Apparently, these spikes are actually sharp, unlike some spiked shoes that have more of a dull point (making them more bark than bite, you might say).  The Lita is already a pretty tough shoe on it’s own, but add sharp spikes to it and it becomes downright dangerous.  Proceed with caution, folks!

Note: Karmaloop currently exludes this style from any promo code discounts.

Update: The Lita is on preorder for expected shipment by 11/30/11 at Karmaloop.

Update 2: Akira also has the JC Lita Spike on preorder with an expected release date of 11/9/11.  They are priced at $189.90.

I had a request on Facebook to help find the studded shoes seen on Snooki on a recent episode of Jersey Shore Season 4 in Italy.  Nicole wore these boots when her boyfriend Jianni came for a visit (a very short one, I might add) and I also found out that she rocked them at a Matt Frisbie photo shoot back in March (pictured above).  These are definitely some hot boots but, let me tell you, it was quite difficult to track down the exact style.  It’s never easy when a shoe is featured on a show that films months before it actually airs.  Not to mention, if a shoe is out of stock at most major retailers, it’s even harder to find, unless you just happen to recognize them.  I looked and looked (and looked) and wasn’t having too much luck, but something told me to keep on trying.  After putting my magic fairy shoe wand into major overdrive, I finally found them!  Ahh…the thrill of the hunt:

This is the ZigiNY Jagger bootie in black denim and I found it at both Shoe Salon and Dotz Angels.  These are both local-based shoe stores that also sell online and they appear to have stock of the Jagger for $199.99 and $125, respectively.  I don’t have personal experience with either store, but I wanted to pass on the information to those who are interested.  I also came across a very similar alternative at Amazon:

This is the Michael Antonio Studio Metro boot and it’s available in blue, grey, black or red for $63.60.

Hope this helps Amanda!

Top image from remotecontrol.mtv.com

When I saw this spike studded shoe at LuLu’s, I had to take note, mainly because of the spike and stone detail on the back that is clearly inspired by a style we all know.  Yes, the Sam Edelman Lorissa officially has a knockoff.  But, I do use the term “knockoff” loosely, however, as the Qupid shoe does have quite a few differences, which could be viewed as positive or negative depending on the person.  First, it has a much higher platform, which I know some people wished the Lorissa had a bit more of in order to off-set the height of the heel (although the lack of a high platform has its own merits for a certain kind of look).  Also, rather than having the stones and spikes running all the way down the back of the heel like the Lorissa, the Qupid pair extends this detail down the side of the shoe, on the part facing outward.  While the Lorissa is made of genuine suede, the Qupid version is faux leather, or what they describe as vegan leather.  I do like the lace sole on the Qupid pair – it’s a nice touch:

Then there’s the price.  The Lorissa retails for $199.95 - although sale prices can be had — and the Qupid Brulee retails for $73 at LuLu’s.  If you’ve been wanting to try out the look of spikes, but you don’t want to invest too much in what might be considered a passing trend (but a very fun one to wear, I must say), then this might be a more suitable option.  Of course, it’s probably not the most opportune time to buy a white peep toe, if you follow the no-white-after-Labor-Day mantra (or just because we’re getting into the colder months of the year), but I did notice that there’s a black version of this style, as well as white, at Urbanog.com for $67.90.

For shoes with spikes at an even lower price point, check out the Liliana Angelina in black, brown, red, or tan at Endless for $40.25.  In this case, you have your spikes over the front of a pointy toe pump and round studs along the back.  If you spend over $100 on your order of eligible styles, including this one, you’ll get 20% off for a limited time.

Update: I came across another shoe much like the Sam Edelman Lorissa or the closed-toe Roza, the Wild Pair Carly, available at Bakers in black or tan for $94.99.