Whenever we usher in a new season, we always see various opinions on what’s “in” right now.  But, one trend that is undeniably huge for fall is military inspired fashion.  We’re seeing military looks everywhere and the best thing about this latest craze is that it can be applied in so many different ways.  You can draw inspiration from the huge variety of military styles seen throughout the years - modern or retro - and opt to go for a literal or a more subtle interpretation of the look.  For shoes, think structured and streamlined with multiple buckles, lug soles, brass buttons, lace-up detail and similar adornments in colors like olive, tan and navy.  Of course, you can always mix it up with some pretty, girly details, like the Kardashians by Bebe Eva does above.  The olive color, lace-up front and star studs convey a military influence, but the super-high heel and shiny metallic ankle cuff add a nice dose of glam.  You can get it at Bebe for $228 and it also comes in black.  Here are some more styles I’ve been taking a look at:

Boutiqe 9 Olita in black for $230 at Nine West or in gray for $230 at Piperlime.  The jagged sole is definitely similar to many Camilla Skovgaard styles.

The 80%20 Bernie for $198 at Karmaloop.  Coupon code SAVE20 takes 20% off and gives free shipping (expiration unknown) and that drops the price to $158.40.

The Very Volatile Warrior for $90 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Guess Owens for $138.95 with free 2-day shipping at Endless.  It comes in navy, red, black or gray.

Steve Madden Biing in taupe or black for $149.95 at Steve Madden.  Get free shipping with coupon code SMFREESHIP at checkout.

Seychelles Romance for $140 at Karmaloop.  Coupon code SAVE20 takes 20% off and gives free shipping (expiration unknown), making them $112.

Nine West Buren for $138.95 with free 2-day shipping at Endless.  It also comes in black and dark brown.

Bamboo Humble 05 OTK boot for $46.50 at LuLu’s.

For even more options, check out the military shoe picks at Shoes.com, Piperlime and Steve Madden.

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook!  Hit “Like” at the top of the page.

I’ve been checking out the latest H by Halston shoes at Bakers and, I must say, they are offering some really cute, on-trend styles for fall at prices that won’t totally break the bank.  The line, which is exclusive to Bakers, is a collaboration with design house Halston and it was launched in May of this year.  The H by Halston Stella was the first style produced and it closely replicates the look of Sarah Jessica Parker’s gold, crystal-encrusted Christian Louboutin heels from Sex and the City 2, which she wore with a $325 white Halston Heritage dress.  That was one of the standout looks of the movie and the SATC connection makes even more sense considering Sarah Jessica Parker took on a design role with Halston for their Halston Heritage label earlier this year.  The H by Halston Stella is still available for $79.95 in gold, silver and multi glitter and in brown, white and black leather, but let’s take a look at the new styles for fall:

This is the H by Halston Maria, which appears to be inspired by the Isabel Marant Otway.  There have been plenty of knockoffs and lookalikes for this particular style from the likes of Jeffrey Campbell and Rosegold, but I like the tall, skinny heel (over 5 inches!) and the higher studded shaft of this version, which is priced at $139.95.

The H by Halston Naomi is an ever-versatile platform pump with stud detail that could quickly become a go-to staple in anyone’s shoe collection.  It also has a super-high, over 5″ heel, but the 1.5″ platform helps to balance it out.  I like the tan distressed leather version, but it also comes in silver or black, each for $89.95.

The H by Halston Beverly has a silhouette we’ve been seeing a lot of lately.  It’s a cutout wedge style with a sprinkling of small studs on the heel.  I think the green version is a great color for fall, but it also comes in black or brown.  It’s priced at $89.95.

The H by Halston Gloria combines a glitter platform with a satin upper for a distinctive dressy look.  The style pictured above is a taupe/blush version, called “Ice”, with a multi-colored glitter heel.  You can also get it in black, pewter or gold for $79.95 each.

The H by Halston Liza is an over-the-knee boot in suede.  While there are certainly a lot of over-the-knee boot options out there, the unique decorative metal detail on the heel of this pair helps it stand out:

This one is priced at $169.95 in black or taupe.

These are some of my faves, but you can see even more H by Halston styles over at Bakers.

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook!  Hit “Like” at the top of the page.

Giuseppe Zanotti is a luxury brand that is highly coveted for it’s modern, sophisticated styles, but anyone with these shoes on their must-have list must get past their price tag first.  Case in point: the Giuseppe Zanotti E00330 pictured above, which retails for a hefty $695.  Luckily, we’re in the midst of end-of-season sales right now and you can get this pair for just $209.32 at Amazon (in size 6 or 9 only, as of this posting) or for $334 at Zappos.  That’s quite a reduction, but there’s a similar option for those who want to spend even less:

This is the Steve Madden Charmmer and it’s clearly a lookalike for the Giuseppe Zanotti pair, although there are a few differences - particularly in the heel - making it more of an “inspired by” version than a true knockoff.  But, there is quite a difference in price: the Steve Madden version is $109.95 at Stevemadden.com and your total gets even lower when you apply coupon code rmn20f to get 15% off and free shipping.  That adjusts the total to $93.46 shipped and it comes in black or olive.

We bid farewell to the cast of MTV’s The Hills this week during their final episode and the after-show The Hills Live: A Hollywood Ending, which brought together the entire cast - even Lauren Conrad, but not Spencer and Heidi, who disappeared off the show earlier this season with no real explanation of where they went (besides Crazy Town, that is).  But, it was quite bittersweet for the show to be over and I, for one, actually liked the ending - the final scene where Brody and Kristin are saying their final goodbyes to each other after Kristin decides she’s moving to Europe. 

The background - which appeared to be a real outdoor locale in front of the landmark Hollywood sign - was pulled away and revealed to be a backdrop in the lot of a studio.  Then the cameras pan out to show all the behind-the-scenes action of the show: the cameras, the crew and the breaking down of the last scene.  Apparently, some people didn’t like the ending, but I appreciated the unexpected nod to all the speculation on whether the show was real or fake and the acknowledgement that it wasn’t all reality.  I think most viewers knew it was scripted - at least to some degree - and, let’s face it, a little drama engineering does wonders for the entertainment factor.  Of course, another part of the show’s appeal was checking out the fashion.  So, for my last The Hills shoes post, I’ll be checking out what designer shoes the ladies wore to the aftershow and, in the spirit of this blog, find lookalikes that cost much less.

The cast looked gorgeous at the finale and I had to notice that it was actually the dresses that took center stage this time around - no statement shoes that stole the show for the most part - but they wore the kind of shoes every girl should have in their closet: sexy platform heels in go-with-everything neutrals that serve to complement, not compete with, the entire look.  Let’s start with Kristin Cavallari:

I absolutely love Kristin Cavallari’s dress from The Hills finale, which is by Zuhair Murad and she paired it with Christian Louboutin Turbella 120 silver pumps, which were available at Net-A-Porter, but are now sold out.  I don’t see them for sale online anywhere else, but get a similar look with these: 

Nine West Every in dark or light silver for $29.95 (MSRP $78.95) at 6pm, plus 7 more color options (prices vary). 

Aldo Debellis for $75 at Aldo.  Coupon code 175926112 takes 10% off and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

Lauren “LC” Conrad may have exited the show before the final season, but she was back to celebrate during the finale and rumor has it that her taupe suede pumps are Aldo, specifically the Aldo Fawson for $49.98 at Aldo.com.  These are already affordable but, not surprisingly, close to being sold out in this color.  For more neutral suede heel options, check these out:

Nine West Marray for $88.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.  Spend at least $100 on qualifying back-to-school styles (this pair qualifies) and get an extra $20 off for a limited time.

Steve Madden Ultamit in taupe with berry colored sole on preorder at Steve Madden for $79.95 with free shipping using coupon code SMFREESHIP at checkout.

Whitney Port left The Hills for The City, but she definitely had a statement to make at the finale…with her shoes, that is.  Whitney nixed neutrals in favor of a bold and colorful cage style that had Jimmy Choo written all over it.  It’s the Jimmy Choo Quito multicolored snakeskin bootie and it appears to be sold out everywhere online.  These more affordable pairs convey a similar look:

Michael Antonio Jeana for $55.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Aldo Storino on sale for $64.98 (regularly $90) at Aldo.  Get 10% off using coupon code 175926112 and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

Pour La Victoire Bethanie 1 in teal for $137.17 with free shipping at Amazon.

Audrina Patridge dared to bare plenty of skin at the finale in her tight purple cutout Boulee Ciara dress, which you can preorder at Singer22 in fuschia or black for $198 (she’s actually wearing it backwards), and her black peep toe pumps.  Her shoes are identified by Coolspotters as the Brian Atwood Wagner, but I can’t find the exact pair online.  However, we always have more black peep toe pumps on the market and here’s a couple that I like for less:

Steve Madden Flawwles for $98.95 with free shipping at Shoebuy.  Get 20% off with coupon code SUMMER at checkout (expiration unknown).  Update: There’s only a couple sizes left, but 6pm has this pair on sale for $39.98 (sale price expiration unknown).

Paris Hilton Sashay in black for $69.30 at 6pm.

Lo Bosworth looked fetching in her white dress and her Christian Louboutin Mille heels completed her sophisticated look.  Get the exact shoes at Barney’s for $895 or spend less on something similar, like these:

Boutique 9 Disco for $79.99 at Nine West or for $96 at 6pm.

Stephanie Pratt pairs platform slingback YSL Tribtoo heels, similar to this one from Saks that is now sold out, with her skintight Herve Leger dress.  Here’s a lookalike option from Bebe:

Bebe Neve in black, blue or pink for $149 at Bebe.

Another option is the Zigi Project Pumped heel in blue or black at Bakers for $79.95.

Holly Montag wore a pretty white feather dress and closed toe black patent heels.  I’m taking a guess on her shoes, which could be Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, the Pour La Victoire Irina or none of the above (it’s hard to tell).  However, this pair is a nice option for less:

Aldo Moos for $54.98 - $75 depending on option selected.  Coupon code 175926112 takes 10% off and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

So, with that, we say goodbye to the cast of The Hills and all of the rumors, the drama, the black mascara tears, the boyfriend stealing, the name calling and cat fights, the voodoo crystals and plastic surgery, the lingering facial expressions, the ending and beginning of friendships - all of it - and, of course, the shoes.

Photos from MTV.com

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook!  Hit “Like” at the top of the page.

Don’t you just love a good Real Housewives reunion?  Host Andy Cohen always has his best game face on and the ladies are ready to rumble.  The recent Real Housewives of New York City Season 3 reunion special was no exception and there were plenty of theatrics to go around - and cute shoes.  The most noticeable shoes on the show came from feuding former BFF’s, Jill Zarin and Bethenny Frankel, who both hashed out their differences wearing brightly colored heels. 

Jill wore bright green shoes with a red sole, which we know is a sure sign that Christian Louboutin is in da house:

This is the Christian Louboutin Greissimo knotted pump in mint, which were sold at Barney’s for $895 but are no longer available anywhere online as far as I can tell.  You can still get the black version at Barney’s or at Bergdorf Goodman.  But, if you have your mind set on that pop of green in your shoe collection and you want it for less, try this pair:

The Aldo Orpin is a lookalike pair for the Louboutin Greissimo and it’s offered at a fraction of the cost.  Get it for $90 at Aldo and take another 10% off by applying coupon code 175926229 at checkout until 7/31/10 and shipping is also free for a limited time.

Glowing new mom Bethenny Frankel looked fabulous in her hot pink heels.  It was hard to get a good close look at these on the show, but I saw on Examiner.com that these are Alexander McQueen, specifically these patent platform pumps that were once available on Net-A-Porter.  But, I noticed in the Bravo reunion photos that Bethenny’s shoes are a peep toe style, so it appears that these are likely the pair she wore:

These are the gorgeous Alexander McQueen 216935 heart peep toe pumps seen at Zappos.  They are now sold out and I couldn’t find them anywhere else, but the same shoe in red is available at the Alexander McQueen website for $279.  For a much less expensive Alexander McQueen heart peep toe pump knockoff, try these:

These Heart Peep-Toe Patent Pumps are available at Frederick’s of Hollywood for $19.99, marked down from $39.  They come in red, hot pink or black.  Thanks to The Look 4 Less for the tip on those!

Photos from Bravotv.com

Chinese Laundry has an extra-good coupon available right now for use at chineselaundry.com, so it’s a good time to buy if you’ve been eyeing a pair from this brand.  Get 25% off any cute shoes they offer when you apply coupon code CLFAMILY610 at checkout.  That makes the Chinese Laundry Haughty in black (pictured above) drop from $89 to $66.75.  Of course, we love the versatility of black shoes, but a pop of bright color always goes a long way.  I’m finding the rainbow of color options available in this style quite cheerful (and tempting):

Of note, if you like the blue version, you can get them for less at 6pm for $53.40 and at Alloy for $49.99, but not many sizes are left.  Amazon has black and blue for $60.35.

I’m also checking out the Chinese Laundry Drastic wedge (pictured below), which comes in zebra, leopard, black, white or gold for $69.  After the coupon, you can get them for $51.75.

The coupon expires 6/14/10.

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook!

Did you know that today, March 20, is officially the first day of spring?  To celebrate the end of dreary ol’ winter and usher in a bright new season, I thought it would be appropriate to talk spring shoes trends today.  I’m not one to follow every trend to a T, but I certainly find it fun to keep up with and I take it into consideration when making my own shoe purchases.  I’ve been keeping my eyes out for the latest in shoes this season and, I have to say, there are many different accounts of what’s hot right now.  But, there are a few that stand out as being generally agreed upon and a few that I would consider shoe subtrends - i.e. those smaller, fringe trends that provide plenty of variety and help round things out.  So, without further adieu, here’s a rundown of the spring trends I’ve found and my favorite examples of the shoes that incorporate them:

Neutrals 

Neutral shoes were big last year and they are back again this year - and for good reason.  Neutral shoes go with virtually everything - including those little pastel sundresses that so don’t work with our dear friend black.  Even though metallic sandals provide a similar level of versatility, neutral shoes have a nice bare leg effect when you pick a pair that is similar to your own skin tone.  Some even say it has a slimming effect, which certainly doesn’t hurt either.

Go for a classic silhouette you’ll wear again and again with the Nine West Escher taupe peep-toe pump.  Endless has it for $78.95 with free overnight shipping.

Go for a little more drama in the design with the Chinese Laundry Lucky Strike, available at Shoes.com for $80 with free shipping.  Get 20% off with coupon code MSAVE at checkout, making them $64.

Feminine details

This is one trend I’m personally loving.  Shoes that incorporate details like ruffles, flowers, bows and lace bring out your girly side and just make you feel pretty.  You can’t go wrong with that.

Combine the neutral trend with feminine flowers in the Kelsi Dagger Belize, which is available at Piperlime for $135 with free shipping.  Can I say just how much I love this pair?  Yes, this is true shoe love for me.

Go for girly-with-edge in the ruffled Jeffrey Campbell Quarry with the infamous unicorn heel.  These are available at LuLu’s for $139.  I love these with the lace tights.

The ruffled and zippered Dollhouse Kirna is super-lovely and nicely affordable too.  Get the best price at Shoes.com, where they are available in black or fuschia for $50.  They drop to $40 when coupon code MSAVE is applied at checkout.  Endless has them in more color options - green, black, blue, pink and white - for $51.95 with free overnight shipping.

Wedges

Wedges are always in, but particularly so this spring.  I love wedges because they give you flattering height, but they tend to be more comfortable than skinny heels.  Plus, they work well with many spring looks and can typically be dressed up or down.

Combine the neutral trend and the wedge trend with the Sam Edelman Kyla, which is offered at Shoes.com for $149 with free shipping.  They drop to $119.20 when coupon code MSAVE is applied. If they don’t have your size, try Zappos for $149 with free shipping.

Combine the feminine detail trend with the wedge trend (and get a great deal to boot) with the SM Ven Rosette wedge in six color options for $39.95 at DSW.  Coupon code KCOOK34 takes $5 off, making them $34.95, and code FREESHIP gives free shipping (enter both at checkout).  Expiration for these codes is unknown.

Oxfords

The oxford jazz flat seems to big right now and, to be honest, I’m personally not a big fan of this trend because I don’t find it very flattering.  However, I have seen oxford flats look pretty cute with cuffed jeans, so it can work with certain looks.  If I were to apply this trend, I’d go for an oxford with a twist (and a heel) in this awesome pair:

Get a variation on the traditional oxford style with the addition of lace and a unique heel with the 80%20 Hope Oxford from the Ce Ce Chin Collection (find more available color options here).  You’ll combine the oxford trend and the feminine detail trend with this shoe, which is available at Karmaloop for $175.  Coupon code CLINTON takes 20% off, making them $140.  The coupon expiration is unknown.

White shoes

Piperlime lists white sandals as a hot trend right now.  To me, there’s nothing like an amazing white pair of shoes for spring and summer, but it can be tricky to find the right one.  There’s always a fine line between a hot pair of white shoes and one that comes across as a bit cheesy.  Here are some that I think fall into the hot category:

The Naughty Monkey Parade is one of Piperlime’s white shoe examples and I’m loving it too.  The brown straps and heel provide a nice contrast for the white base color.  Get it for $80 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Combine the white trend and the feminine details trend with the gorgeous Betsey Johnson Amorita.  It’s available at Endless for $185 with free overnight shipping.

I also like the white version of the Dollhouse Kirna mentioned above, which you can get for $51.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Tribal

Get a little wild this season with a tribal-influenced pair of shoes, which always add an exotic flair to your look.  Try out the trend with these pairs:

The Kelsi Dagger Grace has a tribal influence with its use of wooden beads, but it gets all dolled up with the addition of sparkling rhinestones.  Endless has it in 3 color options for $148.95.

Combine the tribal trend with the wedge trend in the Naughty Monkey Liggy, which has a dramatic printed heel.  Get it at Shoes.com for $85 with free shipping.  Coupon code MSAVE drops it to $68.

Clogs

Clogs are making a big comeback this year.  If you want a clog with a hefty dose of attitude, try this pair:

Steven by Steve Madden Durann for $149 at Shoes.com.  Coupon code MSAVE takes 20% off, making them $119.20 with free shipping.

Nautical

Get sailor chic this season with nautical-inspired shoes, which are clean, classic and fun to wear.

The Nine West Cawley in navy with cork platform and red heel will have you sailing into high style.  You can find this shoe at Endless for $88.95 with free 2-day shipping.

I’ll be covering any additional shoe trends I see in upcoming Hot Trends features, so stay tuned!

Note: The MSAVE coupon code for Shoes.com mentioned in this post expires 3/31/10.  All prices listed are subject to change.