Audrina Patridge of MTV’s The Hills was at a recent John Frieda and BCBG event rocking a hot pair of knotted wedge shoes with her purple and white dress.  Like this look?  Her shoes are the stylish and affordable BCBGeneration Belboa and you can find them at Shoes.com.  They are $99 in light clay (pictured above), flamingo pink or black and you get 20% off by applying coupon code VISA at checkout.  That’ll drop your total to $79.20 with free shipping.  Sizes in the light clay version are getting a bit limited, but they are also available at Zappos, Shoebuy and Shoemall, plus a few other stores.

Photo from Peoplestylewatch.com

I’ve been talking about the shoes Siobhan Magnus wears on American Idol quite a bit lately because, as a shoe lover, I tend to notice shoes on TV and I also think she has a unique sense of style that stands out.  While watching the Idol Gives Back show, where the contestants were dressed in all white, I saw that she was wearing this pair of cool pair of wedge shoes that have a heel cutout and a lace-up front:

I actually didn’t try to find these shoes, but while hunting for another pair, I happened to come across the Steve Madden Wyndi canvas bootie and instantly recognized them as the shoes Siobhan wore.  Or, at the very least, they are very similar:

You can find these kicks at stevemadden.com, where they are sold in 3 color options for $149.95.  Get free shipping by entering coupon code SMFREESHIP at checkout.

Photos from americanidol.com

Siobhan Magnus is definitely one of the most unique and talented contestants on American Idol this year and, although Crystal is my current fave, I think Siobhan is fun to watch.  Even if her performances don’t always hit the mark for me, she certainly knows how to stand out.  In addition to her singing (and infamous “screaming”), she also distinguishes herself from the crowd through fashion.  Siobhan’s style on the show is quirky and eclectic - she definitely has an 80’s vibe going on and it’s mixed up with a little urban edge (she wore Missy Elliot boots on a previous show) and a bit of geek-chic with her Molly Ringwald-esque glasses and hair.  This past week, during the Elvis show, I definitely took notice of her super-strappy white wedge shoes (pictured above) and I had set out to find them.  My first thought was Jeffrey Campbell, but I couldn’t locate the exact pair.  However, I did find one that is very similar:

It’s called the Jeffrey Campbell Polish and it’s on sale for $119.95 (originally $169.95) at Solestruck.  I’m not sure if this shoe was ever made in white and I noticed Siobhan’s pair had rhinestones (or something similarly shiny) across a few of the straps, so it could be a totally different shoe.  Then again, it could be a version of the Polish that will be available for sale in the future.  After all, you never know what kind of pre-sale hookups the American Idol stylists have, but we’ll have to wait and see.

In the meantime, here are some more lookalikes for Siobhan’s shoes:

Aldo Gutenson in gray or black for $100 at Aldo.com.  Coupon code 142434083 takes 10% off (expiration unknown) and shipping is $5 or free if you spend over $100.

Steven Reana in taupe or black for $129.95 at Steve Madden.  Use coupon code SMFREESHIP for free shipping.

Jeffrey Campbell The Ember for $118 at Karmaloop.  Coupon code CLINTON takes 20% off (expiration unknown).

Aldo Blandon in taupe or black for $100 at Aldo.  Coupon code 142434083 takes 10% off (expiration unknown) and shipping is $5 or free if you spend over $100.

On a related note, you can read more about the American Idol women’s stylist, Soyon An - and how she works with a $400 per contestant per week budget - over at StyleList.  Soyon often finds items from affordable stores like Aldo, Bebe and Forever 21 for the outfits you see on the show.

Update: I found out in the American Idol style section that the pair Siobhan wore on the show was originally black, but it was customized to white with a lightning bolt to complete her look, so it appears the shoe may have been the Polish after all!

Photo from Examiner.com

Wedding season is coming up and, if you’re a bride-to-be planning the big day, you want everything to be just right - down to the last detail.  The pictures here are from my own wedding, which looked and felt just like a fairy tale to me and was certainly one of the best, most memorable days of my life.  All of the planning, work and preparation was totally worth it for that one special day. 

Of course, the centerpiece of any wedding is THE dress, but brides need the perfect accompaniment to complete their look: a  beautiful pair of bridal shoes.  It’s always been highly popular to wear head-to-toe white and match the shoes to the gown, but I love that today’s brides are getting increasingly creative with their look - especially when adding a dose of color, like Gwen Stefani did with pink in her Dior gown and singer Pink with black in her Monique Lhuillier.  Even if you wear a classic white dress, you can always opt for a nice pop of color in your shoes in lieu of metallic and white options.  My own gown was floor-length, so my shoes didn’t really show, but of course I had to find myself a pretty heel to wear anyway:

I really did love these silver flower-adorned ankle-strap heels (sorry for the small pics) and while many of us sacrifice comfort for style from time to time, I have to admit these ended up being quite uncomfortable - even for a nice stroll down the aisle - and I ended up ditching them during the reception for a pair of sequined blue flip flops.  There’s no harm in doing something like that if your dream wedding shoe is less than comfy, but here’s a word of advice: Don’t forget (like I did) to walk around in your shoes before the wedding, break them in a bit and bring a back-up if you don’t think you can dance (or walk) the night away in them. 

As it turns out, I wore my wedding shoes only once and then my sister wore them for her own wedding a few years later as her “Something Borrowed” item.  So far, they seem to have brought us both plenty of luck and happiness! 

Now, let’s look at some currently available wedding shoe options in a wide variety of styles and price points for anyone planning their own bridal look (or for brides who may need a little shoe inspiration!).  I think these bridal shoes will make the very first step into married life completely gorgeous:

Metallic bridal shoes:

The very princess-esque Pelle Moda Indulge in pewter, bronze or black for $184.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

The ALDO Vanancio in silver or black for $90 at ALDO.  Coupon code 99029324 takes 10% off until 1/30/10.

The glam Pelle Moda Verbena in gold, pewter, silver or black for $184.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

The Pelle Moda Limbo in pewter, bronze, black or champagne for $154.90 - $154.95 depending on size/color selection at Amazon.

Glitter bridal shoes:

H by Halston Stella silver glitter pumps for $79.95 exclusively at Bakers Shoes.  These are also available in gold glitter, multi glitter and brown, white or black leather.

Steve Madden Caryssag for $129.95 with free shipping at Zappos or for $139.95 with free shipping via code SMFREESHIP at Steve Madden.

The Colorifics Gala in silver glitter or gold multi-colored glitter for $56.45 at Shoebuy.  Get another 20% off with coupon code BDAY, making them $45.16 with free shipping.  Coupon expiration is unknown.

The Stuart Weitzman Avalon for $355 at Jildor.

A style Taylor Swift once wore, the Report Signature Carleton silver glitter heel, which is available in limited sizes at Heels.com for $179.99.  Coupon code NEWYEAR takes 15% off $150, making them $152.99 with free shipping, until 2/15/10.

The Miss Me Whitney for $39.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.com.

White and ivory bridal shoes:

Pre-order the Martinez Valero Ophelia with rhinestone bow for $175 at the Martinez Valero website.  It comes in white or ivory and is expected to ship in February.

Also at the Martinez Valero website is the Martinez Valero Olivia in white, black or ivory with passementerie trim.

The ruffled RSVP Henny in ivory for $73.83 with free shipping at Zappos.

Here’s a fabulous discount on the Cole Haan Ceci Air Rose Slingback.  It’s normally $428, but marked down to $192 at Neiman Marcus.  The other stores I’ve seen that carry it still list it at full price right now.

A stand-out in floral, the Nina Critia in ivory, white and nine other color options (hello, bridesmaids!) for $99 at ninashoes.com.

The sophisticated Badgley Mishka Randall in white, silver or black for $200 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Champagne & pink wedding shoes:

Badgley Mischka Randee in pink, gold, black or white for $215 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Paris Hilton Senorita in pink, red or black for $93 with free shipping at Zappos.  Also available at Shoes.com in gold, pewter, grey or black for $97 with another 15% off using coupon code SNOW until 1/31/10, making them $82.45. 

Luichiny Gim Me in champagne for $68.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.  Also available in teal, black, red, brown and purple.

A statement heel for a statement bride, the Pelle Moda Bryce in champagne or black for $127.16 with free shipping at Zappos.

Now, for any brides who want to fulfill their “Something Blue” requirement with a pair of blue bridal shoes, here are some options to consider:

Blue wedding shoes:

*See more blue bridal shoes in a post added 7/6/10*

Fan of Sex and the City?  Get Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding style with a Manolo Blahnik Something Blue knockoff, the Martinez Valero Zenith in blue.  It’s offered for a really great price at DSW, where it’s $79.95 (black and silver also available).  Update: DSW is sold out in blue, but Zappos has a few sizes left for $164 and Sears has several sizes for $154.99.  For another another Manolo Blahnik Something Blue lookalike, try the RSVP Zaza for $99 at Zappos.

Here are more wedding shoes in blue:

Fergie Safra in blue, black or red for $89 with free shipping at Amazon.

MIX NO. 6 Onyx in blue or black for $39.95 at DSW.  Update: DSW members get $10 off $49 by logging in to their account and getting the coupon code by 2/3/10, plus get free shipping on $35 using code NEWYR10 until 2/8/10.

Paris Hilton Regal in blue or grey for $95 at Shoes.com. Get 15% off with coupon code SNOW until 1/31/10, making them $80.75 with free shipping.

Update: I had to add this pair for a soft, pastel blue bridal shoe option.  It’s the Martinez Valero Vida for $153 with free shipping at Zappos.

To all brides in 2010, congratulations to you and I hope you’re wedding day is amazing in every way!

I was browsing the shoes at Newport News today and noticed these white and pink neon heels for sale.  Who did I immediately think of?  Mary-Kate Olsen, who donned a similar pop of pink in her Giambattista Valli Victoria shoes (which are named after Victoria Beckham).  Although Mary-Kate wore this style a few years back, it’s always been one of my favorite looks on her and a great example of neon done right.  Try a similar look this spring by pairing a white minidress with the Newport News neon heels, which are on sale for $29 (originally $39).  They are listed as ivory/pink, so it may be more of an off-white.  Apply coupon code 503 for another 25% off, making them just $21.75.  Coupon expires 1/22/10.

If you’re looking for a Giambattista Valli Victoria knockoff for a more exact replica of the look, InTheirCloset.com found an almost identical pair offered by Shiekh Shoes for $44.97.

It’s been pretty chilly here lately and, although I don’t like cold weather all that much, I’ve definitely been enjoying the rare bout of snow we received in my area - just enough for my husband and 4-year old to craft these cute mini snowmen.  Plus, when temperatures drop, I have to admit it’s nice to hole up in the house and get super-warm and cozy in front of our fireplace, donning my new Snuggie (thanks Mom and Dad!) and, of course, slippers.  Slippers are fun because you don’t wear them in public, so you can go all-out and be really playful with them or you can stick with a classic pair with a bit of stylish flair.  Whatever you prefer, I’ve found some slipper options that will do the job right.  Plus, we’re seeing plenty of good clearance sales, so you can save some serious money too.  Check these out:

Get animalistic in these Kirra Zebra Scuff Slippers on clearance at Pacsun for $9.99.  Get an extra 50% off at checkout, making them a mere $4.99.  Choose from black or pink.

These faux fur slipper booties are $8.99 at Aeropostale.  Coupon code 30JAN takes another 30% off clearance items, making these just $6.29.  Coupon expires 1/10/10.

Slip your feet into luxurious cashmere for less with these J.Jill Cashmere-Blend Slippers.  They are on sale in three color options for $39.99 (regularly $59).  Get another 25% off sale and outlet items at checkout until 1/10/10, making them $29.99.

These cute Knit Ballet Slippers from Lands End are on sale for $29.99 (originally $39.50) in five color options.  You can also save another 10% by using coupon code SAVE10 and PIN 7806 at checkout.  If you prefer a similar style in a mary jane, try their Knit Mary Jane Slippers for the same price.

Make your inner child happy in a pair of animal slippers.  These Aroma Home Ladybug Slippers are $26.95 at Shoebuy and coupon code ACCESS takes another $5 off, making them $21.95.  Other options include bumble bee, frog, pig and poodle.

These may not be the most highly affordable slipper option, but they are highly adorable.  The Giesswein Flower Ballet Slippers are $66 at Garnet Hill.

If you can’t deal with too much heat on the feet, try these Aeropostale Striped Rugby Slippers in red or pink.  These flip flop slippers give your tootsies room to breathe, but they are perfect for slipping on after a bath or shower.  Get them for $14.99 at Aeropostale.

During the current Macy’s One Day Sale, get the Jenni Boot, Peace, Love, Dream Bigfoot Slippers in light pink, dark pink or blue for $11.24.  Or, choose an aqua star or zebra print for the same price.  Not all colors are available in all sizes.  Sale ends 1/9/10.

These American Eagle Aerie Sherpa Slippers in red or pink are marked down to $9.95 at American Eagle.  Coupon code 56079843 takes another 15% off until 1/15/10, making them $8.46.  Shipping is free if you buy three or more items or spend over $100.

The American Eagle Aerie Slipper Socks (Slocks? Slickers?) are marked down to $11.95.  Use the above coupon code to discount your purchase another 15%.

The American Eagle Fairisle Slipper Boot is on sale in black or blue for $19.95 at American Eagle.  Use the coupon code above to get another 15% off.

The PJ Couture Minky Bootie is $26 in four color options at JCPenney. Get 15% off with coupon code PCNEWYJC at checkout until 2/1/10.

These Old Navy Fuzzy Slippers in pink, blue or white are just $12.50 at Old Navy.

I hope everyone stays toasty warm!

These $836 Yves Saint Laurent Divine eel platform pumps from Farfetch are certainly divine, as their given name suggests.  I’ve had a thing for eel ever since I was a young girl and my grandmother Millie, who was very elegant and had great taste, gifted me with a small, beautiful tan eel purse, which felt like pure luxury to me.  While eel skin may not be the most common leather people wear on their shoes, it is one of the most exotic and tends to impart an instant air of sophistication when worn.  It can also be quite expensive.  But, wearing eel shoes doesn’t have to break the bank.  Let’s take a look at a few gorgeous, but expensive, eel heels from YSL and some lower-priced eel shoes that provide all of the indulgence, but none of the guilt:

More: Yves Saint Laurent Eelskin Pump in chalk from the Cruise 2010 Collection for $775 at Nordstrom.

Less: RSVP Cassidy genuine eel pump in sand for $68.04 at Zappos.

Less: The RSVP Cassidy is also available in brown eel at Zappos for $62.72.

More: Yves Saint Laurent Eelskin Pump in coral from the Cruise 2010 Collection for $775 at Nordstrom.

Less: Moda Spana Simone eel pump in camel, dark brown or wine for $44.28 at 6pm.  Also available in very limited sizes at Overstock for $49.82.

Less: The Cindy Says Toxic pump, which is made of faux eel skin and has a very unique heel, which is described as “comma inspired” (who knew commas could be inspiring!).  It’s available at Amazon for $71.58 in mustard.  You can also get it in red or black for the same price, but sizes are extremely limited.

I’m also really hoping this Pelle Moda Vintage becomes available again.  It’s at Zappos for $115.08, but only in size 10, and I don’t see them available anywhere else.  If anyone knows where to get them, I need to know!