Cheap Chick is doing the happy dance because it’s Saturday and we’re finally having a beautiful warm day - a welcome break from the dreary, cold, icy weather that’s been prevalent here lately.  What else makes Cheap Chick happy?  Cute shoes on the cheap, of course.  So, before this little birdie goes outside to do…well, what chicks normally do (flitting around, chirping, pecking for bugs, etc.), she thought she’d round up some of the best brand name shoes for $25 or less.  All of these are offered by 6pm:

Dolce Vita 5125-51 in brown or black for $25 (MSRP $125).  Sizes are getting really limited, so snatch this awesome deal up quick if your size is available.

J.Renee Blaze in white or brown for $21.99 (MSRP $109.95).  Love the bead detail on these.

Hale Bob Cara in black for $19.80 (MSRP $99).

Enzo Angiolini Caitria in black for $17.80 (MSRP $89).

Steven Lalo in black leather and four other color choices for $25 (MSRP $125).  It looks like some of the color options are sold out.

Exchange by Charles David Acrobat in burgundy, black or brown for $15.40 (MSRP $77).

Via Spiga Taunt in brown, white or black for $19.80 (MSRP $99).

Jeffrey Campbell Anne in red, black or purple for $18.60 (MSRP $93).

Matiko Jane studded flat in black or off-white for $18 (MSRP $90).

Chinese Laundry Suzana in tan, brown or black for $14.72 (MSRP $73.60).

Schutz 34901002 in black or tan for $17.94 (MSRP $89.70).

Two Lips Lori in black, bronze, brown or white for $15.18 (MSRP $75.90).

Shipping adds a flat $6.95 to your order.  Please note that availability and prices can change at any time.

The Jeffrey Campbell Tick is definitely one of those shoes that invokes a strong reaction.  From what I can tell, it’s a “love it or hate it” kind of style with not much in-between.  And those who love it, well, they really love it.  Just check out the blogs of Jeffrey Campbell and Solestruck, who report the frenzy of emails and calls they’ve received about this shoe and it’s availability.  Personally, I’m a fan - I sang the praises of the white and burlap versions in my Christmas Eve post.  I can see why it might be a bit extreme for some people, but that’s what makes it such a statement-making, head-turning kind of style.  I also love interesting details on the heel of a shoe and the series of small metal tacks used all over the wedge of the Tick definitely qualifies as unique.  We’ve seen this pair in black, white and burlap so far and Solestruck reports that a zebra version will be available soon.  We also now have a tribal Jeffrey Campbell Tick, which is exclusively at Karmaloop and available for preorder now:

Karmaloop notes in their blog that the Tick Shoe in Tribal appears to be inspired by the Givenchy Spring 2010 collection.  At first glance, I wasn’t too sure about the busy design on these, but I tend to like the Tick better when I see it actually being worn.  I can imagine the possibilities much more with this photo:

Yes, I think there are plenty of little black dresses out there that need an infusion of this wild, untamed style.  If you love.want.need the tribal Tick for yourself, head over to Karmaloop and get them for $150.  Apply coupon code XOXO for another 20% off, which makes them $120.  Coupon expires 2/16/10.

Update 2/20: It looks like Karmaloop is currently sold out.

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:

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:

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 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.  If DSW doesn’t have your size, the Martinez Valero website has it for $159.  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!

You may want to squeeze another pair of boots or two into your wardrobe before spring hits, but it’s also the time of year when you want a really great discount, considering warmer weather is right around the corner (something hard to believe at the moment…brr).  Luckily, Cheap Chick got the urge to prowl around for some women’s boots under $25 today and she spotted a nice selection at Boscovs, even some boots under $20.  Here are a few she found, all of which make for cute, but highly affordable boot basics:

Unionbay I Love Peace boot for $24.99 (originally $49.99)

Nickels Soft Bitelle boot for $24.99 (originally $59.99)

New Attitude Crockett for $19.99 (originally $59.99)

Rampage Farah boot for $24.99 (originally $49.99)

Unionbay Stormie boot for $19.99 (originally $49.99)

LifeStride Sonoma for $19.99 (originally $69.99)

You can also check out the rest of their women’s boots on sale to find bargains that are over $25 (thus falling out of Cheap Chick territory, but good deals nonetheless), like the Madden Girl Tatyana flat knee-high boot for $34.99 (originally $59.99).  Sale expiration is unknown.

See all cute cheap shoes under $25 posts.

You might also like the Cute shoes & boots under $20 at American Eagle post, which features leather boots under $20.

I’ve definitely developed a serious addiction to The Real Housewives series on Bravo.  It started out innocently enough - I didn’t even watch the first OC season when it originally aired, but started catching up on re-runs and subsequent seasons, then started watching the Atlanta, New York and New Jersey seasons - and now it’s full-blown, can’t miss TV complete with in-between-season withdrawal.  Sure, there are plenty of situations on the show designed for maximum drama - like those frequent get-togethers with the cast, even those that don’t get along, just to see what happens (wig-pulling, table-toppling, that kind of thing) - and the ladies certainly play things up for the camera, but you get the sense that they are being pretty real and they definitely entertain.  Plus, they all love their fashion.  That’s why it was fun to see a recent In Touch article called In Their Closets, which gives a peek into the personal wardrobes of Teresa from New Jersey, Gretchen from Orange County and Kim from Atlanta.  They each have their own unique sense of style, so who do you identify the most with fashion-wise?

I think I’d have to say Gretchen Rossi, whose bubbly, effusive personality has really grown on me this season (lay off already Tamra!).  She describes her look to In Touch as “very girlie-girl, very bedazzled, very glamorous” and she proves her point by wearing a super-sparkly sequined mini dress in magenta, which she calls “fantabulous”.  She wisely pairs it with nude Christian Louboutin heels that are super-sexy, but allow the dress to shine.  They look similar to this pair:

Christian Louboutin Lady Claude in nude for $745 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Here are some lower-priced nude heels: 

Nine West Bonfire pump for $88.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless

BCBGirls Ariel for up to $89.95 depending on size selected at Amazon.

Gretchen also holds two of her shoes in the mag and I definitely recognized one of them right away.  It’s this pretty pair:

The Bebe Bella Lace Sandal, which is $149 at Bebe.com.  Buy 1 full-priced item, get 50% off a second item using coupon code GET50OFF until 12/20/09.  Or, get 15% off $100 or more with code 15OFF100 until 12/24/09.

The other pair is a black satin heel with a decorative rhinestone ornament on top.  I’m not sure of the exact pair, but these shoes have a similar look:

Badgley Mischka Elia for $200 with free overnight shipping at Endless.com.

Nine West Fancywork for $89 at Ninewest.com.  Get $20 off $75 with coupon code NWHOLD9 (exp. unknown) and shipping is free.

This pair looks like the shoe version of Gretchen’s sequin dress:

Betsey Johnson Kanata on sale for $152 (reduced from $200) at Zappos with free shipping.

Update: See the pair that looks like Gretchen’s ALDO boots from Watch What Happens Live.

Let’s move on to Teresa Giudice, who shows off a wide array of shoes in her closet.  Teresa has a sophisticated style, but she likes to keep up with the very latest in fashion.  She tells In Touch, “Lots of people buy classic items, and they keep them forever.  But I’m more trendy, so my stuff sometimes goes out of style.”  She also likes to keep things spicy - we see plenty of zebra, leopard and other animal prints in her wardrobe, along with plenty of bold colors and prints.  Here are a few shoes seen in Teresa’s closet:

Christian Louboutin Lace Bootie for $1,785 at Neiman Marcus.  I couldn’t see the back of the shoe, so it could be the leopard Christian Louboutin Bridget for $1,795 at Barney’s (only 1 size 10 left right now).  This is definitely the “it” shoe of the moment.  Update: Check out the Christian Louboutin Bridget lookalike shoe that I found for much less.

Pelle Moda Vino for $180 with $5 shipping at Jildor. 

Miss Sixty Callista for $75.60 at 6pm. 

Here are some shoes inspired by Teresa’s style:

Sergio Zelcer Covos Peek Toe Pump for $182.95 at Endless

Naughty Monkey Chiller in zebra for $74.90 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Wet Seal Metallic Pink Heel for $24.50 at Wet Seal.

Two Lips Gypsy Lace Platform Bootie for $69.95 at DSW.  Members use code SNOWMAN at checkout for free shipping on $35.

Last, but certainly not least, is Kim Zolciak, who always goes all out with fashion and prefers a luxe look with plenty of bling and sex appeal.  She tells In Touch that she owns a whopping 1,000 pairs of shoes and that her favorite brand is, not surprisingly, Christian Louboutin.  She says, “They are so uncomfortable, but they’re so hot, so I love them.”  She likes to mix it up with other high-end names too - I spotted the same Louis Vuitton heel that Leighton Meister wore to the Met Ball, another Louis Vuitton tribal-look heel that may be this shoe from Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear, her red and gold feather shoes (I think these are Louboutin, but not sure), the Louboutin glitter heels, and the YSL Tribute Platform Mary Jane, which is not available for sale online, but you can see a pic over at FabSugar.  Clearly, these are amazing shoes, but not readily available at prices most people can afford, so here’s a few “inspired-by” pairs:

Miss Sixty Jessica for $99 with free shipping at Zappos.

Martinez Valero Brit for $148.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Stuart Weitzman Avalon silver glitter heel for $355 at Zappos.

Pleaser Dolly for $39 at Amazon.

I’m looking forward to tonight’s episode, are you?

Show photos from Bravotv.com

Kohl’s has a new coupon for 15% off any purchase using code EXTRA15OFF or 20% off $100 with code BUYSAVE20.  I just checked and the code does discount Skechers Shape-Ups in addition to their other shoes, which include brands like Candies, New Balance, Nike, Adidas and more.  The Skechers Shape-Ups Optimize in tan is on sale for $99.99 (reduced from $109.95) and the 15% off coupon code takes another $15 off, making them $84.99 with free shipping.  You can save more if your order is over $100, making it eligible for the 20% discount.  Coupons expire 12/12/09.

*See the latest Skechers Shape-Ups discounts.*

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!

I’m definitely feeling the shoe love for this pair, the Naughty Monkey Resurrection.  I’m all about the tough-chick, edgy look we’ve been seeing everywhere, but sometimes a delicate, girly pair is the only thing that will do - and this pair is most certainly feminine.  In particular, if you’re a bride-to-be looking for champagne pumps for yourself or your bridesmaids, this would be a gorgeous choice.  But, even if you’re not walking down the aisle anytime soon, you can still dress up your feet in satin, sequins and ruffles just to feel pretty - for any occasion.  For additional color options, check out the wine and black versions:

You can get this pair at Shoemall for $74.95.  Apply coupon code 15AMAZON for an additional 15% off at checkout, making them $63.71 with free shipping.  Coupon expiration is unknown.

Double dip your discount on designer shoes this weekend at Bloomingdales.  They have a selection of shoes that are an additional 25-30% off (discount taken at checkout from lowest price shown) and you also get an extra 20% off if you buy two or more pairs via coupon code SHOESALE20.  Here are a couple deals up for grabs:

Get the L.A.M.B. Raina for $248.50 (normally $355) and the L.A.M.B. Randi for $241.50 (normally $345) after the 30% off discount at checkout.  Get another $98 off if you buy both pairs and apply the coupon code, making the total $392 (taxes are extra).  Shipping is also free on $300, which saves another $24.95.  Total savings: $332.95

After 30% off, the Boutique 9 Darcy studded pump is $111 (originally $160) and the Boutique 9 Ramiro is $111.30 (originally $159).  Get both pairs for $178.64 after coupon.  Shipping and taxes are extra.

The coupon can also be applied to any order of two or more shoes sold at Bloomingdales.  The coupon expires 11/2/09 and the 25-30% off shoe sale expires 11/16/09.

Newport News is offering 20% off coupon code 558 for two days only, which can be applied to regularly-priced and clearance shoes.  This results in some super-low prices, especially since the clearance pairs are virtually all shoes under $20 before the discount.  The Newport News glossy red patent pump (pictured) is $17.99 before coupon and just $14.39 after.  Sizes are limited for many clearance styles, but you can choose your size at the top to see what’s available.

Another pair that caught my eye is this pretty champagne satin pump with rosette detail.  It’s on sale for $49, but you can get it for $39.20 after coupon.

Coupon expires 10/31/09

Bloomingdales is having a Fall Markdowns Sale that takes 30% off select items, including a selection of designer shoes.  There’s over 40 pairs from names like Elizabeth and James, L.A.M.B., Pollini, Corso Como, Marc by Marc Jacobs and more.  A 30% discount takes a pretty hefty chunk off the price tag for shoes in this price range, so I thought I’d turn my handy spotlight on and highlight a few of the deals:

L.A.M.B. Rae Floret Pump for $227.50, discounted $97.50 from the original $325 price

L.A.M.B. Randi Ruffle Peeptoe Pump for $241.50 , discounted $103.50 from the original $345 price

Elizabeth and James Jazz Pump for $227.50, discounted $97.50 from the original $325 price

Miss Sixty Jessica Platform Leather Pump for $104.30, discounted $44.70 from the original $149 price

Elizabeth and James Send D’Orsay Wedge for $252, discounted $108 from the original $360 price

See all other eligible shoes.  Sale expiration is unknown.

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.

Until the end of today, get 30% off regularly-priced items at BCBG.com, including their selection of women’s shoes, when coupon code MOSTWANTED09 is used at checkout.  They have a plentiful selection of sexy, strappy and color-blocked styles to choose from.  Included in the mix is this super-hot BCBGMAXAZRIA Gilly, which is $192.50 after discount and very on-trend with its neutral color and pop of pink in the heel.  Expiration: 3/27/09

Update: The coupon code has been extended to 3/29, plus all orders now get free shipping automatically in-cart until 4/16.

This is definitely a gorgeous nude platform pump and the color will allow for some serious multitasking in any wardrobe.  Wear it to work with suits or tailored pants or glam it up with a little black dress, a look Angelina Jolie favors.  You don’t have to pay a lot for the Nine West Rocha right now during Macys One Day Sale, which marks the pair down to $29.62.  The sale ends 2/21/09, when they will likely return to their previous $39.50 price.

These Annie Adell Champagne Pumps are an ideal special occasion shoe because of their neutral, go-with-everything color, plus a nice dose of sparkle.  I think the rhinestone-covered lattice detail on the vamp is really pretty.  This pair is offered in medium or wide width by Shoe Trader for $49.99.  For 2 days only, get an extra 25% off one item when you apply coupon code 943357 at checkout, bringing the total to $37.49.  Shipping is free and they also come in black or red.  Expiration: 1/29/09