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.

It can be hard to find a discount for Skechers Shape-Ups, which boast increased muscle toning and calorie burning with each step and have a rounded heel similar to MBT.  They retail for around $99-$110 and I’ve found that Kohl’s coupons normally work for Shape-ups (I’ve seen them as low as $79.99 after their 20% off coupon), but many other stores list them as a brand exclusion for any additional discounts.  But, I found a much lower price today at Metrostyle.  They have Skechers Shape-Ups in black/white or white/silver for $99.99 and you get another $40 off with their MSJAN53 coupon code for 40% off one item, which reduces them to $59.99.  The catch?  They are currently on backorder with an expected ship date of 3/3/10 and shipping adds a rather hefty $12.99.  Even with shipping and a bit of a wait, it’s still a great deal for anyone in the market for a pair of Skechers fitness shoes.  The coupon ends 2/22/10.

Update: It appears the Shape-Ups are back in stock at Metrostyle and coupon code MSPRING43 will take 40% off one item, making them $59.99, until 4/5/10.

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.

I’m definitely a fan of Naughty Monkey and their line of fun and unique shoes.  One new style I’m craving right now is the Naughty Monkey Me O My pump, which has that classic combination of black and white along with edgy details like studs and snake print.  I tend to wear a lot of black, grey and white, often mixed with a pop of bright color, and I imagine this pair would really add some extra flair to that kind of look.  You can get these at Shoemall for $69.95 and get another 15% off with coupon code NEXJUMP, making them $59.46.  They are also available in yellow or blue.

I’m also crushing on the super-hot Naughty Monkey Fiesta.  In contrast to the ‘Me O My’, this shoe would be perfect for adding that pop of bright color to your outfit and I’m loving the reptile print on the platform.  I also have a weakness for extra-small baby studs, especially the ones along the heel, so I’m seriously coveting this pair.  My favorite is the yellow version, which is sold at Endless for $80.95, but it also comes in brown, black or purple.  If you like the purple, Shoemall has it for $79.95 and you can use the above coupon for another 15% off, making them $67.96.

Update: Endless is almost sold out of the yellow Fiesta, but you can also get it at Nordstrom for $79.95.

Coupon expiration is unknown.

Cheap Chick was on the prowl again today (this birdie can not be contained) and she found several name-brand athletic shoes and boots for under $25 at Boscovs.  The prices are already super-low, but you also get an additional discount at checkout during their Extra Secret Discount Sale (psst…it’s another 10% off).  Here are a few examples of the savings you can get:

Madden Girl Tatyana for $24.99 (regularly $59.99) in black or brown.  At checkout, they drop to $22.49.

Skechers D’Lites for $23.99 (regularly $59.99), but just $21.59 at checkout.

Unionbay Stormie in black, camel or chestnut for $19.99 (regularly $49.99) before discount, $17.99 after.

Adidas Duramo in white/silver/pink for $27.50 (regularly $55).  They drop to $24.75 at checkout.

Keds Endeavor for $25.99 (regularly $64.99) and $23.39 at checkout.

Reebok Heel Side DMX for $24.99 (regularly $49.99) and $22.49 after discount.

See all boots on sale and athletic shoes on sale or check out all of the shoes for more options.  The extra discount sale ends 1/30/10.

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!

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!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday!!  I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family, eating a delicious Christmas dinner and exchanging gifts.  I have so much to be thankful for, including this blog, which I started a year ago and have had so much fun with.  I appreciate everyone who has followed and kept up with it and I’m definitely looking forward to another year full of cute shoes!

I’m taking a little vacay, up in a cozy cabin in the mountains, and will be sans computer and anything else technically-related for a few days after Christmas, so I won’t be updating the site during that time.  Yes, we all need to unplug and recharge our batteries once in awhile.  But, I will be back with a vengeance right before New Year’s and I’m totally looking forward to it.  Be sure to check back!

Before I go, I must say that I have visions of these shoes dancing in my head:

Jeffrey Campbell Tick in natural burlap for $169.95 at Solestruck

It’s a wedge…it’s a bootie…it’s a…wootie?  A bedge?  Whatever it’s called, I’m loving it.  The studs on the heel look like those little metal tacks you use on bulletin boards, but the way they just barely overlap makes them look slightly reptilian.

I’m also dreaming of a white Christmas:

Jeffrey Campbell Tick in white for $169.95 at Solestruck

I’ll be back soon!!

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!

We all need shoes for sweating it out, even if some of our best-laid plans for regular workout sessions can often be put on hold.  But, a great new pair of workout shoes can certainly motivate and Sears happens to be having an awesome athletic shoe sale right now.  It’s a BOGO deal that takes 50% off your second pair and it combines with coupon code SHOPONLINE, which takes 20% off any shoe order.  At the very least, it’ll keep the wallet lighter, right?

As an example, you can get the Skechers Starry in white/purple (above) for $29.99 and the Reebok Trail Wave (left) for $19.99.  Get them together and you’ll pay just $31.98 for both after discount, which is only about $16 a pair.

Shipping is free if you spend $49 or more.  Hurry, because the 20% coupon code ends today 11/10/09.  The BOGO sale ends 11/14/09.

MBT

You’ve probably heard of MBT shoes, the “anti-shoe” that replicates barefoot walking on soft, natural ground, which is supposed to provide a natural shock absorbing effect, increased muscle tone, better posture and more.  The health benefits touted by MBT shoes - along with similar fitness footwear like FitFlops, Skechers Shapeups and Earth Exerfit - are certainly impressive, but not entirely proven.  So, the question remains - do they actually work?  This article I found called Shoes That Help You Lose Weight? discusses the conflicting opinions on this subject.

TheraShoe

Not to mention, these shoes are quite expensive compared to most regular walking shoes or flip flops.  MBT shoes are usually in the range of $250, while Skechers Shapeups are typically $100 and FitFlops are $50-$60 (although I have seen FitFlops for $25 on sale).  If you’re already convinced of their fat-burning power, these shoes could most definitely be worth the money.  But, if you’re a bit on the fence, you might be glad to hear about an inexpensive MBT knockoff on the market called TheraShoe.  The TheraShoe website essentially boasts the same benefits as other fitness footwear, but they are sold at a fraction of the cost.  TheraShoe styles are sold exclusively at Kmart for $19.99 to $34.99 and there are a few different styles to choose from - sneaker, clog, bootie and even a flip flop that looks just like the FitFlop (but these are virtually sold out).  I can’t vouch for the differences in the more expensive brands versus TheraShoe, but it’s a good option for anyone who wants to give fitness footwear a try on the cheap.

Get an additional 10% off any shoes order at Kmart, including TheraShoe, using coupon code SHOES10P until 1/31/10.

Get this Keds Classic Mule for a low price…we’re talking really low.  Fashion Bug has this style for $5.98, which is already super inexpensive, but coupon code 776263907 takes another 20% off 1 item.  That brings the total to just $4.78.  They are sold out of navy and red, but you can get them in white or blue (light blue with white stripes).  Shipping adds $4.95.

They have more Keds for this price in their clearance section, although size selection is very limited for some styles.

I tend to favor shoes with uniquely decorated heels and this super-bright Wild Diva Vivian canvas wedge is no exception.  It comes in white, yellow and black and all would be great for when things warm up in spring and summer.  I especially like the black pair, which would add a nice dash of bright color to any little black summer dress or show off a little color in your heel when paired with jeans.  Get this style for $36.98 (retail $59) at Love My Shoes.  Shipping adds $5.95.

I’m smitten with this super-strappy and studded new arrival at Bebe, the Larissa Leather Sandal.  I’m all about getting things on sale and this pair is quite a splurge at $169, but getting a seriously hot new shoe for spring can be worth paying retail.  Plus, get free shipping by applying code ANEWDEAL at checkout.  Coupon expires 2/15/09.