DSW is offering a higher-than-usual discount right now that takes 30% off one regularly-priced item using coupon code SHOPMAY at checkout.  That’s super-sweet considering that certain shoes at DSW are already priced a lot lower than other online stores and another 30% goes a long way in stretching our cute shoe dollars.  As an example, the Seychelles Hulabaloo (pictured above) is priced at $79.95 in yellow, black or cognac and 30% off reduces it to just $55.97.  I haven’t seen it listed for less than $100 elsewhere, making this a fab bargain.  Love it! 

I also noticed that the coupon appears to work on Skechers Tone-Ups, the Skechers version of the FitFlop, and Skechers Shape-Ups.  The Skechers Tone-Ups Flip Flop above is $44.95 before the coupon and $31.47 after, while most of the Skechers Shape-Ups are $69.97 after the coupon ($99.95 before).  These fitness shoes are normally excluded from coupon discounts, but the code worked when tested.  To use the code, you must be a Rewards Member, which is free, and be sure to add second coupon code SHIPR for free shipping if your order is over $35.  Expiration: 5/23/10.

Since Earth Day 2010 is coming up tomorrow and it’s the 40th anniversary of the special day, I decided to turn the Star Designer spotlight on a brand-new line of eco-friendly footwear called Naya Shoes.  Naya, which is the Hindi word for “renewal” according to WWD, was officially launched on March 4 of this year by Brown Shoe, a company that operates Famous Footwear and Shoes.com and has a brand portfolio that includes Naturalizer, Via Spiga, Franco Sarto, Carlos Santana, Fergie and more. 

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Naya is the first company-owned (i.e. not licensed) brand launched by Brown in about ten years, so it’s definitely a rare venture for the company.  But the line is also unique because they’ve set out to make shoes that are cute, comfortable and environmentally friendly all at once.  It’s a tall order, but I have to say they’ve done a great job.  When I first came across a Naya pair, I definitely noticed the appearance of the shoe initially, which was exactly their intention.  Pat Hogan, general manager of Naya, tells the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that they were ”focused first on designing ‘beautiful’ shoes — and then looked for sustainable and biodegradable materials that could be used. The shoes are also created with comfort in mind.” 

According the the Naya Shoes website, they employ the use of the following materials whenever possible:

• Chrome-free or vegetable-tanned leathers
• Natural, organic or sustainable fabrics
• Heels made from sustainable bamboo
• Biodegradable latex foam cushioning
• Natural cork and rubber footbeds
• Outsoles made with recycled materials
• Nickel free metal buckles
• Recycled paper boxes
• Water soluble glues and cements

I’m definitely in support of shoes that can potentially benefit the planet and Naya shows that being fashionable and environmentally-friendly can go hand-in-hand.  I’m especially liking these styles:

Naya Atwood for $120 with free shipping from Shoes.com.

Naya Fowler in tan or black for $110 with free shipping at Shoes.com.

Naya Alamosa in red, black or taupe for $120 with free shipping at Shoes.com.

Naya Salida in brown, black or nickel for $110 with free shipping at Shoes.com.

Naya Timpas in yellow, green or brown for $124 with free shipping at Zappos.

Naya Arvada in white, red, brown or black for $124 with free shipping at Zappos.

Naya Arnelli in brown, white or black for $125 with free shipping at Shoes.com.

Naya Shoes are available at all of these online shoe stores, but it’s worth noting that if you purchase Naya from Shoes.com during the month of April, they will plant a tree for each pair.  Also, Naya will give away a free pair of their shoes if they reach 1,000 Facebook fans by April 22, and they’re really close to reaching that now, so be sure to become their friend and you just might score a pair for yourself!

Lord & Taylor is having a Friends & Family sale that takes 25% off most items sitewide, including their selection of women’s shoes, when you apply coupon code FRIENDS at checkout.  There’s no shortage of cute shoes to pick from, especially since the discount applies to both regularly-priced and sale shoes, but a few brand exclusions apply.  One of my favorites is a quite a splurge, but it’s gorgeous and so spring-ready, so I can’t help but love it.  It’s the Nanette Lepore Secret Love (pictured above) and it’s $355, but it drops to $266.25 after code.  Here are a few more of my picks from this sale:

B. Makowsky Anne in black or gold for $139 before code and $104.25 after (limited sizes).

Michael Michael Kors Juniper in brown or black for $150 before code and $112.50 after.

Nina Calinda braided wedge in gold or silver for $79 before coupon and $59.25 after.

Betsey Johnson Calandra in black or black/white for $150 before coupon and $112.50 after.

Born Cornflower in yellow, black or white for $95 before coupon and $71.25 after.

Nine West Consuela in pink or black for $89 before coupon and $66.75 after.

Sam Edelman Zoe in black for $350 before coupon and $262.50 after.

AK Anne Klein Marcella zipper flat in black for $59.99 before coupon and $44.99 after.

Shipping is free if you spend $150 or more.  The coupon expires 4/25/10.

I’ve been seeing plenty of really good shoe sales going on, so I had to round them up for those of you who may be shoe shopping this weekend.  If you’re craving a hot new pair of shoes, but need them to be light on the wallet too, check these stores out:

$5

$5

I have to start with Sears because they have some unbelievably low prices on their shoes right now.  Sears may not be first place we think of when buying shoes, but they do offer some well-known brands and - wow - these prices are insane.  They are taking an extra 50% off women’s clearance boots and when you look at the shoes, you’d think many of them are already marked down, but you actually get the extra discount at checkout.  Boots aren’t typically on the brain this time of year, but when they start at $2.50 after discount you can’t go wrong.  For example, the MIA Amore McBeavy moto boot (pictured above, at left) or the Laundry List Trishelle (pictured above, at right) are just $5 each.  Plus, there are plenty of other boots to choose from, many of which are under $25 before discount and $12.50 or less after.  Besides boots, Sears is also taking 30% off clearance shoes at checkout, including athletic shoes from brands like New Balance, Skechers and Adidas.  The sale ends 4/17/10.

American Eagle is once again taking an extra 30% off clearance items, including clearance shoes.  They don’t have free shipping this time around, at least not right now, but you can still get cute flats and sandals for very low prices.  I like the AE Leopard Sandal (pictured above left), which is a new arrival to the clearance section and is priced at $24.99 before discount and $17.47 after (originally $29.50).  We also had a commenter in my previous American Eagle sale post that said she was liking the AE Soft Ballet Flat in light blue (pictured above right).  It’s a great color and available for only $13.97 after discount (originally $29.50), although sizes are getting a bit limited.  The sale ends 4/20/10.

Nine West is having their Friends and Family Sale, which always means a sweet discount.  Get 30% off regularly-priced items by applying coupon code NWFRND4 at checkout and shipping is discounted to $5.  I’m loving the sandal featured on their homepage, the super-sexy Nine West Consuela for $89.  It’s available in 4 colors and you can get it for $62.30 after discount.  The sale ends 4/12/10.

Macy’s is having a Great Shoe Sale, which is a buy more, save more sale that takes 15% off 1 pair of shoes, 20% off 2 and 30% off 3.  Many sale items are also included, which is extra-nice since there isn’t a purchase minimum to get these discounts.  Gear up your spring and summer wardrobe with the shoes pictured above, (from left) the Chinese Laundry Block Party for $49, the Marc Fisher Sal for $89 and the Enzo Angiolini Fiama for $89.  You can get 15% off any one of these or 20% off any two, but the real savings come in when you buy all 3 for $158.90 rather than $227, which is $68 off (and kind of like getting a free pair).  Shipping is free on $75 or more with coupon code FIRSTSTEP until 4/17/10.  Sale expiration is unknown.

6pm has some weekend brand-specific super sales going on.  Get up to 65% off Steve Madden, up to 65% off HUGO Hugo Boss shoes, up to 65% off Cole Haan boots, up to 75% off Enzo Angiolini and more.  These sales end 4/11/10.

Shoe Woo, a new site that sells Jones Apparel brand shoes such as Nine West, Anne Klein, Enzo Angiolini and licensed brand Rachel Roy, takes 30% off any regularly-priced order at checkout during their first Friends and Family sale.  One of my faves, the Boutique 9 Val, is reduced from $199 to $139.30 with $5 shipping.  It’s expected to ship 5/11, but it also shows as being on backorder, so it’s possible there’s some additional delay.  The sale ends 4/12/10.

That’s all for now, but I’ll add more sales over the weekend if I see them.  Have a great one!

I love when American Eagle has a sale on a sale for clearance shoes, which is just what they are offering right now when you use coupon code 83461705 at checkout.  The code takes a generous 30% off clearance prices and there’s also free shipping on any order, no code required, which saves an additional $7.  Add it up and you’ve got a great opportunity to add some cute inexpensive flats to your shoe collection, which is primarily what you’ll find in their shoe clearance section.  With prices from $11.95 before discount, you can score a pair for as low as $8.37.  I’m liking the American Eagle snakeskin flat in red or yellow, both of which can add a nice dose of bright, sunny color to your look.  Both are priced at $19.95 (originally $29.50) and drop to just $13.97 with free shipping after code.

The expiration for this offer is 4/4/10.

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.

I think the Betsey Johnson Nina in cream is super-adorable, yet sophisticated, with its contrasting stripes and studded bow.  There was also a very appealing red, black and white version available at one time that appears to be sold out online.  You can get the best price on the cream pair at Heels.com, where it is on sale for $176.99 with free shipping, but few sizes are left.  Shoes.com also has them for $251.99 and coupon code MSAVE takes an additional 20% off, making them $201.59.  While this isn’t an outrageous amount of money, it’s still a big chunk of change for many of us and not always doable on a tight budget.

Enter the Not Rated In LA, which offers similar stripes - just in different colors - and a studded bow.  If given the choice (i.e. free reign to spend as much as I want), I would opt for the Betsey Johnson pair because they look higher in quality overall and I prefer the color scheme, but the Not Rated pair is definitely a cute alternative at a much lower price.  You can get this style in black or yellow at Shoes.com for $50 and the 20% off MSAVE code reduces them to $40 with free shipping.  There’s also a blue/white/red version available at Endless.com for $49.99 with free shipping.

Speaking of Not Rated, I saw this promo photo on Endless and had to find out which shoes were featured here:

And, you guessed it, they are from Not Rated as well (of note, Not Rated shoes are made by the same company as one of my fave brands, Naughty Monkey).  This is the Not Rated Inked:

These pump-boot hybrid shoes clearly look hot with boyfriend jeans and they’re nicely affordable too.  You can get these in black or cream for $60.95 (most sizes) with free shipping at Endless.  However, Shoes.com has them for $60 and the 20% MWAVE code drops them to $48 with free shipping.  They also have the yellow pair, which is now sold out at Endless.  Coupon expiration is unknown.