So…obviously it’s been awhile since I’ve updated the site.  I didn’t intend to stop posting, but the demands of life got pretty intense for me over the holidays: A project at work that required a lot of extra hours and family stuff basically took over.  But, it seems things have calmed down a bit and I really want to get back to something I love: shoes!  And talking about them on this blog!  I plan to get back into the swing of things and I thought answering some shoe questions I recently received would be a good way to start.  You may have noticed the gorgeous Enzo Angiolini Thaddea in purple pictured above - it’s a shoe I loved the first time I saw it, but I also posted it for a more specific reason:  I had a request from Jasmine on Facebook to help find purple / eggplant wedding shoes, preferably with some bling.  These are one of my favorite fancy purple pairs of the moment - I’m loving the feather and gem detail, not to mention the color - and they can be purchased at Lord & Taylor for $129.  Apply coupon code FINAL to get 15% off, making them $109.65 with free shipping (expires 2/7).  They are also available at Nordstrom for $119.95 with free shipping. 

I really like the Enzos, but I also realize that every bride is different in what they envision themselves walking down the aisle in.  Thus, we need options, options, and more options, which works out well because I never mind checking out more pretty purple shoes.  I think the Poetic License Spectacle in purple is a sweet choice.  It has a more classic vibe, but the all-over texture adds extra interest and the bow is bedecked in rhinestones for added bling.  Plus, the heel is just over 3 inches, which is quite moderate compared to many shoes available these days and may translate to additional comfort - avoiding foot pain is an obvious plus on the big day.  The Poetic Licence Spectacle is available at Endless for $60.23, down from $98.  If you spend over $100 on eligible styles, including this pair, you get 20% off through 2/14.

Here are some more dark purple heels I found, in various styles that range from classic to a bit more over-the-top dramatic (or somewhere in-between):

Steve Madden Bitter for $129.95 at Endless.  Get 20% off $100 on this style at checkout through 2/14/12.

RSVP Ramona for $53.40 with free shipping at 6pm.

Badgley Mischka Lissa in purple for $245 with free shipping at Zappos.

RSVP Fleur for $48.30 with free shipping at 6pm.

Bourne Susie for $140.51 with free shipping at Endless.

Paris Hilton Crystal for $99 at Macys.  Apply coupon code RED to get 20% off no minimum and free shipping on $99 or more (expires 2/5/12).

Isola Tate for $66.99 with free shipping at 6pm.

After a nice dose of purple bridal shoes, we’re going to switch gears to something completely different.  I had an email question from Shadae about the shoes above, which were pictured on Tumblr, and where to find them.  I actually recognized them right away because, well, this is the kind of shoe you remember once you lay your eyes on it. 

This is one of Jeffrey Campbell’s latest naughty creations, the heel-less, totally spiked out Jeffrey Campbell Shadow.  It’s definitely packing some serious edge for the fearless fashion lovers among us and can be found in black leather or patent at Karmaloop for $264 (no promo codes apply at this time) or at Solestruck in black leather for $264.95.

On a related note, Solestruck also offers the Jeffrey Campbell Prickly, a mary jane heel-less style in beige or black, for $219.95.

Have a great weekend!

I’m so happy it’s Friday, aren’t you?  In today’s Fun Shoes for Friday, I’m featuring not one, but two amazing shoes that I’ve talked about here on the blog and/or on Facebook before.  But, when there’s a new version of a style and it really stands out, it’s definitely worth another mention.  Like the Sam Edelman Roza, pictured above.  The Roza is very similar to the Sam Edelman Lorissa and it comes in many of the same colors, like nude and black, but it differs with its closed toe and higher 1″ hidden platform.  But, honestly, I’m posting about it today because of the color: the new ruby red suede version is gorgeous.  I love red heels anyway, but it’s even better that it’s a particularly on-trend shade right now and always a great color choice for the holiday season, making it a fierce party shoe option.  You can find it at Nordstrom for $224.95 with free shipping.  Update: You can also find this style at Karmaloop for $225 and get 20% off and free shipping with coupon code HTSauce or TREAT (expiration unknown).

I also had to point out these Aldo star heels again.  I recently professed my admiration for the first pair Aldo released in more muted tones, but they definitely took it up a notch in the glitz department with this version, which is covered in sequins.  Count me in.  You can find the Aldo Hafen at Aldo for $100 and apply coupon code getlucky75985 for 15% off (expiration unknown).

Have a great weekend!

I make no secret of the fact that I love shoes that are embellished with all things brilliant and shiny: glitter, rhinestones, crystals, and anything else with the potential to add extra glimmer and oomph to even the most basic of looks –kind of like jewelry, but for the feet.  So, today I thought I would highlight what I think is a fine speciman of the aesthetic: The Steve Madden Sparrkk ankle bootie.  We’ve seen a ton of peep toe pumps covered in the sparkly stuff, but what I love about this pair is that it comes in a very on-trend ankle bootie style (which has been less common, particularly in a more moderate price range), and it’s covered in rhinestones, which gives a very similar look to the shoes decked out in pricey Swarovski crystals, but for much less.  Not that these are exactly what you’d call affordable at $250, but it’s definitely a price that pales in comparison to, say, a Strass Louboutin that can run well into the thousands of dollars.  I’m guessing that this pair is likely much more sparkly in person too — I’ve noticed that shoes like this tend to be because photos don’t always catch all of the reflected light.  Hmm…maybe I can justify ordering them for myself just so I can let you guys know how much gleam they’re really packing (all in the name of investigative reporting, of course).  If you’d like to find out for yourself, you can get the Steve Madden Sparrkk on preorder at Steve Madden for $249.95 with an expected ship date of 10/31.

By the way, Steve Madden coupon code PREF20 will take 20% off your order.  I wasn’t sure if it applied to pre-order items, but it is working when applied in the shopping cart.  That makes this pair $199.96 (expiration unknown).

Update: Prefer a peep toe pump version?  Check out the Steve Madden Cycile in silver or rose gold for $159.95 at Steve Madden.  There aren’t many sizes left in silver right now, but you can also find them at Nordstrom for $149.95.

Oh wow, I am LOVING these skull booties from Iron Fist.  Clearly, these are ideal shoes for this time of year, with Halloween coming up and all, but skulls definitely aren’t relegated to the dark side (or costumes) anymore.  They’re much more mainstream in fashion these days, but still convey a certain edge.  So, wear them now to fit the Halloween theme and don them year-round whenever the mood strikes — it’s all good.  I also find that the studded cuff is reminiscent of those Isabel Marant booties that spawned a million knockoffs, but the skulls add extra kick.  I first spotted the Iron Fist Gold Star at Heels.com, where they are $99.99 with free shipping, but size selection is getting a bit low.  I also found them at the Iron Fist website for $90 in a wider selection of sizes.

When I first spotted the Jeffrey Campbell Lita with spikes, it was at Envishoes (which I posted about on Facebook) and I figured the combination of a cult fave like the Lita and the ongoing spike craze would certainly make it a quick sell-out.  My premonitions, however obvi they may be, were definitely on point — they not only sold out at places like Envishoes, Eilatan and Solestruck (only size 6 left on preorder), but they also went for upwards of $560 on eBay.  Wowza.  Whoever bought those may have been better off to hold off a bit because they are now at Karmaloop for $190, which is comparatively waaay less expensive.  Karmaloop still has a wide selection of sizes as of now but, of course, this could change at any time.  So, if you must have the spiked Lita, you might want to be quick on the draw.

Apparently, these spikes are actually sharp, unlike some spiked shoes that have more of a dull point (making them more bark than bite, you might say).  The Lita is already a pretty tough shoe on it’s own, but add sharp spikes to it and it becomes downright dangerous.  Proceed with caution, folks!

Note: Karmaloop currently exludes this style from any promo code discounts.

Update: The Lita is on preorder for expected shipment by 11/30/11 at Karmaloop.

Update 2: Akira also has the JC Lita Spike on preorder with an expected release date of 11/9/11.  They are priced at $189.90.

I had a request on Facebook to help find the studded shoes seen on Snooki on a recent episode of Jersey Shore Season 4 in Italy.  Nicole wore these boots when her boyfriend Jianni came for a visit (a very short one, I might add) and I also found out that she rocked them at a Matt Frisbie photo shoot back in March (pictured above).  These are definitely some hot boots but, let me tell you, it was quite difficult to track down the exact style.  It’s never easy when a shoe is featured on a show that films months before it actually airs.  Not to mention, if a shoe is out of stock at most major retailers, it’s even harder to find, unless you just happen to recognize them.  I looked and looked (and looked) and wasn’t having too much luck, but something told me to keep on trying.  After putting my magic fairy shoe wand into major overdrive, I finally found them!  Ahh…the thrill of the hunt:

This is the ZigiNY Jagger bootie in black denim and I found it at both Shoe Salon and Dotz Angels.  These are both local-based shoe stores that also sell online and they appear to have stock of the Jagger for $199.99 and $125, respectively.  I don’t have personal experience with either store, but I wanted to pass on the information to those who are interested.  I also came across a very similar alternative at Amazon:

This is the Michael Antonio Studio Metro boot and it’s available in blue, grey, black or red for $63.60.

Hope this helps Amanda!

Top image from remotecontrol.mtv.com

If you’re gonna sparkle, you may as well sparkle in many colors, à la this Bakers Maisie pump.  I think the mix of shades — mostly cool colors like blue and green with a bit of gold thrown in — is a nice combination and could work well with many different looks, from the jeans-cute-top ensemble to a cocktail dress.  Really, at this point, you can add sequin shoes to anything (ok, almost anything, let’s be reasonable) just to add a nice dose of shimmer to your look.  And given that Dorothy’s sequin ruby slippers may fetch two million dollars at auction, the price tag on this pair seems downright reasonable.  I know they aren’t red and they aren’t actually featured in The Wizard of Oz, but you can still click your heels three times in them if you really want to.  If so, find them at Bakers for $85 with free shipping.

TGIF!