I spotted Claire Danes in head-to-toe Valentino while browsing through the latest US Weekly and I had to take note of how gorgeous she is here.  Claire, who donned this look while in Paris to attend the Valentino show, is wearing a romantic, ultra-feminine ruffled dress and she toughens it up just a smidge with these shoes:

The Valentino Studded T-Strap Pump is a sophisticated pump with a nice dose of edge courtesy of the pyramid studs, which look like small spikes.  This is a great way to apply to current spike trend we’re seeing everywhere, including on shoes, in a much more subtle way for those times when a more elegant look is in order.  You can splurge and get the Valentino pair for $895 at Nordstrom (currently on pre-order), but we also have some similar, less expensive shoes as an alternative:

The Boutique 9 Zola in grey or black for $150 at Nine West.  Shipping is free on $50 or more for a limited time.  Or, get them at Endless for the same price with free overnight shipping.

The Charles David Techie for $138 in champagne or $115 in black (MSRP $230) at 6pm.

The Pour La Victoire Danya in whiskey on sale for $104 (list price $285.95) at Amazon.  This pair doesn’t have spikes, but the t-strap design and raised pyramid studs make it a viable option.  It’s also available in black or red and the price depends on the color/size combination selected.

Image from peoplestylewatch.com

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We haven’t seen our friend Cheap Chick in awhile, but she decided to pop out of her shell today in the name of cute shoes that won’t break the bank.  If you’ve been to this site before, you know that Cheap Chick is the resident bargain-hunting birdie at this shoe blog and her sole mission is to find shoes under $25.  Sure, she looks pretty tame, but be warned: she gets downright predatory when it comes to low-priced shoes, especially brand name pairs that normally cost much more.  Here’s what she hunted down today:

Smartbargains is having a Shoe-A-Thon, which works out quite well for this Cheap-A-Thon because they have a selection of nearly 50 shoes from brands like Fergie, Carlos Santana, Franco Sarto, Matisse and Harajuku Lovers marked down to just $19.  Sizes and color options are limited for some styles, but I like the Harajuku Lovers Kalista pictured above.  It’s still available in a wide selection of sizes and comes in silver, black or brown (color availability depends on size selected, some are sold out).  The sale ends 8/14/10.

6pm has the Madden Girl Maci in black with zipper accents marked down to $24.95 (MSRP $54.95).

6pm also has the Not Rated Beadster wedge in tan for $23.99 (MSRP $39.99).  It comes in black as well, but it’s almost sold out.

Shoemall has the Yellow Box Biloxi flip flop marked down to $29.99 (originally $37.95) and coupon code BK2SCHOOL takes 20% off until 8/17/10 and that reduces them to $23.99 with free shipping.  The similar Yellow Box Fusion is marked down to $23.99 and the coupon drops them to $19.19.

Also at Shoemall, the Avia A5020W running shoe is marked down from $44.95 to $28.99. The same coupon code listed above will make your total $23.99 with free shipping.

Victoria’s Secret has the Colin Stuart Patent Platform Sandal marked down from $58 to $24.99.  It looks like gold and black are the only colors available at this point depending on the size selected.  Use coupon code FREEVSSHIP for free shipping on 8/12/10 only.

Victoria’s Secret also offers the Colin Stuart Studded Sandal for $24.99, reduced from $75.  It comes in natural, brown or black depending on size selected.  Use the above coupon code for free shipping today only.

6pm has the RSVP Erinn in black, fuchsia, navy or white for $20.25 (MSRP $75).

6pm also has the RSVP Nell with teardrop peep toe in red, black, navy or grey for $23.22 (MSRP $85).

Aeropostale is having their Friends and Family sale that takes 30% off your order when you apply coupon code FFAUG at checkout until 8/15/10.  They have a few flip flops and sneakers in their footwear section, but I like the slippers.  These Aeropostale Striped Rugby Slippers are $14.99 before the code and $10.49 after.  Five other color options are available.

Please note that prices on any of the above shoes can change at any time and availability may be limited.

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After checking out the latest Steve Madden sale at 6pm, I found plenty of shoes that cost less than, say, what many of us may have blew on having a little fun over the weekend (money just flies when your having fun, doesn’t it?).  The sale includes over 300 women’s shoes from just $20, but one in particular that caught my eye was the Steve Madden Truee pictured above.  The polished leather style looks like a take on the current clog trend, but the cutouts and super-high 5″ heel add a decidedly modern touch (the 1.5″ platform helps to offset the height, thankfully).   You can add this pair to your closet for a mere $26.99 (MSRP $89.95) or, for something different, check out the many Steve Madden styles 6pm offers for up to 75% off during the sale, which runs for the rest of the week or while supplies last. 

I’m a fan of Naughty Monkey shoes, so I love finding a great bargain on the brand.  And although I already own the Naughty Monkey Fiesta heel, I’ve had to notice that the same pair is going on sale for super-low prices lately - quite a bit lower than I paid (but they were so worth it).  Amazon has the best price I’ve seen for the black and brown Naughty Monkey Fiesta shoes, which are both priced at $32.38 in most sizes with free shipping.  Another nice price can be found at Piperlime, where the brown and purple versions are marked down to $39.99 (purple is almost sold out) and coupon code EXTRA20 takes another 20% off until 7/22/10, making them $31.99 with free shipping.  From what I can tell, the brown Fiesta has been less popular than, say, the yellow Fiesta, but I can very well imagine pairing it with the other LBD - the little brown dress - with superb results.  If you’ve ever owned a perfect little brown dress, you know what I mean.

Or, you can opt for the similar, but newer, model of mini studded pumps offered by Naughty Monkey.  The Naughty Monkey Star Studded is on sale at 6pm for $47.99, marked down from its MSRP of $79.99.  I’m liking the grey version, which reminds me a bit of those shoes Sarah Jessica Parker wore to the Sex and the City premier with her yellow dress.  Or, you can go for something bright with the blue and pink options or choose classic black, each for the same price.  However, if you like pink, head over to Amazon to get them for $45.86 with free shipping instead and save even more.

To find discounts on addtional Naughty Monkey styles, check out the selection at Amazon and 6pm.  The expiration on the sale prices listed here are unknown.

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We bid farewell to the cast of MTV’s The Hills this week during their final episode and the after-show The Hills Live: A Hollywood Ending, which brought together the entire cast - even Lauren Conrad, but not Spencer and Heidi, who disappeared off the show earlier this season with no real explanation of where they went (besides Crazy Town, that is).  But, it was quite bittersweet for the show to be over and I, for one, actually liked the ending - the final scene where Brody and Kristin are saying their final goodbyes to each other after Kristin decides she’s moving to Europe. 

The background - which appeared to be a real outdoor locale in front of the landmark Hollywood sign - was pulled away and revealed to be a backdrop in the lot of a studio.  Then the cameras pan out to show all the behind-the-scenes action of the show: the cameras, the crew and the breaking down of the last scene.  Apparently, some people didn’t like the ending, but I appreciated the unexpected nod to all the speculation on whether the show was real or fake and the acknowledgement that it wasn’t all reality.  I think most viewers knew it was scripted - at least to some degree - and, let’s face it, a little drama engineering does wonders for the entertainment factor.  Of course, another part of the show’s appeal was checking out the fashion.  So, for my last The Hills shoes post, I’ll be checking out what designer shoes the ladies wore to the aftershow and, in the spirit of this blog, find lookalikes that cost much less.

The cast looked gorgeous at the finale and I had to notice that it was actually the dresses that took center stage this time around - no statement shoes that stole the show for the most part - but they wore the kind of shoes every girl should have in their closet: sexy platform heels in go-with-everything neutrals that serve to complement, not compete with, the entire look.  Let’s start with Kristin Cavallari:

I absolutely love Kristin Cavallari’s dress from The Hills finale, which is by Zuhair Murad and she paired it with Christian Louboutin Turbella 120 silver pumps, which were available at Net-A-Porter, but are now sold out.  I don’t see them for sale online anywhere else, but get a similar look with these: 

Nine West Every in dark or light silver for $29.95 (MSRP $78.95) at 6pm, plus 7 more color options (prices vary). 

Aldo Debellis for $75 at Aldo.  Coupon code 175926112 takes 10% off and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

Lauren “LC” Conrad may have exited the show before the final season, but she was back to celebrate during the finale and rumor has it that her taupe suede pumps are Aldo, specifically the Aldo Fawson for $49.98 at Aldo.com.  These are already affordable but, not surprisingly, close to being sold out in this color.  For more neutral suede heel options, check these out:

Nine West Marray for $88.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.  Spend at least $100 on qualifying back-to-school styles (this pair qualifies) and get an extra $20 off for a limited time.

Steve Madden Ultamit in taupe with berry colored sole on preorder at Steve Madden for $79.95 with free shipping using coupon code SMFREESHIP at checkout.

Whitney Port left The Hills for The City, but she definitely had a statement to make at the finale…with her shoes, that is.  Whitney nixed neutrals in favor of a bold and colorful cage style that had Jimmy Choo written all over it.  It’s the Jimmy Choo Quito multicolored snakeskin bootie and it appears to be sold out everywhere online.  These more affordable pairs convey a similar look:

Michael Antonio Jeana for $55.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Aldo Storino on sale for $64.98 (regularly $90) at Aldo.  Get 10% off using coupon code 175926112 and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

Pour La Victoire Bethanie 1 in teal for $137.17 with free shipping at Amazon.

Audrina Patridge bares plenty of skin at the finale in her tight purple cutout Boulee Ciara dress, which you can preorder at Singer22 in fuschia or black for $198 (she’s actually wearing it backwards), and her black peep toe pumps.  Her shoes are identified by Coolspotters as the Brian Atwood Wagner, but I can’t find the exact pair online.  However, we always have more black peep toe pumps on the market and here’s a couple that I like for less:

Steve Madden Flawwles for $98.95 with free shipping at Shoebuy.  Get 20% off with coupon code SUMMER at checkout (expiration unknown).  Update: There’s only a couple sizes left, but 6pm has this pair on sale for $39.98 (sale price expiration unknown).

Paris Hilton Sashay in black for $69.30 at 6pm.

Lo Bosworth looked fetching in her white dress and her Christian Louboutin Mille heels completed her sophisticated look.  Get the exact shoes at Barney’s for $895 or spend less on something similar, like these:

Boutique 9 Disco for $79.99 at Nine West or for $96 at 6pm.

Stephanie Pratt pairs platform slingback YSL Tribtoo heels, similar to this one from Saks that is now sold out, with her skintight Herve Leger dress.  Here’s a lookalike option from Bebe:

Bebe Neve in black, blue or pink for $149 at Bebe.

Another option is the Zigi Project Pumped heel in blue or black at Bakers for $79.95.

Holly Montag wore a pretty white feather dress and closed toe black patent heels.  I’m taking a guess on her shoes, which could be Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, the Pour La Victoire Irina or none of the above (it’s hard to tell).  However, this pair is a nice option for less:

Aldo Moos for $54.98 - $75 depending on option selected.  Coupon code 175926112 takes 10% off and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

So, with that, we say goodbye to the cast of The Hills and all of the rumors, the drama, the black mascara tears, the boyfriend stealing, the name calling and cat fights, the voodoo crystals and plastic surgery, the lingering facial expressions, the ending and beginning of friendships - all of it - and the shoes.

Photos from MTV.com

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If you’re a bride-to-be looking for the perfect pair of shoes to wear on the big day and your “Something Blue” item, why not knock out two birds with one stone and wear a gorgeous pair of blue heels?  It’s something that’s become increasingly popular after those infamous blue satin Manolo Blahnik Something Blue heels stole the show in the first Sex and the City movie and because more and more brides are incorporating color into their look instead of sticking with all white.  I love the idea myself and I think I’d probably wear a blue pair instead of silver for my own wedding if I were to do it all over again.  I’ve definitely fallen for the Pour La Victoire Cami (pictured above), which is offered in a gorgeous shade of pale blue satin with rhinestone-covered rosette detail adding a modern twist.  You can get these at 6pm in blue, black or grey for $95.40, which is 40% the MSRP of $159.  Here are more options in various shades for those looking for their own perfect blue bridal shoes for less than $100.  Of course, you don’t even have to be a bride to appreciate and wear these blue beauties:

Me Too Jeanette in royal blue for $89 with free shipping at Zappos.  It’s also available in 6 additional color options, making it a viable bridesmaid option as well.

RSVP Zaza for $99 with free shipping at Zappos.  This is a close lookalike for the Manolo Blahnik Something Blue from SATC.  It also comes in black or gold.

I’m loving the unusually pretty hue of these blue shoes.  This is the RSVP Ivana and you can get this pair for $89 with free shipping at Zappos.  It’s also available in purple or black.

It’s your wedding day - make it sparkle with blue sequins!  The Chinese Laundry Ladybug is $88.95 with free shipping at Zappos.  It also comes in gold or black.  The RSVP Primrose is a similar option with a peep toe and you can get it at 6pm for $58.80.

I love the elegance of dark blue, so I think the RSVP Monique in navy is a sophisticated and stylish choice for brides.  These are $94 with free shipping at Zappos and also come in red or fuschia.

The whisper soft shade of blue and beautiful detailing on the back of this shoe make it as tempting and delicious as wedding cake.  Zappos has the RSVP Roma in blue, champagne or black for $84 with free shipping.

That’s all for my 7 blue bridal shoes under $100, but I also wanted to add this one to the list.  It’s over $100, but too pretty to leave out:

I love the soft shade of light blue, but if you prefer a brighter shade, the Pour La Victoire Stella also comes in royal blue satin and five other colors.  I’m loving the light pink version too.  Get these for $151 with free shipping at Zappos.

Congratulations to any bride-to-be out there and may your “Something Blue” item - whatever it may be - bring you plenty of luck!

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It’s 4th of July weekend and time for plenty of fun, but it’s also a great opportunity to save some dough all-American style, especially right now while we’re starting to see big markdowns on summer merchandise.  Independence Day sales are literally everywhere and there are definitely some great shoe sales that have already started, so I thought I would round them up into one big list for anyone who might be shoe shopping this weekend.  I’ll also be updating this list over the next few days anytime I come across more sales and coupons.  So, without further adieu, here’s the rundown of what I’ve seen so far:

American Eagle is having one of their awesome clearance sales right now that also applies to their selection of clearance shoes.  You get an extra 30% off automatically at checkout for a limited time, but then you can also apply coupon code 32944527 to get another 20% off (expiration unknown).  That makes for some super-low prices on their selection of flats, flat sandals and sneakers, like the AE Grommet Sandal (pictured above) that’s on sale for $19.95 and drops to just $11.17 after the code.  Availability can be limited for some styles, so it’s best to shop by size in the top right to narrow it down.  Shipping adds $7, but it’s free if you buy 3 or more items until 7/5/10.

Guess.com is also having a sale on a sale and it takes an additional 50% off already-reduced items.  Browse their women’s sale shoes and, if you see something you like, you’ll see the price slashed in half at checkout.  I like the femininity exuding from the Guess Journ, which features eyelet cutouts and a corset-like lace-up detail on the back.  It’s available for $89.99 in black or white, but the price is reduced to $45 after the discount.  If you spend $100, get free shipping with coupon code FREESHIP100 for a limited time.  The sale expiration is unknown, but it’s likely for the upcoming holiday weekend only.

If you’ve got your mind set on a pair of Chinese Laundry shoes for less, shop Chineselaundry.com and get 30% off any sale shoes when you apply coupon code CL30SALE at checkout.  Make a dramatic statement in the Chinese Laundry Slippery Slope, which has a mix of exotic patterns.  They’re marked down to $69.99 (regularly $119) in black or brown and, after the code, they’ll be yours for $48.99.  The code expires 7/12/10.

80’s Purple offers cutting edge shoe brands like 80%20, Dolce Vita, Industry, Report and more and you can get an additional 25% off your purchase with coupon code fireworks during their Red, White & Purple Sale.  The Dolce Vita Niko wedge in black or brown is priced at $172, but it falls to $129 after the code.  The sale expires 7/5/10.

Shoemall is having a Fourth of July shoe sale and it takes 20% off your purchase via code JULY4.  It applies to regularly-priced items only and shipping is also free.  If you’ve had a gold glitter pump on the brain since Sex and the City 2, you might like the Steve Madden Caryssa platform pump.  It’s $129.95 before the code and $103.96 after.  The coupon expires 7/6/10.

Steve Madden is taking 40% off clearance shoes when you apply coupon code 40CLEARANCE at checkout.  Get a nice price on a clog with plenty of edge, the Steven by Steve Madden Durann, which is so on-trend and marked down from $149.95 to $99.99.  After the coupon, get them for $59.99 in black, brown or red.  The coupon expires 7/11/10.

Koh’s has a new coupon that takes 20% off any purchase, including shoes.  Enter TOPSECRET during checkout to get the discount, which you can even apply to Skechers Shape-Ups (just tested it and it worked).  The Skechers Shape-Ups Action Packed High-Performance Shoes are on sale for $99.99 (originally $109.95), but they are $79.99 after the code, which expires 7/4/10.  Update: This code is now expired, but use code JULYSAVE for 15% off until 7/11/10.

Bloomingdales is having a sale that takes 25% to 40% off select items, including women’s shoes.  On top of that, get another 15% off when you use coupon code SAVE15 in the shopping cart.  I checked it the sale and there’s definitely plenty of low prices going on, but one in particular is the Corso Como Notable studded wedge.  It’s already marked down from $159 to $59.62, but it goes even lower to $50.68 after the coupon, which expires 7/5/10.

More sales & coupons for shoes:

Lord & Taylor: Buy more and save more on select sandals: 30% off one pair, 35% off two and 40% off three.  If the shoes you want don’t qualify for this discount, get 20% off regular, sale and clearance items instead with coupon code JULY4 until 7/5/10.  Some exclusions apply.

Shoebuy: 20% off with coupon code JULY4 and free shipping.

Macy’s: Extra 25% off clearance shoes (prices reflect discount) and free shipping on $99 or more with coupon code FIREWORKS until 7/5/10.

Shoesteal: Extra 20% off with coupon code JULY4 until 7/5/10.

6pm: Select Gabriella Rocha shoes for $19.95 or less and more brand sales.

Nine West: 50% off select styles, plus an additional 20% off if you buy any 2 pairs.  Discounts show at checkout.

Kenneth Cole: Select shoes get an additional 40-50% off at checkout.  Eligible items are marked with the discount amount.  The sale expires 7/8 at 3 am ET.

Aldo: Extra 20% off women’s sale pumps, shoes and boots (excludes sandals).  The discount is already applied to the product price.

That’s all for now, but be sure to check back for more shoes sales for the 4th!

American flag image courtesy of PatriotIcon.org