I ran across the Chinese Laundry Sassyfras at LuLus today and thought it was adorable, plus it’s offered in a neutral shade that makes it infinitely wearable.  Besides the versatile color, I like that it’s a fairly simple shoe, but the extra details - such as the all-over circle cutouts and oversized buckle - really up the style factor.  I’m all about sites like LuLus that show their shoes being worn rather than just the shoe itself because you can’t really tell how cute this pair is otherwise.  However, LuLus only has two sizes left, so they are almost sold out (they have them for $85).  For additional size and color options, see Shoemall.  They offer luggage or black for $89.95 and coupon code PRCNT15 takes 15% off, making them $76.46 with free shipping.  There’s also a snappy red version, which you can find at Zappos for $89 with free shipping.

Update: After writing up this post, I realized that the Chinese Laundry website has this pair in all three color options for $89 and coupon code DIVASQUARE takes 20% off.  That makes them $71.20.  Shipping is also free through 4/16/10.

Pantone, a company considered the global authority on color for the design industry, recently announced the Color of the Year for 2010.  They say turquoise is the new ”it” color - specifically a shade they call Pantone 15-5519.

According to Pantone, turquoise combines “the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green” and “evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.”  I’m not sure exactly how they decide on the color of the year, but I have to say this is one shade I can really get behind.  I absolutely love turquoise and it certainly works wonders paired with neutrals like black, brown and white.  An excellent example that comes to mind is Eva Mendes at the Golden Globes in her white Dior gown and turquoise necklace, which surely inspired many to break out their own turquoise jewelry.  But, you can also get creative and mix it up with bolder colors like red (another combo I love) and Pantone says it’s “especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.”  Making a fashion statement with turquoise is particularly easy to do with shoes, which can add just the right dose of fresh color to your look.  So, if you want to get a jump-start on this trend (in various shades), check these pairs out:

Luichiny Gim Me sandal for $79.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless

Charlotte Russe Starburst Pump for $34.99 at Charlotterusse.com

Poetic Licence Holiday Delight in blue for $128.95 at Shoebuy.  Get 20% off with coupon code SHOP and free shipping.

Jeffrey Campbell Downtown Bootie for $139.95 at Nordstrom

Chinese Laundry Colette for $59 at Chineselaundry.com.  Coupon code CL-FAST gives free shipping, which saves $9.50.

Nine West Malynn in limited sizes for $29.95 at 6pm until 12/27/09

Charles by Charles David Turvy for $135 at Shoes.com.  Get 20% off with coupon code ENJOY09, making them $108 with free shipping.

Naughty Monkey Steve’s Delight 2 Boot for $39.98 with free shipping at Amazon.  They are also on clearance for $54.97 with free standard shipping at Endless.  Sizes are getting limited at both places.

Miss Me Valenti-2 for $22.68 at Amazon

Get the previously mentioned turquiose/yellow-green combo with the Anne Klein Euphony 3.  It’s $78.95 with free shipping at Shoebuy and coupon code SHOP takes another 20% off.

Update: Another option that leans more towards green than blue is the previously mentioned Seychelles Scallop heel at Urban Outfitters, also known as the Seychelles Tippy Toes at Karmaloop.  Get 30% off at Karmaloop with coupon code 30HAM (exp. unknown) and 10% off at Urban Outfitters with coupon code supersorry through 12/24/09.  Urban Outfitters only has one size left, but the price at Karmaloop is much better at $70 after coupon.

We’ve had turkey day, we’ve had Black Friday…now it’s time for Cyber Monday!  Since today is the traditional day for shopping online while working (naughty, naughty!), we’re seeing a lot of shoe stores pulling out the big gun discounts for your shoe shopping savings.  All of these sales are good today, 11/30/09, only:

Adidas 25% off orders and free shipping on $49

Amazon $25 off $80 on select shoes sold by Amazon

American Eagle Free shipping no minimum at checkout

Arden B 30% off sitewide and free shipping on $15

Bebe $10 off $10 with coupon code SURPRISE and free shipping no minimum

Betsey Johnson: 40% off with coupon code CYBERFEST

Bloomingdales $50 off $250 at checkout.

Chinese Laundry 25% off with coupon code CYBER2009

DSW 25% off with coupon code SAVE25

Eddie Bauer 25% off and free shipping with coupon code CYBMON25 (excludes clearance)

Endless: $30 off $100 at checkout

Famous Footwear: 20% off with coupon code CYBER09 that combines with current BOGO sale.

GbyGuess: $25 off $75 with coupon code CYBER25 and free shipping on $100 or more.  Extra 50% off clearance shoes at checkout. 

Guess.com: 25% off regularly-priced items and 60% off sale items at checkout.  Shipping is free on $100 or more with coupon code GUESSFREE.

Kate Spade Extra 25% off sale items at checkout and free shipping

Kohls: 15% off any order and free shipping on $75 or more with coupon code CYBER15 and 20% off $100 and free shipping with coupon code CYBER20.

Macy’s Cyber Monday Sale with Web Busters, extra 25% off clearance, hundreds of sale shoes and free shipping on $75 with coupon code CYBER

Onlineshoes.com $25 off $100 with coupon code 9CYBER

Piperlime 20% off and free shipping with coupon code MONDAY.  Also applies to Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta orders.

Reebok 40% off with coupon code CYBER40

Shoemall 20% off and free shipping with coupon code SHOEMALL

Shoes.com 20% off and free shipping with coupon code CYBER

Shoesteal 60-90% off sale and extra 20% off with coupon code STEAL (all sales final)

Steve Madden 35% off $59.95 and free shipping with coupon code CYBER35

Wet Seal 20% off sitewide and free shipping on $15

I’ll add more as I see them today.  You can also check out my Black Friday discounts post for more sales and coupons.

It’s hard to believe Black Friday is already upon us, but here it is, and retailers are all vying to get your shoe business this holiday season.  Of course, you’ll need to know where all those shoe sales are, so I’ve started this list of all the Black Friday shoe sales I’ve seen.  This will be the master list that I add new sales to and remove expired sales from, which means you’ll have the most up-to-the-moment information on where you can get your shoe discount this holiday weekend (and beyond).  I’ll post this in the slideshow feature at the top of my homepage if you need to refer back to it.  Now, on to the sales:

6pm: Gabriella Rocha shoes for $6.95

Adidas: 25% off orders and free shipping on $49 11/30 only.

Aeropostale: $5 off $25 with coupon code 5GIFT until 11/30.

ALDO: 50-70% off shoes in the clearance section and free shipping on all orders until 11/30.

Alloy: 20% off with coupon code AFF20A until 12/3.

Amazon: $25 off $80 on select shoes sold by Amazon 11/30 only.

American Eagle: Free shipping no minimum at checkout 11/30 only.

Arden B: 30% off sitewide 11/30 only.  Free shipping on $15, no code required, until 12/18.  20% off with coupon code ABBDAY0509 until 12/31.

Bebe: $10 off $10 with coupon code SURPRISE and free shipping no minimum 11/30 only.  15% off $100 with coupon code 15OFF100 until 12/24.

Betsey Johnson: 40% off with coupon code CYBERFEST until 11/30.

Bloomingdales: $50 off $250 on 11/30

Chinese Laundry: 25% off with coupon code CYBER2009 until 11/30 and 60% off any 2nd pair of boots.

Couture Candy: 20% off with coupon code SHOP20 until 12/1.

Delias: 20% off with coupon code 4YOU20 until 12/3.

Dr. Martens: 35% off regularly-priced items with coupon code DMFF3509 and free shipping until 12/18.

DSW: 25% off with coupon code SAVE25 on 11/30.

Eddie Bauer: 25% off and free shipping with coupon code CYBMON25 (excludes clearance) 11/30 only.

Endless: $30 off $100 on 11/30.

Famous Footwear: 20% off with coupon code CYBER09 on 11/30 only and buy one pair of shoes, get 50% off 2nd pair until 1/2/10

FlyJane: Coupon code THANKS takes $5 off $25 until 12/31.

GbyGuess: $25 off $75 with coupon code CYBER25 and free shipping on $100 or more until 11/30.  Extra 50% off clearance shoes at checkout until 11/30. 

Guess.com: 25% off regularly-priced items and 60% off sale items at checkout until 11/30.  Shipping is free on $100 or more with coupon code GUESSFREE until 11/30.

JCPenney: Free shipping on $25 with coupon code 25MERRY until 11/30.

J.crew: Extra 20% off sale items and free shipping on $150 or more with coupon code EXTRA20 until 11/29.

J.Jill: 25% off and free shipping on $150 with code CYBER9 until 12/1.

Kate Spade: Extra 25% off sale items at checkout and free shipping 11/30 only.

Kohls: 15% off any order and free shipping on $75 or more with coupon code CYBER15 and 20% off $100 and free shipping with coupon code CYBER20 on 11/30.

Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and sale items with coupon code THANKS until 11/30.

Macy’s: Cyber Monday Sale with Web Busters, extra 25% off clearance, hundreds of sale shoes and free shipping on $75 with coupon code CYBER until 11/30.

Newport News: 25% off with coupon code 579 until 11/30.

Nike Store: Extra 25% off clearance shoes with coupon code VICTORY until 12/1.  You can also apply coupon code GIFT for free shipping.

Old Navy: Shipping is free on $50 or more until 12/15.

Onlineshoes.com $25 off $100 with coupon code 9CYBER 11/30 only.

Payless: Buy 1, get 50% off second pair BOGO sale until 12/1/09.

Piperlime: 20% off and free shipping with coupon code MONDAY until 11/30.  Also applies to Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta orders.

Ralph Lauren: 25% off with coupon code HOL2009 until 12/7.

Reebok 40% off with coupon code CYBER40 11/30 only.

Shoemall: 20% off and free shipping with coupon code SHOEMALL until 11/30.

Shoes.com: 20% off and free shipping with coupon code CYBER on 11/30.  20% off with coupon code ENJOY09 until 12/31.

Shoesteal: 60-90% off sale and extra 20% off with coupon code STEAL (all sales final) on 11/30.  Free $25 Restaurant.com gift card with orders $100 or more through 12/27.

Skechers: $20 off $100 with coupon code THANKS20 until 11/30.

Smartbargains: 30% off boots and 30% off BCBG brand items.

Steve Madden: 35% off $59.95 and free shipping with coupon code CYBER35 on 11/30.  30% off and free shipping with coupon code MADDEN30 until 12/7 or 25% off and free shipping with coupon code MADDEN25 until 12/7.

Timberland: $20 off $100 and free shipping with coupon code CYBERMON until 12/1.

Urban Outfitters: 20% off $100 with coupon code GIFTED until 12/15.  Free shipping on $75 with coupon code FREEBIRD until 11/30 or 10% off with coupon code MERRYHAPPY until 12/15.

Victoria’s Secret: 20% off with coupon code VSSAVE20 until 12/2 (excludes Ugg & Frye).

Wet Seal: 20% off siteweide and free shipping on $15 on 11/30. Get 20% off 1 item with code WS4420 until 12/24.

It’s worth noting that every coupon code or discount has exclusions, so the item you want to purchase may or may not be eligible.  Also, sales or coupons can end early or be discontinued at any time, so be sure to verify your discount before completing checkout.  This list will be maintained until the end of the day on Cyber Monday, which is 11/30/09.  Happy shoe shopping!

I’m pretty smitten with sequin shoes right now, as you can probably tell from my last sequined shoes post, so I thought I would share a few more dazzling pairs I’ve come across recently.  Here are some shining examples of a hot trend:

Chinese Laundry Ladybug in blue or black for $79 at Shoes.com.  Apply coupon code ENJOY09 for 20% off, making them $63.20 with free shipping.  Coupon expires 12/31/09.  If you’re looking for the gold version, get them at Chinese Laundry for $79 with 20% off using code DIVASQUARE at checkout (expiration unknown).  Shipping is extra.

Steve Madden Trinitis sequin pump in black for $79.95 at Steve Madden.  Get free shipping with their SMFREESHIP coupon code.

ALDO Litten in metallic or black for $80 at ALDO.  Use ALDOVIP10 for 10% off or VIPOFFER for free shipping.  Expiration is unknown.

Nine West Liatris in blue sequin for $89.95 or in black sequin for $63.97 at Amazon.  Shipping is free.

Update 11/11/09: I had to add this one because who doesn’t love pink sequin shoes?  The Two Lips Shaky is $90 with free shipping at Shoes.com.  Coupon code ENJOY09 takes another 20% off at checkout.

The ladies of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta had part 2 of their reunion special this week, officially ending their second season.  The reunions usually make for pretty good TV, but this one seemed surprisingly low-key compared to last year.  The housewives spent much of the time downplaying the drama and there were plenty of non-answers and “next” responses to host Andy’s questions (not to mention quite a few eye rolls).  Maybe they were just trying to tone it down, but Purse Blog reports that there may have been a dispute with Bravo over a possible syndication deal for the show (and their lack of extra compensation for it), so they may have held things back intentionally.  Ok ladies, I get it - you want to get paid.  But don’t forget the viewers here.  We need answers!

But, I can’t say it was all bad.  We got a rousing rendition of Tardy for the Party performed live by Kim, which was quite entertaining.  Host Andy looked like he was genuinely enjoying it, but some of the other housewives looked amused and laughed during the performance.  Then they all played nice when asked their opinion on it afterward.  C’mon, where is Simon Cowell when you really need him?  I’d like to hear what he has to say.

I must say, I always find Dwight entertaining.  He’s all about keeping it real.

Kandi’s performance of Fly Above was definitely a high point.  I’ve enjoyed her being on the show this season and she’s obviously very talented and cool.  She also has great style, which leads me to the shoes (oh yes, the shoes).

The cameras zoomed in on the housewive’s shoes during the show and it looks like most of the cast is rocking Christian Louboutin.  The biggest standout?

The hottest pair was Kandi’s glitter Christian Louboutin Bridget Strass, listed on the official Christian Louboutin website under Total Madness.  Yep, Kandi definitely knows how to bring it on down in the shoe department. 

The glitter version doesn’t appear to be for sale anywhere right now, but you can get this similar Christian Louboutin Lace Bootie in black at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,785 or the leopard version for $1,795 at Barneys.

Of course, this is an insanely high price and I haven’t seen anything that remotely resembles the Bridget Strass, but here are two pairs that have a lacey, feminine appeal for much less:

Left: Newport News lace bootie for $49 at Newport News  Right: Bebe Bella Lace Sandal for $149 at Bebe

Update: Check out the Christian Louboutin Bridget lookalike shoe that I found for much less.

Kim wears the Christian Louboutin Contente Over The Knee Boot.  Actually, I don’t know this with complete certainty because there are lots of OTK boots out there and I didn’t get a good look at the heel or sole, but Kim does have a thing for Louboutins, so it makes sense.

Here’s a more cost-conscious over the knee boot:

Colin Stuart Over The Knee Boot for $189 at Victoria’s Secret.  Coupon code FALL09 takes $30 off, making them $159, until 11/18/09.  Other options include the Chinese Laundry Kingdom for $99 and the Nine West Iunia for $139.

NeNe wears a pair that looks similar to this Christian Louboutin Bouquet, which is $1,025 at Bergdorf Goodman (her pair was a closed-toe style).

Here’s a more affordable floral lace option:

Guess Carrielee in black multi satin for $99 at Guess or the Guess Chief in black for $109.95.

Sheree wears the Christian Louboutin Tashaf in metallic blue and silver.  It’s $955 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Want something shiny and blue for less?  Try this:

Nine West Panout for $79 at Nine West.  Or, there’s the Nine West Gouda in blue for $59.99 with an extra 30% off at checkout until 11/30/09.  Update: Here’s a metallic blue heel option, the Metallic Diamond Toe shoe at Wet Seal for $24.50. 

Lisa wears a leopard-print heel and I’m not sure if it’s Christian Louboutin.  If so, it would be something similar to (but not exactly like) this Christian Louboutin Leopard Pump for $795 at Neiman Marcus.

Here’s another leopard option

Charles by Charles David Spark for $80 at Zappos.

So, I suppose we must say goodbye to the Atlanta housewives (for now), but bring on the ladies of the OC!

Show photos from Bravotv.com

Rachel Zoe and her team are back for season 2 of The Rachel Zoe Project on BRAVO and, I must say, they should probably call it “The Rachel Shoe Project” for all the shoe eye candy and lingering shoe camera shots they provide for all of us footwear fiends.  I loved season 1 of the show and hoped season 2 would retain the same authenticity and charm (at least as authentic as a reality show can be nowadays), so I had a glimmer of doubt watching the first episode after ”I die” and “Bananas” were emphatically stated right off the bat, seeming a bit contrived (ok, we get it, those are your catchphrases).  However, it didn’t take long to warm up to Team Zoe once again - fabulous style queen Rachel, angsty-cool rebel Taylor and charismatic cutie-pie Brad.  If you’re anything like me, you find yourself really wanting to go shopping with Rachel (for obvious reasons), followed by hitting the town with Taylor (to blow off that work-related steam) and having an all-out slumber party with Brad, complete with face masks, popcorn and rom-coms.  But, anyway, let’s get back to the subject.  What shoes have we seen in the first 3 episodes and how can you get the look for a lot less?  Read on:

We’ll start with every shoe lover’s dream, the wide array of shoes in Rachel Zoe’s studio.  O-M-G (as Brad would say).  It may be all in a day’s work for Team Zoe, but for the rest of us, it looks like paradise.  I’d really like to play dress-up in here.

Let’s move on to Rachel Zoe.  I’ve learned a few things about her shoe philosophy by watching the show and I think the main thing with her is height, height, height - the more, the better.  While discussing sky-high platforms with Brad, she comments that everyone looks much better with 7 more inches, to which Brad could not resist replying “Everywhere”.  She also admits to having plenty of “tranny” shoes in her closet, which is how she described this Louis Vuitton pair she wore to the Marc Jacobs show.  So, how can you get that dramatic Rachel Zoe style on a less-than-dramatic budget?  Try these pairs:

Bebe Veronica Platform Pump in leopard or snake for $149 at bebe.com or in pewter here (also mentioned at Rachel Zoe’s website).  Get 15% off $100 with coupon code 15OFF100 or free shipping on $150 or more with coupon code MAGAZINE (exp. 10/4)

Charles David Magnate in red at Amazon for $99.37 (black and tan also available for $85.98 or more depending on size/color combination) or at Endless for $118.22 in any color.  Shipping is free at either store.

Marc by Marc Jacobs 684903 sequined heel in gold or silver for $225, reduced from $449, at Zappos.  Shipping is free. 

The Dollhouse Soliel ruffled platform pump in black or purple is $49.95 at DSW.  Shipping is free on $35 or more for members using code SHIP84 at checkout.

The Michael Michael Kors Niki platform sandal in black or gold is $154 with free shipping at Zappos or $149.95 plus shipping at Nordstrom.  Shoes.com has very limited sizes left for $121.60 after applying 20% off coupon code BML2009 at checkout.

Then there’s the always hard-working (and often frustrated) assistant Taylor, who has an edgy style and has been seen sporting plenty of different shoes on the show.  What do the pairs have in common?  They are all in black.  Most notably, she rocks over-the-knee leather Christian Louboutin boots while managing not to look, er, street-walker-ish (not always an easy thing to pull off).  The trick she employs here is wearing a fuller skirt with a hem that stops just above the top of the boots.  I also spied her wearing simple, chic black flats with leggings, black stiletto ankle boots and black fringe boots.  Here are some shoes that capture the look without the designer price tag:

Colin Stuart Over The Knee Boots in black leather for $189 at Victoria’s Secret, $151.20 after applying 20% off boots coupon code 20VSBOOTS until 9/17/09.

Chinese Laundry Kingdom faux leather thigh high boots for $99 at Chinese Laundry.  Use coupon code CL10P for 10% off and free shipping, making your total $89.10.

Steve Madden Kobraa flats in black for $34.97 at Steve Madden.  Shipping is free using the SMFREESHIP coupon code.  Other color options available.

Minnetonka Hi Top Back Zip fringe boot in black for $36 at Shoes.com after applying BML2009 coupon code.  Also available at Amazon for $43.95 to $49.95 (depending on size/color selected) with free shipping. 

ALDO Seace for $140 at Amazon with free shipping.

We also learn a few shoe lessons while watching Rachel’s celebrity clients get styled.  Let’s take Liv Tyler for example.  While trying on clothes for everyday wear, Rachel points out that every woman should have a hot pair of red heels in her closet.  This is something we all probably know, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the power of red heels. 

Chinese Laundry Mileage red patent leather pump for $49.95 at DSW.  Shipping is free for members using SHIP84 coupon code.

Charles by Charles David Pomade for $63.22 at Endless with free shipping.

I’ll be on the lookout for more Rachel Zoe Project shoes in future episodes of season 2.  To see a selection of Rachel-approved styles, check out her shoe picks at Piperlime.

Photos from Bravotv.com

Update 9/14/09: I watched Episode 4 tonight and had to make a comment about Taylor (for all the naysayers that say she complains too much).  Clearly, Rachel depends on her for a couple things: she trusts her to do the job the way Rachel would do it herself and she knows Tay will always speak her mind and tell her the truth.  That’s not an easy thing to find for someone in Rachel’s position, although the vocal complaining comes along with the territory (personally, I think Tay thrives on challenge and naturally wants more at a certain point).  Brad, on the other hand, makes her laugh, which makes him invaluable as her constant companion at parties and work functions.  It takes a certain kind of person to pull that off.  And I so heart Rodger.  He’s just adorable as Rachel’s extra-supportive hub - love the online presence he had a role in too!