End-of-season sales are a mecca for a bargain-hunters like our friend Cheap Chick, who loves to find cute shoes on the cheap.  First, I have to point out that the use of the word ”cheap” on this blog only refers to the price of the shoes (simply defined as under $25) because anything beyond that — looks, quality, etc – is really a matter of personal preference.  However, it does help to find shoes that are not only low in price, but also come from recognizable brand names that are normally much more expensive.  That’s what Cheap Chick found in the Piperlime Final Sale and it’s also when things get really fun, like when you come across something like the Sam Edelman Magdalena (pictured above) with a retail price of $150 marked down to just $19.97 with free shipping in gray or whiskey/black.  That’s an unusually low price for this brand and I’m not seeing this particular style for less than around $80 anywhere else right now (Update 8/20: The price of the whiskey/black version was just increased to $39.95).  Want more?  Here are some additional name brand sandals and heels under $25 at Piperlime:

Seychelles Pickford for $24.97 with free shipping (retail $99).

Steve Madden Glistenn in black and 3 more color options for $24.97 with free shipping (retail $90).

Naughty Monkey Shinner in grey for $24.99 with free shipping (retail $89).  Sizes are getting a bit limited.

Report Ledger for $24.97 with free shipping (retail $90).

DV by Dolce Vita Siren for $24.97 with free shipping (retail $90).

Matiko Blake for $19.97 in black or white (retail $195).

Mia Biscotti in natural or black for $19.97 (retail $59).  The Naughty Monkey Divine in grey is a similar style for the same price (retail $99).

This is merely a sampling — there are tons of options at various price points in Piperlime’s Final Sale.  Note that returns are not allowed for these styles and prices are subject to change.

Update: Many more shoes under $25 can be found in the Steve Madden clearance sale, where prices are currently reduced by an extra 50% through 9/2/11 (the price listed has the discount applied).  There are quite a few priced under $20!

Some of you may recall those classic Sam & Libby leather ballet flats with bow that were all the rage in the late eighties/early nineties (if not, you can see one pair pictured here).  I can certainly remember a time when everyone had these shoes and they came in all kinds of colors (I had black and loved them to death).  When I first saw the Libby Edelman Kendra pictured above, it had me thinking about those shoes once again.  Of course, it’s partly because Libby Edelman is the “Libby” from Sam & Libby and this pair is from her namesake Libby Edelman brand, while her husband is Sam Edelman, whose namesake brand we all know so well.  But, it’s also because the Kendra has similar bow detail in the front, like the original, but with a bit of an update: it’s even larger and made of flouncy satin, plus the pink color contrasts so nicely with the cheetah print.  Totally adorable.

You can find these flats at Shoes.com for $59 with free shipping and coupon code SECRET20 takes 20% off through 7/5/11, but few sizes are left in cheetah.  You can also find the cheetah version at Piperlime for $59 or at Zappos for $69, both with free shipping.  Additional color options are available.

We’ve been checking out both neutral shoes and multicolored shoes, but there’s another breed of footwear that combines elements of both.  These shoes have a primarily neutral palette, in shades like taupe, black, white or gray, but then there’s some portion of the shoe that is played up with a nice shot of color.  I love the overall effect this provides and, although there are many ways to wear these shoes, I find it particularly relevant for the colorblocking trend we’re seeing for spring (as noted on Stylelist).  If you’re experimenting with this trend by combining various contrasting color combinations in your clothing, you might opt to incorporate just a touch of one of those shades in your shoes to bring it all together.  Or, if you’re hesitant to try colorblocking with your clothes, some of these shoes have more than one hue, meaning the trend is already built-in and ready to go with any look you choose.   I’m loving the Pelle Moda Franky (above) with a pop of bright orange, which can be found for $162 with free shipping at Lori’s Shoes or for $180 with free shipping at Shopbop.  Here are some more options, in both warm and cool shades:

Aldo Dyle rubber sole wedge with a pop of yellow for $100 at Aldo.  Coupon code 310687728 takes 10% off, making them $90 (exp 4/1/11).  Note: If you’re obsessed with those Prada rubber sole wedges (like the $695 Prada Mary Jane Wedge) but can’t shell out the big bucks for them, this is a nice alternative for much less.

Aldo Heister platform sandals with a pop of orange or yellow for $100 at Aldo.com.  Coupon code 310687728 takes 10% off, making them $90 (exp 4/1/11).

Nine West Stylin colorblock sandals in dark pink and orange for $89 at Nine West (ships 4/26).  Shipping is also free for a limited time.

Fergie Bold heels with a pop of yellow for $99 with free shipping from Shoes.com.  Get 20% off your order, making these $79.20, with coupon code SECRET20 (exp 3/31/11).

Madison Harding Casey wedge with a pop of yellow for $235 with free shipping from Piperlime.

Jeffrey Campbell San Diego colorblock sandals in orange and yellow for $135 at Nasty Gal.

Topshop Luminate sandals with a pop of pink for $145 with free shipping at Topshop.

Steve Madden Bellahh heels with a pop of coral on preorder for $129.95 at Steve Madden.  Get free shipping by applying SMFREESHIP at checkout.

Nine West Braxton for $99.95 at Nordstrom with free shipping via coupon code SHOES (exp 4/14/11) or for $99 with free shipping at Nine West.  This pair is also available in a yellow/orange/red combo.

Aldo Dyle again, this time in green, for $100 at Aldo.com.  Coupon code 310687728 takes 10% off, making them $90 (exp 4/1/11).

N.Y.L.A. Daron in turquoise for $84.95 at DSW.  DSW Rewards members can apply GETFAVES at checkout for $15 off $74, $30 off $149 or $50 off $199 (exp 4/4/11).  That makes this pair $69.95.

Please note that prices and promotions are subject to change at any time.

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I’ve been talking about shoes in bold colors a lot lately, but today I’m sticking with a much more neutral subject - literally.  I’m talking about neutral shoes, styles in shades like taupe, beige and nude, because this is a huge trend we’re seeing for spring.  We’ve actually seen this same trend every year for at least the past couple of years, but it makes perfect sense: For what these shoes lack in color, they totally make up for it in extreme versatility, giving great bang for your fashion buck.  Plus, they’re ideal for pairing with those light and airy spring frocks we love to wear this time of year because they won’t weigh down the look.  Sure, you won’t have the drama that bold color can provide, but going nude with your shoes gives plenty of leeway for playing things up with unique design details.  One example of this is the Calvin Klein Alex (above), a modern, sleek and sexy style with crisscross detail on the upper for added interest.  You can get them for $158 with free overnight shipping at Endless.  Here are some more neutral shoes that have caught my eye:

Sam Edelman Kellan wedge in nude for $224.95 at Nordstrom.  Get free shipping with coupon code SHOES through 4/14/11.

Boutique 9 Illy in light natural for $139.99 with free 2-day shipping from Heels.com.

Report Signature Calyer in almond for $264.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.  Or, get a similar look for less with the BCBGirls Estrella pump in nude for $119.99 with free 2-day shipping at Heels.com.

Sergio Zelcer Maggie t-strap wedge sandal in tan for $129 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Aldo Krugh for $90 at Aldo.com. Coupon code 310687728 takes 10% off (exp 4/1/11).

Chinese Laundry Talk To Me in natural for $109.95 with free shipping at Shoemall.  Coupon code SHOEMALL20 takes 20% off (expiration unknown).

Dolce Vita Scarlett in blush for $99 at Bloomingdales.  Get 20% off with coupon code MARCHFF (exp 4/3/11).

Messeca Cecilia asymmetrical wedge for $169 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Fergie Sanibel in nude for $109.95 at Shoemall.  Coupon code SHOEMALL20 takes 20% off (expiration unknown).

Note that prices and promotions are subject to change at any time.

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I’ve had some questions on Facebook about the sparkly silver ankle cuff heels that Gretchen Rossi of The Real Housewives of Orange County wore while making an appearance with boyfriend Slade on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Sunday night (3/13/11).  Gretchen wore these shoes with a form-fitting purple dress and they definitely add a nice dose of shine to her look, almost like they could be glitter.  But, they are actually these “ivory” bead-covered shoes:

Gretchen wore the Report Signature Vanderbuilt and, despite the brand name of the shoes being mentioned on the show, they were tough to track down because, unfortunately, they are now sold out everywhere.  You can see them listed at Endless or Bluefly, but there are also some sellers offering this pair on eBay as well.  Otherwise, here are some styles with similar details that are worth checking out as alternatives:

Steve Madden Glitsi for $109.95 at Steve Madden.  Coupon code rmn15f takes 15% off and gives free shipping, making them $93.46 (expiration unknown).  If they have your size, get them for $69.99 with free shipping instead at Piperlime.  Update: Now priced at $76.95.

Dolce Vita Misty for $104.47 with free 2-day shipping at Endless.

Dolce Vita Vanni for $146.90 with free 2-day shipping at Endless.  Update: Out of stock at Endless, but Last Call by Neiman Marcus has them for $159.

Miss Me Diva-17 in silver for $26.09 with free shipping at Amazon.  Update: Now $16.73 in silver, but only one size left.

Naughty Monkey Shinner for $84.95 at Shoemall.  Get 20% off $20 with coupon code LUCKY20 until 3/17/11.  You can also get this style at Zappos.  Update: Now $67.99 at Shoemall, but also available at DSW for $49.95.

Chinese Laundry Miranda for $67.98 - $119.99 depending on size and color selection at Amazon.

Photo from Bravotv.com

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Jennifer Lopez apparently doesn’t compliment people on their shoes very often - something she admitted herself on American Idol last night during the San Francsco auditions - but the shoes worn by Idol hopeful Julie Zorrilla, whose family came to the U.S. from Colombia, drew praise from the super-stylish star.  Jennifer loved her gold glitter heels and her singing voice, all of which translated to a golden ticket to Hollywood for Julie.  We’ve seen a lot of stand-out sparkly shoes on TV lately, like Adrienne’s pair on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, so the ongoing “glitter/rhinestone/crystal/anything shiny” trend on shoes still seems to be reigning supreme.  To find your own pair of gold platform pumps, much like the JLo-approved pair worn by Julie, try these styles:

The Aldo Gones gold glitter heel with ankle strap appears to be the exact shoe worn on the show.  You can get these at Aldo for $80.  Coupon code 298416447 takes 10% off your order (expiration unknown).  Here are a few more options without the ankle strap:

Steve Madden Caryssa in gold glitter for $129.95 at Steve Madden.  Coupon code rmn15f takes 15% off and gives free shipping, making them $110.46 (expiration unknown).  Get a better price at Piperlime, where they are $89.99 with free shipping, but few sizes are left.

Victoria G for $85 with free shipping at Bakers.

Mossimo Viviana for $29.99 at Target.

Image from USAToday

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Valentine’s Day is coming up and I, for one, am already feeling the love - the shoe love, that is.  When it comes to what you wear on the day, anything goes, but it’s one of those holidays that tends to bring out our romantic side.  For shoes, that can translate into anything from sweet and girly to fiercely seductive - depending on the desired effect - but with plenty of feminine details.  And if you really want to get into the V-day spirit, you wear the classic team colors of pink and red.  That’s why I’ve gathered up a selection of shoes that I think are perfect for the day.  But, before I get into that, you’re probably wondering about the shoes pictured above, right?  An image of these dramatic platforms popped up in the shopping results while I was doing a search on Google and I had to post the pic because they are just so…heart-tastic.  Then I found out they are sold by a site that specializes in selling shoes for dancers (ok, strippers).  But if you want to know where to get them, they are sold for $199.95 at a site appropriately called Booty Cocktails (lol) and they are actually hand-carved and custom made with each order.  Admittedly, I think they are pretty cool, but obviously very extreme.  If you want to express your Valentine’s Day cheer in a much more subtle way, here are some more options:

The Paris Hilton Senorita in red with rhinestone bow for $89 at Macy’s.  Or, get the red patent version without rhinestones for $95 at Shoes.com.  Coupon code VISA takes 20% off to drop the total to $76 with free shipping (exp. 6/30, may require Visa payment).  A soft pink version is for sale at 6pm for $53.37.

The Chinese Laundry Hot Hot glitter heels in a whisper-soft shade of blush for $69.95 with free shipping at Zappos.

Poetic Licence Dance All Night in red for $104.27 with free shipping at Zappos.

Jessica Simpson Ely in powder for $98 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Steve Madden Propperr in red for $99.95 at Steve Madden.  Coupon code rmn15f takes another 15% off and adds free shipping, making them $84.96.

The Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Lady Dragon IV in pink on sale for $126 at 6pm.

Sam Edelman Jewel for $99 with free shipping at Shoes.com.  Coupon code VISA drops the price to $79.20 (exp. 6/30, may require Visa payment).

Charles by Charles David Froth for $125.95 with free shipping at Zappos.

For something more casual, there’s the Comme Des Garcons Play Converse with heart, available for $105 at Tobi.

Finally, you have to check these out just for fun: The Minimy Lipstick Bootie features a heart buckle and a heel that looks like a tube of lipstick.  Alberto Guardiani did something similar that retailed for around $400, but these are just $19.98 at Amazon, marked down from $59.99.  Few sizes are left.

Update: Here’s another pretty pair, Qupid Gaze chiffon heels for $36 at LuLu’s.

Here’s to plenty of shoe love for Valentine’s Day!

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