I don’t know about you, but I love The Rachel Zoe Project and I’m totally looking forward to Season 3, which starts August 3 on Bravo.  I have to admit I’m a bit bummed that Taylor is no longer on the show – her angsty antics served as a nice foil for Brad’s chirpy, happy-go-lucky ways — but they’re bringing on a new stylist and Rachel’s hubbie Rodger will be taking an increased role in the business, so it’ll be interesting to see how that works out. Plus, I love watching Rachel in action as celebrity stylist turning fashion mogul — which started with her line of faux fur vests and other items sold at QVC — so I was excited to hear the announcement of her brand new fashion/lifestyle line that will also include shoes! Sure, celeb fashion lines are a dime a dozen these days and we certainly don’t lack variety in the current shoe market, which makes it increasingly harder to be truly unique and stand out, but I can’t help but look forward to seeing what she’ll come up with. Rachel is famous for her boho-chic look and she has expressed her affinity for super-high platforms on the show - lovingly referred to as “tranny shoes” - so I‘m guessing we‘ll see plenty of that in the line. Of course, more hints of her favorite shoe styles can be found in her picks at Piperlime, a company she’s worked with for quite some time now. The line is said to be coming out in fall 2011 and no word yet on where it will be sold or what the price range will be.

I could insert a requisite “I Die!” or “Bananas!” joke here, but I think I’ll refrain…well, sort of.

Photo from Bravotv.com.

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Piperlime doesn’t offer coupon codes very often, so it’s definitely worth mentioning when they do - particularly when it applies extra savings to shoes that are already reduced in price.  You can get 15% off any sale shoes by using code EXTRA15 at checkout and, as always, shipping is free.  There are hundreds of styles to choose from, but  I like the Steve Madden Tobbi in cognac (pictured above).  It’s on sale for $69.99 (regularly $99) and drops to $59.49 after the discount.  The code expires 6/5/10.

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You may plan on buying some shoes this weekend, but you can also make your piggy bank happy in the process.  I’ve rounded up some shoe shopping discounts that will put a smile on your face and keep your little piggy nice and full, metaphorically speaking.  Here’s what I found:

Piperlime is having their Sweet Deal Event that takes up to 30% off a selection of women’s shoes.  There are plenty of styles to choose from, but I noticed a good price on the FitFlop Walkstar in red, which is on sale for $28.50 with free shipping (regularly $50).  That’s practically in Cheap Chick territory (i.e. under $25).  The sale ends 5/30/10.

Old Navy has a selection of cheap flip flops for throwing on at the pool or beach (or anywhere else for that matter). Their classic flops are normally $3.50, but for a limited time you can get 2 pairs for $4 or choose from select colors that are $1.49 a pair.  There are also additional styles listed on this page that are 2 for $5.  If you plan to spend at least $75 on your order, get 15% off and free shipping with coupon code ONCAMP15 until 5/23/10.  There’s also a similar deal at American Eagle.  Buy any pair of shorts and get a select pair of flip flops for $1 for a limited time.

6pm is having their latest round of brand-specific shoe sales, including MIA shoes for up to 65% off, I like the cute fringe MIA Hannah pump, which is marked down to $24.68 (MSRP $73).  The sale expires 5/23/10.

Famous Footwear takes an additional 20% off any order, even sale shoes, when you use coupon code USWEEKLY at checkout.  I noticed that their Skechers Tone-Ups, which are similar to the FitFlop, are discounted to a super-low price.  Originally $54.99, the Skechers Cali Tone-Ups are on sale for $29.99 and reduced even further to $23.99 after applying the code.  The coupon expires 5/31/10.

Shoesteal always has great discounts on shoes and you can get an even better price when you apply coupon code SUNSTEAL for another 15% off.  I noticed some heavily discounted L.A.M.B. shoes, like the L.A.M.B. Gypsy for $142.80 (originally $356.99).  After the code, get them for $121.38.  Sizes are limited for most styles, but you can check out all of their L.A.M.B. shoes and choose your size at the top to narrow it down to what’s available for you. The coupon expires 6/30/10.

More shoes coupons & sales:

25% off and free shipping at Shoebuy with code EMAILFRIENDS10 until 5/23/10.

20% off and free shipping at Shoes.com with code VISA until 10/31/10.

Buy 1 pair of shoes, get the 2nd pair for $15 at Charlotte Russe.

15% off regular prices and 20% off sale and clearance with code BIG at Lord & Taylor.

Happy shoe shopping!

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Wedges are extra-hot this year and the gladiator look keeps going and going - in various shapes and forms - so the Cynthia Vincent Roma wedge is a great option for incorporating these trends into your wardrobe in a more subtle, but highly stylish way.  Plus, the multiple straps, metallic accents and knotted detail add even more trendy appeal.  This pair is available in brown at Piperlime, in black at Bloomingdale’s or in brown or black at Jildor.  Free People also has a cool multicolored version and all are priced at $350.  But, if you can’t splurge that much on one pair of shoes - no matter how fab they are - we have more gladiator-inspired wedges that look very similar, but cost much less:

I wouldn’t call the Steve Madden Tuscaan a knockoff of the Cynthia Vincent Roma, because it isn’t an exact copy or replica, but it is an inspired-by version with a very similar look.  The best price I’ve seen is at Shoes.com for the cognac pair.  They have it for $89, but coupon code VISA takes 20% off at checkout, which drops them to $71.20 with free shipping (Visa payment may be required).  The code expires 6/30/10.  I’m also digging the other color options available, like blush and white, at Stevemadden.com for $89.95.

The price falls even lower at GoJane, where their Strappy Knot Slingback Wedge is available in black, cognac or brown.  This one looks like a very close copy of the Steve Madden pair, so I guess you’d call it a “knockoff of a shoe inspired by a designer pair” (that’s a mouthful).  Whatever you want to call it, you can get it for just $23.80.

There you have it: Three similar shoes, three price points, three options for what fits best into your shoe budget now.

Happy Earth Day everyone!  Today is a day of environmental awareness and there’s always changes we can make to benefit the planet, even with our shoes.  Shoes generally aren’t considered highly wasteful products since we tend to wear them for long periods of time and then we might give them away for someone else to get additional use from them; however, it’s still a smart idea to opt for shoes made of recycled materials that would otherwise go to waste, organic shoes that are produced without chemical pesticides and shoes made from sustainable and/or biodegradable materials, even if it’s not every pair in our closet.  In doing so, we support the companies that produce products in ways that are better for our planet and we might find that more and more companies will do the same.  We can also save some green in the process and I’ve found some online shoe stores offering discounts today in celebration of Earth Day:

Simple Shoes takes 20% off regular or sale items with coupon code FOLLOWSIMPLE (exp. unknown).  Simple Shoes strives for 100% sustainability in the materials used to produce their shoes using their Green Toe “good, better, best” method.  See more details here.

Planet Shoes specializes in selling eco-friendly shoes and they are taking an extra 15% off select Earth Day Shop items when you apply coupon code earthday2010 through 4/22/10.  Plus, if you buy a pair of shoes and a tree to plant for $1, your donation will be matched by participating brands.

ShoeMall takes 15% off select eco-friendly shoes with coupon code EARTHDAY until 4/27/10.  Shipping is also free.

Shoes.com takes 15% off sitewide with coupon code EARTH on 4/22/10 only.  Plus, for every pair of shoes purchased today, a tree will be planted through their partnership with Plant-It 2020.  Note that the Naya Shoes I mentioned yesterday are not eligible for coupon discounts and other exclusions apply.

Piperlime takes 20% off flat sandals on 4/22/10 if you apply coupon code SWEET at checkout.  Shipping is also free.

Endless.com offers $25 off select earth friendly shoes $125 or more and free overnight shipping on new styles.

I had to share one of my latest shoe purchases, the Naughty Monkey Fiesta in black, today for a couple reasons.  First, I am so loving this shoe, especially the little mini studs all over the heel and across the top.  I also really like how the platform has a snakeskin print, a detail that adds interest without distracting from the overall look.  They’re the kind of pair you can dress up or down, which is also nice.  I can’t say they’re the most comfortable heel ever, especially compared to another Naughty Monkey pair I have (which is one of the most comfy high heels I’ve ever put on), but I haven’t really worn them enough to break them in.  Plus, they aren’t too bad for a hot pair of heels, which we don’t wear for total comfort anyway, and I wouldn’t shy away from wearing them unless some heavy-duty walking was involved.  I’d also say this particular style runs just a bit small and I probably should’ve gone up half a size, but it wasn’t enough of an issue for me to return them.

So, besides wanting to show off my new shoes a  bit, I also noticed that this pair is starting to get marked down at a few places.  I happened to get a great deal at Shoemall during a time that they offered a 30% off $50 coupon, so I paid about $55.  They don’t have that coupon right now, but you can get 15% off this pair in black or purple with coupon code PRCNT15, which drops them to $67.96 with free shipping.  However, Piperlime also offers them in dark brown or purple and they are now marked down to $59.99 with free shipping, which is even better.  Then, the price gets even better for the dark brown pair over at 6pm, where it’s currently $47.99 with $6.95 shipping.  Of course, there’s also the yellow Fiesta, which I haven’t seen on sale yet.  You can get it at Endless for $80.95 with free 2-day shipping.

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.