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.

It’s Labor Day weekend, so it’s time to take a break from work (woo hoo!), give summer it’s last hurrah (um, wow, already?), and bring on the sales (score!).  Shoe sales for Labor Day are always pretty great because we’re in transition from one season to the next, so there’s definitely some rock-bottom prices on remaining spring and summer styles, but you can also snag a discount on those fresh new fall arrivals you’ve had your eye on.  So, if you’re ready for some shoe shopping, here are some noteworthy sales going on this weekend:

American Eagle is taking 40% off sitewide when you apply coupon code 28678011 at checkout.  That’s definitely a much bigger discount than we normally see from AE and you can even apply it to clearance shoes that are already as low as $9.99 before the coupon.  If you’re thinking ahead to fall, shop the latest women’s shoes, like the AEO Wedge Boot.  It’s $79.50 before the code and $47.70 after.  The coupon expires 9/5/11 and certain brands, like Minnetonka, are excluded.

Over at Steve Madden, get 30% off your order when you enter FALL30 at checkout.  This code doesn’t apply to clearance; however, clearance shoes do enjoy an additional 50% off right now (prices reflect discount) and I’m seeing a bunch of really low prices, even many options under $30.  One new style I’m checking out is the Steve Madden Stonned, which is $149.95 before the 30% off coupon and $104.96 after.  The code expires 9/11/11.

Shop the sale shoes at LuLu’s and get another 25% off when you use coupon 25onSALE at checkout.  The Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Fab in taupe floral is marked down from $129 to $87, then it falls to $65.25 after the code.  The coupon expires 9/5/11.

Famous Footwear is having a BOGO sale, where the second pair of shoes purchased is 50% off, and you also get another 20% off when coupon code LABORDAY is applied in-cart.  Of course, the 20% off can be used on one pair if desired, but you can definitely rack up the savings using the BOGO offer in combination with the code, especially since sale items are included in the offer.  For example, the Madden Girl Cleary in red is on sale for $49.99 (originally $54.99) and when you add the Madden Girl Cluelezz leopard colorblock pump, also $49.99, you can get both for $59.99.  Shipping is free on three or more pairs of shoes and the coupon expires 9/10/11.

More shoes on sale for Labor Day:

Macy’s: Extra 25% off clearance shoes (prices reflect discount), plus another 10% off with coupon code FALL through 9/5/11.  The coupon also applies to regular women’s shoes.

Shoes.com: Extra 25% off sale shoes with coupon code 25SALE through 9/6/11.

Lord & Taylor: 25% off clearance shoes and 20% off regular and sale shoes with coupon code LDAY through 9/6/11. 

Last Call by Neiman Marcus: 25% off women’s shoes and more at checkout, plus free shipping on $50 or more via code LABORDAY through 9/6/11.

All of these offers may have exclusions and are subject to change at any time.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

A hot pair of heels normally catches my attention more than anything, but I seem to be on a bit of a cute flats kick lately — and who can blame me when there’s this sparkly little number available?  I’m totally loving the soft shade of blush suede and rhinestone-adorned bow featured on the Steve Madden Karisma, available at Steve Madden for $99.95.  It’ll definitely put some glitz and glam in your step, just sans the heel — and, let’s face it, we all need to lose the heels from time to time.  The blush color is my personal fave, but it also comes in blue and black versions.  Use coupon code SMFREESHIP to get free shipping on $75 or more for a limited time.

Speaking of Steve Madden, I’m also wondering where the purple version of the Steve Madden Bitter went?  It was there one day and then — poof! — gone.  Where art thou pretty purple sequin pump??  Ah, well, maybe there’s a worldwide shortage on purple sequins….

Have a wonderful weekend!

Oh say, can you see…how much money you can save on shoes this 4th of July weekend?  There are definitely many, many sales going on for Independence Day, so if you plan to squeeze a little shoe shopping in between the fireworks and festivities, you might want to check out my list of shoe bargains for the holiday.  Get your shoes on mega discount at these online stores:

Banana Republic takes an extra 40% off women’s sale items, including sale shoes, when you apply coupon code BRSTARS through 7/4/11.

Macy’s offers an additional 25% off clearance shoes.  The discount is already applied to the product prices, but you also get an extra 10% off at checkout with coupon code FOURTH through 7/4/11.  Shipping is free on $99 or more.

Endless takes an extra 20% off select summer sale shoes, plus you get free shipping.  The discount is applied at checkout through 7/4/11.

Guess has marked their women’s sale shoes down an extra 50%.  The discount is already applied to the product prices and most of the options are under $50.  The expiration is unknown.

80’s Purple takes an extra 30% off sitewide, which includes their selection of women’s shoes, with coupon code REDWHITEBLUE through 7/5/11.

American Eagle offers an extra 20% off and free shipping when coupon code 89427721 is applied at checkout.  Use it to save on their women’s shoes and already-reduced clearance shoes through 7/4/11.

Bebe takes another 25% off sale items, like their sale shoes, with coupon code 4TH25OFF through 7/4/11.

Aldo offers an additional 30% off sale sandals and shipping is free.  The product prices reflect the discount.

Nine West has shoes on sale at up to an extra 60% off their original price, plus they’ll take another $20 off $100 automatically at checkout.  Shipping is free on $75 or more.

Steve Madden offers an additional 20% off sale and clearance shoes through 7/4/11.  The discount is already applied to the product prices and shipping is free on $75 or more with coupon code SMFREESHIP at checkout.

Lord and Taylor will reduce your total on women’s shoes, including regular, sale and clearance styles, by 20% via coupon code JULY4 through 7/4/11.  If you have a Lord and Taylor credit card, use JULY4PLUS instead to get 20% off, plus an additional 10% discount.

Note that all offers are subject to change and exclusions apply.

Have a fabulous 4th of July weekend!

American flag star icon courtesy of patrioticon.org

It’s Friday, and these super sparkly stunners look like they are sooo ready to hit the town and have some fun (I can definitely relate).  The Steve Madden Bevv-S sequin pump is a new arrival over at Steve Madden and it’s on preorder for $129.95.  Plus, Friends & Family coupon code SMFRIENDS25 takes another 25% off and drops the total to $97.46 through 5/16/11 (shipping is extra).  Love!!

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I recently received a request for help finding shoes similar to the Christian Louboutin Balota (the gorgeous shoe you see pictured above) as well as a few requests for wedding shoe ideas, so I figured today would be a good day for a nice little diversion into the land of fancy footwear.  I don’t personally have an occasion that would call for wearing these kind of dressy shoes in the near future, but I have to admit I love looking at them anyway (eye candy!).  So, whether you need some extra-special shoes for a wedding or another event, or if you just want to window shop like me, here are some pretty little things for your feet:

First we have some sparkly and/or glittery strappy sandals that have a similar look to the $1,095 Louboutin Balota, but are far less expensive:

Steve Madden Aillie glitter sandal in champagne for $79.95 at Steve Madden.  Coupon code rmn15f takes 15% off and applies free shipping, making them $67.96 (expiration unknown).

Nine West Elaine in gold for $79 at Nine West.  Shipping is also free for a limited time.  Note that this shoe is currently on preorder and expected to ship by 5/24/11.

Zigi Soho Gala in beige for $79.95 at DSW.  Members get free shipping on $35 with coupon code SHIPR through 8/15/11.

Michael Antonio Thandie in gold for $44.88 with free 2-day shipping from Endless.

Now, let’s talk bridal shoes.  There are so many styles for brides to choose from and so many color options to consider (not just white these days), so today I’m going to hone in on one particular brand that has really caught my eye lately - Menbur. 

I love so many of their latest shoes and they are tailor-made for gorgeous bridal style, but you certainly don’t have to be getting married to appreciate this brand.  One standout is the Menbur Casanova (above), a total princess shoe with its sparkling, rhinestone-encrusted ankle wrap.  You can find this style for $220 with free overnight shipping from Endless.  Here are some more options from the same brand, each from Endless:

Menbur Ballesio in nude or black for $234 with free overnight shipping.

Menbur Ceylan in grey, black, stone or champagne for $190 with free overnight shipping.

Menbur Bicci in nude, blue, fuchsia or black for $145.90 with free overnight shipping.

Menbur Curran in fuchsia, red, stone or black for $147.90 with free overnight shipping.

Menbur Carmichael in midnight blue (something blue!), black, nude, turquoise and fuchsia for $164 with free overnight shipping.

Check out all of the Menbur styles at Endless for even more options.  Note that prices and shipping information are subject to change at any time.

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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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