The Christian Louboutin Coussin is definitely a hot cage ankle bootie that can be worn with a variety of looks - skirts, dresses, boyfriend jeans, leggings, you name it - for instant sex appeal.  The Coussin in black has been out for a few months, but now we also have a spring-ready beige version available for preorder at Saks.  Of course, you’ll have to shell out $1,595 to rock this style and, I don’t know about you, but my spring shoe budget isn’t quite there yet.

But, there’s a similar option that is equally hot and available for a much lower price.  Actually, if I’m being honest, I like this style even better!  The Boutique 9 Val is a gorgeous woven caged bootie with extra details - like the bow adornment at the ankle, open toe and side cutouts - that make it even more lust-worthy in my book.  You can get these in beige or black at Nine West on preorder for $199.  Shipping is also free for a limited time.  The only downside?  They don’t ship until 5/11/10.  That seems like forever when you’re waiting on a pair of shoes like this one!

Macy’s is having a Weekend Sale right now that marks down the price on hundreds of women’s shoes.  You also get an additional 20% off your order with coupon code VIP20 - which even works on sale and clearance shoes (sweet!).  I’m loving several of the styles they offer, like the Paris Hilton Sashay (pictured above) with studded platform.  It’s on sale for $79.99 (regularly $99) in grey, black or purple and you can get it for $63.99 after code.  Here are some more of my picks from the sale:

Carlos Santana Entrance in bronze or pewter for $89 before code, $71.20 after.

Marc Fisher Hoken in red, black, snake or pewter on sale for $59.99 (regularly $79).  Get them for $47.99 after coupon.

Calvin Klein Dylan for $119 before code, $95.20 after.

Steve Madden Loyyall on sale in black, blue, blush or yellow for $62.30 (regularly $89).  Get them for $49.84 after coupon.

DKNYC Odetta in black or ash for $120 before coupon, $96 after.

The code expires 3/14/10 and some exclusions may apply.

I don’t know what it is about miniature baby studs on shoes, but they get me every time.  That’s why I’m loving this new style, the DKNYC Odetta pump in black or cognac leather, for $120 at Lord & Taylor.  Get them for less by applying coupon code BIG at checkout, which takes 15% off regularly-priced items.  That brings your total down to $102 plus shipping.  You can also apply the same coupon code to any other regularly-priced women’s shoes they offer or get a sweet extra 25% off clearance shoes.  There are plenty of great deals in the clearance section, like the Steven by Steve Madden Tutorr grommeted platform slingback for $52.49 after code (retail $169); however, sizes are limited for most styles, so choose yours at the top to narrow it down to available options.  The coupon ends 2/28/10 and some exclusions apply.

I’m definitely a fan of Naughty Monkey and their line of fun and unique shoes.  One new style I’m craving right now is the Naughty Monkey Me O My pump, which has that classic combination of black and white along with edgy details like studs and snake print.  I tend to wear a lot of black, grey and white, often mixed with a pop of bright color, and I imagine this pair would really add some extra flair to that kind of look.  You can get these at Shoemall for $69.95 and get another 15% off with coupon code NEXJUMP, making them $59.46.  They are also available in yellow or blue.

Update: I noticed a better price for this shoe at Nordstrom.  Get it on sale in white or blue for $45.90 and use coupon code SHOES at checkout for free shipping.  The coupon expires 4/12/10.

I’m also crushing on the super-hot Naughty Monkey Fiesta.  In contrast to the ‘Me O My’, this shoe would be perfect for adding that pop of bright color to your outfit and I’m loving the reptile print on the platform.  I also have a weakness for extra-small baby studs, especially the ones along the heel, so I’m seriously coveting this pair.  My favorite is the yellow version, which is sold at Endless for $80.95, but it also comes in brown, black or purple.  If you like the purple, Shoemall has it for $79.95 and you can use the above coupon for another 15% off, making them $67.96.

Update: Endless is almost sold out of the yellow Fiesta, but you can also get it at Nordstrom for $79.95.

Coupon expiration is unknown.

If I had to pick one shoe that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day this year, I’d have to vote for the Harajuku Lovers Dalle.  The red hue and girly bows on this platform pump show that you’re all in this Valentine’s Day, but the super-high heel and edgy appeal keep it from being too overly sweet.  Whether you are going out for a romantic evening or hitting the town with friends, you’ll definitely be feeling the love in this shoe.  Luckily, this is Gwen Stefani’s lower priced line of shoes (compared to L.A.M.B. at least) and you can get this style for $99 at Endless with free overnight shipping, leaving plenty of time to get it by V-day.

If you want to spend less on a similar bow-adorned style, be sure to check out the Olsenboye Madeline from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s JCPenney collection.

Paris Hilton

Say what you will about Paris Hilton and celebrity shoe lines in general, but I’m definitely loving the Paris Hilton Senorita.  It’s a pair I mentioned in my bridal shoes post and it has just the right mix of girly-girl and sophistication.  I don’t know, maybe I just have a weakness for bows and shoes that make your feet look like a perfectly wrapped present.  

Valentino

It’s also a lookalike for the Valentino Couture Bow D’Orsay Pump, which is clearly a gorgeous pair, but priced quite high at $695 at Neiman Marcus.  You can get the Paris Hilton Senorita in red for a fraction of the price at Zappos, where it is on sale for $77 (regularly $93).  They also have the pink and black versions for $93.  However, if you’re looking for the Paris Hilton Senorita in black, gold, pewter or grey, Shoes.com has them for $97.  Coupon code CUPID takes another 15% off, dropping them to $82.45 with free shipping.  Coupon expires 2/28/10.

Of note, the Valentino website has the similar bow slingback pump in red satin on sale for $417, reduced from $695.

As any shoe lover knows, a red heel is an absolute must for any shoe collection.  Red can always add that extra bit of heat to your style and is actually quite versatile, so shoes in this color tend to be the kind you can wear again and again with a variety of looks - particularly when you choose a classic silhouette, like a peep toe pump.  It’s always an added bonus to find a really great price on a go-pair that is normally much more expensive.  If you’re on the hunt for a sexy red heel (for Valentine’s Day, perhaps?), I’ve found some hot styles on major discount at 6pm.  Check them out:

Tyler Woo in red leather for $30 (MSRP $120).  It also comes in brown and black.  Update: Now $24

Steven by Steve Madden Lalo in red patent for $31.25 (MSRP $125).  Also available in 5 other color options.  Update: Now $25

Exchange by Charles David Brunch in red patent for $20 (MSRP $80).  4 other color options are available.  Update: Now $16

Steven by Steve Madden Lemore in red suede for $34.75 (MSRP $139).  It’s also available in brown or black.  If you prefer patent leather, get it in ruby or black for the same price.  Update: Now $27.80

Max Studio Mazur in red leather for $37.25 (MSRP $149).  It also comes in brown or black.  Update: Now $29.80

Now I’m off to order one of these for myself!

Wedding season is coming up and, if you’re a bride-to-be planning the big day, you want everything to be just right - down to the last detail.  The pictures here are from my own wedding, which looked and felt just like a fairy tale to me and was certainly one of the best, most memorable days of my life.  All of the planning, work and preparation was totally worth it for that one special day. 

Of course, the centerpiece of any wedding is THE dress, but brides need the perfect accompaniment to complete their look: a  beautiful pair of bridal shoes.  It’s always been highly popular to wear head-to-toe white and match the shoes to the gown, but I love that today’s brides are getting increasingly creative with their look - especially when adding a dose of color, like Gwen Stefani did with pink in her Dior gown and singer Pink with black in her Monique Lhuillier.  Even if you wear a classic white dress, you can always opt for a nice pop of color in your shoes in lieu of metallic and white options.  My own gown was floor-length, so my shoes didn’t really show, but of course I had to find myself a pretty heel to wear anyway:

I really did love these silver flower-adorned ankle-strap heels (sorry for the small pics) and while many of us sacrifice comfort for style from time to time, I have to admit these ended up being quite uncomfortable - even for a nice stroll down the aisle - and I ended up ditching them during the reception for a pair of sequined blue flip flops.  There’s no harm in doing something like that if your dream wedding shoe is less than comfy, but here’s a word of advice: Don’t forget (like I did) to walk around in your shoes before the wedding, break them in a bit and bring a back-up if you don’t think you can dance (or walk) the night away in them. 

As it turns out, I wore my wedding shoes only once and then my sister wore them for her own wedding a few years later as her “Something Borrowed” item.  So far, they seem to have brought us both plenty of luck and happiness! 

Now, let’s look at some currently available wedding shoe options in a wide variety of styles and price points for anyone planning their own bridal look (or for brides who may need a little shoe inspiration!).  I think these bridal shoes will make the very first step into married life completely gorgeous:

Metallic bridal shoes:

The very princess-esque Pelle Moda Indulge in pewter, bronze or black for $184.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

The ALDO Vanancio in silver or black for $90 at ALDO.  Coupon code 99029324 takes 10% off until 1/30/10.

The glam Pelle Moda Verbena in gold, pewter, silver or black for $184.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

The Pelle Moda Limbo in pewter, bronze, black or champagne for $154.90 - $154.95 depending on size/color selection at Amazon.

Glitter bridal shoes:

The Colorifics Gala in silver glitter or gold multi-colored glitter for $56.45 at Shoebuy.  Get another 20% off with coupon code BDAY, making them $45.16 with free shipping.  Coupon expiration is unknown.

The Stuart Weitzman Avalon for $355 at Jildor.

A style Taylor Swift once wore, the Report Signature Carleton silver glitter heel, which is available in limited sizes at Heels.com for $179.99.  Coupon code NEWYEAR takes 15% off $150, making them $152.99 with free shipping, until 2/15/10.

The Miss Me Whitney for $39.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.com.

White and ivory bridal shoes:

Pre-order the Martinez Valero Ophelia with rhinestone bow for $175 at the Martinez Valero website.  It comes in white or ivory and is expected to ship in February.

Also at the Martinez Valero website is the Martinez Valero Olivia in white, black or ivory with passementerie trim.

The ruffled RSVP Henny in ivory for $73.83 with free shipping at Zappos.

Here’s a fabulous discount on the Cole Haan Ceci Air Rose Slingback.  It’s normally $428, but marked down to $192 at Neiman Marcus.  The other stores I’ve seen that carry it still list it at full price right now.

A stand-out in floral, the Nina Critia in ivory, white and nine other color options (hello, bridesmaids!) for $99 at ninashoes.com.

The sophisticated Badgley Mishka Randall in white, silver or black for $200 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Champagne & pink wedding shoes:

Badgley Mischka Randee in pink, gold, black or white for $215 with free shipping at Piperlime.

Paris Hilton Senorita in pink, red or black for $93 with free shipping at Zappos.  Also available at Shoes.com in gold, pewter, grey or black for $97 with another 15% off using coupon code SNOW until 1/31/10, making them $82.45. 

Luichiny Gim Me in champagne for $68.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.  Also available in teal, black, red, brown and purple.

A statement heel for a statement bride, the Pelle Moda Bryce in champagne or black for $127.16 with free shipping at Zappos.

Now, for any brides who want to fulfill their “Something Blue” requirement with a pair of blue bridal shoes, here are some options to consider:

Blue wedding shoes:

Fan of Sex and the City?  Get Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding style with a Manolo Blahnik Something Blue knockoff, the Martinez Valero Zenith in blue.  It’s offered for a really great price at DSW, where it’s $79.95 (black and silver also available).  Update: DSW members get $10 off $49 by logging in to their account and getting the coupon code by 2/3/10, plus get free shipping on $35 using code NEWYR10 until 2/8/10.  If DSW doesn’t have your size, the Martinez Valero website has it for $159.  Here are more wedding shoes in blue:

Fergie Safra in blue, black or red for $89 with free shipping at Amazon.

MIX NO. 6 Onyx in blue or black for $39.95 at DSW.  Update: DSW members get $10 off $49 by logging in to their account and getting the coupon code by 2/3/10, plus get free shipping on $35 using code NEWYR10 until 2/8/10.

Paris Hilton Regal in blue or grey for $95 at Shoes.com. Get 15% off with coupon code SNOW until 1/31/10, making them $80.75 with free shipping.

Update: I had to add this pair for a soft, pastel blue bridal shoe option.  It’s the Martinez Valero Vida for $153 with free shipping at Zappos.

To all brides in 2010, congratulations to you and I hope you’re wedding day is amazing in every way!

Sequins have been hot lately and one pair of sequined shoes I personally love is the Nine West Liatris in blue.  You have the classic peep toe platform style and plenty of sparkle, but it’s toned down nicely with the casual effect of the wooden heel and turquoise trim.  Get a great deal on this pair at Amazon, where you can find it on sale for $38.49 (originally $89.95) with free shipping.  Most sizes 6-10 are still available.

If you prefer the black satin Liatris, Amazon is almost sold out, but you can get it at 6pm for $40.  They also have the black sequin pair for $53.37.

Sometimes it takes a bit more for an athletic shoe to catch my eye than, say, a pair of hot heels.  However, I’m loving these new Merrell CTR Cruise sneakers, which are offered in a lovely shade of green made even more appealing with the contrast of black and white.  Aside from pure looks, the shoes are designed to support the foot during off-road, all-terrain workouts.  You can get them at Shoebuy for $109.95 and apply coupon code BLOWOUT to get another 20% off, making them $87.96 with free shipping.  Other options include ivory/purple and grey/light blue.  Coupon expiration is unknown.

While browsing shoes at Amazon today, I ran across the ALDO Lacau and it definitely caught my eye with its appealing mix of textures and shades and triple buckle.  It’s also on clearance right now, which makes it all the better.  The teal version above, which is perfect for applying the turquoise color trend Pantone predicts this year, is on sale for $31.99 (originally $90) or get the unique muti-colored turquoise version below for the same price (sizes are getting limited):

I have to admit, the fuchsia pair is my favorite, although it’s priced higher at $48.99 (there’s also a black version for $45.99):

The Lacau is also available direct from ALDO, but Amazon is offering free shipping on ALDO products for a limited time, so you save money on the shipping costs.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday!!  I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family, eating a delicious Christmas dinner and exchanging gifts.  I have so much to be thankful for, including this blog, which I started a year ago and have had so much fun with.  I appreciate everyone who has followed and kept up with it and I’m definitely looking forward to another year full of cute shoes!

I’m taking a little vacay, up in a cozy cabin in the mountains, and will be sans computer and anything else technically-related for a few days after Christmas, so I won’t be updating the site during that time.  Yes, we all need to unplug and recharge our batteries once in awhile.  But, I will be back with a vengeance right before New Year’s and I’m totally looking forward to it.  Be sure to check back!

Before I go, I must say that I have visions of these shoes dancing in my head:

Jeffrey Campbell Tick in natural burlap for $169.95 at Solestruck

It’s a wedge…it’s a bootie…it’s a…wootie?  A bedge?  Whatever it’s called, I’m loving it.  The studs on the heel look like those little metal tacks you use on bulletin boards, but the way they just barely overlap makes them look slightly reptilian.

I’m also dreaming of a white Christmas:

Jeffrey Campbell Tick in white for $169.95 at Solestruck

I’ll be back soon!!

I don’t know about you, but I’m totally looking forward to New Year’s.  Not only are we welcoming a fresh new year, which is a nice opportunity for renewal and positive change in life (hello, resolutions!), but we’re also ushering in a new decade, which is always exciting.  I’m sure many of you have big plans for New Year’s Eve this year and, naturally, that means dressing to the nines to celebrate 2010 in style.  Of course, you’ll need a hot pair of shoes to really complete your look.  Here are some shoe options I’ve found that are perfect for a big night out and for putting your best foot forward (literally) into 2010:

Unlisted Future Style pump for $49.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless

Betsey Johnson Lacy for $165 at Lord & Taylor.  Get 20% off with coupon code GIFT until 12/24/09.

Seychelles Dare Pump for $89.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.  If they have your size, get them at Onlineshoes for $79.99 with free shipping instead (sizes limited).

ALDO Puckett on sale for $59.98 (regularly $80) at ALDO.  Coupon code VIPOFFER gives free shipping.

Steve Madden Rockz for $149.95 at Stevemadden.com.  Use coupon code COUNTDOWN30 until 12/21/09 to get 30% off and free shipping.

Jeffrey Campbell Charo for $114.95 at Nordstrom

Zigi Bloom Pump for $99.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless

I wish everyone the best year ever in 2010 and, as always, plenty of cute shoes to wear.

If you love the edgy and cult-fave shoe brands Karmaloop carries, like Jeffrey Campbell, 80%20, Irregular Choice, Zigi and Dolce Vita, then you may want to take note of Karmaloop coupon GOLDSTAR (exp. 12/31/09), which takes 20% off any order.  I’m definitely loving several of the uncommonly cool shoes they offer, so I thought I’d turn the spotlight on a few pairs that caught my eye (prices listed are after the 20% coupon):

The Jeffrey Campbell Michelle with unicorn heel for $84, originally $105.  It comes in purple, black or nude.

The military-inspired and ornate Zigi Shoes Pepper Boot for $232, originally $290.

Hmm..is this named after a certain famous performer we all know?  The multi-zippered Jeffrey Campbell Gaga heel is on sale for $124, originally $155.

I’ve mentioned this pair at Urban Outfitters before, but the Seychelles Tippy Toes heel in teal is offered at Karmaloop for a lower price of $80, reduced from $100.

I imagine Dolce Vita may have been inspired for the name of this pair by unofficial “spokesperson” Whitney Port, who famously wears what looks like their own Dolce Vita Cher on the show opening of MTV’s The City.  The Dolce Vita Whitney Boot is $104, reduced from $130, but sizes are becoming a bit limited.

Speaking of Whitney, I believe her The City co-star Roxy Olin wore something like this Jeffrey Campbell Obscene boot in an early episode this past season.  It’s a thigh high boot with straps on the side that you can attach to your belt.  It’s on sale for $200, reduced from $250.

Channel your inner rock-star cowboy self in this brocade 80%20 Wren boot with hidden wedge and stud detail.  It’s $144, reduced from $180.

Here’s a boot with a twist: the Irregular Choice Wild Western boot is $126.40, reduced from $158.

Of note, shipping is extra when you use the GOLDSTAR code, but Karmaloop also has a promotion for free shipping on any order and $20 off $120 or more with code FREE120.  That might result in higher savings, depending on the order size and applicable shipping charges.

Macy’s is having their latest One Day Sale (ok, it’s actually 2 days), which means most items sitewide are up to 60% off and they’ve also taken an additional 25% off clearance, including clearance shoes.  One of my fave shoes of the moment happens to be on sale for a great price.  The Guess Chief platform heel in leopard or lace is normally $110, but it’s on clearance for $76.99.  After the extra 25% off, you can get it for $56.99, which is a lot less expensive than the prices I’ve seen elsewhere.  There are plenty of other discounted shoes to check out before the sale ends on 12/9/09.