Barefoot Tess Bonanza

When the bad weather hits, and hits bad, all a girl wants to do is curl up in bed with her laptop and a cuppa tea and shop online for shoes. Right? (*Chirp*). Ahem.

The experience is even sweeter if you can find some nice deals to brighten your day. Because I’m generous like that and want to spread the good cheer of shoes to all womankind, I’m going to share with you some coupons on Barefoot Tess, a wonderful shoe site which you should all go visit right now.

First: Chie Mihara Lumi!  An expensive, but extremely cool T-strap flat, alluringly gleaming in all kinds of awesome. Type in the discount code LUMI to get 30% off these beautiful shoes ($315 retail price).

Then, there’s a chance to stock up for next summer, alas, with the Dolce Vita “Nimbus” flats. They are already reduced to $24.00, but you can have them for $15.00 dollars by typing in NIMBUS at checkout. They’re practically free, is all I’m saying. (Also available in deliciously vintage-y red-and-white stripes.) If you’re in the mood for something more season appropriate and less flirty, try this Matt Bernson Clinton wedge. You can save $70 off the regular $175 purchase price by typing CLINTON at checkout.

Finally, a shoe I’ve almost bought: Loeffler Randall “Mina” flats - available in silver or black. Type MINA for 40% off the list price. They’re originally $360, so your price would be (*calculates at lightning speed*) $216. Not bad at all!

Happy bargain shopping, shoe lovers!

Walkable, Warm, Chic. Can Boots Have it All?

Last night I helped a friend start her quest for a pair of boots that will keep her comfy, warm, and stylish as the weather gets cold.  This is a fashion-forward gal of my acquaintance who has finally accepted that her California wardrobe of heels and thin materials isn’t quite going to cut it as we move into a New York winter.  So, the hunt is on.

First try was the Cole Haan Air Joa boot ($295).  Waterproof, comfy (Nike Air sole), shearling cuff and cozy knit lining, and still not without a ruggedly chic sense of style.  All in all, a distinct possibility.

But it didn’t quite fit right, so on we went.  The Ugg Locarno ($225) that I posted about last week was her next choice.  Sadly, though, we didn’t have enough time to keep hunting for it in person before stores closed up for the night.

So, the Locarno search continues.  And in the meantime, here are a couple other ideas for anyone looking for a boot that can do it all.

The Santana Lacey Hi boot ($234) is sleek, water-resistant, and fleece lined for cold days.

 The Halter boot ($329) by those pros of sexy weatherproof shoes, Aquatalia by Marvin K, is a fun patent leather that comes in a nice black, yes, but also this deliciously autumnal “carmel” color.  It’s got a knit collar, a faux fur lining for warmth, and it’s weatherproof.  Plus, it’s got a removable insole in case you need to stick some of your own orthotics inside.

 And for really sleek, La Canadienne offers a number of boots that you wouldn’t believe are designed for bad weather, because they’re often just as fashionable as any other boot you can find out there.  The Fidelity knee boot ($264) is a perfect example.  Waterproof and with a breathing/wicking liner that’ll keep your feet warm and dry throughout the winter.  Plus, you can get this boot in medium or wide widths.  One word of warning, though.  The circumference on these is listed as 13″, so it may be a better pick for those like me who are looking to fit smaller calves.

This Week in Shoes

Here’s some footworthy shoe news from across the web.

-ResToeRun offers food for the sole.

-A Louboutin fan scores an autograph from the famous designer.  Via Limo Heels

-On your mark, Get set, Go! If you’re a Nascar fan, be sure to checkout their online superstore for Nascar checkered shoes.

Energy produced from rolling around on these Heely’s powers provides random directions for the roller to follow.  Via XN Croft

Tod’s Feather Flats

I’ve never been a fan of butterflies and other insects pinned inside shadowboxes. However, after seeing these unusual feathery flats by Tod’s, I’m wondering if how my Gap flats would look with butterflies on the vamp.

Roberto Cavalli for H&M

For fall 2007, Roberto Cavalli designed a collection exclusively for H&M with prices that can’t be beat (think $9.90 – $349 ). All of the items are, in keeping with Cavalli’ style, very sensual, flamboyant, and fun. Let’s have a look, shall we?

I love that these Cavalli for H&M shoes are in Cavalli’s signature leopard print and gold but I must admit that I was hoping for something more over-the-top, like these jeweled T-strap sandals.

No worries, the rest of the collection, including the accessories and as-seen on celebrity dresses are much more appealing.

Cavalli for H&M includes some very affordable accessories. My favorite is the serpent horn pin for $9.90.

Scarlett Johansson and Britney Spears both worn this stunning gold sequined dress from Cavalli’s Spring 2004 line. For a mere $249 (by Cavalli prices), you can also have it too. I wonder what the original went for.

Kate Hudson wore this shimmery dress from the Roberto Cavalli’s Fall 2005 collection to a movie premiere. It’s very similiar to the one that H&M is now offering.

I’m quite fond of the feminine ruffle dress and it’s sibling, the ruffled blouse. I have rather wide shoulders though and wonder if I could pull it off.

The loose animal printed silk dress looks quite comfy and looks like something JLO would wear now that she’s pregnant.

More lustworthy pieces online at Roberto Cavalli for H&M.