We’ve talked about Devotte shoes round these parts before.

But they make such gorgeous sandals that are fun and playful (and not insanely high-heeled, either) and stylish that they’re worth a post all their own, if you ask me.

Nancy Kim is the design force behind Devotte, and she knows what she’s doing after spending time at D&G and menswear’s Y-3. And she’s designing from the right point of view, in my opinion. We’re firm believers here at Shoeblog that there’s no need to compromise your style for some comfort, and Nancy agrees.

I understand the lifestyle of the cosmopolitan woman. There is never time to go home and change. I am born-and-bred NYC; I know the importance of stylish shoes that are still comfortable. These can be worn day to night, like your favorite jeans.

Sounds good, right? So let’s point out some of the beautiful spring/summer creations that could take you day to night. The Helena nods gracefully at the gladiator sandal without giving up any of its ladylike beauty. Perhaps its name is a nod to Helen of Troy, whose ladylike beauty was enough to cause all kinds of trouble.

The Leeloo has a whimsical name and a fittingly flitting butterfly-wing design.

The Shirley’s playful tuxedo styling makes me want to put on my tap shoes and head off to the Good Ship Lollipop. It’s equally cute in white/gold or white/black.

And if you’re after a little height and disco diva color, you may want to opt for the Courtney, which distills the essence of Studio 54’s heyday into something just a little simpler and chicer so you won’t have people thinking you’re living a life of over-the-top excesses.

Now it’s true, these babies aren’t cheap, but if you peek around the internet, you can find some Devotte deals (usually in select sizes, as per usual) like the heart-embellished Adore ankle-straps for $138

or the cute Clara skimmers for only $71!

No matter what, you’re sure to end up with something feminine and classy that’ll prove your style chops to anyone who sees your adorably-clad feet.

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I haven’t written about many UK shoe designers here but I’ve been watching British shoe designer Nicolas Kirkwood with growing interest. He’s already achieved accolades such as the Conde Nast Footwear Emerging Talent award of 2005 and his shoe designs were featured on the runways for Doo.Ri and 3.1 Phillip Lim but it is his spring 2008 collection which really caught my eye.

If you liked Miu Miu’s insect inspired pumps, take a look at these Kirkwood pumps. It’s easy for me to imagine pixies and fairies from an alternate universe wearing these and any minute we’ll see the shoes start spreading their delicate silver wings. They are on sale at ShopJake for $545, down from $910.

Equally fierce and futuristic are these mirror winged pale blue platforms.  Note the strong lines and attention to detail on the pump and the tiny jewels(?) on the tip of the toe and heel.

And finally, there is also these creme Kirwood pumps.  Modern, utterly unique, and forward, no?

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You may have already seen posts about this if you’re a faithful Coutorture reader. But if not, here’s the skinny. On Tuesday night this week, a few lucky NYC fashion bloggers were treated (by a combined Coutorture and Diane von Furstenberg effort) to a chic and super-glam photoshoot at the DvF store in the Meatpacking District.

Not only did we get to pick out whatever DvF spring clothes we wanted to wear (and, oh, was that a torturously difficult decision), but then we were put through professional hair and makeup and shot by professional photographers (grazie mille, Franco Lacosta). The very helpful DvF sales ladies (thanks, Val) professed that they were having the most fun with it, but I have to beg to differ, because I can’t imagine anyone having more fun than the bloggers.

While I started out the evening in the deliciously comfortable teal Milano sandals (on sale for $196 at Shopbop in teal, lavender, and black)…

the brilliant Coutorture and DvF ladies helping us all out had the clever thought to bring out all the DvF footwear goodies that were there for the drooling over.

By the way, those adorable green and red Brussels flats in the front there with the classic DvF knotwork details on the toes? Snap ‘em up for cheap ($158) right now on sale at Joseph, which I talked about yesterday.I’m sure you can tell by the giant grin on my face, but there’s nothing like putting on gorgeous clothes and gorgeous shoes and gorgeous jewelry, too (fyi, that gold chain? $7,600!), and it was fantastic.

There’s more coverage up at Coutorture, including a page for each of the bloggers who were there, all of whom were great and were lots of fun to play dress up with. There are a couple shots of me with one of the Daily Obsession team in another DvF dress I loved and a pair of the Per Se pumps, which are on sale for $176 at Nordstrom (also note my dear companion’s Louboutins, which she brought to the shoot with her).

There are shots of each of the lovely ladies (or the models they chose to style): Shopalicious, See Pretty Things, Clothes-Pin, and plenty more, along with quotes from some of us lucky bloggers. So check it out. And a gigantic thanks to the Coutorture team and the DvF team respectively and collectively for putting this whole thing together and making us feel so welcome and happily pampered.

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These chandelier heels look like they could easily have come off the spring 2008 runways, especially since heel decorations are all the rage this season. Their real age? The chandelier shoes are from 1957.

Source: Getty Images

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We at Shoeblog have recently discovered that funnest of finds, a new designer e-tailer.

This time it’s Joseph, a family owned and operated company that began selling shoes in leased space in other department stores in the first half of the 20th century and has since expanded into their own locations. If you’re lucky enough to be in the Houston or Memphis areas, you can head there in person to check out the deluxe designer goodies. But if you’re not, then you can now have access to the handbags, jewelry, and yes–shoes online.

And what better day to let you know about this new online sweet spot than today, when their Spring Sale begins, with discounts on high end shoes of up to 40% (and even beyond if you hunt)!

What do they have that you can snatch up for a (relative) song?

How about this sexy, sophisticated Prada Argento evening sandal? Originally $595, but now you can scoop it up for under $360.

If you’re a lucky lucky size 7 and you act fast, you might net these GORGEOUS Gucci pumps. Classy and elegant, they’ve still got a funky edge to them with that signature Gucci bamboo heel. And your heart will surely skip a beat at the price, because instead of the original $470, they’re now only $157!

In a more comfort oriented frame of mind? Then how about these ruby red Diane von Furstenberg flats? Shiny and tempting as any apple, these puppies can now be yours for $158 (down from $225). (Stay tuned for more on these, from my glamalicious Diane von Furstenberg photoshoot.)

You’ll be so on trend (and comfy, too) if you step out in these Tod’s Oxford-inspired slip ons. They’ve got a rubber sole, excellent style, and they’re now only $220 instead of $365.

Or take the Taryn Rose Kaelyn out for a $316 whirl instead of a $450 schlep. I’ll be putting up a shoe review of these, by the way, just as soon as the weather lets me break them out.

So get those mouse fingers limbered up and put those keyboards to the test for some really great swag at rare discounted prices. Ready. Set. Shop.

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