Shoes for Puttering Around the House.

I just popped over to Smartbargains.com to see what they have on their site this week. Their stock of shoes changes frequently and I never know just what I’m going to find.

So, what do I trip across but a playful and self-referencing casual shoe; pretty much Pop-art for your feet. With a whimsical, shoe-printed graphic upper, it is a perfect gift for the shoe-a-holic in your life.

Donald J. Pliner “Cavat” in white or black printed canvas; $79.97 for a 58% savings:

Aren’t these just adorable?

Pre-Labor Day Sales Round-up.

I feel like I need a pair of hip-waders just to get through my email this week. The basic theme flooding my inbox this week is this: Sales, sales, sales.

Here are a few, in no particular order:

• 1.) Nordstrom’s 40% off shoes clearance.

Personal sale picks:

The Gucci-esque “Boseda” snakeskin-embossed corset sandal by Boutique 9 ($79.90 after 40% off) or the equestrian/harness-vibe “Nobli” pump by Bally (334.90 after 40% discount). 

• 2.) Steve Madden shoes; Free shipping with purchases over $50.00:

Personal clearance pick:

The “Riley” oxford in leopard print for $49.00 or the Togga platform gladiator for $79.99.

• 3.) Shoebuy.com; Extra 15% off Sale items. (You may need to shop through this main link to establish the 15% discount.)

Personal pick:

Siren by Mark Nason “Fatinah” embroidered lace-up boot for $209.45 (after 55% sale price but before extra 15%  discount).  Keep in mind that if you decide to ‘register’ at shoebuy.com, you also receive another 10% discount in addition to the sales price and promotional discount. That would bring this boot to about $160.23 final pre-tax cost; a big drop from the original $475 retail.

What would your picks be? Please have fun browsing the sites & let us know if you score any bargains. I will keep an eye on my inbox to see what other shopping opportunities may be headed our way.

Graffiti me up.

The last time I mentioned Graffiti and the current graphics trend in shoe adornment, the shoe silhouette itself (Platform wedge) definitely fell under the “Funky and Chunky” category.

If you are attracted to this type of edgy detail in your footwear, but prefer more classic or feminine designs, the following styles are in much more traditional shoe shapes and may be more to your liking.

First, for the less budget-constrained among us: Christian Louboutin’s red calf “Madison Tag”boots down from $980 to $784 at Bluefly. This is some seriously sexy, flirty, attitude-packed fun.

Or, there is also Mr. Louboutin’s Pigalle detailed in gold leather and graffiti priced down from $675 to $540 at Bluefly.com.

Of course, for those looking for a less hefty price tag, there is still an option: Report’s “Adri” for $74 at Zappos.com; in Black/blue or Grey/orange color combinations.  These would seem to be more in line with the shopping budgets of a younger, college-aged crowd that still wants to add a little bit of attitude to their walk.

How do you feel about claiming some of that attitude for yourself?

Consider me confused.

What is this Hot Mess???!!!

Luichiny’s Riley for $138.60 at Zappos & $150 at Shoes.com.

Honestly, I mean no offense to anyone whose heart swoons when they see these babies. And I give HUGE points to anyone who figures out how to pull these off. But, I don’t get it. Are they dressy or casual? Can anyone tell me the planet, continent or climate where these might be comfortably worn? Sweaty ankles in summer. Wet toes in the rain. Frostbite guaranteed in winter. Oh, and suede? Isn’t that asking for trouble? Perhaps the wearing season is simply very brief; perhaps between 5PM and 8PM for 3 days in September?

I find these intriguing, but ultimately unwearable; although they certainly do draw the eye. Maybe they are actually meant to be table art? That actually makes a bizarre kind of sense.

Sole Attraction

I can’t help it, I’m a sucker for all things pretty, romantic, retro, glam, goth; what I think of as fabulous but affordable luxuries. And one thing that I find truly fabulous on a shoe is a sensational sole.  The details and attention that show on the top of the shoe have historically received the primary artistic focus.  However, when the designer has thoughtfully added a bit of art to the underside of the shoe, well, that’s just a cool and unexpectedly delightful present for the wearer.  It’s a bit of a sweet little secret you can enjoy all by yourself.

Here is a look at some of the surprises that might await you should you peek at the underside of the shoes around you. 

Siren by Mark Nason:

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