Regular Shoeblog readers may recall September of last year when we saw some very intriguing styles from Proenza Schouler’s spring 2009 runway show.

For those of you who want a chance to own some of these styles, they have started to appear online via Saks.com. 

The first two shoes below are very close to styles seen on the runway; including the strangely organic skeletal heels that immediately bring to my mind the various ’biomechanical’ artworks by HR Giger. 

Proenza Schouler Cutout Sandals $875.

Proenza Shouler Pleated Peep-Toe Sandals $1095.

If these are too unusual for you, there is also an on-trend version of the still-popular gladiator/spat sandal:

Proenza Schouler Flat Zip Sandals $1050.

Admittedly, the flats are really not my style. There would be too much chance of ‘the shoes wearing me’ rather than the other way around.

I could, however (were finances to permit) completely see myself sporting that wicked and slightly dangerous-looking cutout heel.

Bring on the towering Femme Fatale!

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The Irregular Choice brand is known for shoes that are eclectic (at best) to outright horrifying (at worst). Certainly ‘Boring’ is a word rarely applied to this brand.  Styles by Irregular Choice are not for the shy at heart. I just feel like many of them would fair better on stage rather than ‘life around town’.

Case in point.

Irregular Choice ‘Satine’ $74.75 $149  at 6pm.com. 

Dramatic?   Yes. 

Wearable by your average gal? …. Probably not. But, they definitely get the imagination going.

So, as winter continues to knock coldly on my door, I bring you a slightly less dramatic alternative from Irregular Choice.

These puffy ankle-boots used to be available in an ice-blue with white snowflakes, but that color combo seems to have sold out. Instead, take a peak at these cozy Red, White and Blue cuties that will make you feel like you are dressed up and ready for the Winter Olympic games.

Irregular Choice ‘Snowbunny’ in Red, White & Blue $51.75 $100  at 6pm.com

If you like the knit-snowflake detail of this boot, but are lucky enough to live in an area that is not currently dusted with snow, there is also a patterned pump available in RW&B, green or yellow:

Irregular Choice ‘Apres Ski’ $51.75 $100 at 6pm.com

They are definitely not subtle footwear choices. And, folks I’ve met who own some Irregular Choice shoes have told me that they are also pretty darned comfortable. So, if unique shoes are your thing, then grab a pair of these for stepping out during the cooler months. It’s one way to show Old Man Winter how much you love the season.

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I have only one pair of Hollywould shoes, and those are from the ‘for Target’ line that was produced a year or two ago. I do admit to admiring a number of Hollywould shoe styles; particularly some of the colorful ticking-striped shoes in red and blue that are just too cute for words. Unfortunately, cute is rarely enough for me to shell out close to $500 for a pair of shoes - for me it must be true love combined with an almost mindless desire to get that shoe!  Luckily for me, that rarely happens, leaving most of my purchases in my budget ’sane zone’. I was, however, hoping to try out at least one pair of Hollywould shoes toward the end of next year when all of my ‘New Home’-related debt was paid off.

Unfortunately, the odds of my finding the perfect pair has dropped as Hollywould follows Linens and Things in closing up shop. I love a sale, but this is a sad way to get a bargain.

Hollywould shoes is subsidiary of the Kellwood Co.; a company which markets both men’s and women’s sportswear as well as, interestingly enough, sporting goods. Kellwood Co. announced plans to sell the Hollywould line back in October of this year; unfortunately, there have been no takers to date. Founder and creative director Holly Dunlap’s final day was November 24, 2008 and the press offices are also closed at this time. 

If the Hollywould website is any indication; this is their last hurrah.  Beginning December 2, 2008, a sale was announced with discounts of up to 85% off original prices; the site is currently down to $79 per item site-wide. Yesterday it was $89, so expect discounts to continue as the stock depletes.  Discount shipping codes appear to have been shut off.  Order confirmations will be emailed, but due to the store-closing nature of the sale, e-mail cancellations are still possible if stock cannot be located.  All items are, predictably, final sale.

So, if you want to take a peak and see what is left, by all means, visit the Hollywould website and get your last shot at shoes that are reputed to be as comfortable as they are attractive.

When last I checked, there were still many styles available, including Ballet Flats, Kitten Heels and a handful of boots:

For those of you who love the Hollywould brand or were thinking of trying it out ’someday’, this may be one of your last opportunities to own a new pair of Hollywould shoes (Outside of whatever stock is left on websites such as Shoes.com and 6pm.com). Certainly it’s a little bittersweet, and it does show that even the luxury market is affected during an economic turn-down. One of the few up-sides I can see coming from this is a possible slow-down on the price-inflation that has started to become normal in the shoe market over the last few years. Obviously, that’s a very small silver lining to be found, but at least it’s something.

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I am seriously falling in love with the whole L.A.M.B. shoe line. Admittedly, some of the styles tend more toward trend-following rather than trend-setting, but there is always a decidedly fun and sassy spin added to the styles to keep them from feeling too derivative.

So, I popped over to Shopbop today, and noticed that they continue to put large numbers of items on sale; here’s to holiday shopping joy.

In the L.A.M.B. corner, here is what I found:

Rosebury Hidden Platform Button Bootie $520 $364.00. I do love that muted color-blocking take on the classic granny boot.

Fen Square Toe Pump $395 $276.59. This is simply one stylish, cute, and sexy pump.

Essex Plaid Ankle Bootie. $475 $332.50. Let’s see: Plaid, High-heel, Platform, Ankle Boot. How much more on trend can you get for this season?

If you prefer less ankle and more boot, how about the Rose Plaid Lace-up Bootie $515 $360.50 instead?

If you’d rather forego the plaid and stick with a subtle grab for the Zippers trend, you can give the Mika Hidden Platform Two-Zip Bootie a shot ($390 $273).

Now we come to a boot that makes me swoon, even though it screams of Sgt. Pepper’s and Rhythm Nation all rolled together. While I’m afraid I’d be playing right into some bizarre majorette fantasy, I can’t stop drooling over these Belgrave Multi-Strap boots $725 $507.50. . . . . . So incredibly hot.

If you aren’t loving the super-strappy buckle boots (well, I obviously don’t identify); The Vincent Hidden Platform boot is still pretty much smokin’ hot while holding to a mere hint of the buckle-love ($625 $437.50).

Next, we are back to a style that almost always owns my heart: mary-janes. Do you adore this Finsbury Criss-cross Maryjane pump ($400 $280) as much as I do? I Swoon.

Back to one final trend: Fringe. Two Booties and a Sandal. What I do like about these is that they are not ‘Frontier Fringe’ styles and will in no way be mistaken for casual Renaissance Faire garb.

First, the Camden Scallop Open-toe Bootie $430 $301. I can’t help it, I think it’s growing on me.

Next, the suede version (which is a bit less scallop-intensive); the Norland Scalloped High Heel Bootie $425 $297.50.

The final fringe contestant is the Yoyo Chainmail T-Strap sandal $390 $117 final sale (Size 10 only). The ombre effect of the multicolor, layered chain is a rather nice effect.

And, finally, a throwback to summer’s gladiator sandal frenzy (which was, quite possibly, the most ubiquitous shoe of the year): the Ely Shield Sandal $345 $241.50. This certainly is a more feminine and flattering gladiator than many that I encountered this year; the multicolor straps also look like they would allow more coordination within one’s wardrobe than a straight brown sandal would.

As always, Happy Shopping. And remember, we all love too Ooh and Aah folk’s new additions to their shoe collections over in our Forums (No need to be shy).

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Yet another sale. I can’t keep track of all the sales that have been springing up of late.

While all the sales are possibly another indication of trouble for retailers who are hoping for any cash-flow boost during the current uncertain economic climate; they remain good news for all of us hoping to make our budgets stretch just a little bit further. I certainly hope most of our favorite shoe retailers weather through the current financial troubles without too much difficulty.

So, if you feel like hopping over to the Nine West website, they are having a 20-30% off sale on any footwear on their site.

Some seasonal options?

How about the faux-fur cuffed ‘Accents’ boot for $179.99 $199.99 before the additional 20% discount?

Me, I’m feeling pretty partial to the ‘Cuzza’ ankle boot for $109.00 $149.99pre-additional 20% off. Anything that manages to hit tough, sexy and practical is a winner in my book.

Of course, if you loved last season’s Jimmy Choo Maryjane sandals but missed them or need a lower-priced alternative, you can find a fair and affordable substitute in the Nine West ‘Lex’ for $29.99-34.99 $89.99 before the additional 20% off.

Finally, what fun would it be talking sales if we didn’t find something in the fun and funky category? The ‘Bela’ hair-calf ankle boot in black or brown for $89.99 $119.00 before that additional 20% kicks in. Pretty decent prices, all the way around.

Well, I’m off to enjoy dinner with the family. That, unlike all these sales, is a least easy on the pocketbook.

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