Some of you may remember that back during the Spring 2009 runway shows I developed a bit of a crush on these Marc by Marc Jacobs openwork granny boots. Something about them just clicked for me.

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘693556′ lace-up sandal $384.97 at Amazon, $412.46 $549.95 at Endless.

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘693185′ lace-up bootie $197.98-$495 at Amazon & Endless (depending on size/color combo)

Now, I have theoretically had time to gain some little bit of emotional distance from these shoes. After all, the Spring 2009 MBMJ runway show was over a year ago.  Alas, granny-boot lover that I am, these have not lost any of their hold on me.  Unfortunately, finding a way to actually purchase a pair of these will involve the moon and stars coming into the correct alignment along with positive shopping signs and portents evidencing themselves in my favor ….. or perhaps just continued careful budgeting, having good luck hold out on issues like car and home maintenance expenses, and a hoping that a size 7 1/2 will remain in stock until I can honestly say ‘this is the pay period it can happen’.

However, if my budget remains tight enough that the MBMJ’s remain an impractical splurge, I will keep the following shoes in mind as acceptable, affordable alternatives.

First we have these hardcore knock-offs from Type Z:

Type Z ‘Ritchie’ pump $81.50 $95 at Zappos.

No challenge figuring out where the inspiration for these came from…….

There are also some less literal (copied) interpretations of the openwork style that are also very cute. And, if they go on super-sale, they could become near-irresistible.

These ones are my favorite of the bunch…they are seriously vying to knock my MBMJ crush down to a number two slot. How fickle is my shoe love now?

Linea Paolo ‘Vie’ $86.90 $129.95 at Nordstrom.

I am totally digging on these and they are on equal crush footing for me on a strictly visual basis. They do have the MBMJ’s totally whipped on price, though, to this involuntary penny-pincher.

(If you like these but are not on a budget like me, you might also like these Cynthia Vincent ‘Maddox‘ sandals over at Endless.)

Other contenders for my attention are styles by Stuart Weitzman, Pour La Victoire, Dolce Vita, Type Z, and Elizabeth & James. But, I’m still liking the Nordies and original MBMJ’s the best … so, I will probably not be bookmarking these others.

Anyway, I suppose I will just have watch the sales - and also my budget…nothing new there.

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If you can’t beat the recession, then work around it. That’s shoe designer’s Ruthie Davis’ mantra during these trying times. The collection of shoe “combos” consisting of one Davis by Ruthie Davis pump and one takedown flat in the same color so you can guarantee that the outfit will match the shoes.   Each shoe is crafted from Italian leather with some featuring hardware details. The two shoes are sold together for $698 to $798, which isn’t exactly a recession bargain but you are getting 2 shoes where you would typically only be able to purchase 1.   The shoe combo comes with a Ruthie Davis graffiti bag, made for toting the shoes around for work or travel.  And in keeping with the sushi-named collection, the styles  bear the names such as Tempura, Edamame, and Sashimi.  Anyone up for some sushi?

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I am a Valentino girl.  I have to dress formal a few times a year and when I do, I always wish I had a pair of Valentino pumps to wear. I showed you their shoes during the Couture season.  Rhianna, incidentally, wore a pair in her Italian Vogue photoshoot.

Now it is time to look at their Ready to Wear 2010.  There is not a chunky platform in sight.

They always have a pair of flats that are just as beautiful as the heels.

If any one of my children were getting married next year (They better not), this is the pair of shoes I would want to wear as a mother of the bride/groom.  I could wear a burlap sack (as long as it is beige) and wouldn’t care.  With a fabulous pair of shoes like this, who needs more.

Love it.

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6pm.com is having one of their brand-clearance specials today. This time it’s on the Gabriella Rocha brand.

Prices on some shoe are as low as $4.95 - you can’t even beat those prices at Payless!

Many styles are on sale:

Juliette $7.95 $43

Glori $7.95 $65

Chill $4.95 $81

Mindola $7.95 $61

So, frugalistas: Go forth and shop

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I haven’t done any sale updates or shopping deals for awhile. So, today I swung by smartbargains.com.

What do you know?  They have a bunch of new boot styles in stock to whet your winter appetite.

You all know the only thing I love more than shoes & boots is finding them at a stellar price. Of course, the one caveat that is always true with Smartbargains is that quantities are always limited - and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

So, here are my quick picks great fall style and value:

London Fog ‘Zoey’ in black or chestnut;  $130 $79.99. This is a cozy, practical, cold-weather style.

Max Studio ‘Reunion’ in black or brown $260 $129.99. This has a rubberized sole - which I tend to find helpful in wet & icy weather.

Marciano Ellen $280 $99.99. Tread for winter weather and a high-heel; this is an interesting and sexy little loafer bootie - and it’s got a nice bit of tread on it as well.

Lovely People ‘Finley’ with faux-fur trim; $140 $79.99. A cute and warm-looking bootie; great for pairing with winter outfits.

Charles by Charles David ‘Pow Wow’ $165 $79.99. We haven’t seen the last of fringe yet. These are a nice nod to the moccasin-style inspiration without going too over the top.

Matisse ‘Sioux’ $188 $99.99 in black or brown. Yet another fringe style - this time with a tall winter/fall shaft.

Lovely People ‘Riddler’ $160 $79.99 in black, grey or cognac. A low suede style with a touch of the currently-popular metal-stud detail. Don’t forget to water-proof these!

Lovely People ‘Velma’ $160 $79.99 in grey, black or cognac. I love all the knotted straps on these. Plus, I have had a soft spot for grey, sueded boots for at least 20 years….. go figure.

London Fog ‘Foxy’ All-weather leather boots $135 $79.99. Can I just say ‘Wow!’. These are amazingly gorgeous - plus they’re waterproof. Sign me up.

Matisse ‘Brooklyn’ $175 $99.99. Another ‘I think I’m in love boot’…no particular reason. They just make me go *sigh*. A lot.

Other good news for frugalistas: Some of these boots are still in the ‘new arrivals’ category and are eligible for an additional 20% off at checkout (for a limited time).

So, is it time to go shopping yet?

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