Neutral shoes don’t have to be boring.

We all love neutral shoes. Black, brown, tan, white…after all, these basics pretty much match everything in your closet.

But, do the true neutrals (notice I am not including red here), really need to fade into the background?  Chanel, with their contrasting cap toes and color-blocked shoes obviously doesn’t believe this is the case. They understand that understated colors are made fabulous by their details. And it looks like other shoe designers are getting in on the action with some show-stopping neutral-toned shoes of their own.

So far, these are my favorites so far for 2010; Neutral in color , perhaps, but not in style or attitude:

Maison Martin Margiela two-tone leather sandals $695 at Net-a-porter.com

Tabitha Simmons Bunty suede wedge pumps $1210 at Net-a-porter.com

Max Kibardian Dragonfly T-strap sandals $650 at Saks.com

Jimmy Choo Embellished ankle wrap sandals $1395 at Saks.com

Alexander McQueen cutout leather ankle boots $995 at Saks.com & Net-a-porter.com

Prada Multi-strap pumps $850 at Saks.com

I love each and every pair of these. They all have such individual personality and character – or is that too much meaning to invest into a simple shoe?

Nonetheless, swoon-worthy they remain, so there.

So, how do you feel about neutrals stepping into the role of statement shoe? Because these are so-called neutral shoes that will not allow you to stand in the background acting as a wallflower.

6pm.com Sale: Up to 80% off LAMB, Zanotti, & more

I don’t usually like the phrase “Go, Shop, Save” since it normally involves a lot more spending to ‘get’ the supposed ‘saving’ of money. But, at 80% off of some items this is a great time to look and see if any of the items that were unreachable at $100, $300, $400 are now within reasonable prices for those of us on serious budgets.

My recurring crush, the Harajuku Lovers ‘Paley’ is 20 bucks – yes, $20. Can we say, ‘Insane and tempting clearance prices!’ Holy cow, Christmas may be affordable after all.

This LAMB ‘Hip’ oxford also caught my eye at $120 down from $400. I love sexy oxfords for fall and winter outfits. There are also about 2 dozen other LAMB styles (Primarily hot, strappy sandals) on clearance as well.

And, let’s not forget Giuseppi Zanotti. This Giuseppi Zanotti E90172 is a great strappy platform that needs an appreciative home. This baby is $175 – down from $875 original retail. Check out the 6pm.com sale for even more styles.

So, what are you waiting for? These 6pm clearance specials tend to sell out quickly!

Saks Designer Sale – Prices Up to 40% off

Hey all – Saks is having an ‘up to 40% off’ designer brands sale.

So, if you are in the market for a Christmas shopping splurge, now’s your chance.

This is just a sampling, there are pages of shoes on sale…I’m betting most of them, especially the selection of Louboutins, won’t last:

Top Row:

Christian Louboutin Ruched Ankle Boots $674.99 $965

Christian Louboutin Paolo Lace Boots $807.99 $1155

Christian Louboutin Metallic Open-Toe Booties $835.99 $1195

Row #2:

Christian Louboutin Lace-up Granny Boots $835.99 $1195

Maison Martin Margiela Demi Wedge Ankle Boots $485.99 $695

Brian Atwood Suede Platform Ankle Boots $520.99 $745

Row #3:

Givenchy Fur-Front Ankle Boots $804.99 $1150

Givenchy Wide Ankle Boot $905.99 $1295

Valentino Drape Open-Toe Ankle Boots $541.99 $775

Row #4:

Giuseppi Zanotti Zipper Ankle Boots $681.99 $975

Dolce and Gabbana Cutout Booties $384.99 $550

Dior Persia Ankle Boots $727.99 $1040

Avoid Friday Crowds with Smartbargains

Who needs Black Friday when websites like Smartbargains regularly give us doorbuster prices? They’re even running a “Get an extra 10% off” promotion through the end of the month.

I know some people love the whole black Friday crowds, competition, and such. But, if you would rather hang at home & enjoy your turkey leftovers, there are so many shoes & boots on uber-discount right now, you really can shop from the comfort of your couch.

Anyway, here’s a quick peek at shoes that catch my eye on this lovely, soon to be food-filled Thanksgiving.

First, some playful, end-of-season, sandals and slingbacks to hold onto for next spring:

Rock and Republic flower espadrille $49.97 $300 (WOW – only 1 left in size 5)

Harajuku Lovers ‘Libby’ Ginham slingback $39.99 $100.

Harajuku Lovers ‘Pandora’ slinback pump $59.99 $100

Prada red patent platform slingback $549.99 $690

Next, a few choices for holiday bling:

Report Signature ‘Dunbarton’ jewelled sandal $99.99 $185

Botkier ‘Elenar’ snake-embossed sandal $219.99 $445 (for one lucky size 39)

Badgley Mischka Clay two-tone D’orsay pump $129.99 $260

And finally, boots  to satisfy your craving for fall & winter styles:

Matisse Buckles suede and leather knee-boot $129.99 $220

Matisse ‘Benjamin’ saddle leather boot $119.99 $219

(This is my new steampunk/weird west lust-boot)

So, happy window shopping, and most of all:

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

Dsquared2: Open Toe Frou Frou Camoscio Pump

Okay, it’s official.

I am becoming more and more smitten by offerings coming out of Dsquared2.

My crush may even be deep enough that when Hubby & I finally reach debt-free status, (sometime toward next fall if things continue to proceed apace) I might even consider paying full retail once or twice a year for a lust-shoe or two from this design house.

Today’s example:

Dsquared2 Open Toe Pump Frou Frou Camoscio $911 at Zappos.com

Holy cow! And this is while staying with a monochromatic black color scheme – with the exception of the lining. These are anything but boring; filled with eye-catching textural details and contrasts from the ruffles to ribbon to croc-embossed heel…..

These shoe are both fierce and unapologetically feminine at the same time.

I am in deep smit, indeed.