Okay, I admit that one of the things I occasionally miss since switching from being a reader to a writer here at Shoeblog is that I can only ‘look but not touch’ when we put on one of our self-funded (or the occasional brand-sponsored) giveaways.

All in all, it’s so much fun finding and writing new articles, that I don’t really feel the loss at the opportunity to win free stuff.

But, I am, after all,  a shoe-lover at heart – and the chance to win shoes is always exciting. Who doesn’t love free shoes?

So, imagine my pleasure when, admitted shoe-obsessive that I am, I was contacted with the information that I had won the Faryl Robin giveaway at the Sweet Life in the Valley blog (Insert enthusiastic shoutout to Sweetlife here….also, the microwave fudge and beignet’s recipes on the site looks too tasty to miss.)

I got to choose a pair from among any of the styles available at the Faryl Robin site as of about 2 weeks ago. Speaking of fudge, that’s the shoe-lover’s equivalent of a being a kid in the candy store.

Hubby liked these:

(Faryl Robin ‘Ulysses’ $175.78 at endless.com, $179 at bluefly.com, & $293-$298.95 at couturecandy.com & shoebuy.com)

Of course, Hubby rides in the summertime, so his zeroing-in on the motorcycle boot is not a huge surprise.

And, I was tempted, particularly since this boot comes in a burgundy-brown color which is simply gorgeous.

But, I instead decided on these pretties; they arrived on my doorstep yesterday evening after I had left for my metalworking class:

It’s always exciting right before you open the box, right?

Then, there’s the first teasing glimpse, nestled among all that pretty tissue wrapping.

Then, you get to see that they look even better in person than they did online.

Really, I think it was the wrap-around-the-heel strap that clinched it for me. These have a retro-vintage appeal mixed with a modern sensibility. I was officially helpless to make any other style choice.

Oh, and of course, you have to try them on to see how they look on the foot. It’s a major deal-maker or breaker in a new pair of shoes.

So adorable. Cute and sexy at the same time; these hit exactly the right note to be an everyday, wearable shoe in my closet and my lifestyle. Plus, these will work great with both jeans and skirts, yay!

Thank you again Sweetlife & Faryl Robin!

Oh, wait, I almost forgot. These are the Faryl Robin ‘Elina’ platform pumps available @ Shoemall.com ($99), Endless.com $187.46, & Shoebuy.com ($249.95),

FTC Disclosure/Noticee: This article was not solicited or directly sponsored by any of the companies or parties it may have mentioned. Shoeblog is a fashion site run by shoe-lovers and is partially funded by banner and click-through advertising. Keeping our blog profitable is one thing that allows us to bring you periodic non-sponsored giveaways and reader contests.  I choose my topics based on personal interest and am not paid by advertisers for my opinions. Some of the shopping links on items shown in posted articles may be ‘affiliate linked’. However, often links do not generate any revenue to Shoeblog. I check for appropriate links after I write each article and try to find the best prices available at that time among familiar retailers; those links may or may not exist that bring us revenue.

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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!

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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!

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This year I attended a Halloween Edward Gorey ball called “The Dwindling Party,” put on by the lovely organization Dances of Vice. Putting on Victorian, Edwardian and other period parties, Dances of Vice makes life in New York just that much more interesting by bringing out all kinds of interesting characters in intense period-modern mashup costumes.

The setting, a loft in Carroll Gardens, was ornately gorgeous and the hosts including the foxy Shien Lee were incredibly gracious.

Photos are all by my fantastic photographer pal, Jake Alper, taken specially for ShoeBlog.

Benjamin Ickies and This Ambitious Orchestra, who runs in the same circus circles as yours truly, was the highlight of the evening for us, with his fun arrangements, voice and accordion regaling.

There were some dramatic dance performance art pieces.

Ah, the outfits. Mashups, indeed. There was a strange and interesting mix of steampunk, goth, Victorian, creepy Gorey, typical skeletons and Halloween stuff, New Orleans, bowler hats, cravats and drag.

And now for the shoes. Which were, of course, dramatic. And there were men in corsets and high heels. No complaining here. Now they get to know what it feels like. And some of them looked better than I do in them!

Pilgrim shoes go dark and goth!

Senor below had quite the Senorita look going, and it was impressive how evenly he stood on those stilettos!

These look like they could be on ModCloth!

Those sock-boot straps are so big right now.

I was impressed with Madame below, who was already tall, but with these platform pumps, towered above most men there that night, and still was graceful. The fake blood was a nice touch to her sexy referee look.

Hope it was a fantastic Halloween for you with some great shoe sightings!

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Piperlime is having a 1-day ‘Secret Sale’ that gives an extra 20% off select sale items.

Among the eligible styles are:

Moschino Cheap and Chic ‘Basket’ $500 $269.99

Chie Mihara ‘Jean’ $375 $219.99

Biviel “BV1606″ bootie $180 $89.99

Belle by Sigerson Morrison fringed ‘5823′ thong sandal $225 $109.99

Giuseppi Zanotti color-blocked, snake-embossed “E90027″  D’orsay sandal $650 $319.99

Giuseppi Zanotti “E96194″ tribal-woven raffia platform pump $750 $519.99

(Boy, does this one make me regret …just a twinge… living within my budget.)

And finally, a shoe that I loved enough that it got it’s own blog entry:

Pour La Victoire ‘Eden’ $280 $159.99

…..gasp, it’s even in the electric blue…..must log off computer and lock up all credit cards immediately!

Oh, and lest I forget the most important detail: How to get the extra 20% discount?  Use code “Just4U” at checkout.

Fine print: Offer valid online on Piperlime sale merchandise only, now through 11:59pm PT July 23, 2009 in the US only. Online code limited to one-time use. Offer not valid on final sale or the following select brands: designer brands, apparel brands, Frye, Brooks and Patagonia. Discount applies to merchandise only, not to Giftcard, packaging, applicable taxes, or shipping and handling charges. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts including employee discount.

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