Memorial Day Weekend 2013 = Big Shoe Sales
There are a lot of great shoe sales going on this Memorial Day weekend, and I wanted to share some of the bigger ones with you.
As always, don't forget to confirm the details, and check shipping, return, and exclusion policies before checking out.
Save 20% Sitewide at ShoeMetro.com
Now through 5/27/2013 you can get 20% off everything at ShoeMetro.com, with code HONOR20. -- (Buy Direct)
Save on Top Comfort Brands at The Walking Company
This weekend at TheWalkingCompany.com, you can find loads of markdowns during their "$99 & Under Holiday Weekend Sale." Select styles from Dansko, ECCO, Raffini, Taos and others, as well as certain styles of ABEO H2O water-friendly sandals are included. This sale ends on May 27, 2013. -- (Buy Direct)
Save even More than Usual at 6pm.com
Regular readers know that I'm a huge fan of bargain-shopping at 6pm.com, but by far, my favorite time to score some deals is during one of their holiday sales. This weekend, they're having one of those famous sales, and you can find a ton of deals on men's and women's brand-name shoes and sandals; as well as special discounts on running shoes; select styles of Dansko and Sperry; and Oakley sunglasses, clothing and accessories.
No coupon code necessary, these deals start and end at varying times throughout the weekend, so be sure to check the site for more details. -- (Buy Direct)
Nordstrom's Famous Half-Yearly Sale
This is a big one, and it's another one of my faves: Nordstrom's Women's, Kids' and Juniors' Half-Yearly Sale, where you can save up to 40% on select brand-name shoes, plus a lot more like clothing, cosmetics, and accessories. And, in case you didn't know, Nordstrom now offers free shipping and free returns. So, that's a big bonus too.
You don't need a discount code for this one, you just need to do your shopping before June 1 -- and as always, the sooner you look, the better variety you'll find. -- (Buy Direct)
Save 20% at Heels.com
This one is already going, so if you're in the market for a pair of sexy heels (or stylish flats or sneakers), be sure to head on over to Heels.com before the sale ends on Monday, May 27. No promo code needed. -- (Buy Direct)
Take an Extra 20% Off of Your Entire Purchase at FamousFootwear.com
Valid 5/23 through 5/27 only, you can take an extra 20% off of your entire purchase at Famous Footwear. There are a few brand exclusions and quantity limits that you'll want to check before shopping, but still, there are loads of brand-name shoes and sandals for women, men and kids here, so it's a pretty good deal anyway -- and there are two ways to score.
First, you can print out a coupon to be used at Famous Footwear, Famous Footwear Outlet, or Factory Brand Shoe Stores -- or, you can enter promo code FLAG13 before checking out at Famous.com or FamousFootwear.com. -- (Buy Direct)
LuLus.com - Sale on Sale, Save an Extra 25% on Sale Items
If it's cute, trendy, and/or sexy you're after, then you'll definitely want to check out the Memorial Day weekend sale at LuLus.com -- it's a sale on sale items, so you'll save an extra 25% on items that have already been marked down. I love sales like that, and since LuLus already has great prices, this is like a triple win: awesome prices/on sale/further discounted!
The deals are only good through 5/27, and you'll need to enter coupon code MEMORIAL2013 to get the additional discount. (Buy Direct)
5 for Friday : d'Orsay Flats and More for Summer 2013
d'Orsay flats are popping up everywhere, but those aren't the only flat shoes you'll be seeing a lot of this summer. Actually, there are so many flats to choose from this season that I was easily able to pull together this collection (plus a bonus pair) without listing any ballet flats, sneakers, boat shoes, or sandals. In fact, I could have easily listed four or five times as many that I really, really liked.
Heady days, indeed, for flat lovers. -- Enjoy!
Pictured: Chinese Laundry 'Easy Does It' (Buy Direct)
Image: Piperlime.com
Above: MIA 'Harry'
Image: 6pm.com
Above: Franco Sarto 'Venezia'
Image: Zappos.com
Above: Vince Camuto 'Lancaster'
Image: Nordstrom.com
Above: Joie 'Day Dreaming'
Image: Piperlime.com
Above: DV by Dolce Vita 'Lunna'
Image: Zappos.com
Skechers Daddy's Money Secret Wedge Sneakers on Sale
I recently had the opportunity to review two styles from the Skechers 'Daddy's Money' secret wedge sneaker line; and while I was doing some online shopping just now, I noticed that Zappos.com has a slew of them marked down to some killer prices.
If you are looking to catch a ride on the wedge sneaker trend, you may want to check them out while they're still on sale and/or available -- and while there is still a good selection of sizes and colors to choose from.
Pictured: Skechers Daddy's Money 'Gimme Glitter Bomb' (Buy Direct)
Image: Zappos.com
Wedge Sandals and Shoes for Summer
Saying that wedges are a trend has become sort of redundant. Yes, they are more popular some years than they are others, but they've become enough of a staple that even when they aren't "in," I hear from people who are looking for their favorite shoe styles with wedge heels.
It's really not difficult to understand why they're so popular: they add height while being less daunting than stiletto heels; they're stylish; and they're often more comfortable than other heels.
Whether they're one of your all-time favorites, or you're just appreciating their current popularity, there are plenty to choose from this season. Here are some of my favorite wedge sandals and shoes for summer.
Pictured: Jessica Simpson 'Nouta' (Buy Direct)
Image: Zappos.com
2013 Summer Shoe Trends for Women
As we all know, shoe trends don't really change all that much from spring to summer. I mean, if a color is hot in spring, it's generally going to be popular during the hotter summer months as well. Usually the biggest style and trend shifts are from summer to fall, and winter to spring.
Having said that, those same trends that are popular in spring might look very different on summer shoe styles, and then of course, some styles are just more popular in summer (like sandals, or flip-flops), so you do have a few new trends to look forward to each May or June.
With those things in mind, I rounded up a few of the hottest summer shoe trends for 2013. If you're looking for the latest, be sure to check them out.
Pictured: Mixx Shuz 'Dolly' (Buy Direct)
Image: LuLus.com
5 for Friday : Bright Heels for Summer
We've been talking a lot about pastel shoes -- which are great, but there are times when you really want a jolt of bright color -- and summer is a great time to get that fix. Especially during a summer like this one when there's such an awesome array of brightly-colored shoes to choose from.
There are so many out there right now that it didn't take long at all to round up this week's collection of pretty bright heels for summer -- and honestly, I could have kept going. In fact, I'd say it was actually nearly painful to stop. It's OK though, you're worth it. -- Enjoy!
Pictured: Ted Baker 'Lissome' (Buy Direct)
Image: Zappos.com
Above: Mixx Shuz 'Sheila'
Image: LuLus.com
Above: 7 for All Mankind 'Cameo'
Image: Nordstrom.com
Above: Donald J Pliner 'Elara'
Image: Zappos.com
Above: BCBGeneration 'Putnam'
Image: 6pm.com
Shoemaking Books
I've mentioned before that I have an ever-growing library of shoe books, but there's one that's been on my list for years that I've never gotten around to purchasing: Bespoke Shoemaking, A Comprehensive Guide to Handmade Footwear by Tim Skyrme.
The reason I've always wanted to read the book is because I've heard nothing but great things about it, and because it's probably the most comprehensive text on shoemaking available today.
The reason I haven't made the leap so far is because, at $140 (AUD), the book is a bit pricey -- at least for the casual reader on a budget (that would be me). Now, if the book were, say about shoe styles of the last 100 years or so, then I wouldn't consider myself a "casual reader" at all, since I mostly write about shoes from the fashion perspective.
But, I can guarantee you that if I was interested in pursuing shoemaking -- even as a serious hobby -- this would be one of the first tools in my arsenal.
So, if you're on that path, I definitely recommend checking out that book, and also the more affordable Simple Sandalmaking, also by Tim Skyrme. And, even if you're only mildly interested in shoemaking, you may still want to check out Tim's site, as there is loads of great information there, including links to shoemaking schools around the world and other shoemaking books, as well as sample pages and additional information on his own titles.
5 for Friday : Mint Green Shoes for 2013
I've been featuring a lot of pastels lately because they're so hot this season, but let's face it, we all know that the color of year is mint green.
As a kid, I was absolutely obsessed with all things mint green; to the degree that it was a running joke for me and some of my friends. (Actually, the "joke" was more them making fun of my passion for the combination of mint green and pastel pink -- a combination I still have trouble resisting.)
I'm all grown up, but I still love the shade. Granted, I'm not quite as single-faceted as I was back then, and there are so many colors to love that it would be difficult to limit myself to just one -- but still, if you were going to, mint would be a great choice.
Here are five gems in the hottest color for spring and summer 2013: mint green. -- Enjoy!
Pictured: Luichiny 'Law Rence' (Buy Direct)
Image: ShoeBuy.com
Above: Mia 'Edie'
Image: Zappos.com
Above: DV by Dolce Vita 'Flippa'
Image: Nordstrom.com
Above: 7 For All Mankind 'Dania'
Image: Piperlime.com
Above: Circus by Sam Edelman 'Mirielle'
Image: Nordstrom.com
10 Must-Have Women's Shoes
It's been a while since we've covered some of the staples, so I thought it might be nice to have a little refresher. Even if you already know all the basics and your footwear needs are covered, you might want to have a look, as it's sometimes helpful to remind ourselves that it's not all about the latest trends and hottest labels.
Be sure to check out these 10 Must-Have Women's Shoes.
Pictured: Calvin Klein 'Diema' (Buy Direct)
Image: Zappos.com
Just Wanted You to See These : Sexy High Heel Sandals
I see shoes like these sexy sandals from Chinese Laundry and, like a lot of women, my first thought is how great they'd be for a night out, clubbing.
But then the reality of my lifestyle (read: not a lot of clubbing, these days), and I think that maybe I don't actually need a pair of shoes like these.
And it's true, I don't need them. But, I do still covet them. And, I do have a silky, mid-thigh wrap dress that would look fantastic with them. They also come in black, if I wanted a pair that was even more versatile.
See, I think it's a common mistake to believe that you have to: have a certain body type; wear a specific style of clothing; or live a fast-paced lifestyle (one that is usually reserved for people in their twenties) to enjoy a pair of sexy high heels.
Would sandals like these work with a nurse's uniform? No. Well, they might, but only in really private situations that we probably shouldn't get into.
But, they would work with a pretty skirt or dress, even if it's not a bandage dress or mini skirt, and they'd look just as lovely in a nice restaurant as they would in a flashy club. Plus, you don't have to be super-tall or model-thin to wear them either. In fact, that's one of the most wonderful things about shoes: they don't discriminate based on body-type or age.
Of course, 4.5" heels, and rhinestone-covered uppers aren't to everyone's liking, and they wouldn't earn a place in a lot of people's wardrobes -- that's fine. I just wanted to make the point that you don't have to confine yourself to boring, stodgy shoes -- or even pretty but basic pumps -- just because your clubbing days are behind you.
If you see a pair of shoes that makes your heart flutter, try to find a way to work them into your wardrobe. I think you might be surprised to find some shoe styles are more versatile than you initially thought.
Pictured: Chinese Laundry 'Jovial' (Buy Direct)
Image: Heels.com