Recently in Less is the New Plus! Category

With the economy in such a scary place, now even more than before, most of us are budgeting and watching our money closely. For me, at least, that means fewer splurges on $700+ shoes and supplementing my wardrobe with less expensive, yet fashionable choices. That’s why I’m so excited when I find shoes I love that don’t cost an arm and a leg! Lately I’ve really loved (and coveted) some of the new Steve Madden styles. Here are some of my favorites!

 

Aldo is a great store for bargain shopping! They always have a selection of basic styles in multiple colors as well as trendy styles. Here are a few of my favorites:

 

I’ve been stalking the web ever since I saw these shoes available on the Steve Madden website. Unfortunately I can’t find them in my size! So frustrating! I may have to try to squeeze in a size 10. Anyway, I adore these pumps! They are uber sexy, and the purple snakeskin leather is divine! You are going to look like a million books in these babies.

Florence wrote about some fabulous Joie booties yesterday, and it reminded me just how much I love wooden heels. So I thought I would find some wooden heels at good prices! (Although you should definitely check out the Joie booties because they are very reasonably priced!)

 

Ash Liason Pump

Another Ash shoe here, but I'm just digging this brand today! I really like the shape of this shoe and the wide ankle strap with buckle. You can wear them casually with jeans (wide-legged jeans would be cute) or even with tights and a skirt.

 

 

Ash Liason Pump $180 Nordstrom

 

 

Colin Stuart Croc-Print Peep-Toe Pump

For the price, I think this pump is fabulous! I haven’t seen these pumps in person, so I’m not sure if the croc-print looks too fake, but they look good in the pictures, and I don’t mind embossed leather as long as they don’t look really fake or cheap. They are also available in black and brown.

 

Colin Stuart Croc-Print Peep-Toe Pump $70 Victoria’s Secret

Peep-toes continue to be all the rage for fall, and I love that it’s now chic to wear them with tights! Black and gray tights are obvious, but I also encourage you to mix it up with some fun patterns or even bright colors.

Here are some of my favorite affordable peep-toes!

                                  

Paris Hilton Destiny Pump $93 Zappos

If you are on a budget, one of the best ways to prioritize your shoe funds is to splurge on the basics, but spend less on trends that may not still be popular next year. Purple is one of those trends. It is super hot for fall, but it could easily fall to the wayside by next year. However, you can wear a basic Christian Louboutin black pump for years to come. I’ve found some cute purple shoes that will keep you trendy, but won’t break the bank! 

 

 

When I was younger, I would wear heels for any occasion, no matter what I was doing or how long I would be walking, standing or shopping! As I’ve gotten older and have a child, I’ve come to realize I can’t wear 5-inch heels all the time, even though I love them dearly! And while I am sensible enough to know when to lose the 5-inch stilettos, I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing many of the shoes considered “comfortable” by many people! I don’t ever wear traditional athletic shoes unless exercising, but there are plenty of great twists on traditional sneakers out there from brands like Puma, Diesel, Rocket Dog, Privo and Converse.

Converse One Star Skimmer On sale for $20.99 Target

Puma Future Cat Low P US $94 Zappos

Diesel Note Ballet Flat $84 Zappos

Pelle Moda Jeri Slingbacks

I love these Pelle Moda slingbacks! The coffee-colored crocodile-embossed leather is a really nice color, and will be perfect for fall! And you guys know how much I love these super-high heels! 

 

Colin Stuart Foldover Bootie $88 Victoria’s Secret

Nine West Jasley Satin Sandals

 

Thanks to many of you writing in and asking us to review less expensive shoes, we have a fun new weekly feature! While the focus of our blog remains on designer shoes, there are fabulous shoes to be had at every price, and we will feature some of our favorite styles every week!

 

Nine West Olavera Sandals $93 Zappos