Coupon conquest

Coupon conquest for the day. Paid $0.89, saved $12.99, and got $4 to spend for later :)

Peep toe sling back stiletto

These are not the newest shoes out there, but I have a wedding coming up and this is what the bride requested the bridesmaids shoes look like:

Left to Right:
Sergio Rossi - Cachet $695.00
Sam Edelman - Novato $99.95
Steve Madden - Laineyy $89.95 (on sale as of 5/26/11 for $53.95)


Since they've been out for awhile, I had trouble finding my size in stores.  I was able to order the Steve Madden Laineyy (black satin, 5" heel w/o the insole, 1.25" platform--these are higher than what's stated on their website) online for the sale price.  They don't make these in 5.5, so I ordered the 6 because sometimes I've had luck with them running small.  Sadly, after getting them in the mail and trying them on, they were too big.  They made a huge error in the length of the straps in the back and they were far too loose.  Back to the store these will go.  For the sale price point, I would not at all have minded keeping these.

SO, because I had to have this style (and I'm not about to fork out $700), I ordered the Sam Edelman Novato from Nordstrom.com (no where else could I find this shoe being carried in 5.5!).  These are patent black leather, 5" heel (including the insole), 1.5" platform.  I can't find these in suede (they don't make in satin) anywhere in my size.  I got these just today and they fit! What a difference in quality too.  The stitching at the keyhole peep-toe is much cleaner and neater, and you're getting much better quality in workmanship and materials (leather sole, patent leather outer).  I'm not even going to go into the Sergio Rossi shoes because that goes above and beyond what I could ever afford.  Oh, P.S. these are really, surprisingly comfy to walk in! Must be that extra high platform.

This is a very rare occasion where I had both the (affordable) shoes at the same time to do a comparison, so please enjoy the photos below!

Satin (SM, left) - Patent (SE, right)

 Satin (SM, front) - Patent (SE, back)

 Notice the difference in the toe box. Sam Edelman are slightly longer in the toe and the keyholes are different.

Stitching. The people at SM could've done better with trimming those extra threads.

 Toe to toe (SE with a slightly higher platform)
&
Heel to heel

 SM with a slightly higher "heel" because of the insole (adds about an extra .25")

Steve Madden - Laineyy on both feet (notice loose, long, hangy straps)

 Sam Edelman Novato on both feet

And walking on the ceiling with the keepers - Sam Edelman Novato

Classic wedge

I saw Jennifer Aniston wearing these last year.  These wedges will be a classic look for spring/summer, but they come at a hefty price--as celebrities are used to and where prices really mean nothing for them.

Stuart Weitzman - Alex

$365.00 at Zappos.com

These are a natural espadrille wedge sandal in the color "swamp" crochet.   I really like this taupey-nude color because it can go with pretty much any outfit for spring/summer--dressed up or down.  The ivory color is nice too.  Dresses, shorts, cropped pants, bikinis (for you whose bodies are poolside/beach ready! mine is not right now)... you name it! You won't expect these to go out of fashion season-to-season.  It's not too much on a "trendy train" with bright, fluorescent colors, or floral prints, or strange shapes.

There are a lot of "inspired by" shoes out there... For example, the regular go-to brands:

Steve Madden - Fantastik

$79.95

Bakers - Midtown

$62.00

Bakers  (by N.Y.L.A.) - Colbie
$62.00

Aldo - Connally

$50.00

(slightly lower heel height)

And the slightly more budget friendly:

from Ami Clubwear
$27.99

City Classified - Jojo
$26.99

Lace me up!

My current obsession... I am dreaming about these shoes! I love the lace up & cut-outs and a tiny bit of raffia--perfect for spring!

BUT, I have nowhere to wear them for the next 2 years! Between being cooped up in my office and the classroom, there is not really any time to doll up... but I can dream, can't I?

Bakers - Nanci ($70.00)

Kind of reminiscent of Christian Louboutin "Miss Fortune"...

Loub wedge steal/deal

Update! 2.19.11

Since Spring is right around the corner, I'm keeping an eye out for wedges!  I found a "steal" of CL's Almeria in Vince Camuto's "Edon" wedge (available in brown or black)!  These look a lot closer to the real things too!

On sale for about $70 right now at Endless

And, also Jessica Simpson "Kowloon" who switches the materials up for $79

5.6.10
Found another... Researching is exhausting!

Left: Christian Louboutin "Almeria" $535

Right: Paprika "Totosa Wedges" $21.99

In this case, I think I like the real deal more because of the overall shape and color.  Any which way, the "steal" is still a good runner up.

You can get the real deal at Barneys.com, or you can get the steal at Cutesygirl.com

Aldo shoes - 50% sale off original prices

For those itching for a new pair of shoes, Aldo is having an online sale off some shoes & sandals.
50% off original prices

Eyes Lips Face - 50% off sitewide!

E.L.F. is having a sale for Columbus Day - 2 days only for 50-80% off everything sitewide.

Use coupon code: TREASURE
It's not as good as the 60% I got off earlier this year, but it's not too shabby if you want to try out and order some studio brushes (which I personally love the Kabuki Face brush, Blush, and Complexion, and for eyes the Contour brush & Small Precision brush). Super soft! I think I've only had 4-5 hairs lost since I purchased them.

Crisscross Wedge

Update!
9/23/10
Zappos has a sale on the BCBGENERATION shoes for $80.95 right now




9/15/10
 Sorry it's been awhile!  My internet went down for the last 3 weeks and the cable guy finally came and fixed the problem last Saturday! Here's my most recent find for shoes! 3 designs for 3 types of budgets!

Givenchy: $1,174.50 Crisscross Stretch Leather Sandals

BCBGeneration: $98.95 Gonzalo Wedge Sandal

Forever 21: $28.80 Pleated Leatherette Wedges

Toys R Us kid

Bargain hunters, here is a printable coupon for $5 off $25 at Toys R Us!

Jessica Simpson shoe sale

Sale alert! Jessica Simpson shoes are on sale from 40-67% off right now!  Pretty darn good if you ask me!

http://www.6pm.com

I own a pair of Jessica Simpsons, and they are comfy and cute! Her design team is definitely doing something right!  I'm not allowing myself to buy shoes right now. T-T But it doesn't mean I'll stop looking & wanting!

Zip it up

Updated! Scroll down to see details

July 4, 2010

More you say?  Here's another shoe find...

I really like the zipper bootie kind of look to these with the little platform & sexy cut-out straps to show a little feet skin... and in awesome nudes too!

Jimmy Choo - Glenys Cage Platform Sandals at saksfifthavenue.com for $995
Steve Madden - Nanciee at stevemadden.com for $99.95 - these aren't on clearance, so no additional discounts, but still way cheaper than the Jimmy Choos!

Updated 7.8.10


Jessica Simpson has her own version (Gobow) of these shoes on sale for $79.99 right now too with a platform. Not too shabby!

Eyes Lips Face - 60% off sitewide!

My best friend gave me some stuff from E.L.F. long ago (nail polish remover pads amongst some of them). I noticed that Target has started carrying the brand now too (I avoid buying in store if I can get it online tax-free since I live in lovely Los Angeles where tax is 9.75%)! The good thing of having them in store is I can run out to my local Target to feel, smear, and touch the products before I decide to order it online. E.L.F. is a cute company with pretty nifty products for very reasonable prices!

From now 'til midnight, everything is 60% off online with a minimum $25 purchase w/ coupon code SIXTY!  I'm nabbing up some of their Studio line brushes (I've heard they're comparable to MAC brushes), makeup removing wipes, and nail polish removing wipes for traveling. 60% off is a steal to me! Standard shipping is $6.95 (but I think you're still saving tons from their retail prices).

Studs & Straps

Good morning!  Here's another deal for both you fashionistas & frugalistas out there!

These have the same studded strappy sandal design. Obviously the Aldos don't have the same middle cut-out or a criss-cross strap, but they're pretty close!

Get the Jimmy Choos at saksfifthavenue.com MSRP $975.

Get the Aldos at aldoshoes.com MSRP $80. On sale for $39.98

Caged sandals

Here's another steal for you ladies.  Aldo is having a sale for Independence Day weekend, so take advantage!

Jimmy Choos Keenan Metallic Caged Sandals - $995 at saksfifthavenue.com

Aldo Garlits - MSRP $70. On sale for $49.98 at aldoshoes.com

Found these Exsell wedges at stevemadden.com as well for MSRP $169.95. On sale for $116.99.+ an additional 40% off this weekend with code: 40CLEARANCE

Jelly flats

Remember back in elementary school when jelly shoes were all the rage? I know I had 3 pairs: hot pink, clear, and yellow. Comfy, bright, and fun!

Jellies have been brought back for a few seasons now and they've combined it with a new trend of studs.  I found this deal/steal.

These have been out for awhile, so you're in luck because they're on sale both the real deal & the steal!

Jimmy Choo - MSRP $235. On sale for $164 at bergdoffgoodman.com

Aldo - MSRP $40. On sale for $23.98 at aldoshoes.com + Free shipping until this Sunday

M.A.C. / NYX Dupes

As promised, I found the side-by-side lists I was talking about in my last NYX post!  This is a compilation of different shades I've collected from 5+ websites (Google: "MAC dupes") that are direct MAC-NYX dupes...with some other drug store options:

Brand Name	Dupe
MAC Amber Lights	NYX Golden, Milani Sun Goddess, Milani Desert Sun, Prestige Melba, L'Oreal HIP Saucy
MAC Band on Blue	NYX Lanikai
MAC Beaded	NYX Sahara
MAC Big T	NYX Wild Fire
MAC Carbon	NYX Black
MAC Coco	NYX Beanie
MAC Coppering	NYX Copper, Milani Flare
MAC Cranberry	NYX Rust
MAC Dazzleray Pigment	NYC Loose Sparkle Eye Dust in Champagne
MAC Electric Coral Pigment	NYX Tropical
MAC Electric Eel	NYX Irises, Milani Atlantis
MAC Emote	NYX Taupe
MAC Eyepopping	NYX Lime Juice
MAC Fab & Flashy	NYX Arica, NYX Golden Orange
MAC French Gray	NYX Iced Mocha
MAC Girl meets Boy	NYX Antique gold
MAC Going Bananas	NYX Yellow Pearl
MAC Humid	NYX Mermaid, Milani Clover, WnW Sensual Sage
MAC Juxt	NYX Springleaf, Jane Rain Forest, Milani Garden Mist
MAC Lucky Green	NYX Lime, Wet n' Wild Marquis
MAC Naked Lunch	NYX Aloha, Wet n' Wild Fine Wink
MAC Parrot	NYX Ocean, ULTA Deep Sea, L'oreal HIP in Showy
MAC Passionate	NYX Sunrise, NYX Redhead, NYX Cherry
MAC Pink Vivid Pigment	NYX Hot Pink
MAC Romping	NYX Hot Pink, NYX Burgundy Pearl, Milani Exotic Berry
MAC Rose Pigment	NYX Flamingo
MAC Satin Taupe	NYX Iced Mocha, NYX Mink Brown, NYX Root beer, Maybelline Silken Taupe, Rimmel Strength, ULTA Twilight
MAC Shadesticks	NYX Eyeshadow Wands
MAC Shimmermoss	NYX Jungle Fever, ULTA Luna
MAC Shroom	NYX Bearly There, Jordana Beige, Jane Magic Mushroom, Wet 'n Wild Flirt Shimmer Stick
MAC Sky Blue Pigment	NYX Cool Blue
MAC Star n Rockets	NYX Luxor
MAC Sumptuous Olive	NYX Herb, Milani Antique Gold, ULTA Golden Olive
MAC Sushi Flower	NYX Cherry, Prestige in Love
MAC Wondergrass	NYX Kiwi

Hope it helps! I know some colors might be discontinued now, but oh well!

NYX Sale

For those who are curious about NYX products, Cherryculture.com is currently having a sale on most of their NYX inventory! For those who don't know, the NYX line is very, very similar to MAC's...just CHEAPER!  (Example: MAC eye shadow $14.50 vs. NYX eye shadow $5.50, but on sale right now for $3.50) Shipping is free for orders over $40 right now too, so stock up!

A few years back I found a website that gave you a side-by-side of like colors from each company. I'll do some research to see if I can dig it back up!

[ Click here to see the eye shadow pots  ]
[ Click here to see all of Cherryculture.com's NYX products ]

Coldstone memories

Coldstone Ice Cream always brings back wonderful memories of my high school friends when we'd stop by ice cream shops to get these on hot days from our dear friend Candy who'd sing her heart out when she got tips!

20% off (any purchase) coupon good til 6-30-10. ENJOY! 

My favorite mix up: cheesecake ice cream mixed with strawberries and crushed graham crackers. What's yours?

(click the picture to take you to the coupon page)

Christian Louboutins in Sex and the City 2

For all you SATC fans... Carry wears these gold glitter pumps by Christian Louboutin "Pigalle":

Price is unknown, as I haven't seen any sites selling this glitter version yet...but be sure that they'll be hard to get and pricey$$$!

For those on a budget, I've found this deal:

H by Halston "Stella" sold at Bakers for $79.95

Time for Destime

Perfection! I loooove ♥  the color, the toe, the stiletto, the platform, the finish!

Presenting Aldo's "Destime" in bone -- So cute!

Walking on the ceiling...

Heel height: 5.5"
Platform height: 1.25"

I hate how Aldo doesn't carry half sizes though. I'm traditionally a 5.5, but to get pumps to fit me at Aldo, I wear a 5. My left foot is a tiiiny bit bigger than a 5/5.5 (width-wise), so I had to use my high heel stretcher to make it comfortable. Thank goodness for that! Love them!!

P.S. The Aldo website has sold out of size 5 in bone! That was quick!! I'm glad I grabbed mine up when I did!

Plus... doesn't its shape look very similar to Christian Louboutin's Bianca platform pumps?  Buy the real deal at Barneys.com for $735.00

Or buy the steal, Aldo's Destime, from Aldoshoes.com for $90.00