Here are some of our new pairs of shoes.. We got several Puma shoes for $30-45/pair already ready for spring. The black leather Ralph Lauren boots were a steal for around $60 at the RL outlet, the men’s Timberland’s boots also from the outlet, the girls’ Sorels online find…

Two facts: bargain shopping can be an illness and you can never have too many shoes.

I suffer/master both. I’ve been super-shopping for shoes the past three weeks, and I’ve scored nine pairs so far… No – not for me alone (I wish!), but for the entire family! Why I think bargain shopping can be an illness..? Because I rather pay $60 for shoes that normally retail $120 than $50 for shoes that are full priced at $50 – I don’t even go for the cheapest ones! Sale sign is like a shiny penny to me, and I can’t help but getting a kick out of shopping at sales and feeling I got a bargain. Are you like this too.. or is it just me? But the fact is that I have saved hundreds of dollars by buying shoes 35-75% off and getting the brands I like.

Shop for Winter Boots

I couldn’t find the exact long Ralph Lauren boots that I bought from the store online, but polo.com still has the shorter version, the Ralph Lauren LAUREN Quinta Leather-Shearling Boot for $76.99 ($109.99 sale price, and 30% off everything today, automatically reflected on the shopping cart). These are the most comfortable and the warmest shoes you can think of. I love mine! Perfect for après-ski, or in the city with skinny jeans.

I’ve been scouting for Sorels on sale for the past few weeks, and here are the best quality/price I’ve found so far:
Sorel Tivoli Plaid Winter Pac Boots – Waterproof, Insulated (For Youth) $49.95
Sorel Torino for Women $74.90.
Sorel ‘Sorelli Tall’ Boot $99.99
Sorel Sorelia Earhart™ Mid Canvas $179.99

PUMA for Spring

You can’t go without Puma shoes for the spring… I found the Puma red suedes for $39.99 online, but as you’ll find out, it’s men’s model – I still like them :) You can find the same Puma Suede shoes in different colors for women, prices from $47.99 at Zappos.com (with free shipping) and $39.99-$44.99 depending on color at East Bay.

And if you are fast – you can get some super deals on PUMA shoes at Rue La La – more below.

Going Fast – Flash Sale Finds Right Now

No surprise here – I love flash sale sites. I’ve been thinking too long for a few pairs of boots and missed on them, you need to react fast when you find any sale items on invitation only flash sale sites! Here are some of my favorites available today, but shop fast – or they are gone, and keep going back!

Puma shoes on sale right now at Rue La La.

These finds from ideeli

These finds from ideeli

These shoes are on sale right now on Gilt

These shoes are on sale on Hautelook.

Happy shoe shopping!

Sale Find: Sperry Top-Sider ‘Tassel Fish’ Flat Boat Shoes / Loafers
Normal price: $84.95, sale price: $41.90
Shop: NORDSTROM

NORDSTROM has a huge winter sale going on – up to 50% off, make finds like the Sperry shoes, and get free shipping & returns all the time.

Earthies Gave Me My Sexy Shoe Mojo Back

I’ve always loved shoes, and before I had children I rarely wore anything but high heels. However, having three children in three years and then having to chase all three kids.. well, let’s just say that I had several years that high heels were not part of my life. The past five years I have been buying several gorgeous pairs though, but high heels have still never really came back to my everyday life until late this summer. I needed to find that one pair that I could walk anywhere with and that was comfortable to walk with and got me used to wearing high heels daily again.

That one special pair is Earthies Barina ($169) in grey suede.

These Earthies are the most comfortable high heels I’ve had in my life, and I have walked with them days in New York City, I took them to my trip in Singapore and walked all around Singapore with them, and they are my daily to-go pair when I’m even dropping off kids to school or going to meetings, they are my pretty much “go anywhere shoes”.

The quality is just amazing – these photos are taken after I have been using these shoes for about 3 weeks now, at least 4 times a week. I admit, I didn’t even brush them, or clean the soles for the photos because I wanted you to see how these babies really hold up. The Earthies really changed my fashion life.. because I have been able to wear them long days, walk all day long without killing my feet, my feet have actually gotten more used to wearing high heels again, and now I feel better about using other high heels as well. My other pairs don’t come even close to the comfort of the Earthies though.

Style AND Comfort

There is a reason why Earthies are like no other high heels. Earthies promise “Wellness. Elevated ”, and they sure elevate high heels from hellish foot pain to comfort heaven. Every Earthies style features a unique wellness footbed, and a cupped heel that sets the foot into the proper supported position. The arch is designed anatomically correct increasing touch points along the entire foot.

Simply said – Earthies are like high-tech running shoes when it comes to comfort yet they look trendy and glamorous.

Here is how they explain the unique sole:

If you are looking for high heels that change your life, I highly recommend checking out Earthies. In all honesty, I was a little skeptical and wasn’t sure if they really are as comfortable to wear as they are said to be, and they surpassed all of my expectations.

They have so many cool styles, I especially love the boots for the winter! You can find Earthies at Zappos, Nordstrom, Planet Shoes to mention a few retailers.

WIN Earthies! Go to Daily Pinch and enter to win a pair of your own.

Disclosure: I received a pair of Earthies to review, and Earthies received a fan for life. All of my opinions are my own.

Jennifer Lopez launches an exclusive lifestyle brand at Kohl’s this fall, launching on September 7th. The clothing and home collections are inspired by her glamorous and cosmopolitan lifestyle, and the collection is easy, comfortable and inexpensive yet bringing glamor for everyday style. Read more about the Jennifer Lopez home collection and see pictures of her beautiful California home at Skimbaco Home, and get the full scoop on the fashion collection here.

At the same time Kohl’s is deputing a Marc Anthony collection of men’s clothing and accessories, and from the quick look, I almost love the Marc Anthony line even more, it is more classy and less trendy, where as J.Lo’s collection is Old Hollywood glamor meets new trends. I find it slightly awkward that they are launching these collections at the same time considering the divorce gossip mill going on. Nevertheless, I still miss the J.Lo jeans I had five years ago, they were my favorites, and hope that this collection’s clothing is cut the same way, and I can score some inexpensive wide-leg pants like the ones in the picture below for the fall.

Jennifer Lopez wide-leg pant $60.00, pleat-sleeved blouse $48, marilyn shopper handbag $119

Jennifer Lopez Collection

The Jennifer Lopez Collection has classic silhouettes paired with edgy Hollywood influences including metallics and faux-fur making the collection look very J.Lo. The collection is chic yet playful and offers sexy, glamorous pieces for everyday use, for any occasion. I can see Jennifer Lopez wearing many of the pieces in the collection, but even she can’t make the handbag and the über high boots look classy in the video below. While I think glamor is very difficult to make without it looking copy-cat and cheap, and some of the more “glamorous” pieces are a tad too much for me, the rest of the collection looks really good, see the pictures below.

And on a side note, I love how Jennifer’s hair looks in the video – I wonder if she could next team up with L’Oreal because I want that color from a box..? (sing with me: “don’t be fooled by the locks that I got, it’s still, it’s still color from the box”…)

Some of the highlights and fall trends you can spot in the Jennifer Lopez Collection:

Wide-Leg Pants replacing the skinny jeans.
Winter Shorts worn with either a bare leg or with tights and are a great way to add new style to an evening look.
Winter White and Midnight Blue together give a classy and sophisticated look, and warmer than black and white.
Sparkle and metallic fabrics give any look just the right boost of star power, great for upcoming Holiday season.
Shearling and Faux Fur bring glamor to your everyday wardrobe.

See the collection pictures and tell me your favorites!

Jennifer Lopez Collection strapless jumpsuit $80, mesh link necklace $38,

Jennifer Lopez Collection short-sleeved surplice top $44, ponte pant $54, cocoon sweater $70

Jennifer Lopez Collection liquid one-shoulder dress $66, ava peep-toe slingbacks $69.99

Jennifer Lopez Collection embellished knit tee $48, mesh skirt $50, bette sweater boots $99.99

Jennifer Lopez Collection faux-fur-trimmed sweater $84, skinny seamed jeans $60, loretta hobo handbag $99

Jennifer Lopez Collection sheath dress $70, faux-fur jacket $100, lillian shoulder handbag $89

Jennifer Lopez Collection notched collar striped pajama set $48

Jennifer Lopez Collection bette sweater boots $99

Jennifer Lopez Collection lana platform pumps $69

Jennifer Lopez Collection greta top handle handbag $89

Jennifer Lopez Collection emma hobo $99

Marc Anthony Collection

The styles of the Marc Anthony Collection reminds us of the elegance of an earlier era, and the clothes incorporate the timeless style with a modern vibe. Marc Anthony himself says in the video above that he has made it very easy for any guy to look great. And I have to say – I completely agree. The collection is very classy yet trendy and made for the modern man. I can’t wait to see this collection in person, because from the photos it looks fabulous.

Marc Anthony Collection military trench coat $180, shawl-collar merino sweater $80, diego cap-toe canvas panel boots $120

Marc Anthony safari jacket $180, denim jeans $70

Marc Anthony Collection sport coat $225, antonio suede bit loafers with blue accents $90

Marc Anthony Collection antonio suede bit loafers with blue accents $90, san juan tan suede moccasin-toe loafers $90

I am participating to Fashion Friday, hosted by Blonde Episodes and I couldn’t resist featuring Soludos Espadrilles. Soludos Espadrilles are the trendiest cheap shoes for the summer that you must get now before they are all gone!

Espadrilles have always been my favorite summer shoes, they form perfectly to your feet, and they are great to walk with and go from beach to shopping, making them the perfect vacation shoe. You can dress them up too for the hot summer nights when high heels are too much and sandals won’t cut it. Espadrilles were part of my childhood and teen summers in Europe, and the entire last summer I was hunting them down every where after seeing people in Europe to use them again. I was in Europe in early May and again in late August and I guess it was too early and then too late to score me a pair, but luckily I was able to find a pair of Soludos from a boutique in Park City last summer. Soludos was founded last year by a New Yorker who was like me, he couldn’t find a perfect pair of espadrilles in the US, so he decided to start his own company.

A Perfect Summer Day – Soludos from SOLUDOS on Vimeo.

The best about these comfy shoes – they are only 28 bucks! Well, I remember when espadrilles were IN the last time… they were less than ten bucks a pair and I had them in every color. But however you look at it, these shoes can’t be beat in comfort, price and quality, and I couldn’t recommend them more. They are vacationer’s dream shoes, they are light weight and great to walk with.

And they just look cool.

I know that Tom’s Shoes are trendy too, and look a little like espadrilles, and many actually confuse my Soludos often for Tom’s. I absolutely love the idea behind Tom’s shoes, but they run for 54-56 bucks, and quite frankly I like the look of original espadrilles better, and I can donate the thirty bucks that I save when I buy Soludos to a charity of my choice. I also love espadrille wedges, and love using those too – but nothing beats the flat espas for days when there is lots of walking involved.

Celebs like Kate Bosworth & Jennifer Garner have both been spotted in Soludos Espadrilles as well, and you gotta love when the cheap style is a celebrity favorite too. I spent a good hour trying to find my favorite color and print in my size online – these are selling better than hotcakes, so if you want to score yourself a pair, act fast.

Here are some of the retailers that you find the Soludos:

Soludos
Tobi
South Moon Under
Revolve Clothing
Artisan Gem’s Boutique Save 10% off with coupon code agb10
The Adam and Eve Projects

Photos: Blanc de Chine runway, Jous Jous Earrings, Paul & Joe Runway, Natalie Portman at Oscars red carpet, Talullah Tu Bow Tassel Earrings, Platform tassel shoes from ModCloth, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti silk tunic.

From the red carpet to the runway, tassels are everywhere. Tassels are a definite trend for spring 2011, but tassels are nothing new, tassels originated thousands of years ago and throughout their history were used as symbols of status: both military rank, and religious order. This spring tassels have little to do with either, and I will show you top ten ways to wear tassels and embrace this trend, first five ways to wear tassels today and five more tomorrow. And no, the famous tassel bra did not make the list, but go for it if you feel like it – life is too short not to embrace all sorts of things that make you happy.

Ann Taylor is all about the tassel trend.

A few words of warnings with the tassel trend. Don’t go tassel crazy, a little bit goes far. Even if you have several tassel accessories and shoes and a bag, don’t attempt wearing them all at the same time. Also, while tassels are trendy right now, this trend might be gone in a year or two, and tassels will make you look outdated, so think of this when making purchases; that’s why I have collected here several inexpensive products to enjoy the trend.

1. TASSEL NECKLACES

Tassel necklaces are probably the most popular of the tassel trend. Go either short statement necklace or longer with just one tassel. Flequitos Necklace ($32) has nice black and fairly small tassels, this is a great choice to embrace the tassel trend if you don’t want to go big. The extra long (and large) Ann Taylor Statement Tassel Necklace $68 is fun and bold and will pop from any outfit. If you like the look but want something a little bit simpler, I like the Rainfall ($92) by Marquis & Camus.

2. TASSEL BRACELETS

I love bracelets and filling your wrist with bracelets and a statement watch is so trendy right now! Tassel bracelets are a fun way to be trendy and show your individual style, but to be honest I had hard time finding cool tassel bracelets that were affordable. Here are three that have a great fresh look for the spring.

The chain wrapped stone bracelet ($39) from Talbots would look great both with day or evening outfit, and I like the stones and the modest chain that’s almost like a tassel. Like more earthy? American Eagle Outfitters ($15.50) has this turquoise tassel bracelet that will jazz up an every day outfit with jeans and a simple top, and it’s super cheap too. For evening wear and to dress up a little black dress I like the Isabel Marant ($80) bracelet. It’s romantic and dressy enough for night, but also will work with a more casual outfit.

3. TASSEL EARRINGS

Many celebs have been spotted wearing tassel earrings, and most recently Natalie Portman at the Oscar Gala. Talullah Tu Bow Tassel Earrings are probably the closest of the earrings Natalie Portman wore at Oscars, and unfortunately they sold out literally in the front of my eyes while I was still editing this post. I like the little less pink versions of the tassel earrings and here are a two gorgeous pairs. The Lt. Camus earrings are gorgeous, they combine vintage look and today’s trendy tassel, but are $195. If that’s too much for you, check out the Pharoah Statement Tassel Earrings instead for $25. And if you really want to embrace the tassel trend – the Vanilla earrings from Jous Jous are everything but vanilla, and only $19.

Want Natalie Portman’s look for casual spring and summer events? The gorgeous silk tunic with tassels by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti ($850) gives it in an instant.

4. CLASSIC LOAFERS

Is there anything classier than a loafer with tassels? I can’t believe I am saying this but I am almost craving for a pair of tassel loafers for the spring. If you like this classic look, it will go beyond this spring’s tassel trend, and I recommend investing in a good classic pair of loafers. Like the Cole Haan Collection Megan Loafer ($378), made in Italy of the softest leather. If you are not sure this will be your look for longer than a few seasons, check out the ASOS Madge Leather tassel bow loafer only for $62.76.

5. HIGH HEELS, PUMPS

There is nothing like high heels. If you like the classic loafer look but want to make it dressier with high heels, the
GRAZE Black Suede Tassel Crepe Heel Loafers ($128) are a great option. But if you don’t want a safe pick, for the same price you could get Jeffrey Campbell Mary-Lou Ivory Suede Tassel Front Hidden Wedges (on the left) that are absolutely gorgeous and shoes don’t get trendier than that. The Eye in the Sky Heel Jeffrey Campbell platforms ($144.99) are somewhere in between – great also with pants and go from day to evening. The best deal for a very sexy and trendy tassel high heels are the Colin Stuart Tasseled Ankle Wrap Sandals ($98) from Victoria’s Secret (also pictured below), they come in several different beautiful dyed suede colors, have 4 1/2 inch heel but a platform. I also like the Guess GW Amel Zip Front Tassel Sandals ($177.51).

Stay tuned for Part 2!

H&M’s spring collaboration is with Swedish Hasbeens shoe brand. Swedish Hasbeens is known for their clogs, and the H&M collection will be 70′s inspired, and looking probably more Swedish than any other shoe collection at H&M ever. Normally Swedish Hasbeens shoes go for over 200 bucks, but the Swedish Hasbeens H&M collection shoes will be priced between $59.95 and $69.95.

“I love the genuine feeling you get from Hasbeens, from the wood and the leather, and also how they take something traditio nal and Swedish and make it contemporary and modern,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, who heads up H&M’s design department. “These Hasbeens for H&M fit perfectly with the ’70s bohemian look that’s so important this coming season.”

Have you noticed that the inflight magazines are just getting better and better? I often take the free inflight magazine with me, and always read them. The latest issue of the Hemispheres magazine (found on Continental Airlines and United flights) features an exclusive and inspiring interview with Manolo Blahnik, the famous shoe designer from Canary Islands, Spain. The interview was done right after his 68th birthday, and he sounds more vibrant and full of energy than most of us half of his age.

Malono Blahnik studied literature and art, and to this day he loves books and movies, and still designs every single shoe by hand, and his shoe drawings are as famous as his shoes. On his a trip to New York in 1971, he met with legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, who saw his sketch of a stiletto with straps like green vines and cherries crawling up the ankle and suggested he go make shoes. A year later his shoes were on a fashion show in England, and he states that it took him fifteen years to really understand shoemaking and he is still learning. I think this humble statement tells so much about Manolo Blahnik, and any innovative designer; the attitude of never giving up and always wanting to learn more and do things better. In the interview he was asked how he stays so joyful, and he said “Work. I work more than I did thirty years ago. I feel absolutely responsible for all these people. So if I don’t work hard all these people will suffer.” Truly a sign of a remarkable man.

We live in a world where we are surrounded by technology and it gives me such pleasure to know people like Manolo Blahnik exist. He gets his inspiration from old Hollywood movies, and he is surrounded by books in his office. “Films are my life. I adore films. It’s my diet, my nourishment. I get enormous pleasure from them.” At the same time, it frustrates his enormously that today’s people don’t have the same appreciation to old movies, and classic Hollywood glamour. I think we do get a taste of old Hollywood glamour, mixed in new trends and fresh ideas – when we see, touch and wear Manolo Blahnik’s creations. Now I understand a bit better the man behind the shoes, and why the famous shoes make a girl feel like million bucks.

And if you want to shop for Manolo Blahnik’s shoes, here are some of my favorites…

Pumps by Manolo Blahnik
Boots by Manolo Blahnik

Farylrobin is my newest shoe love. I also like their Fall ’09 fashion shoot, where they combined their shoe styles with vintage/ second hand clothing – what a fashion tip right there! Be bold and unique, splurge on one thing (like the drool worthy shoes..) and scope for second hand stores and your closet for the rest of the outfit.

Farylrobin styles are trendy, yet have a very distinctive and unique look. Bold, but feminine. I can’t wait to go and try them on at Nordstrom’s.

Which style is your favorite?

Famous Footwear and Mom It Forward have teamed up to bring us a delicious giveaway!

Did you know that two things most all women share is their love of shoes and ice cream? Famous Footwear blends these two ingredients together on its site Make Today Unexpected, which gives us women the chance to discover our style and flavor in a most unexpected way.

I just went there, took a short quiz, and found out my personal ice cream flavor is “The Devil Wears Cheesecake”!

Me – glamorous trendsetter? What does your quiz result say? Leave a comment here and by doing so – you will enter to a fabulous giveaway!

Giveaway

Grand Prize

This week, Famous Footwear is awarding one lucky winner with a $100 gift card. Shoes anyone? (See Entry Requirements below.)

Coupon

Everyone’s a winner in this giveaway! Make your back-to-school shoe shopping spree a little more affordable by visiting MakeTodayUnexpected.com and entering to receive $10.00 off your next purchase of $50.00 or more.

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win the $100 Famous Footwear gift card, please do these four things (make sure you leave a separate comment for each of your entries). Giveaway closes Friday September 4th, 8 AM EST.

Note: Entries that do not follow all of these requirements will not be considered.

1. Take the ‘Find Your Flavor’ quiz by clicking here. Leave a comment on this post with your flavor and e-mail address.
2. Become a fan of the Famous Footwear’s Make Today Unexpected Facebook Page.
3. Follow @maketodayfamous on Twitter.
4. Post these messages on Facebook and/or on Twitter and leave comments here, linking to your messages:

What’s your flavor? Click here to find out: http://bit.ly/a5zhj PLS RT

Download Famous Footwear coupon 4 back-to-school/fall savings: http://bit.ly/fogQH PLS RT #gno

Extra Entries

You can earn up to two extra entries for this week’s giveaway. Leave an additional comment for each.

• Click here and become a Famous Footwear REWARDS club member (free).
• Post or tweet about something unexpected that has happened to make your day or week more positive on @maketodayfamous or on the Make Today Unexpected Facebook Page.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Famous Footwear and Mom It Forward employees, and giveaway hostesses are ineligible to participate. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered.