Hedge the Wedge!

When I heard that 3.1 Phillip Lim was designing shoes, I got that giddy feeling that comes just before you take your first bite of a Billy’s Cupcake. Mmmmm, delicious!

3.1 Phillip Lim did not disappoint! His wedge booties - in a stunning array of colors, adorned with studs or buckles, or not - are spectacular. 3.1 Phillip Lim hedged the wedge! If you have $475 to spare, give 3.1 Phillip Lim a look!

At any price, the wedge is a great alternative to flats or low heels, and it offers the perfect balance of style and comfort. As the summer draws to an end, and autumn begins to rear its multi-colored head, wedges remain in season.

Now is the perfect time to hedge your bet, and invest in the multi-purpose wedge for this autumn, next spring or summer, or for that fabulous mid-winter beach vacation you’ve been planning!

Here are some suggestions for versatile, stylish wedges - all under $100.

[Featured shoes by FlyJane.net, Guess Footwear and Jessica Simpson.]

Get fashion savvy, be comfortable at work, and transform into an after-hours “glamour puss” with these sassy wedge pumps.

[Featured shoes by Nine West, Seychelles and Moschino Cheap & Chic.]

Booties or boots, sandals or shoes…there’s always a wedge to hedge!

[Featured shoes by Mia, Guiseppe Zanotti, Nine West and Jessica Simpson.]

Coming soon - my post on the upcoming season’s “bootilicious” boots!

Meanwhile, stay fabulous!

xoxo

p.s. For those of you who have never tried Billy's cupcakes, you have no idea what you are missing. Take the calorie plunge. www.billysbakerynyc.com - A visit to the store when you are visiting NYC is a must.

Shoeconomics....Under $100!

In this economy it doesn’t pay to be frivolous, but there’s also no need to foreclose on your fabulous style!

On the left are my recommendations for budget-friendly, yet fashionista-worthy alternatives to some of the delicious shoes that have been featured on DeliciousShoes (on the right).

The Jada - $90 - a perfect

Comfy & Cute alternative to the Ceci Air Rose

(www.piperlime.com)

The Hawthorne - $59 - Florentine swag without the Ferragamo tag

(www.chineselaundry.com)

The Goodtimes - $70 shimmers as brightly as its "Coach" counterpart.

(www.chineselaundry.com)

The Effie - $89.95 -a "styleconomic" alternative to the "Jenna"! (www.ninashoes.com)

The Erna - $99.95 - the Princess to

Christian Louboutin's Glittered Queen.

(www.ninashoes.com)

Have you seen a pair of shoes that are positively posh, but cost too pretty a penny?? Fear not! Email me (lilshoelina@gmail.com ) for beautiful alternatives that won’t break the bank.

Remember, “sui generis” isn’t a matter of sacrifice, it’s a matter of style!

Stay fabulous!

xoxo

Check out the "Shoe News" section of www.deliciousshoes.blogspot.com for some great "shoeconomic" sites.

Comfy & Cute...A girl can have it all!

In the land of aching feet, the Flat is clearly Queen.

Once considered the ugly step-sister of the more popular "Cinderella" stiletto, the Flat has recently made an impressive comeback. Fabulous fashionistas have demanded both comfort AND style, and artisans in Milan, Paris, London and New York have responded with offerings that are both foot-friendly and fashion-forward. So Ladies, let the Flat match your style - be it sporty, casual, glitzy or even "uber" sexy!

Today, every great closet has at least one pair stylish, comfortable, Fabulous Flats! These need not be either flip flops or the new, trendy cellulite busters (and I thought the MBTs were unattractive!!!). Broaden your horizons. There is much in the footwear world that is both Comfy & Cute.

Before I share some of my faves, let’s review the ground rules for wearing Flats:

• Don't Do Dumpy! - Good posture is critical. You're going to look shorter in Flats, so stand tall. Shoulders back, chest out, Ladies!
• Color & Style are Key - When your shoes are flat; their color and style shouldn't be!
• Work it! - Sexy is not the private realm of the stiletto. If you FEEL sexy in your Flats, you will BE sexy in your Flats!
• Open Toe? - A pedicure is a MUST!
• Flip Flop, Fit Flop - Don't believe the hype! Flip flops are not as versatile as we've been led to believe.

Got it? Great.

Now take a look at these beauties (BTW brides, you need look no further - there are some fabulously delicious alternatives for uncooperative high heels!):

The Athena by Gina (www.gina.com) - available in delicious colors.

The Ceci Air Rose ballet flat with Nike Air comfort (www.colehaan.com) - the Comfy & Cute bridal shoe.

The "Midge Bow" ballet flat by Ferragamo (www.salvatoreferragamo.it) - grace your feet for many a season, with Florentine style.

The Jimmy Choo "Connor" (www.jimmychoo.com) - not quite a gladiator, not quite a flat.

The Navajo by Jack Rogers (available in deliciously fabulous colors) - a great flip flop alternative. (www.endless.com)

Fashionista sneakers? Absolutely! (This is no longer an oxymoron!)

The Superga ("the people's shoe of Italy"), the graffitied Juicy Couture, the Simple and the "classically" modern Converse are all choices that will not disappoint. Take a walk on the wild "sneaker" side! (www.piperlime.com)

Remember, the "name of the game" is to look good AND feel good!

Got a question? Want a few suggestions for a particular occasion or outfit? Feel free to email me at lilshoelina@gmail.com.

Stay fabulous!

xoxo

SAMPLE SALE NEWS

Ladies!

L.A.M.B shoes one sale TODAY - www.ideeli.com

New Christian Louboutin's on SALE. Yes, you read right! ON SALE - August 18, 2009 - www.outnet.com. Register now!

MEN & WOMEN - Italian excellence on Gilt this week. (www.gilt.com)

August 18 - Men's shoes and belts by A. Testoni.

August 19 - Women's shoes and accessories by Fratelli Rossetti.

Please email me at lilshoelina@gmail.com if you would like an invitation to Gilt or Ideeli.

COMING SOON - Post on Delicious Flats!

Stay fabulous!

xoxo

Victoria's Secret Shoe Closet!

Shoes are probably not the first things that come to mind when you hear the words "Victoria's Secret".  (If they are, then you've lost the plot!!). 

No, this name more likely evokes images of long legs, pouty lips, lacy lingerie and barely-there bikinis.  (Settle down lads!)

Well, my fellow footwear fanatics, here's one of "Victoria's" best kept "Secrets": VS carries a wide range of very stylish shoes! 

Want in? 

The key to Victoria’s secret shoe closet can be found at  www.VictoriasSecret.com.   Whether you’re looking for a pair of Ugg booties, some super sexy pumps, a pair of old school sneakers, or the "best of summer" to complement your sexy  swimwear, at www.VictoriasSecret.comyou’ll find the latest styles at prices that will leave your lingerie budget intact. 

Go ahead, unlock Victoria's sexy shoe closet.  I took the plunge!  Pictured below are some of my faves from the VS website. (LOVING the Converse!)

You can create your "suis generis" style with delicious selections from Victoria’s secret, sexy shoe closet. 

There … the Secret’s out.

Stay fabulous!

xoxo

P.S. - International shipping available!

Lil' Shoelina's Picks for Pre-Fall Classics

You may not believe it, but autumn (or fall, as the Americans say) is just around the corner. (Time flies, so accessorize!) It will soon be time to enjoy the changing colors of the season. Remember, when the trees begin to shed their leaves, its time to boot the flip flops!

Here are my top picks for a few pre-fall classics. But, before you max out the credit card, take a good look at your closet. You may already have many styles that that mirror the upcoming season's hottest looks.

Trying to decide whether to splurge? If you've got it, flaunt it......but be shoe savvy! Invest in a pair that is trendy but timeless, adaptable yet "sui generis." The newly launched Jenna by Gina with diamante encrusted toe and heel may be just the right "asset" for you. (www.gina.com)

Looking for an alternative to the Dillian by Christian Louboutin? The Elga by Nina makes for an excellent, cost effective alternative. The Elga, available in 8 delicious colors, is perfect for date night! (www.ninashoes.com)

Be adventurous at the office. Shoes are one key to looking professional, feeling great and turning heads. Complement your "office look" with a pair of cut-out Mary Jane's by Colin Stewart. (www.victoriassecret.com)

Spice up a black suit or "inspire" your denim with the Anique Stud Toe Ankle Boot. This beauty is an essential for transitioning from day to night. For traveling with just a carry-on, this may be the ideal pair to save you space and $$$$$, yet keep you a go-go! (www.topshop.com).

Always have a dazzling pair of flats that you can wear with multiple outfits - from jeans to your favorite LBD (little black dress). How about the shimmer ballet flats by Coach? (www.coach.com - available in black, silver and navy)

TIP - Ballet flats are ideal for carrying in your bag for when you tire of your high heel shoes!

Finally, if you insist on sneakers, indulge in the Guccissima Icon. Take your pick - the Icon is available in 3 colors and is perfect for city walks, country strolls and manic travel!

(http://www.gucci.com/)

Remember, whatever you do, wherever you go, whichever delicious shoes you choose - STAY FABULOUS!

XOXO

P.S. - INFORMATION ON UPCOMING SHOE SAMPLE SALES NOW AVAILABLE. GO TO http://www.deliciousshoes.blogspot.com/ (LATEST "SHOE" NEWS)