and one more....

because the sigerson sale has me obsessed, and because these amazing flats are just too pretty not to share. if i didn't have literally the exact same shade of gold in a tory burch reva flat, i'd snap these up in a new york minute. in fact, it's particularly distressing because...i like these better (shhh....).

deal(s) of the day: sale shoes - designer edition

i was spending a little too much time over at notcouture last night, and found there a number of deals much too lovely to keep to myself.

juicy couture continues to surprise me. if they keep this up, i'm going to have to stop mocking them entirely.

these sandals ($101) are a great way to bring a little ombre to your summer...and on sale, too. i love the yellow, but if you're feeling extra girly, pink is the perfect choice. nab either at bergdorf goodman, where you'll also get out tax-free (unless you live in NYC).



for a more understated style, i love these t-strap beca sandals from gryson. yellow and grey IS definitely the hottest color combo du jour, and these little flats make it clear why. nab them for $225 at funky lala.


and last, but certainly not least, more sigerson morrison love. these beauties ($145) are absolutely everything i've been looking for in a casual black flat - love the modern mary jane styling, the intricate detail on the strap, and that thick elastic around the top is going to keep these comfy in any weather. they're lovely in black, but that fabulous bright gold would be oh-so-fun too. decisions, decisions.

fashion quandary: so near, and yet...

...so far.

these fabienne boots had my eye the instant i saw them in j.crew's new pieces for fall. i had such high hopes that these were, in fact, the perfect fall boot - that elusive cool-weather staple.

alas, that black trim that was all set to make these the perfect fall boot has instead turned them into something sad...for that trim is not regular leather, but patent. i don't think that pulls these squarely into the realm of streetwalker...but it's not a positive thing.

what do you think? can you overlook the shine for the overall chic?

SMC how-to: the poor man's pedicure

it's hard to believe, but there was once a time i was completely convinced there was no reason to get a professional pedicure. thankfully, those days are well behind me - now, i'm about as high-maintenance as a girl can get.

however, the reality is that sometimes we need a little DIY action...maybe an event is coming up and you can't get to the spa, or maybe you just look down at your toes one day and realize you can't possibly leave your house wearing those gorgeous peep toes, because everyone will be doing just that...peeping at your less-than-perfect pedi.

fortunately, i've unearthed a few products that make the DIY version simple, seamless and - my favorite - quick.


first things first, the hardware: i just got the most perfect thing in the mail - it's a summer staple if there ever was one. it's a 10-piece pedicure kit from kiss that comes complete with literally everything you'll need for perfect summer toes. pumice stone, scrubber, clippers, cuticle pusher (the good, metal version) and nipper, buffer, and even toe separators for the polish. for $9.99 - seriously, that has to be the ultimate cheap thrill.


now, my pedi solution is cheap and dirty - after i remove my old polish, i just sand my toes down with a sugar scrub in the shower...that'll get you close enough, especially if you're not hunkering down for serious cuticle time. i happen to completely adore this version by airplus - and their foot lotion is literally the only thing that heals my heels after months of sandals.


i think everyone knows the sand/cut/file/buff routine, so i'm going to skip that and get to the polish. traditionalists will run for the OPI, and with good reason - i do love the staying power, and the colors are lovely. but i just tried out a new polish by bourjois that may have surpassed my OPI obsession. i love it because it's infused with vinyl, if you can imagine. translation: it dries superfast, and sticks without chipping like nobody's business. plus, what their color selection lacks in quantity, it makes up in quality. their rose vamp is the ultimate hot pink for hot days, and rose escarpin may just be the elusive 'perfect red'. definitely a toe must-buy.

so, start with some OPI nail envy, slap on that bourjois polish (remember the toe separators...that'll save oh-so-much time in touchups alone), and top it off with sally hansen's hard as nails, and you'll be sandal-worthy in no time!

deal of the day: 25% off loeffler randall!

sigh. must they get more expensive every. single. season??

gorgeous nonetheless...and 25% off a new fall style is just about unheard of. i love that these shoes are having such a massive identity crisis that they'll end up going with everything. punk chic? sure. dressy business garb? why not. pencil skirt and ridiculously bright tights? definitely.

so, on sale, these beauties can grace your fall wardrobe for about $335...still heinously expensive for most of us, i realize. but i'm going to be coveting these every second until i own them, so there may be some wisdom to ending the torture now.

use code LOE25 to score this lovely deal from our friends at barefoot tess.

haute or horrid? marc jacobs mouse flats

i've always loved the marc jacobs mouse flats...but i'm starting to think i've outgrown them. i think i love them for my 20-year-old self...not so much for my 30-year-old self, who i'm pretty sure can't pull them off any more than she can successfully pull these off.

but then, my 20-year-old self was so not buying $250 shoes. so, what do you all think...is the price point proof enough that these are cute for grown-ups, or are they still a little too "reclaiming my youth"?

fortunately, i'm not completely out of luck. i can definitely pull off these lovely suede boots, which are high on my list for fall. as are these gorgeous navy and salmon heels, which have that 1940s vibe i so love.

hurray for piperlime starting to carry great shoes like marc by marc...it's about time i had an option other than zappos (who i'm boycotting ever since they suspended their free overnight shipping).

oh, and happy SATC premiere day!

the hubs surprised me with tickets to the movie tonight...now that's love! so, in honor of carrie and the gang, here's a worthy friday splurge for you!

i know those dior extreme gladiators have been absolutely everywhere lately, because of their notable appearance in the movie. but, well, as O would say..."me no likey" (and if you got that, you should definitely challenge your friends to a game of SATC trivia). i much prefer these gorgeous sandals from master manolo's spring runway collection. truly the ultimate "strappy sandal," they have that gladiator vibe, but aren't going to scream last season by the time the movie makes it to DVD.

if you're looking for a real SATC-worthy splurge, i highly recommend these bordeaux beauties...if you have one of those lifestyles in which you don't actually have to walk anywhere, you'll look absolutely stunning just standing still.

(PS...just a little tip from me to you: if you have any interest in seeing the movie, i'd do it this weekend...much as i despise crowds (and opening weekend, for that matter), the internet is going to positively ruin the movie by monday. so, see it before it's picked apart, overanalyzed and "spoiler alert"-ed to death.)

deal of the day: loeffler randall dorritt sandal, 40% off

i admit - i wasn't in love with these loeffler randall sandals at first. but i recently saw them in person, and dear readers, they are fa-bu-lous. truly. that rose gold color is just the right blend of spark and sophistication. and the styling gives a deferential nod to the current gladiator trend, but these will be wearable long after those roman sandals have gone the way of caesar.

score them from our dear friends over at barefoot tess for 40% off their retail of $395, taking them down to less than $250 - just use code 40OFF. but this deal is only good through monday, so move fast!

(ps...if the loefflers aren't singing your song, it's also worth a look at their french sole selection...they're all 40% off too, with that same 40OFF code!)

what i want today: retro dolce vita heels

just goes to show, a little '80s style isn't always a bad thing. love these in the electric blue color, but even the black has that fabulous lizard-embossed detailing to make it just funky enough to liven up your most basic work ensemble. best of all, they're on sale for $79.

what i want today: sigerson morrison shoes

man, 10 minutes on sigerson morrison's website, and i'm as smitten as i was when i first discovered the line years ago. i'm not saying there aren't some definite misses in the collection from time to time, but overall...yum.

honestly, these orange patent heels are just fabulous, though. my favorite thing about all of my sigerson shoes is that they're just a little bit eccentric, but in that timeless way that keeps me going back, no matter what's "in" that season. my green suede d'orsays are still among my all-time favorite purchases. and i can definitely see these beauties being next on the list.

of course, i'd probably get more wear from these lovely patent flats...as i live in flats 95% of the time. but the heels are just so fun and exciting. hmm.

check out all of the pretties here or here...happy spring!

deal of the day: 30% off loeffler randall

i love my loefflers, and i love my sales...so when the planets align and i get both, i'm one happy blogger!

the kind folks over at barefoot tess are offering 30% off all of their loeffler randall stock, even these gorgeous new rose gold dorrit sandals that i'm coveting like mad for spring. they're the girliest take on gladiators i've ever seen, and that rose gold color just makes me happy. best of all, they're only $275 with this deal. granted, still not cheap for sandals, but these are so hot, they'll supercede trends - you're sure to have these at the top of your list for years to come.

or, if you missed out on those gorgeous matilde or olivia boots, now's your chance. i do love that olivia - it's the perfect spring boot, with just a pinch of gogo style!

so, head on over to barefoot tess and use code LRN30 to snag this deal - you won't see a sale this good again until it's too cold to wear those pretty sandals!

cheap thrills: old navy patent t-strap sandals

i am having oh so much fun with the "new and improved" old navy. these lovely t-strap sandals bear a striking resemblance to a pair i've been coveting for at least two years now, but at literally 1/20 the price. not bad for a day's browsing...

i nabbed the white, in the vain hope that my pasty pale skin will be a little bit more tan in months to come. but i'm sort of in love with this fabulous bright green color too. at $19 each, i probably should have just bought both, but i decided to tack these on instead (in yellow...divine!). again, not as cute as the original, but for $14, i'll take it.

ooh, and use code STUFFSAVE for 20% off your old navy purchase through 4/24.

a fashionable quandary...

okay, all, SMC has a fashion dilemma of her own, and i need your help.

you should know by now that i'm obsessed with french sole's rebel flats - they're in my top 5 favorite shoes in the shoe closet, which is serious praise indeed.

so, when the new spring colors came out, my lovely friends over at barefoot tess (totally digging their new website, by the way) torturously let me know the minute they arrived. naturally, i ordered both. but even i realize that three pair of the same shoe is too many.

so, between the stone (which is actually this lovely dove grey in person) and the blue (a fabulous, electric color that is just perfect with jeans), what's a girl to do?

the stone color is clearly the more flexible option - they're sure to go with just about everything, making them the perfect travel shoe too. and i love the passing similarity to a certain oh-so-iconic ballet flat (yes, that photo is of a gross, fake version...it's for illustrative purposes only, do not purchase!).

but the blue is just so pretty!! (can you hear the whine in my voice even through the internet?) they're definitely more divine and striking...but shouldn't utility be a major factor?

sigh...i need guidance, dear readers. WWYD?

random rant: scary spring shoes

i just want to say that not one, but both of these frightening apparitions appeared in my email in-box over the weekend. it's enough to put a girl off her cappucino.


i have no idea what's in the water but honestly, am i expected to wear this madness? i wasn't that familiar with the 80%20 brand before, and now i know why. and really...michael kors, i expected more of you.

haute or horrid? converse 'love' all-stars

i'm completely torn about these. i think they're beyond darling, but i have some serious concerns about being able to pull them off without looking like (a) a very old woman trying desperately to cling to her youth, or (b) a throwback to my 6th grade self, who used to draw pictures on my keds during social studies. are those the same thing?

anyway. thoughts?

deal of the day: 50% off at barefoot tess

i am just beside myself over this deal. for shoppingsmycardio readers only, use code CARDIO50 for 50% off on just about everything at barefoot tess, plus free shipping on orders over $100 (just check "pick up" at checkout). i just adore everyone at BT, and have been a fan of theirs even longer than i've been a blogger...so 50% off is right up there with christmas in july in my world.

some things to blow your march paycheck on:

french sole rebel flats: seriously, if you don't have these yet, shame on you - mine are in such regular rotation i hardly have time to put them back in their box before wearing them again.

all black pisces flats: i've been after these ever since i first saw them at anthropologie last summer. now that they're $40, i don't see how i can pass them up.

havaianas flipflops: these almost never hit the sale rack, so i'll be stocking up on several pairs of these fabulous styles - i live in them all summer long!

lauren merkin clutches: speaking of things that never go on sale. i've been coveting the louise absolutely forever.

loeffler randall olivia boots: i just can't get enough of these boots - they make me smile every time i look at them. they're the perfect way to ease into your spring wardrobe - the grey color is amazingly versatile, and so much more unexpected than brown or black. plus, these are brand spanking new for resort '08...so 50% off is beyond unheard of.

there are a few exclusions...mostly their new spring items, i believe. any shoe that's excluded is noted both on the home page and on whatever page the shoe appears on as well.

definitely don't miss this action - and remember, the more we show barefoot tess all of our shoppingsmycardio love, the more they'll love us back with these fab discounts!!

worthy splurge: anya hindmarch woven silver pumps

oh my, how i adore these shoes. that gorgeous woven leather, the beautifully sculpted arch, that yummy metallic silver...sigh. true, at $455, i'd have to adore them, but...well, i do.

anya calls these evening shoes, but i actually think the wooden heel makes them uniquely versatile for day or evening, and i'd wear them a dozen different ways. with skinny jeans and a big chunky sweater, with a gorgeous dress and tights, or, sure, a fabulous cocktail dress.

i'm fairly certain these won't make it to the sale rack, so if you're in love and can afford the spluge, well, these beauties are well worth it. i will have to be content to pine from afar.

cheap thrills: canvas ballet flats

how exciting! it's been so long since old navy had something i was really happy to see, but these canvas lovelies more than make up for it. i'm buying them now & hoarding them until spring, when i'll wear them with khaki shorts, jeans, skirts...all sorts of great options. they're a great way to add a little fun to a neutral outfit, without going all-out crazy with color. and they're only $19! several patterns to choose from, but the one above is by far my fave (though i also love the pink and blue batik-inspired print).

snag them quick - old navy's always a risky gamble between waiting until they go on sale, or watching them sell out before your very eyes.

cheap thrills: mirrored silver shoes by kenneth cole

fabulously versatile silver color. gorgeous, on-trend mirrored finish. ideal, walkable 2.5" heel. perfect with colored tights all winter, and the options for spring & summer are endless. seriously discounted $49 pricetag.

yes, the only thing i don't adore about these shoes is the fact that they don't come in my size. kenneth cole is such a little tease sometimes.

snap these up while you can...this should be the easiest sale purchase you make all season.

deal of the day: bargains at barefoot tess

ladies, it's not often a deal like this comes along, so listen up: the completely fabulous peeps over at barefoot tess have oh-so-kindly offered shoppingsmycardio readers an exclusive 35% off sitewide, even on sale items!

so, what does this mean for you?

those bee-yoo-tee-full loeffler randall mina flats, which would be the ultimate classic flat in your closet, for $130 (no, that's not a type-o).

a gorgeous lauren merkin clutch, in indigo or burgundy patent, for $130 and $140, respectively.

the all black pisces flats, another shoe i've been coveting for a while now, in all sorts of yummy spring colors, down to $50 (i especially love the tangerine and teal).

best of all, if you happen to be between a size 11 or 12, you can hook yourself up with two of the hottest boots of the season: the loeffler randall matilde and the delman dharma. that's definitely a deal too hot to pass up!

or, score some of the many various moccasins and slippers i've been inexplicably coveting lately (well, okay, it's not completely inexplicable...it's been cold and rainy, and i spend a lot of time at home in my uggs).

i love these darling dolce vita moccasins, particularly that very spring-friendly shade of bright yellow, which is down to about $30.

can't explain it, but something about these manimal mocs (probably has something to do with the fact that every pair is still handmade by the designer in her boston apartment) really appeals to me, especially when they're marked down to $90.

even more inexplicable is my affection for these blue suede, fur-lined slippers, which go against everything i stand for, and yet i still really want them. go figure. but for under $50, i think i might as well indulge!

so, use code CARDIO35, and start shopping! and a big, huge, shoppingsmycardio toast to the ladies at barefoot tess for hooking us up with this killer deal!