Budget Footwear

Fringe Benefits: Looks from the Etro Spring 2008 runway
Free-spirited fringe sandals made a splash on the Etro Spring '08 runways, and now we're seeing this hot shoe trend everywhere. Fringe naturally lends itself to all the bohemian inspired looks and ethnic prints that are so popular this season (two trends I hope will stick around), but this tassel-trim can also look modern, urban and funky when paired with something like a leather jacket and bold floral skirt (see above). If you like the look, then you'll love our affordable fringe sandal finds below...


MICHAEL Michael Kors Fringed Leather High Heel Sandals at QVC.com, Was $139.00 Now $79.92

Malta Fringe Sandal at Forever21.com, $19.80

Flavio Fringe Sandal at Topshop.com, $79

Suede Fringe T Strap Sandal at UrbanOutfitters.com, $28.00

Minnetonka Fringe Bootie at Delias.com, $45 (Not a sandal, but still cute for running errands on cooler spring days.)

Jeffrey Campbell 'Top' Fringe Sandal at Nordstrom.com, $94.95

What should I wear with one of those cute maxi dresses that are so popular for summer?

Keep your look chic and effortless by pairing an ankle-skimming maxi dress with metallic or embellished flat sandals, a beachy straw tote and plenty of exotic bangles. Here are some budget-friendly finds to help you get started:


[1] Floral-print halter dress at Newport-News.com, Was $69.00 Now $39.00
[2] Deep Blue V-Neck Braided Halter Dress at Target.com, $19.99
[3] Limited-Edition Straw Bucket Bag at Target.com, $39.99
[4] Resort-inspired maxi dress at OldNavy.com, Was $34.50 Now $19.99
[5] Mosaic Bangles at Forever21.com, $8.90
[6] Triangle lacquer metal bangle at Forever21.com, $6.80
[7] Embellished Leather Sandals at OldNavy.com, $19.50
[8] Martha Stewart Collection Straw Beach Tote at Macys.com, Was $60.00 Now $29.99
[9] Patricia Field for Payless Empress Sandal at Payless.com, $25

Indiana Jones may disagree, but we think snakeskin is the perfect pattern to spice up Spring accessories. On sexy heels, demure flats, or chic clutches, serpent scales add a touch of timeless exoticism. After Dolce & Gabbana whet our appetite for python, we scoured our favorite shopping destinations and found plenty of snakeskin within our budget. Sssso very tempting.

[1] Exotica Hinge Wallets at UrbanOutfitters.com, $20.00
[2] Gianni Bini "Ali" at Dillards.com, Was $69.00 Now $41.40
[3] Black Enamel Snake Bangle at Asos.com, $26.17
[4] Isaac Mizrahi for Target "Riley" Snake Pumps, Was $29.99 Now $20.99
[5] Eden python printed ballet flat at NineWest.com (also available in fuchsia, yellow or bark), Was $69.00 Now $39.99
[6] Cobra flat at Forever21.com, $18.80
[7] Oversized Snake Print Clutch at Asos.com, Was $26.17 Now $13.09
[8] Snake and Leather Patchwork Pump at BakersShoes.com (also available in black or turquoise), Was $69.95 Now $49.99

With some 81 outfit changes to speak of in the upcoming Sex and the City: The Movie, Carrie Bradshaw will be a fixture in the blogosphere for weeks, perhaps months, to come. So get used to it. Here, Sarah Jessica Parker sports an outrageous flower bedecked white frock, tempered by - get this - Extreme Dior Gladiator Platforms, which retail for $770.00 at eLuxury.com. While I'm not a big fan of the dress (reminds me of Little Shop of Horrors), I am very fond of the shoes. Snag a similar-looking pair called Candace (above right) for $69.95 at Bakers. One down, 80 to go.

>> Above right: Candace gladiator platform heels (also available in tan) at BakerShoes.com, $69.95

These Isaac Mizrahi for Target leather moccasins are so ugly, they're cute. And, I mean that in the best way possible: They have a quirky, pebbled rubble sole, reminiscent of Tod's skimmers; they come in seven delightful colors, including yummy lime, yellow and pink, and most of all, they're totally, unmistakeably Isaac.

As you'd expect, this classic shoe style delivers comfort. (I tried these on for fun in the store and didn't want to take them off, they're soft as slippers.) If you have a dingy pair of white sneaks that you've been schlepping around in, toss them out and grab a pair of these inexpensive mocs instead. For the risk-free price of $29.99, you'll bump your style quotient up a notch, and your feet will feel great.

>> Isaac Mizrahi for Target "Gail" Leather Moccasins, $29.99

Pink is hot, but hot pink is even hotter. Just take a look at Burberry Prorsum's Spring 2008 runway - the three looks above elevate Barbie's favorite color to dramatic new heights. Now wipe the drool from your chin, and keep scrolling for some budget friendly ways to add this irresistible hue to your wardrobe...

alice + olivia for Payless Platform Missy Sandal at Payless.com, $35.00


Isaac Mizrahi for Target Bollywood Summer Dress at Target.com, $44.99


Nine West Fold Over Clutch at WilsonsLeather.com, Orig. $59.00 Now $44.25

If you're fond of that elite-chic mid-winter vacation vibe that's the hallmark of resort wear, then Diane von Furstenberg's Love Knot Sandal is for you: Thin gold straps link to a statement-making love knot on a discreet wedge to create the perfect shoe to pair with those maxi dresses and caftans you might wear in the islands.

If, on the other hand, you'd simply like to bring a bit of the beach to your own backyard, then you'll love Aerosole's Soul Mate Thong. Comfortable styling, a chic metallic hue, and a wallet-friendly price makes this sandal your passport for summer fun wherever you are.

>> Left: DVF Love Knot Thong Sandal at Cusp.com, $265.00
>> Right: Aerosoles "Soul Mate" Thong at Macys.com, $69.00