Budget Footwear

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

You gotta love a girl with a name like Gwyneth. It begs to be alliterated with noble words like goddess and gorgeous and gladiator. As in, "Goddess Gwyneth looks gorgeous in her gold Giuseppe Zanotti gladiator flats."

Lately, she's looked lovely in everything she's been wearing while making the publicity rounds for her new film Ironman (usually a mini and five-inch heels). Here, the pièce de résistance is most definitely those gleaming metallic sandals. The yummy mummy, as she's known in London where she lives most of the time, keeps the rest of her outfit simple, chic and pared-down.

If the look makes you giddy, gleeful and glad, here's how to get it for less...

[1] Pink Metallic Frayed Tee at Heritage1981.com, $14.90
[2] Women's Cropped One-Button Blazer at OldNavy.com, $39.50 $18.99
[3] Limited Edition Large Tote Bag at Target.com, $39.99
[4] N.Y.L.A. Gold Hassan Sandal at Endless.com, $59.95
[5] Low Skinny 531 Black Jeans at LeviStore.com, $58.00

Here's some good news to sweeten your Monday: Now you can shop ONLINE at dsw.com! This promises to be a great new site for budget babes with a passion for shoes (that's pretty much all of us I think) - but please pace yourselves, ladies!

Seems like every designer is reworking the jelly sandal for Spring - Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Fendi, and Michael Kors to name a few - and there are dozens of budget-friendly jellies to choose from as well. But we all know (especially us '80s babies) that plastic shoes often equal painful, sweaty feet. Nonetheless, something like this clear jelly thong sandal (above) with an adjustable ankle strap looks pretty cute and wearable for say, the beach or poolside - and for $7.80, we're willing to give juicy jellies one more try! But what about you…


Above: Pella Jelly Thong at Forever21.com (also available in charcoal), $7.80

Beyoncé made famous these $4,200 “Closed Front Cage Sandals With Ankle Pads” Balenciaga heels (left)—also known as the Lego shoes—during her performance at the 2007 American Music Awards.

Now you, too, can release your inner diva with the absurdly similar shoes on the right, the "Brenda," available at Bakers. The question is, who will want them? And does that shoe look like a "Brenda" to you? I am most certainly missing something.

P.S. The "Brenda" comes in all white as well, and it's actually pretty fierce. In fact, they're all kinda starting to grow on me...

>> "Brenda" heels at BakersShoes.com, $79.95

Dear Budget Babe,

Can you recommend some shoe brands at Zappos.com that are both cheap (under $50) and stylish?

Sincerely,
Broke & Barefoot

BB: Anyone who's ever shopped at Zappos.com can attest to their incredible selection, super fast shipping and easy-as-pie returns. But let's face it - their shoes aren't exactly cheap, and you can easily squander hours (if not days) of precious time browsing and sorting through thousands of shoes just to find a cute pair that won't break the bank.

So here are ten of our favorite brands that we can always rely on for cool styles, good quality and reasonable prices (each offers at least some styles for less than $50, meaning you don't have to wait for them to go on sale). This list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a good place start!

10 Best Affordable Shoe Brands at Zappos.com (in no particular order)
1. Unlisted by Kenneth Cole: Urban, stylish, versatile.
2. dollhouse: Funky and feminine
3. MIA: Unique with a hint of retro style
4. diba Fashion-forward, diva vibe
5. Yellow Box: Casual and glamorous
6. Restricted: Trendy and unique
7. Naughty Monkey: Playful, sexy, bold
8. Penny Loves Kenny: Wild-meets-whimsical
9. Shellys London: Hip shoes with a twist
10. BC Footwear: Young, fun, trendy

Dear Readers: What are your favorite brands for cheap & chic shoes?

Featured above: Shellys London "Crazy," $51.00 at Zappos.com