I go crazy in DSW, because, well… anywhere I can be surrounded by gorgeous shoes is one of my favorite places to be!

My shoe addiction is nuts at times, but I always manage to find great prices — or impatiently wait for my pricier picks to go on sale. (To this day, I’ve never spent more than $50 on a pair of great pumps!)

My newest obsession is this uber-cute pair of black wedges that I found at DSW during my latest trip to the King of Prussia Mall. Lately, I’ve been loving any type of lace-up shoe (I’ve bought three pairs in the past few months!) and now I can’t stop thinking about these comfy wedges! The cutout detail keeps them fresh and dressier than a mary-jane-type shoe, while the wedge heel makes them way more comfortable to wear than your stiletto heels. They’d be a great option for a more casual night out, or anytime you know you’ll be walking on some uneven surfaces!

I originally tried on a size 8 (my typical shoe size, which almost always fits perfectly) but I found that the 7½ fit much better — not too tight and not too loose — so I recommend taking this into account when ordering.

The price is pretty do-able at $49.95. I suggest signing up for their rewards program and you’ll get points toward savings on future shoe purchases! (I just got a $10 coupon in the mail!)

Happy Shoe Shopping!

-Keri

Most of the time, I stick to tall boots in cooler weather because flats just don’t keep my feet warm — my feet are always cold! But sometimes, tall boots just aren’t ideal, and in those cases I’m often stuck with no other option.

At least I thought so until I saw these outdoorsy booties (left) and these wedge booties (right)! For me, they have to be black. But the ones on the left are also offered in a light shade of gray, and MySpringShoes.com has a variety of ankle booties in brown, too.

After initially spotting these two pairs, I scoured the internet for similar booties elsewhere. Honestly, all the other pairs I found didn’t compare to these (in my mind), but I did find a cute pair with shearling lining at Charlotte Ruse. And another stylish pair of lace-ups at Forever21.

Right now, my heart is set on the pair pictured upper left, but $69.99 isn’t quite in my budget, so I’ll have to keep looking or wait for them to go on sale! Or perhaps they’ll be the latest addition to my ever-growing Christmas Wish List…

-Keri

According to our friend Lilliana Vasquez at Cheap Chicas, embellished flats are one of the hottest trends for fall 2010. And I’m thrilled!  From bows and ruffles, to clever flowers crafted of zippers, to gem encrusted medallions, bigger is better this fall!

But what to do with all of those solid colored flats you’ve already got in your closet? No problem! My solution is a collection of easy-to-use shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey.  These clips add serious style to any plain shoe. In fact, they are the perfect way to dress up not only flats but also pumps, sling backs or stilettos — and stay right on trend.

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, a fashion icon of elegant style, Absolutely Audrey is a unique accessories design company that marries the elegance of vintage-inspired shoe clips with the latest fashion trends. The firm offers over 65 incredible styles in rhinestone, enamel, leather, pearl, satin fabric, grosgrain fabric, and more. You can shop for vintage styles, casual pieces, evening accessories and even spectacular bridal clips.

Of all the great styles offered by Absolutely Audrey, I had a hard time narrowing it down to just three must-haves, but I think that my favorite are the Sabrina clips pictured above. Inspired by one of Hepburn’s most famous characters, these  add instant elegance to any outfit. The clips are made from grosgrain fabric in black and are accented with delicate rhinestones. Retail $14.99

A beautiful look for evening (or a wedding) are the Audrey clips, inspired by the legendary actress herself.  These stylish rhinestone flowers, pictured at right, have faux pearl “petals” in a light cream hue. Retail $19.99

Finally, a pair of Ellie clips are a fabulous update for fall flats. These multi-colored clips, below, look perfect with everything from jeans to a mini.  Retail $19.99

But, I’ve saved the best for last. The price range for the entire line of shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey is a mere $10.00 to $25.00 — infinitely more cost-effective than an entire new collection of shoes (my husband will be so happy!).

Now you can win your own choice of gorgeous shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey. It’s easy, so get started!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Absolutely Audrey and let us know which pair of shoes clips — sassy, sophisticated or simple — are your favorites. (1 entry)

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each of the five to let us know)

3. “Like” us on Facebook (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Absolutely Audrey.

Also — don’t forget to enter the other Style on a WHIM contests that are running right now!

Shondra Leigh silver “lace” earrings contest Valued at $60. (ends 9/8)

Say Goodbye to Summer Super Fashion Swag – Valued at over $575! (ends 9/15)

UPDATE 9-21-2010: Our winner is JoAnne S. of Hammond, Indiana. Congratulations!

Posted: 07 Aug 2010 10:26 PM PDT

Embellishment is a huge trend for fall and the easiest way to incorporate it into your wardrobe is through your accessories…especially footwear. Right now, I am in love with flats with embellished toes! Flats are great with everything and super comfortable, by adding a little sparkle to the toe you with definitely take your outfit to the next level.

I found a ton of options at my local DSW and snagged a pair (that I couldn’t find online) by Crown Vintage that were originally $109.00 but after the 40% off and a $30.00 rewards coupon (I guess that means I buy too many shoes) I ended up gettting them for $18.00!!

A similar style to mine that they carried were these DV by Dolce Vita flats. Some of my other favorites include this pair by one of my favorite shoe designers Jeffery Campbell. And this peep toe pick in the above photo from Express.

Wear these now with skirts and shorts or save for fall. I love the way a pair of black flats…espcially with some jewels…can really turn up the sophistication on a pair of skinny jeans. You could even consider these blinged out toes as a pedicure that’s practical to show off for fall!

Edgy or glam these instant outfit-makers will be an essential for your wardrobe, taking you from summer to fall and day to night!

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

It seems that every newspaper I open and every television commercial I see lately is touting “back to school” necessities. Not sure about you, but I’m just not ready for back to school yet!

Although I hate to say goodbye to summer, I know I need to at least get started. And this year, back to school for our family means sending our oldest off to – gasp – college. Along with extra long dorm sheets, a coffee maker and a dozen blue books, my daughter needs what every girls needs. Shoes!

Not any shoes will do, however. She has very definite tastes and preferences, so one way we can always agree is to head to Payless Shoe Source. She gets the style she craves and I get a price that I can live with!

Since the University of Delaware has a sprawling campus, she’ll need lots of flats. Stylish, but practical, our top three choices are flats that would be perfect with a short skirt, long skirt, capris, jeans … really just about anything.

First, we both adore the Audrey Knot Flat. This is a fabulous little flat from American Eagle that has a bold, knotted detail. American Eagle flats are really comfortable and have a round toe and padded insole. Pictured here in a soft dove grey the Audrey Knot Flat is also available in black. Regularly $19.99, these are now on sale for only $12.99!

Next, we agreed that the Bloom Flat is the cutest shoe we’ve seen in a long while. This is another flat from American Eagle and features a soft jersey upper and a whimsical fabric flower detail. These are super lightweight and have a flexible outsole — perfect for walking to class. In addition to the choice of black, pictured, the Bloom Flat is also available in lilac. The Bloom Flat is now on sale for only $12.99 (regularly $19.99), so we might just have to pick up both colors!

Finally, the Brice flat is is a slightly dressier flat for sorority mixers and other campus events. This spunky plaid flat by American Eagle has a sturdy canvas upper and a cute strap detail. The Brice flat is available is the purple and blue pattern pictured, and would make the perfect pair of shoes for the transition from summer to fall. Retail $19.99

With so many choices, she might need a bigger closet!

Are you a Payless fan? Now you can win a trip for two to New York City and an All Fashion Pass for a runway show and a personalized tour of Christian Siriano’s design studio in the VIP in NYC Sweepstakes courtesy of Payless ShoeSource.

Enter Once. Some restrictions apply. US only (void AK, HI) 18+. Contest ends 8/15/10, so enter today!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! ,Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Payless Shoe Source.