I’ve never been one to be obsessed with shoes. I mean, I love shoes. Who doesn’t? You can’t go through life without them, so they might as well be pretty. But I’ve never been one of those women who has a heart attack over them or gets in a brawl at a sample sale for a pair. That’s just not me.
But lately I’ve found myself lusting after so many shoes. Oddly, I haven’t been that interested in clothes lately —just shoes. My mom and I are going shopping after Christmas (part of my Christmas present, since I didn’t really want anything this year) and I’ve been trying to make a list to direct me while I shop. A list of clothing items I want or need so I don’t just mindlessly shop.
But all I think about are shoes!
Last week, I ordered another pair of over-the-knee boots from Peppermint Park (more on that later) and in the last couple of months I’ve been indulging in cheap-and-chic going out heels. This week, I’ve been obsessed with heels and wedges that I could maybe wear to class. I feel like I’ve lost so much of my day-to-day personal style in college, and I want to make an effort to dress well every day next semester. Cute shoes are a good start.
But of course, being a college student, I’m on a budget. And I’ve promised myself to not spend more than $50 (ideally $35) on shoes. Thanks to some amazing sites, this is no problem at all. Here are the shoes I’m lusting after, all under $50 (and most under $30):
The Jessica Simpson Dany. Who knew Jessica Simpson, who makes fashion blunders on a daily basis, could produce such beautiful shoes? And I read that her clothing business is expected to reach sales of $1 billion this year. Yes, BILLION. She’s more successful at fashion than music, and so few people know that.
After wanting these for months (since before summer), I finally gave in and got them tonight because the deal was too good to resist. They’re normally $98, but right now on her website they’re $59.99, plus you get 30% off that with the code ENJOY30. Did I mention free shipping? Total came to $44. They also come in black, tan and purple. Picking a color was tough, but I went a little out of my comfort zone, and I hope it pays off. I plan to rock these during winter with the help of black tights and socks.
I’m loving the trend of desert and work boot-inspired booties and heels. Though at first I had frightening flashbacks to those heinous Timberland-inspired Manolo Blahniks that were everything back in the day, I think the recent options are less ghetto-fabulous and more rugged-chic. I would love to buy the Steve Madden Dessertt boots (above left), but they’re out of my price range. Instead, I like the other above options. Shearling and socks with heels are two big trends, and I like how the two pairs above have a nod to those looks. They also both ridiculously affordable; they’re less than $30 each on UrbanOG.com.
I love Jeffrey Campbell shoes, but they’re often out of my price range, such as the above peep-toe wedges (left) that are $140. I know that’s not much for some fashionistas, but I’m in college, and I’m also pretty frugal when it comes to trendy or experimental items. Luckily, I came across a nearly identical pair for only $30. That’s right, $30! Right now they’re on my wish list. I need to be saving more, so I’m trying to resist.
And lastly, some flats (imagine!). This past summer, I was dying for a pair of oxfords. When I finally got home to Chicago and visited Urban Outfitters to peruse their many options, I was so disappointed. I tried on a classic brown pair, and they looked dreadful on me. Maybe it was the fact that they cut my legs off oddly, and I was wearing a dress. Or maybe they were just too masculine. Regardless, my crush hasn’t faded, and now I’m absolutely lustful for a metallic pair. I think they look much more quirky and feminine (and flattering) in these hues. These pairs are both from Forever 21, and they’re both less than $30!
What shoes are you lusting after this season?
omg i just received my dany heels in black! they are so beautiful and I got them at the same price! but now i'm thinking about getting another pair in a different color just because this deal ends tomorrow. argg so tempting!
I was thinking about that, too, like maybe I should have bought a pair in black or tan also. But for you, black definitely goes with everything, so you'll get so much wear out of them. And I bet they'll be on sale again sometime, either on her site or elsewhere!