Nostalgic

If you're nostalgic for the 80's, pass over the side-ponytails and the jumpers, put down your bedazzler, and for god's sake take off those shoulder pads! But do go ahead and buy these crazy Giuseppe Zanotti piped leather ankle boots. Originally $635, Bluefly has them for $381, and today only, they're an additional 20% off - that's $304.80. I am not advocating the eighties look... but I think this is the right touch, especially if you'll bypass those other atrocities. Although if I see leggings or orange-red rouge on your cheeks, so help you!

A last note: please friends, try to stop wearing the ankle-high boots with a skirt. Booties with tights and a skirt? Sure! Ankle boots? Never. The line of your leg is sectioned to several Dexter-esque chunks. You lose all your height and look like the wishful thinking of a serial killer. Is that what you want? No, no you don't. (And if you don't watch Dexter, go to it. Great show. If you like serial killers, and that sort of thing.)

Valentine's Day Gifts

If you're already thinking about Valentine's Day and worrying about what to get your loved ones, Judy's Book once again has the holidays covered to ease your shopping experience. I know it's a month early, but it's always good to browse in advance for great deals. If you're not ready to commit and shop this early, you can just pick up some fresh ideas by glancing through, and save money if you do stumble onto the perfect idea.

I already found a great deal: gift certificates to nice local restaurants according to your area at Restaurants.com. $10 for a $25 Gift Card to my favorite restaurant- can't beat that! It's exactly what I'd like to do this February 14th- if not with the perfect male someone, at least with my very best single girlfriends.

Go to http://deals.judysbook.com/valentinesday for deals on everything from roses to restaurants, compiled and organized for you, for Valentine's Day, by the people at Judy's Book. And check back; more deals and suggestions will be added right up until February 14th!

Still Kicking

I admit to seeing the attraction to this shoe overall. Nice shape, flattering heel, neutral color - and look, a splash of this season's trend, the animal print, in a very subtle place (as it should be). All in all, nice.

But ladies, please don't reach for the faux ponyskin. Even- nay, especially- on sale for $19.00. It's just going to fall apart. You're just going to look tacky. And I know you're better than that.

After Christmas Sales!

Judy's Book, the deal site that posted Christmas Shipping & Return deals earlier this month, is now being helpful (as usual) with a list of After Christmas Sales.

Says the site:

"Stop buying the Sunday paper - Get all the details on After Christmas sales right here! We're updating this list as stores start posting their holiday sales information, so please keep checking back. We will be adding to this list every day."

You can find this continuously-updating chart of sales here. Feel free to put it on your blog and share it with friends!

Happy Shopping! And Happy Holidays to everyone, I'll see you here after Christmas, when we can all discuss what goodies we received!

Love. Want. Need. ~Shoe Calendar~

365 shoes to browse? Do I need more of a reason? $10.85 on Amazon.

Love. Want. Need. ~Gabriela~

I'll admit- I'm the kind of girl who, if you're my friend and wear my shoe size, might have to try on those adorable new shoes you just bought. And naturally, as I'm slipping my feet into your cute soles, I will artfully suggest that I might borrow them from time to time.

This exact instance is what led me to discover how unbelievably comfortable Bandolino's "Gabriela" leather pumps are. These shoes are great for work, but also stylish enough to be dressed up for evening. My friend had worn them previously and couldn't stop bragging about how great her feet felt, while ours were all smarting by the end of our evening out. And now I know she wasn't exaggerating at all.

This is a great product from a quality brand that I've always loved. The shoes are available on Zappos for an affordable $46.95 and come in Black or Medium Brown. Natural materials will keep these shoes holding together for a long time - a great investment, an amazing shoe.

When a Shoe Tries Too Hard

A...a bow... and a strappy thing? Really? I am sorry, my friends, but I do not understand these shoes:



Can anyone tell me why they're $127.00?

I much prefer these from Payless, for only $17.99: