It’s New York Fashion Week, when style setters and fans flock to the Big Apple and establish how we’re going to dress for next spring. While it may seem silly to begin thinking of color pallets and mini vs. maxi dresses, now is the time to snag looks still on sale from summer 2011 that will translate into 2012.

For example, Marc Jacobs is showing bold colors in a minimalistic style for next spring. The grand dame of New York fashion, Diane von Furstenberg, splashed her runway with brilliant whites and light greens paired with beige. All can be found at post-summer sales and repurposed for next year.

Here are eight other ways to get that luxury, designer shoes without emptying your wallet.

1. Shop Sample Sales
Search for sample sales in your city for a chance to score current designer looks for a fraction of the cost. For those who don’t live near a big city where such fashion sales are abundant, don’t stress. You can shop flash-sale websites like Gilt Groupe, which feature designer duds for 50 to 70-percent off. Returns are accepted on most merchandise, but make sure to read the site’s policy before making the purchase so you don’t get stuck with ill-fitting goods.

2. Consignment Shops
Second-hand stores dedicated to designer fashion are popping up in many major cities. You can also find gently used fashion online at Plato’s Closet, where you can sell your undesired clothes as well. As with traditional retailers, consignment shops are selling off last summer’s clothing and accessories.

3. Use Coupons
Don’t dismiss the cost cutting potential coupons offer. Even high-fashion retailers these days rely on money-saving vouchers to attract new customers. You can find coupons for free shipping at Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and other luxury good stores at sites like FreeShipping.org.

4. Swap
Coordinate a clothing swap with friends or coworkers. Or try swapping clothes and accessories online at such sites as Rehash Clothes.

5. Follow the 30/70 Rule
Maintain a wardrobe that’s roughly 30 percent trendy and 70-percent staple pieces that won’t go out of style. You then won’t feel the need to restock your closet every season but can still mix and match to recreate the latest looks.

6. Department Store Designer Finds
More and more high-fashion designers are collaborating with department stores and discount retailers to offer exclusive and affordable collections for everyday women. Check out Simply Vera Wang at Kohl’s and Lela Rose for Payless to find the styles you crave and prices your wallet can manage.

7. Nix the Dry Cleaning
Avoid clothing that requires dry cleaning and, if not possible, buy products you can clean with the popular dry-cleaning pouches you just pop into your dryer. While it’s not exactly dry cleaning, the result is the same.

8. Rent What What You Can’t Buy
When it comes to a special event, the most affordable and practical options for finding designer frocks is renting. Sites like RentTheRunway offer current season fashion from over 95 top designers at 90-percent less than retail prices. Simply choose a dress or piece of jewelry you wish to wear and return it after the occasion.

Source:  AndreaWoroch is a nationally recognized media source, featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.

Zoyla Studded Cut Out Wedge Ankle Boot

These black leather ankle boot from Sam Edelman feature tonal suede and silver-tone multi-stud embellishment panels to the sides, a square toe and a side zip for closure. The boot has approximately a six inch cut out wedge heel and a one inch concealed platform. The heels measures 14 centimeters high and has an exposed zipper. These studded boots would go really well with a pair of skinny jeans Available at farfetch.com

Julia Roberts in Jimmy Choo Heels, Photo by People.com

Julia Roberts was recently spotted in these fabulous Jimmy Choo heels while visiting the set of Regis and Kelly in New York City.

Lindsay Lohan Azzedine Alaia Gladiator boots, Photo by People.com

Lindsay Lohan is wearing her summer favorites, Azzedine Alaia boots! These brown leather cut-out boots have the look and feel of a gladiator sandal but with more awe-inspiring appeal. The shoe boots are cut-out throughout the front. A zip runs down the back of the shoe boot to make them easy to get on and off

These gladiator boots look dead fierce! They have straps on the front of the boot and a leather covering for the ankle and calf, as well as tie fastenings above that. So hot, but with the $2,600 price tag, chances are only the toughest fashion warriors will get their hands on these!

Azzedine Alaia Gladiator boots

H&M Black and White Sandals

I just learned about the H&M Fashion Against AIDS project. They design a special collection each year and give 25% of the sales towards AIDS awareness. This year’s festival collection will raise money to create awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst youth while also offering our customers stylish clothes for music festivals. The collection has a distinct bohemian, rock feel and includes everything you need this music festival season, from clothes and accessories to tents and sleeping bags. 2010 marks the third year that H&M and Designers against AIDS (DAA) are running Fashion Against AIDS.

Here are a pair of great black and white razor sandals from H&M that are a part of the collection. Selling for $24.95 they are worth adding to your Summer collection.

Justin Beiber Rocking out in Vans SK8

It appears that Justin is not dead but alive and well as he was recently seen wearing these Vans SK8 Mid-Top and rocking out to a gang of screaming young ladies. A fake Fox News website reported Justin’s untimely demise but he is alive and well. These false rumors often get started and it has the Paparazzi and real news stations scrambling for the real truth. But all ones needs to do is follow Justin on Twitter to know what he is up to. Justin is one smart shoe lover.

Christian Louboutin’s new men’s footwear line is quite provocative to say the least. It has the high-end fashion world in a buzz. But who is going to wear these outrageous sneakers and spiked shoes? I can tell you that no man I know would be even seen anywhere near a shoe store that carries them. If you are in the theater, on stage, or going to a costume party just maybe you would wear these but would you pay almost $2,000 for them? I must be living in another world.

Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Sneakers

Christian Louboutin Louis Spiked Sneakers

Christian Louboutin Freddy Spiked Shoes

The men’s collection ranges from sneakers to sandals, priced from $525 to $1,842.

black sneaker

Every true shoe lover has just gotta have a pair of Ballerina flats in her closet. I’m a tall girl and was once a ballerina back in my youth but Ballerina flats aren’t just for us tall gals. Any woman can wear ballerina flats and they are so much more comfortable than those spiked heels you see everyone wearing these days. Who says you have to wear heels to look fab and fashionable? Check out some of these wonderful ballerina flats and you will find that they are always in style. And, with a some ballerina flat you can roll them up and fit them in nice little side pockets of your luggage or handbag when you are traveling.

Punk and Rocker shoes and handbags are in this year. These Candela Women’s Punk Ballerina Flat are for the ballerina in you that wants to spice up that girly persona with a slightly edgy flat. The metal-studded leather shoe sports a generously rounded toe, cushioned insole, and barely-there 1/8-inch heel for comfort mixed with style mixed with flair. Try it with skinnies or leggings for a perpetually youthful look you can wear all year long.

Candela Women's Punk Ballerina Flat

For the true ballerina check out these ASOS LUCY PASTEL Patent Ballerina Shoes in pink. You can wear them dancing or with your favorite outfit and still be in style.

ASOS LUCY PASTEL Patent Ballerina Shoes

The Cutout Ballerina Flat is a metallic gold ballerina flat with cutout detail at the rounded toe. Elasticized heel with pull-tab for easy on and off. Leather-look. Imported.

Cutout Ballerina Flat

Striped Ballerina Flats are cotton/polyester. They have a leather lining and sole. 1/4″ heel height. Made in Italy. These Brooks Brothers flats as oh so chic and make me think of sailing and being on Cape Cod for the summer.

Brooks Brothers Striped Ballerina Flat

Ballerina flat in soft, quilted faux leather. Round toe, pancake heel; leather sole. As seen in Redbook magazine. This ultra-comfy and ultra-feminine shoe will brighten up anything from denim to casual dresses. Bow-trim quilted ballet flat in gold is super affordable at $9.99 and they can be worn as slippers too.

Quilted Ballerina Flat

]]> http://theshoelover.com/2010/06/ballerina-flats-arent-just-for-tall-girls/feed/ 1 http://theshoelover.com/2010/06/yves-saint-laurent-hamptons-tribute-sandal/ http://theshoelover.com/2010/06/yves-saint-laurent-hamptons-tribute-sandal/#comments Sun, 06 Jun 2010 04:16:24 +0000 Shoe Lover Nicole http://theshoelover.com/?p=202

Kristin Cavaralli wears Yves Saint Laurent Hamptons Tribute Sandal

Yves Saint Laurent Hamptons Tribute Sandal in either tan, dark brown, or black have a leather platform and open toe braided gladiator sandal with halter sling back and adjustable ankle strap. These gorgeous sandals are made in Italy and here is a recent picture of Kristin Cavallari wearing them. These leather sandals feature criss-cross buckle straps at the ankle, grooved trim with rope stitching at the platform, and a 5” structured cutout heel.

Yves Saint Laurent Hamptons Tribute Sandal

]]> http://theshoelover.com/2010/06/yves-saint-laurent-hamptons-tribute-sandal/feed/ 0 http://theshoelover.com/2010/06/lady-gaga-at-heathrow-london-airport-in-june-5-2010/ http://theshoelover.com/2010/06/lady-gaga-at-heathrow-london-airport-in-june-5-2010/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 21:09:33 +0000 Shoe Lover Sue http://theshoelover.com/?p=198

Lady Gaga is know for her racy and controversial fashion sense and yesterday was no exception when she showed up at London’s Heathrow airport wearing a black leather short jumpsuit, carrying a spiked black leather purse, and wearing this outrageous gold heels. I think she single-handedly invented this type of shoe. She stopped to sign autographs and take pictures with her fans and then later tweeted.

Lady Gaga at London's Heathrow Airport June 5, 2010

I have dreamt a lifetime to get on this flight to New York. I don’t care if its summer. Leather, high heels, and a bad attitude. Here I come.

Photo: Matrix Photos