*Deal of the Week* Free Gift with Uggs

As if the cold weather weren't doing a good enough job on its own, The Walking Company is offering added incentive for you to go out and buy this season's Ugg boots. When you purchase any pair of Uggs from The Walking Company (online only), you'll receive a free Zealand knit scarf, valued at $20. Styles for this season feature the 'Jillian,' an almost riding-style boot that comes in four colors, including Charcoal. The height (knee-high) and streamlined suede exterior add a little extra chic to a brand known more more casual footwear. And of course they're internally lined with the renowned sheepskin insulation that's removable--making it not only transitional from day to night but from season to season, too!

Always Free Shipping on Ugg Boots at The Walking Company

Expires: October 22nd, 2010 or While Supplies Last

*Deal of the Week* 20% Off Endless Boots

Fall boots are now on sale for 20% off at Endless. But only through the end of the month. All you need is a shopping cart with at least one pair of boots in it and a total of $125 in merchandise to see your discount automatically applied. Plus, you'll receive free overnight shipping on any new shoes. But free two-day shipping is available on any order from Endless, including these noticeable Luichiny 'Fire Cracker' boots that just meet your qualifying price range at $146--which is already 23% off the original selling price, before your added discount.

Expires: September 30th, 2010

Extra $30 Off Your First Bluefly Order

If you've somehow escaped the siren song of Bluefly before, you might just be in luck. That's because new shoppers are being granted an extra $30 off their first orders of at least $150. All you need to do is enter AFF30 when you're ready to check out. Woefully, Style Bard fell to the siren song of this shoe site right away, so I no longer qualify. But if I did, I'd be heading straight toward something like these Alberto Fermani 'Bordeaux stitched tall boots, which also come in Dark Green or Tobacco. They just look so effortless and comfortable, don't they? You'd almost never suspect the price tag (even though it is already 40% off before your $30 off), but I'd imagine they'd last you the rest of your life. Aren't really wonderful, sturdy designer shoes supposed to do that?

Code: AFF30

Expires: September 30th, 2010

Last Day for 50% Off Aldo Clearance Boots

Today is the last day you can receive an additional 50% off already-discounted boots at Aldo. To qualify, all you have to do is shop; that's right, no minimums are necessary nor any shopping codes. You may think it's too late to be shopping for boots this season, but it's really not. There's no better way to skip through spring than by bearing your arms and shoulders in a fun sundress but staying warm with some knee-high boots. It's not a juxtaposed look that everyone can pull off, but if you can, more power to you. And that's not to say you can't wear boots all year long anyway; I certainly do. A little trick learned in Florida, where there's really no excuse for knee-high boots unless you make one. Style Bard faves are these 'Eakle' boots, which I originally covered back in January when they went on sale for $200. Well guess what? They're now $77.49. So if you thought they were hot back then, you'd better get them while they last at this phenomenal price.

Expires: Midnight, April 13th, 2010

100% Happiness Guarantee on TOMS

TOMS is home to the One For One Movement, which means that for every pair of shoes purchased, a child in need also receives a pair of shoes--for free! Now, shoes also come with a 100% Happiness Guarantee, which means that buyers can call a team of informed experts to help them buy, exchange, return or even style their new TOMS. This company is really dedicated to helping complete strangers get more out of their new shoe purchases. Want to feel even better about your purchase? Shop the line of TOMS vegan shoes, which includes amazing knee-high wrap boots in seven colors. Style Bard favorites are these impact-making fire-engine red boots. The best part about them is that they actually unwrap from knee to ankle, so you can easily wear them over jeans or change the height and shape so that they fit your look. I would definitely be pleased to wear these out and about--in fact, I daresay would be 100% Happy.

Expires: No Expiration

Piperlime's Best of Boots Sale

Piperlime has collected all of its bestselling on-sale boots onto one page for easier shopping; it's the equivalent of an editor's guide to affordable boots, which I find mighty helpful. With approximately 100 top-choice options, prices range from $29.99 to $319.99, so there's something for everyone. Style Bard faves are these 'Doris' boots by BCBGirls. Although I was eyeing a lot of the more casual styles with cool hardware and other fun details, I realized that the beauty for these lies in their simplicity. They can be worn with far more outfits than most other options, they will transcend the seasons better and they can be dressed up or down. My favorite little touch is the curve on the inside of the heel that keeps them modern. They're also available at a fair price point, on sale for less than $100. But there are a lot of options in every boot style and height, so check out all of the Best of Boots at Piperlime.

Always Free Shipping and Free Returns

Expires: While Supplies Last

New Lime Tag Sale Markdowns at Piperlime

New reductions have been added to the on-sale merchandise in the Piperlime Lime Tag Sale. Now, all styles of shoes are up to 50% off their original price! Fresh additions to Style Bard's ever-growing wishlist are these unusual, beguiling 'Dara' boots by Cynthia Vincent, now almost $100 off their original price. I'm not sure exactly what's going on with the stirrup detail at the bottom (does it convert into an oxford?), but either way, we all know I love a bold zipper on a shoe, and the heel and height make me think one's legs would appear to go on for miles encased in these beauties-with-a-'tude. What do you think?

Always Free Shipping and Free Returns

Expires: While Supplies Last

*Deal of the Week* Save 60% on Aldo Boots

There are only 48 hours left to save at least 60% off all women's clearance boots at Aldo! No codes or minimum purchases are necessary to qualify, just shop the reduced pricing shown on the site--only for a limited time. Though they fall more on the pricey end of the spectrum for an on-sale shoe, Style Bard faves for this sale are these 'Fronori' knee-high leather boots with contrast stitching, especially in the color of Cognac. Other available colors include Black, Dark Brown and Brown Suede. Hey, if they cost more to begin with that means you'll essentially save more dollars at the end of the day, right? Yeah, I know, shopaholics' justification. But if you're going to buy them anyway, why not let yourself feel a little better about it? Just be sure to shop before these great deals disappear on Sunday.

Expires: Midnight, January 9th, 2010

Free Shipping on Victoria's Secret Shoes

When you spend $50 on Victoria's Secret shoes, you'll receive Free Shipping--and it will arrive on time for Christmas. Just be sure to use code 50FREE when you're ready to checkout. Spending this minimum will be easy to do, because boots are currently marked at $69-$99 dollars. As it just so happens, my birthday is this month, and I am an Angel cardholder. Therefore, I get $10 to spend at Victoria's Secret this month. So will I be checking out these sale shoes? You betcha. I have yet to buy my once annual pair of knee-high boots. Right now, Style Bard faves are these sleek, sophisticated 'Cap-Toe Booties' by Colin Stuart. Although I have to ask...have we totally forgone and forgotten the ankle boot? Because trends aside, that's what these look like to me. Be sure to check for other discounts while you're on the website; low prices and free shipping may be combined with other great sales and deals.

Code: 50FREE

Expires: December 20th, 2009

Shoe Company of the Year: Steve Madden

Footwear News--which has been recognizing outstanding work in the shoe industry for more than two decades--recently announced those who will be honored in the 2009 Footwear News Achievement Awards and Hall of Fame on December 1st, 2009. Honorees include:

Company of the Year: Steve Madden Ltd.
Person of the Year: Tony Hsieh
Designer of the Year: Giuseppe Zanotti
Retailer of the Year: Kohl’s
E-tailer of the Year: Gilt Groupe
Marketer of the Year: Iconix Brand Group Inc.
Brand of the Year: Sam Edelman, Sperry Top-Sider
Launch of the Year: Skechers Shape-Ups, Tabitha Simmons, Florsheim by Duckie Brown
Vivian Infantino Emerging Talent: Alexandre Birman
Hall of Fame Inductees: Matt Serra, George Malkemus, John Shanley

Top Steve Madden looks for the 2009 Winter Season:

XENONN GREY SUEDE

SESAME BROWN PARIS

TRICKKED BERRY SUEDE

DYME BROWN LEATHER

FREEWAYY BLACK LEATHER

Last Day to Save 20% Off Victoria's Secret Shoes

Today is the last day you can receive 20% off any single item from Victoria's Secret, including shoes! All you have to do is place a single qualifying item in your cart and use SAVE20 at checkout to see immediate deductions. Not applicable to Ugg Australia or Frye merchandise--sorry! But you can still save big on hot looks like these 'Tall Boots' by Colin Stuart, which are already on sale for only $99! Need I tell you how much I want these right now? Come on, you know me better than that. Just picture me groveling on my (very bootless) knees and interjecting pleas about how cold/needy I am up here in NYC all by myself without my winter shoes (which are still, as a reminder, in storage) and I think you can spare me typing out the rest.

Code: SAVE20

Expires: Midnight, November 16th, 2009

*Deal of the Week* New Boots at Piperlime

New boots have arrived at Piperlime! Because this is my first winter back in the city, I'm looking for gorgeous boots that are warm, stylish and also comfortable. These 'Hattie' boots fit the bill, because believe it or not, they're by comfort brand Hush Puppies. And best of all, they're less than $200 and come with free shipping and free returns. Other new boots are priced $90-$458 from such notable brands as London Fog, Kate Spade, Nine West and Frye.

Expires: While Supplies Last

55% Off Frye Boots at 6PM

Wow! What a great week-long sale from 6PM. All Frye shoes (from summery sandals to cowboy boots) are 55% off their original price--that's a BIG savings! Style Bard faves are these 'Ava' tall boots in snakeprint leather. So supple and sophisticated, I'd feel like a million bucks in these whether wearing them with jeans or a dress. Unfortunately, they might as well cost one million dollars, since I can't exactly splurge right now on gorgeous shoes of this caliber--even at 55% off! One day I will own an amazing pair of Frye boots... One day... In the meantime, won't someone please take these and give them a loving home?

$6.95 Flat-Rate Shipping On All Orders

Expires: October 3oth, 2009

20% Off Victoria's Secret Shoes

It's not too late to take advantage of this great online deal from Victoria's Secret! Select your favorite pair of shoes and add them to the shopping cart, then insert code SAVE20 to see 20% off immediately taken from the total. Any pair of shoes; immediate savings. But only if you act before midnight tonight! Are you loving the over-the-knee trend cropping up this Winter? Check out a variety of styles at Victoria's Secret, including these innovative convertible boots by Colin Stuart which can flip down for a knee-high boot look or even unzip at the ankle to become booties! Available in Grey Fox, Ivory, Brandywine or Black.

Code: SAVE20

Expires: Midnight, October 18th, 2009

New Flat Rate Shipping on Jildor Shoes

Now, any purchase from Jildor Shoes will be shipped to you for the same low flat rate, regardless of the weight of your package or the number of items inside. For $5, your whole order will be shipped--if that's not a great reason to inspire you to shop more on the same spree, I don't know what is. Especially now that Jildor also introduced a new set of motorcycle boots to satisfy the overwhelming demand for this hot, hot look this fall (which we all know I'm a total sucker for, btw). Style Bard faves are these 'Mack' boots in black leather by Modern Vintage--they just seem so effortless and authentic, without all the gadgetry and bedazzle of trendier biker boot styles. But if you feel differently, there are plenty of variations of every style and height and color of boot at Jildor Shoes.

Expires: No Expiration

Last Day to Take 15% Off Piperlime Shoes!

You have until midnight tonight to save 15% on your favorite pair of Piperlime shoes. All you have to do is meet the minimum shopping bag quota of $150, and enter code PL15OFF150 before you check out. Style Bard faves are these 'Nadia' boots by Mis Sixty. They're soooo not my usualy look, but there's some strange attraction to them that I simply cannot shake. This last-minute deal is also great because it pairs with Piperlime's Free Shipping and Free Returns policies, so if you're shopping in a hurry, remember that you can always send your shoes back at no additional cost.

Code: PL15OFF150

Expires: Midnight, September 27th, 2009

25% Off Clearance Boots at Aldo

There are only a few days left to take an additional 25% off the lowest clearance price on any Aldo boots! Just enter code 'BOOTS25F09' to see the discount applied at checkout. Style Bard faves are these incredibly sexy 'Misho' boots, which are sure to spice up any chilly winter evening with their staggering high heels and extra features like the crocodile-print trim at the top of the knee-high shaft. They're already on sale for $129.98 before your additional 25% off. Most boots also qualify for Free Shipping, since every Aldo order over $100 automatically ships for free!

Code: BOOTS25F09

Expires: September 22nd, 2009

Sendra Boots Review

You can tell a quality pair of shoes when you see it. Now, I'm mostly a bargain shopper by nature and upbringing, so the first time I laid hands on a pair of high-cost name-brand all-leather shoes, it was an accident. The moment I plucked those beautiful booties from their shelf, I knew that I'd somehow wandered from the bargain racks to the forboden high-end boutique side of the shoe store (a mistake born of subconscious urges, I'm sure). I fell immediately in love with the unobtainable shoe. The memory of picking up a sole and instantly understanding it was well-made by sight and touch alone lingers in my mind to this day.

That was a long time ago--and spotting a quality shoe is more of a second nature to me now--but when I was asked to review Sendra boots (unsponsored, unbiased, nothing in it for me but research), I felt that sensation all over again. I was instanteously impressed, smitten with a longing destined to go unfulfilled.

Even though the Sendra styles are a little conventional and predictable for my eccentric shoe tastes, from the moment I lifted these beautiful boots out of the box I was won over. From the feel of the soft, luscious leather against my fingertips to the way the boot felt on (supportive and sturdy), every aspect of the boots only added to the overall impression of quality. I wished I could have kept these marvelous boots, which were in fact on loan for the purpose review. I looked at:

Style #8692

Style #7681

Style #8011

The Review

The first pair is my personal favorite, as I prefer a dramatic, almost-costume-y aesthetic when it comes to boots. Seeming authentically rustic, these leapt out to me as shoes that could be worn, without irony, as a whimsical alternative to more staid winter shoes. On top of being stylish, they also felt just as indestructible as one would want from such a formidable-looking cowboy boot; with Sendra boots, the rough-and-tumble sensibility is not just for show. The second pair, which are a lined for warmth and reeinforced for longevity, are also unimaginably soft and comfortable. These are the boots you would never want to take off your feet--even though they may not be quite as attractive as the other two pairs. The third pair was probably the farthest from something I would ever consider in my wardrobe. Brown, mid-heel, matte--yaaaawn. Of course here's the kicker you already know is coming--these boots really grew on me the moment I zipped them up (so comfortable!) and then glanced in the mirror (they look amazing on me). Trust me, the pictures don't do these boots justice.

When I buy boots, I'm always worried about the actual height at which the shaft hits my leg. If a boot stops at certain heights--such as mid-calf where your leg is widest--it can be absurdly unflattering. I am also concerned about how the shaft of the boot fits around the calf--will it be too snug? Too roomy? Can I tuck pants into these? With Style #8011, the top of the shaft stops just above the curve of the calf, almost up to the knee. This is a perfect height for boots (unless you're a lover of ankle boots or over-the-knee boots, which I am not). The supple leather shaft encloses my average-width leg with the right amount of room to maneuver, but will still close over leggings, tights or a thin pair of pants.

Though I'm a vegetarian, I do wear leather goods sometimes (sorry, PETA). However, Sendra boots are created from resources only cultivated at breeding stations approved by the International Trade Agreement of Threatened Wild Species. I may be okay with wearing leather, but I am not okay with cruelty to animals, so this is a very important aspect to me, and I thought I'd share it with you as well.

About Sendra

Sendra boots originated as a family brand in 1913 in Spain. The boots are created using a time-honored process involving 250 steps. The most pivotal of these steps is called the "Goodyear Welt" which is the very step that gives the shoes their durable nature, with a double-stitch welt. Such things may seem minor to you, but that's probably because you haven't owned a good pair of boots for several years, and watched them maintain their shape and integrity through all weather as your other boots crumble and come apart. I have, and I can tell you that Sendra boots are the real deal.

This brand is a marriage of tradition and technology; 100 years of practiced hand-crafting technique are merged with the most modern styles and methods of shoe-making. I am happy to recommend the boots for your future boot-buying consideration. And if my opinion of Sendra boots isn't enough, why don't you ask David Beckham?



I'm just a writer after all--Beckham's the real deal when it comes to spokesmodeling. And hey, you've gotta admit he makes those boots look good.

For more information, please visit Sendra.com.

*Deal of the Week* 70% Off Boots at Shopbop

I feel as thought we're again creeping into that time of year when boots will start being extraordinarily expensive, and never on sale. Browsing through the boots on sale at Shopbop, it's making me a wee bit misty, knowing 70% off boots are about to become a rareity. I highly suggest taking a peek at the remaining styles and shopping for this year's fashion and weatherproof winter boots while you can save money. Style Bard faves (which I would totally kick a puppy to earn) are these Jill Stuart 'Tania' open back high heel boots--now less than $300 dollars. And they're still available in my size--torture!

Free Shipping on All Orders

Expires: While Supplies Last

*Deal of the Week* Jean Paul Gaultier Boots

I know, I know. Right now you're sitting behind your desk and mentally packing for your 4th of July weekend getaway. The last thing you want to see is a pair of knee-high boots on sale at ShopBop. But I just can't help it--these beautiful winter boots are now 70% off! We both know you're not slaving away at work just to blow over a thousand bucks on new boots this winter, but if you shop now, you can have these (and many other off-season designer shoes) for a much more affordable price. I believe these particular Jean Paul Gaultier 'Tall Houndstooth Boots' are down to just a few sizes, so if you love 'em you might have to shop quick! And be sure to check out the other amazing steals in the 70% off section at ShopBop.

Always Free Ground Shipping from ShopBop

Expires: While Supplies Last