it is, apparently, shoe week at shoppingsmycardio.  but how am i expected to resist temptation when those devilish bunnyshop writers steer me over to the new markdowns at barneys, and there i spy these completely lovely blue flats by leopoldo giordano, marked down from $350 to $85? 

truly…one can only have so much self-control.

editor’s note:  i am thrilled to introduce the lovely and talented jessie, of prior shoppingsmycardio fame, as our newest contributing writer!  let’s send her some welcoming warm fuzzies, shall we?

once upon a time, flying was glamorous. ladies would dress up in a suit with hosiery and a hat to fly. lately when i travel, i feel like the coach cabin is the equivalent of a greyhound bus. gone are the smart suits and chic hats - these days, you are more likely to see travelers in their pajamas.

i am not advocating that we all step out in pillbox hats to fly, but who doesn’t want to feel chic after a day of travel?  fortunately, it is possible to look great and be comfortable.

let’s start with a fabulous carry on.  it needs to be large enough to hold your essentials but not so big you are cursing the weight of it when your flight is delayed. keeping in mind that said bag is going to slip under the seat and the plane floor is not the cleanliest place, don’t carry a bag that you will be devastated when it gets gum or whatever else is lurking under your seat on it.  with that in mind, for $118 you can’t go wrong with this aer satchel (even if it is by jessica simpson).

i like to wear jeans when i travel: a wide legged pair in a dark wash looks put together yet effortless. the faye jeans from citizens of humanity ($194) are perfect for travel.  they have stretch in them so they will hold their shape, and they are really soft for your comfort. best part, the darts on the back do wonders for your posterior!

travel days can be long, so wearing a fabric that won’t wrinkle is key, you never know when you will be late and have to run straight to dinner.  a solid tee is perfect travel wear, you can always accessorize to dress it up. michael star’s tees wear beautifully; they have great lines and come in fun colors. i love the cotton scoop neck long sleeve in eggplant ($52), one of my favorite colors for fall. if you are more of a neutral girl, go with the java color. the longer length is perfect when bending down, so you aren’t showing anything you don’t want to. 

i heard someone say once that animal prints are either fifth avenue or call girl (and not the fabulous call girl, belle de jour, on showtime). this gorgeous leopard wrap by kashmere is definitely uptown chic, and you can pick it up at bluefly for the bargain price of $90 (marked down from $195). wearing a scarf when traveling is key, if you are cold you can use it as a blanket, or in a real crunch as a pillow.

airplanes can be chilly, so layer a chic blazer like this cotton blazer from banana republic ($125). in khaki, it will work with most anything you have packed for your trip, and is sure to become a classic in your wardrobe.

finally, footwear.  who are we kidding…it always come back to the shoe!  i am going to suggest wearing a classic heeled boot like the classic campus boot from frye ($398).  this boot will look amazing under your wide leg jeans or over your skinny jeans. i have been coveting frye boots, ever since i was in high school and i would wear my mom’s vintage pair. i recommend a boot over flats because when you are enduring the humiliation of security and you have to take your shoes off, don’t add insult to injury by having your bare feet touch the floor! boots = socks!  wearing your boots will also save room in your luggage for all your other shoes!

now that you are gorgeously dressed for your travel, enjoy your trip!  and don’t worry…all that staring is only because your fellow passengers wish they looked that chic!

i think the loeffler randall love is pretty well undisputed here at shoppingsmycardio.  so when i spied these darling purple flats that have all of the stylish chic of a loeffler classic without the pricetag, i had to share(check out one of many loeffer randall ruffles here). 

leave it to topshop to come up with a version that isn’t a copy, but definitely gives you the look for less.  they’re a fantastic pop of color for any ensemble (though also available in basic black, if you’re feeling a distinct lack of creativity).

pick them up at topshop for roughly $50, depending on the conversion rate.  use them to dress up shorts now, and for the perfect pop of color beneath jeans or black tights this fall.  at that price, grab them in both colors, and make all of your friends think you have cash to burn.

now there’s a title i never thought i’d write.  true, at $247, it’s not exactly a deal in the truest sense of the word…but this oh-so-classic calfskin slingback from manolo blahnik is marked down 50%, and available in all sorts of sizes (and two colors)…and that’s just something you don’t see every day.  so, i’m calling it a deal-slash-worthy investment…i think it’s the best of both worlds.

you may have to call the store to order, but nab it now…before everyone else discovers all of the fab finds over at footcandy’s pre-fall sale.

these stunning royal blue flats from butter have my name written all over them, and not just because the name was too cute to resist.  they manage somehow to be retro and au courant at the same time - i think it’s the classic shape paired with the big, bold color.  whatever it is, you can be sure they’re as chic and timeless a flat as you’ll find this fall, not to mention the perfect splash of color for those upcoming drab fall palettes.  i can hardly wait to pair them with black tights, a black tank dress and a belted cardigan.  ooh, or let them peek out from underneath some of those supersize trousers that will be everywhere this fall.  and for now, how perfect they’d be with a miniskirt or a loose, drapey summer dress!

they remind me oh-so-slightly of a much more 80s version we talked about a few months ago, but these are so much more elegant - and they’ll be in style much longer.

for my larger-footed friends (present company included), they’re available all the way up to a size 12!  pick them up at simply soles for $220, and don’t forget to rub it in if you nab them before i do!

that’s right, it’s time for my favorite holiday of the year:  the nordstrom anniversary sale!  ignore the half-yearly…this is the sale to watch for.  for those that aren’t familiar, this is the sale in which nordstrom orders in mass quantities of select pieces from the fall collections, and marks them down (usually 25-40%) for about two weeks - then, the prices go back up to regular retail.  here are a few of my faves that are well worth picking up while they’re a steal:

this taupey grey color is going to be the hit of the fall season - it’s a much warmer, more flattering shade of grey than we saw last year, and it will be everywhere.  normally i advocate bright colors for overcoats, but the tailoring on this was too pretty to pass up.  calvin klein wrap coat, $248 down to $159.90. 

if you want a look at the sculptural tailoring trend that’s going to be so hot this fall, check out this gorgeous boiled wool coat from alice+olivia ($365 down to $219) - zoom in and notice all of that stunning detail.

and another trend i’m looking forward to this fall is tonal texture - things like jacquard and lace overlays to give substance to traditional dark fall colors.  if you’re in the market for an evening coat, this jacquard version from milly ($675 down to $399) will round out your fall wardrobe beautifully. 

speaking of sculptural detail, this drape sleeve tee by 3.1 philip lim is about as on-trend as you can get for fall.  go classic with the black, or branch out a little with that gorgeous lagoon shade - but either way, less than $100 (down from $175) for a current-season philip lim tee is a deal not to be missed.

i’m also oddly excited about this puff-sleeve cardigan from a brand called fever (never heard of it, can’t vouch for it, but it’s $50).  it’s kind of odd in the black and “treetop” colors, but that sweet potato shade is just what the doctor ordered.  again with the sculptural detail, this is a piece i’ll be wearing all winter long.

i think i’ve just been sucked in by the fabulous electric blue color and that gorge pleating at the neckline on this classiques sweater ($158 down to $99.90).  but that’s enough - i have a feeling this will be on major closet rotation when the weather cools off.

can’t explain it, but i’m gaga for this daytripper bag from see by chloe (okay, and the matching wallet).  this is another one you should take a close look at - i love the edgy styling, and the bowler/satchel hybrid.  and that little detail on the front?  i was shocked, but it’s just zipper teeth of different colors.  i love it when designers surprise me, and chloe has done it…especially in lambskin and for $500.

as long as we’re talking handbags, the pic on the website would have had me totally passing by this nordstrom brand pleated tote.  fortunately, i got a sneak preview of this one in person, and i can tell you it’s well worth another look.  purple is oh-so-hot for fall, and the styling on this bag will keep it on-trend for years to come.  plus, it’s not often i suggest a bag under $250.

the shoe department has a tradition of lackluster options for the sale, and this year’s no exception.  but if you were in love with those flat loeffler randall matilde boots from last year (i’m still kicking myself for missing out!), but couldn’t stomach the $700 pricetag, never fear:  steve madden has actually managed two very similar versions, both under $150.  naturally, i’m going for the higher-end (a term i use loosely here), priced at $129.90 for the sale. 

last but not least, remember those extra-long scarves i was just talking about yesterday?  you won’t find another chance to scoop up an 8-foot piece of cashmere for $60…time to pounce!

so, what did you all end up buying??

because the sigerson sale has me obsessed, and because these amazing flats are just too pretty not to share. if i didn’t have literally the exact same shade of gold in a tory burch reva flat, i’d snap these up in a new york minute. in fact, it’s particularly distressing because…i like these better (shhh….).

i was spending a little too much time over at notcouture last night, and found there a number of deals much too lovely to keep to myself.

juicy couture continues to surprise me. if they keep this up, i’m going to have to stop mocking them entirely.

these sandals ($101) are a great way to bring a little ombre to your summer…and on sale, too. i love the yellow, but if you’re feeling extra girly, pink is the perfect choice. nab either at bergdorf goodman, where you’ll also get out tax-free (unless you live in NYC).

for a more understated style, i love these t-strap beca sandals from gryson. yellow and grey IS definitely the hottest color combo du jour, and these little flats make it clear why. nab them for $225 at funky lala.

and last, but certainly not least, more sigerson morrison love. these beauties ($145) are absolutely everything i’ve been looking for in a casual black flat - love the modern mary jane styling, the intricate detail on the strap, and that thick elastic around the top is going to keep these comfy in any weather. they’re lovely in black, but that fabulous bright gold would be oh-so-fun too. decisions, decisions.

…so far.

these fabienne boots had my eye the instant i saw them in j.crew’s new pieces for fall. i had such high hopes that these were, in fact, the perfect fall boot - that elusive cool-weather staple.

alas, that black trim that was all set to make these the perfect fall boot has instead turned them into something sad…for that trim is not regular leather, but patent. i don’t think that pulls these squarely into the realm of streetwalker…but it’s not a positive thing.

what do you think? can you overlook the shine for the overall chic?

it’s hard to believe, but there was once a time i was completely convinced there was no reason to get a professional pedicure. thankfully, those days are well behind me - now, i’m about as high-maintenance as a girl can get.

however, the reality is that sometimes we need a little DIY action…maybe an event is coming up and you can’t get to the spa, or maybe you just look down at your toes one day and realize you can’t possibly leave your house wearing those gorgeous peep toes, because everyone will be doing just that…peeping at your less-than-perfect pedi.

fortunately, i’ve unearthed a few products that make the DIY version simple, seamless and - my favorite - quick.

first things first, the hardware: i just got the most perfect thing in the mail - it’s a summer staple if there ever was one. it’s a 10-piece pedicure kit from kiss that comes complete with literally everything you’ll need for perfect summer toes. pumice stone, scrubber, clippers, cuticle pusher (the good, metal version) and nipper, buffer, and even toe separators for the polish. for $9.99 - seriously, that has to be the ultimate cheap thrill.

now, my pedi solution is cheap and dirty - after i remove my old polish, i just sand my toes down with a sugar scrub in the shower…that’ll get you close enough, especially if you’re not hunkering down for serious cuticle time. i happen to completely adore this version by airplus - and their foot lotion is literally the only thing that heals my heels after months of sandals.

i think everyone knows the sand/cut/file/buff routine, so i’m going to skip that and get to the polish. traditionalists will run for the OPI, and with good reason - i do love the staying power, and the colors are lovely. but i just tried out a new polish by bourjois that may have surpassed my OPI obsession. i love it because it’s infused with vinyl, if you can imagine. translation: it dries superfast, and sticks without chipping like nobody’s business. plus, what their color selection lacks in quantity, it makes up in quality. their rose vamp is the ultimate hot pink for hot days, and rose escarpin may just be the elusive ‘perfect red’. definitely a toe must-buy.

so, start with some OPI nail envy, slap on that bourjois polish (remember the toe separators…that’ll save oh-so-much time in touchups alone), and top it off with sally hansen’s hard as nails, and you’ll be sandal-worthy in no time!