Quote of the day: Manolo Blahnik

“Are shoes so important? Really? If I was a woman, I would be dressed in the same thing for a month and just change my hat and gloves. Maybe my shoes too; yes, I see what you mean but, really, it’s jewels that change an outfit. And I do love gloves. And I adddore hats. There are toooo many shoes now."

-- Manolo Blahnik, hilariously dissing shoes, the very accessory that made him a freakin' fortune.

He spoke with Financial Times during fashion week in Milan. Read on to find out his thoughts on platform shoes ("They are suburban! I never do a platform"), flats ("They make you walk like a reindeer") and his collection of every shoe he has ever designed (note: he bought a second house just to store them all).

Quote of the Day: Imelda Marcos

 “I did not have 3,000 pairs of shoes. I had 1,060.”

-- Imelda Marcos, shoe queen. In this AP shot from 2006, she holds one of her many shoes while standing with her grandson. Wonder if she ever got any of them on sale?

Save big at Stein Mart and DSW this week

We've got more holiday sales rolling in. If you are a Stein Mart fan, stop by today through Sunday to score 30 to 50 percent off many spring and summer styles.

Also, click here for a Stein Mart coupon that will get you an additional 25 percent off all red dot and clearance items through Sunday. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 4.

If you've got shoes on your mind, DSW is advertising a big clearance. DSW Rewards members will get triple points on any one purchase through July 9. Use the promotion code of JUL3XPT online, or click here for an in-store coupon.

All DSW shoppers can also get an extra 30 percent off clearance shoes online only with the SUMMER7 promotion code, also through July 9.

~ Deal Diva Colleen

Shoe Carnival BOGO deal starts July 1

I'm not a big fan of retail offers that require buying something now in order to get a deal later. Usually, I forget to return later with my coupon.

But for the more organized shoppers out there, Shoe Carnival has resurrected its "BOGO When You Want 2" promotion. Stupid and confusing promotion name aside, the deal is this: With any purchase made between Wednesday and Saturday (July 1-4), customers get a "BOGO When You Want 2" card. That card then allows you to buy one pair of shoes and get a second pair of equal or lesser value for half off at Shoe Carnival anytime through Jan. 19, 2010. Why Jan. 19? I have no clue, but that gives you a solid six months to score new shoes using the deal.

This certainly isn't the mother of all deals, but it does coincide with Shoe Carnival's July 4 sale event. So you could end up with some decent loot if you decide to just go for it all at once.

~ Deal Diva Colleen

(Photo: Unlisted "Bed Side" sandal, on sale for $14.98 through July 7)

VIDEO BLOG: Shoe Dazzle, month 1!

So, I signed up at Shoe Dazzle.

Shoe Dazzle is an online shoe of the month club from reality TV soul suck, Kim Kardashian. I know, I know, you're thinking, "KIM KARDASHIAN OWNED YOU, SUCKA." And maybe that's true.

But the site is actually pretty cool, especially when you need a regular dose of shoe to function in polite society, like me. The service is $39 a month, and you get to keep the shoes -- this isn't a rental situation. Based on quiz results, "stylists" (translation, some I.T. dudes with a sense of humor) give you five shoe choices. You select one pair.

If the shoes don't work, you can send them back (with a small handling fee -- eck). If you hate your five options some month, you can pass and they won't charge you.

My first pair just arrived. To bring you into the experience, I give you Deal Divas very first VIDEO BLOG! Now, can someone tell YouTube to offer screen shot selections other than "Stoned On Magic Mushrooms" and "Constipated"? Kay, thanks.

Without further blathering, I give you, uh... me. If you look closely, you can see the watercolor still life of Little Debbie snack cakes hanging on my wall. Fine art, baby!

~ Deal Diva Stephanie

UPDATE: I called Shoe Dazzle, and the rep said they're updating their shoes to be truer to normal sizes. Their initial collections did run a little big. She said it's always good to call before placing an order, and they can tell you whether a certain model runs big or small. Toll free number is on the website.

Rollasole vending machine ballet flats: We need these here now!

This has to be the most brilliant idea in history. Except for maybe the cotton gin. And Spanx. And ice cream cake. And slipper socks. And waterproof mascara. And the smallpox vaccine. And...

FOCUS.

OK, the best idea in history:

Ballet flats from a vending machine! They're called Rollasoles, and they're only available in the UK at the moment. Basically, the machines are stocked in night clubs, where girls with sore dogs can pay 5 pounds (about 8 bucks), get a pair of rolled up ballet flats in pink, black, gold or silver, and continue doing vodka shooters and booty moves in pillowy peace!

Creator Matt Horan reportedly came up with the brillz idea because his girlfriend found herself in pain after a few hours wearing heels in a club. God, why can't we think of obvious cash cows like this? No, we continue to do lame things like WORK and NOT BE RICH.

The best part is, the shoes are not hideous. They're shimmery and topped with little girly bows. The price also includes a shiny bag for you to carry your high heels. From the looks of things on the website, Rollasole machines will be available for weddings and dances soon, too. BRILLIANT.

ATTENTION ROLLASOLE: Can you please please please come to America? I can't tell you how much I would have loved a pair of these the time I stupidly decided to test my new orange slingback platforms for the first time over 15 blocks in New York City. Foot massacre, I tell you.

~ Deal Diva Stephanie

Photo: Rollasole.com

Piperlime shoe sale: Save up to 50 percent

Are last year's sandals looking a little scuffed? Need some new heels for the summer wedding circuit?

Check it: The Piperlime biannual Lime Tag Sale is underway. That means up to 50 percent off a wide variety of shoes and handbags now through July 20.

Not only am I digging the savings, but I also like how this site allows shoppers to review a shoe like they might do for a flat-screen TV from Best Buy.

For instance, should I buy this cute dollhouse Inca sandal? The price tag is right at $39.99, down from $65, and the site offers free shipping and free returns.

But according to sdot84 from Brooklyn, the shoe is tight around the toe and uncomfortable for walking. However, mari5555 from Houston says they got more comfy after she broke them in. Sure, it may all boil down to personal preference, but I'll feel like a more informed online shopper if I decide to buy.

~ Deal Diva Colleen

(Photo: Dollhouse Inca sandal from Piperlime)

Reader testimonial Part 2: Mother-daughter Kate Spade hotties!

I can't stop drooling over Mary's Kate Spade sandals, when I should be doing real work.

But the fashion gods are conspiring against me. A mystery email just landed in this Deal Diva's inbox.

Subject: Wait, there's EVEN MORE!

"I'm Maureen from San Francisco, Mary-from-Spring-Hill's daughter who also scored fabulous Kate Spade shoes for $59.95 thanks to Deal Divas.  Thank you!  Thought you might like to see (and maybe post) a pic of mine -- see attached.  Keep the deals coming!"

Mary and Maureen, my stylish new BFF's. Can we go online shopping together?

~ Deal Diva Letitia 

Reader testimonial: Deal Divas saved me $$ on FAB shoes!!!

Some people are out to save the world. The Deal Divas just want to help people look fab for CHEAP.

Nothing makes us happier than emails like this one from Mary of Spring Hill...

"After reading your column a few weeks ago about 6pm.com I signed up with them to get their daily email specials. Well.......low and behold  one morning this week I get an email that all the Kate Spade shoes on their site were $59.95!!!!!! I love Kate Spade. I instantly emailed my  daughter in San Francisco and we ordered shoes. Yipee....

My daughter asked where I find out about these sites and I told her  "The Deal Divas." Thanks, keep them coming can't wait to get my shoes (they shipped them the same day I ordered!) so I keep watching for the UPS man."

Wait, there's more....

Mary sent us pictures of her AMAZING designer shoes and this update when her package arrived: "Love Them!"

 

 

We luv the shoes, too! And we get all happy when fellow divas tell us about their fashion scores!

~ Deal Diva Letitia

$1 flip flops at Old Navy Saturday!

I think this pretty much says it all...