WHIMSY

According to our friend Lilliana Vasquez at Cheap Chicas, embellished flats are one of the hottest trends for fall 2010. And I’m thrilled!  From bows and ruffles, to clever flowers crafted of zippers, to gem encrusted medallions, bigger is better this fall!

But what to do with all of those solid colored flats you’ve already got in your closet? No problem! My solution is a collection of easy-to-use shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey.  These clips add serious style to any plain shoe. In fact, they are the perfect way to dress up not only flats but also pumps, sling backs or stilettos — and stay right on trend.

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, a fashion icon of elegant style, Absolutely Audrey is a unique accessories design company that marries the elegance of vintage-inspired shoe clips with the latest fashion trends. The firm offers over 65 incredible styles in rhinestone, enamel, leather, pearl, satin fabric, grosgrain fabric, and more. You can shop for vintage styles, casual pieces, evening accessories and even spectacular bridal clips.

Of all the great styles offered by Absolutely Audrey, I had a hard time narrowing it down to just three must-haves, but I think that my favorite are the Sabrina clips pictured above. Inspired by one of Hepburn’s most famous characters, these  add instant elegance to any outfit. The clips are made from grosgrain fabric in black and are accented with delicate rhinestones. Retail $14.99

A beautiful look for evening (or a wedding) are the Audrey clips, inspired by the legendary actress herself.  These stylish rhinestone flowers, pictured at right, have faux pearl “petals” in a light cream hue. Retail $19.99

Finally, a pair of Ellie clips are a fabulous update for fall flats. These multi-colored clips, below, look perfect with everything from jeans to a mini.  Retail $19.99

But, I’ve saved the best for last. The price range for the entire line of shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey is a mere $10.00 to $25.00 — infinitely more cost-effective than an entire new collection of shoes (my husband will be so happy!).

Now you can win your own choice of gorgeous shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey. It’s easy, so get started!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Absolutely Audrey and let us know which pair of shoes clips — sassy, sophisticated or simple — are your favorites. (1 entry)

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Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Absolutely Audrey.

Also — don’t forget to enter the other Style on a WHIM contests that are running right now!

Shondra Leigh silver “lace” earrings contest Valued at $60. (ends 9/8)

Say Goodbye to Summer Super Fashion Swag – Valued at over $575! (ends 9/15)

July is here and that means some steamy nights! Messy up dos, flirty little dresses and some seriously sexy heels are all the weapons I need to face soaring temperatures on those hot Saturday nights.

Recently, I added the most perfect shoes to my summer wardrobe — just right for Saturday night on the town! These “Basket” wedges from Two Lips Shoes are ideal for everything from dinner at a café on the waterfront, to early evening strolling down Philly’s famed South Street, to a summery outdoor concert.

The 4” heels (plus platform) give me a little extra height (A huge bonus since I’ve always lamented my paltry 5’5”) and are simply gorgeous. The upper is vegan-friendly faux leather and is covered with brightly colored sequins and gemstones. The shoes have a flattering ankle strap and a trendy, strappy look. The cork wedge is ultra light and the shoes are well padded, so they really are wonderfully comfortable. Retail $79.99

Two Lips Shoes designs a whole range of chic and comfortable footwear for women. Whether you’re looking for dress shoes, flats wedges, or boots, the Two Lips look is easily recognizable — fashionable, edgy, and most of all – fun!

The line has already been discovered by great stylists everywhere and shoes from Two Lips can be seen featured in major fashion, style and women’s magazines – from Regard, to Glamour, to Southern Bride.

Want to get your own? Two Lips Shoes can be found at retail stores, online stores, fine department stores and specialty stores — including a great range of choices at one of my favorite retailers, DSW Shoes. Or you can see the entire selection at the Two Lips online store .

Now, I just need to convince hubby to take me dancing this Saturday!

Photo courtesy of Two Lips Shoes.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

If you wear, own or even like Uggs, your name deserves to forever appear on every Worst Dressed list ever. I don’t care how you might defend this hideous excuse for a pair of boots—they are called Uggs for a reason, people. No woman should wear shapeless boots that make her look clubfooted unless she’s playing in the snow in her own—very private—backyard. (And, for the record, I feel the same way about Crocs.)

There are plenty of cute ways to keep your toes toasty when the chill kicks in this fall, and I’ve chosen a few very promising options below. (And none of them shall be worn with a ripped denim miniskirt and leggings. K, thanks.)

Ankle boots help ease the transition into fall, and they look hot with a minidress. I prefer a little red dress with a pair of black boots like these faux-suede ones. The metal buckle adds just enough detail to keep things exciting, and the wrapped look is trés chic!

These are probably the cutest fold-over ankle boots I’ve yet to find. The rounded toe keeps them semi-casual so you don’t feel over-dressed, and they make you look stylish-without-trying. They come in black and brown, and if you’re like me, you’ll buy a pair of each!

Knee-length skirts and dresses look fantastic with high boots, and this look will keep you cozy on chilly fall nights. These super-hot, knee-high black leather boots will slim your legs, and the tapered toe and shiny leather amps up the sexy. Every woman should own a pair!

These black suede zip-ups give a little “rocker” edge to any outfit. The flat heel gives your feet a break from other high-heeled options, and you won’t be afraid to traipse around town in them. Pair them with your favorite jeans and a cropped jacket for the perfect bonfire party outfit.

Despite the fact that my friends make fun of me for it, I tuck my skinny jeans into my boots because, well, the jeans just won’t stretch over top of them. Plus, I like showing my boots off! I bought these low-wedged boots last year and plan to wear them again this fall and winter because they held up so well and are super comfy! They’re also nice enough to wear when I go out and they don’t make my feet look big and clunky—the wedge heel actually makes me feel kind of snuggly-sexy!

I found all of the options above at Famous Footwear because they have great prices, but they’re also available elsewhere. Do a little shopping around to find the best deal!

-Keri

Keri, WHIMSY marketing director, is a 23-year-old

(soon to be 24-year-old!) lover of Chinese food and

Sex & the City. She desperately wants to move out of

her parents’ house and get a puppy!