Last year I bought awesome winter boots for when it’s messy and nasty out but what about boots for when it is just cold? I am an UGG owner, yup – don’t hate. They’re cozy and warm and keep my feet toasty BUT I don’t wear UGG boots to work and my boots have had it. It’s time to retire the boots and I still have my UGG loafers but I want something else. Enter the UGG Brienne boot, these are kind of adorable.

They still have the sheepskin lining to keep my toes toasty but I love the Chucka boot styling. LOVE THEM! These just might get added to my winter shoe wishlist. What do you think?

Somehow my shoe collection has gotten very low. The shoe cubbies in my closet aren’t even close to full, which is odd for me. So lately I’ve been trying to rebuild my shoe wardrobe and pick up some basics to help enhance my wardrobe. Last night in Macy’s I went in looking for a low ankle boot in a chocolate brown or dark plum color and instead I came out with a pair of BCBG animal print shoe boots. Totally not on my list but totally fell in love with them.

I also fell in love with the salesman that found me a 20% off coupon to use on the shoes too. My husband didn’t love them, he wanted me to get them in a grey and black color block but I ignored him and went with the animal print because this is more my neutral anyway. I’ve already put foot petals in them and have laced them up for their first day of wear today. I hope they turn out to be pretty comfortable so they can be my new winter staple.

Any of you walk in looking for something sensible and come out with wild instead?

I think I’m going preppy. If you follow me on Twitter you might’ve seen that at DSW I found a pair of Bass Bucks for $39.95 with an additional 30% off – SCORE! But I haven’t wanted to stop at just the pair of classic bucks. You’ve seen my latest obsession with loafers and tassels but I think I just might be taking preppy with a twist to an entirely new level.

I’ve been looking at the Wayfarer in gold or silver. It’s very traditional with a twist, which is what I love. And I need a new metallic loafer, they’re a great staple in your wardrobe.

And in a totally unexpected turn of events, I’ve found myself drawn to the Bass lace boots. I typically don’t gravitate towards lace but I think these are beyond adorable and could be so cute with a full skirt and tights.

Honestly, I don’t know what’s happening to me. When did I become so preppy?

I have been picking up new shoes for fall, replacing old worn out pairs and really trying to add things that I love and not just impulse buys. My last three purchases are above, all on sale at $50 or less (YAY!) but I’m noticing a trend. I keep leaning towards tassels and fringe. Perhaps this is my preppy fall?

On a completely different note, this weekend I went to my very first Demolition Derby. If you’ve never been, it’s an experience. My boss, a mother of 3, has been competing in them for 12 years and I thought she might be insane and cool all wrapped into one. Of course when I go to the derby it isn’t the normal event and there was a car fire! I actually caught it on camera. Don’t worry, no one was hurt but it was kind of insane to see.

So what did you see this weekend?

While I was in Louisville I asked my friends if we could go to the Zappos Fulfillment Center/6pm.com Shoe Outlet and they happily obliged me. This my friends, is like shoe mecca for me. I’m already a huge fan of Zappos (I’m a VIP) and I browse 6pm.com regularly for deals and steals. To my surprise the entire store is already 50% off and if you get a red tag, items are 60% off. Add in the fact that it was Labor Day weekend and I got an additional 20% off my total purchase. I wanted to faint.

I’ve been a fan of Swedish Hasbeen clogs for a while, but their prices are not my favorite. I was of course tickled pink when I found this adorable yellow pair and I snagged them for about $40. I also picked up these Steve Madden loafers for $40 as well. I think I’m going to be loafered up for fall, I’m in the mood for new flats and loafers are fitting the bill.

The biggest bargain of the day though was my husband. He picked up a nice pair of Steve Madden leather loafers for $19 and then he sat on the couch waiting for me while I tried on endless pairs of shoes. I really restrained myself, there were lots of shoes that I could’ve bought but I decided I only need to buy things that I love and will really wear. So the loafers and the yellow sandals won out (despite the fact that my husband hated the yellow sandals…oh well). This outlet alone is enough to get me to go back to Louisville.

So have any of you found any great places to score a bargain? Do tell!