Fun Fall Footwear for the Budget Conscious, Stylish Woman

Juliet Cook
In the mood for a stylish new pair of kicks for the autumn season, but only have fifty bucks or less to devote to the cause? Not a problem, especially if you are a fan of vintage footwear.

Firstly, allow me to recommend etsy, a delightful online marketplace for handmade and vintage goodies. Simply visit www.etsy.com, take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the user-friendly format, and then let your fun fall shoe shopping begin. I'll happily start you off with a few lovely little suggestions. Just keep your budget in mind because you might need to exercise some serious willpower to restrict yourself to just one pair of these fashionable footwear possibilities.

Womyn (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5818207) is a nifty shop with the byline "stick it to the man and buy vintage". Amongst the vintage goodies available here are plenty of vintage shoes. From Mary Jane style shoes to a swell pair fit for the bowling alley, from neon green flats to leopard print heels to pirate boots, there just might be something here to tickle your fancy without busting your pocketbook into smithereens. A few of my faves from this multifaceted shop:

~The Brunswick Scholastic Two Tone Oxford Flats for $30-These neato shoes conjure up a quirky pair of bowling shoes and are described by the shop proprietor as "ideal for bowling but perfect for everyday wear. denim and navy blue vinyl two tone contrast with matching burgundy laces. in great vintage condition with only a couple of small scuffs/tears on the denim."

~The Black Leather Oxford Heels for $28-These stylish kicks remind me of witch shoes, although I can also see them being worn with an outfit that aims for a prim & proper English schoolteacher vibe, depending upon what attire one combines them with. These might make a great addition to a Halloween costume, but could certainly also serve as a versatile real-life fall accessory.

~The Dark Brown Leather Lace Up Granny Boots for $25-These are of a style reminiscent of the pair described above, but in a luxurious dark reddish brown hue. These lace up ankle boots would add a subtle sophistication and stylish flair combined with both pants and skirts. I am particularly visualizing them paired with ribbed tights in black or purple or hunter green or ivory or maybe combined with argyle knee highs or lavender legwarmers. Ooh la la. They are such a beautifully rich color, perfect for autumn. Unfortunately, they are too small for me or I just might have snatched them up already.

hotdate (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6766938) is another fun etsy shop, billing itself as "clothes to wear on your hot date". This shop is also brimming with vintage delights including stylin' shoes in a variety of fashions, all reasonably priced. A few of my faves from this sweet seller:

~The Vintage 70s Famolare Platform Wavy Sole Shoes for $39-This quirkilicious pair was most certainly the first to catch my eye from this shop and they caught my eye in a big, wavy way. These shoes are so wonderfully unique, they would be mine if they weren't too small again. They remind me of some kind of uber-peculiar orthopedic shoes customized especially for a weirdo fashionista. I'm sure these wouldn't appeal to everyone's fashion sensibilities; they're not for the timid, but if you're an individualistic quirkster who enjoys fun fashion risks (and happens to have size 6 narrow footsies), then they just might be for you, you little lucky duck. Once you slip your feet into these babies, you'll be fully qualified as a substitute teacher in fabulousness.

~The Vintage Leather Combat Boots for $27.50-These fun silver combat boots are also not for the shy or subtle, but what a great price if you're into this kind of footwear. Combat boots were in wild style in the late 80s through mid-90s and now they're coming back in fashion. They look great with baby doll dresses, skirts, and pants and are an ideal item of attire to help you make that transition from fall to winter. This pair is quite distinctive with a cool chunky heel and that silver hue, although as noted in the product description, one could easily change the color with leather dye, if one is so inclined.

~The Vintage Floral Embroidered Cowboy Boots for $20-If you're less of a combat boot kind of gal and more of a cowboy boot kind of gal, you're in luck, too, because this pretty and sturdy pair of cowboy boots are on sale for just twenty buckaroos. Tan suede adorned with sweet little embroidered flowers, these boots look both tough and artsy and boast an eclectic versatility to suit the fall season.

Em&Sprout (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5602388) If you're not so keen on the idea of vintage, but you do like darling and hand-designed, this etsy shop specializes in whimsical wearables, including a charming line of customized Mary Janes. Although these shoes might not be the most durable choice for the fall into winter shift, they would surely be an adorable delight for early autumn. From zombie kitty or black bat or Frankenstein monster Mary Janes (for your Halloween pleasure) to pink gingham deer, sleepy pandas, Ms. Pac Man, and many more designs, too, these festively customized Mary Janes are offered in shoes sizes ranging from 4-11 and cost $22-26 per pair. What fun!

Rocket Dog (http://www.rocketdog.com/) If you're not a big fan of vintage or handmade, a brand name shoe company that tends to be both stylish and affordable is Rocket Dog. Rocket Dog shoes are available in most major stores, as well as online. They offer shoes in many varieties including casual, dress, clogs, and boots, but since I haven't yet catered to those sneaker-loving ladies, let's take a peek at a couple pairs of Rocket Dog sneaks that might make a sweet addition to your fall wardrobe.

~The Screamout VL for $39 is a lovely and unique sneaker design that looks pretty appealing to me. These are velvet high-tops that come in a nice plush plethora of fall-friendly colors, including grey, basic black, purple, and my personal favorite, fuschia. As the item description reads, "Rocket Dog's Screamout high-top is all you need to complete your casual-cool look. The classic style works with everything; skinny jeans, shorts, and even casual skirts. Rock on and Screamout!

~The Jinxy SS for $39 is even more funky, featuring a fall-fabulous argyle pattern in grey & pink. These sneakers are also high tops with a capped toe and sparkly laces. Very back-to-school-in style.

As you can see, there is no shortage of adorable fall footwear available for under $50. Whether you're interested in vintage options, handcrafted delights, or something brand new; whether you prefer understated style, or stand-out pizazz, there's sure to be a pair of shoes to fit your feet, your budget, and your fall fashion sensibilities, too.

If you're seeking some complementary clothing to combine with your lovely new shoes, please do feel free to also peruse my article on Fall Fashion Tips for Women:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2055419/fun_and_easy_summer_to_fall_fashion.html?cat=46

Published by Juliet Cook

My poetry has appeared in numerous sources. I edit Blood Pudding Press. I am author of many poetry chapbooks. My first full-length book, 'Horrific Confection' was published by BlazeVOX. See www.JulietCook.w...  View profile

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