The Avenue is giving you $10 off for every $40 you spend using the code AV111101. The Mini-Ottoman Seamed Dress is currently my front runner for Easter Sunday but I am really fixated on this Border Print Sheath Dress.

I know it would be great on apples, but I’m going to give it a go on my pear shaped frame, because if it’s good I think it will be very good.

For our fashion-forward sweet young things Dorothy Perkins offers 25% off your entire purchase with code DPVIPD. Sure Dorothy Perkins is across the pond to most of us, but they ship to the States for just about ten bucks. This charming open-backed ivory and black number might be a bit precious for those of us whose prom and pledge days are long gone, but women of any age can carry off the Red Brushstroke Belted Dress, highly reminiscent of both Prada and YSL in recent seasons.

Remember to check the size chart to make sure you’re getting the perfect fit.

Finally, from the “They Only LOOK Murderously Painful” files 6pm.com provides plenty of incredible discounts on high end shoes. If you’re making your first girlish (or boyish) foray into the world of high heels, let me suggest Pour la Victoire and Stuart Weitzman.

PlV makes some of the most comfortable shoes I own, including the Atman mary jane in gray patent leather, an exceedingly hot tribute (ahem) to Yves Saint Laurent (seriously, they have the best padded footbeds in the biz) and the Femina from Stuart Weitzman. I don’t know how Stewie makes a 5″ heel feel like walking on air, but he does. It’s magic.

I like to err on the side of basic when it comes to a day heel, particularly if I’m wearing it to the office, because it’s more about polish than fashion. I’ve found if you go too capital F Fashion at most offices you run the risk of the Fabulous overshadowing the Competent.

On to the shoes!

The first offering that’s About The Look and not about the shoe is the Stuart Weitzman “Bonjour” in a lovely slightly gilded taupe leather with a 3″ heel and half inch platform.  I’m not usually a bow girl. Even most of my Valentinos –and Valentino is known for them– are sans bows, but the bow here makes the shoe special, and provides visual interest without being too twee.  Also, when you’re dealing with this sort of leather, a scuff here or there actually adds character to the leather, so you can abuse them a bit more than a pair of delicate kid kicks.

One good Stewie deserves another, and I am All About these Stuart Weitzman “Mocup” heels (on BIG sale). Listen, I don’t know how Stewie does it, but he makes THE most wearable high heels I’ve ever worn, and honestly at this point, I’m pretty sure I’ve worn every major designer so I’m not just whistling Dixie. Once upon a time I had a pair of Stewies with what must have been a 5 1/2″ heel and I swear I could traipse up mountains in them. There’s something about the  way they balance the heel. It’s amazing.

These have a 4″ heel and a 1″ platform with ample padding. They’re available in black patent, a deep olive suede,and a tobacco leather, all worth having.

Okay, that’s enough of the spendy shoes, let’s go to something a bit more cheap and cheerful.

I gotta say, just from looks alone, these are great shoes. Gabrielle Rocha “Athens” comes in like a million colors and treatments and I’ve linked to the camel, but I can’t resist the cobalt suede.  These remind me very  much of my beloved Pedro Garcia mary janes because they’re work appropriate but a bit sexy, and your legs? Will look AMAZING.

It’s a 3 1/2″ heel with a half inch (I’m guessing) hidden platform. I can’t see whether the strap has hidden elastic on the buckle but it looks like there’s plenty of room to punch another hole if needed.

In a continuing theme of looking like a much more expensive shoe, the Gabrielle Rocha “Dancy” very clearly references the now-legendary Miu Miu 2007 double strap mary jane.  The heel is slightly higher than the Athens, and there’s no hidden platform, but it’s also sturdier. It’s also available in several colors and treatments, some of which are more successful than others.

Finally for those who prefer their heels around 2″ we have the Cole Haan “Talia”.

Listen, I’m not going to pretend this is the most interesting shoe I’ve ever seen. It’s not. But they ARE notoriously comfortable without looking like a “comfort shoe.” I would have no problem deploying these on a day when I’m wearing trousers and want just a little lift.

Here I am, slingin’ verbs for Manolo the Shoeblogger, I own…well I don’t know how many shoes, but I can see <countcountcount> 14 pair and six stragglers, and that’s just on the baby grand I spite-bought a few years ago because you know, I’m mature like that.

Anyway, I’ve got fat feet, the best or maybe second-best (Style Spy still probably beats me) shoe collection of anyone I know, and a whole awesome audience full of women who just want pretty shoes to fit their fat feet. It ought to be a no-brainer.

Yeah. Well.

You know how there are writers who do research and write complex, beautifully articulated prose? Yeah. Those people are suckers. I’ve been at a newspaper since I was 22 and still I resent having to Google, so funk that unbiased reportage noise. I am at heart a gonzo journalist. If I can’t talk about it from personal experience, I’m probably not gonna talk about it at all.

Because this is a personality-driven blog I really only feel comfortable recommending things I’d put on myself or someone I styled. I have a hard time pulling a piece for the blog that –however cute– doesn’t meet my personal quality standards. It just seems like dirty pool, particularly if I’m in the position to make a buck off it. It’s like “Oh I wouldn’t ever wear that rag, but it’s fine for you, since you’re infinitely less glamorous and stylish than I could ever be. Thanks for the cash though!” I mean I’m a jerk, but I’m not THAT big a jerk.

And yet.

I know not everyone has a ton of discretionary income to toss around. I certainly don’t and I don’t have kids or a mortgage or a scorching coke habit to deal with. It’s just me and the dog, and the dog is used. So while I know some folks read the blog as aspirational, I never intended to be that way.

When I first started writing for the blog, I wrote about my life; my stuff, my shoes, my utter incapability of maintaining a healthy adult relationship with a man who is in possession of both an American passport and his marbles. You know, the whole rich Plumcake pageantry. I purposefully didn’t make this an aspirational blog because honestly, unless you yearn to wake up in your shower naked except for fake hair, a roll of tin foil and a pair of cowboy boots (true story, 27th birthday party) I’m really not much of an aspirational figure. (No, I don’t know where the tin foil came from, but I do seem to recall a very short gay man holding my hair on while I danced. That happens to you guys too, right?)

So what does this have to do with fat feet?

Basically this: It’s slim pickings when it comes to wide shoes I’d actually buy. Aside from the aesthetic aspect, I don’t wear shoes made in countries known for sweatshop labor (you pick your battles, this is one of mine.) That pretty much leaves us with Stuart Weitzman and Salvatore Ferragamo and since I don’t wear Ferragamo, I’d pretty much be posting the same half-dozen Stewies over and over again. No one wants that.

Yet, like a baby in a tumble dryer, I can only ignore your cries for so long. You want wide width shoes, you’re gettin’ em. All week long. That being said, these get the Plumcake Seal of Approval on design alone. I don’t have experience with the brands. I’ve never touched ‘em, held ‘em, tried ‘em on. You’re on your own out there, ducklings. Make your own call.

Comfortable and conservative, with a leather lining, for days when Francesca is on her feet for hours. These shoes will last forever.

Francesca does not usually wear such a precipitous heel, but for these she will suffer a little.

Another every-day shoe, so cute for next summer’s weekends — and currently on deep discount at Bluefly.

Also Francesca can tell you that if you need low-heeled, gold sandals –as Francesca did, to go with an outfit for a meeting with an editor at a Very Glossy Magazine — do not bother looking. Francesca searched all of Manhattan and she bought the last pair. Maybe next year.

Francesca is so happy!

Kate Spade ‘Cabana’ platform wedges. Kitschy but fun. I find Kate Spade runs extremely large.

Stuart Weitzman “Spring Fling” in gingham. I have these in blue snake and believe me, I paid a LOT more than $47 for them.

but yet, it’s also kind of awesome. And I kind of really want one.

and so do you.

Oh you know I’m right. I’m always right when it comes to these things.*

I might actually have to buy this just so I can descend the stairs on Christmas morning grumbling “I better get them cha cha heels”

Of course, Nice Girls Don’t Wear Cha Cha Heels, especially not these tragical Guiseppe Zanotti ones:

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Guido? You are responsible for two out of my top five personal collection faves –plus I’ll always love you for those fishbone heels you did last year (although I prefer them with the black satin covered heels)– but then you turn around and create some of the hottest messes this side of Beyonce’s weave. Oh and while we’re at it, don’t THINK I’ve forgiven you for THIS.

And then there’s Stuart Wietzman.

These? These are Russian Hooker shoes. AGAIN.

I can’t blame him that he chases the ruble now and again, all designers do it; we just don’t see it here in the Western markets (although every once in a while you’ll get a pair that was mis-shipped, like the clear stiletto leg-wrap gladiator sandals with the WHITE MINK laces at my local Last Call.)

Again, I generally like Stewies.

They’re more affordable than the super-luxury brands, often come in different widths and if they’re a bit ahem, derivative (I mean, how close does it have to be to be an actual knockoff?) then so be it, because he makes up for it by giving us the legendary red quasar stiletto, a heel in a red so sexy you have to be on birth control before you’re even allowed to try it on. Pull it together, Stuart. You’re better –or at least not usually as sparkly– as this.

Oh, and you won’t believe how much these cost.  That’s a lot of borscht.

*tragic gold lamé toreador outfit notwithstanding

All the Stewies below are available in wide-widths and are on sale for about 1/3 off!

Francesca cannot guarantee which shoes will be available when you click, but please bear in mind that if you get the “item not available” page, the shoe may yet become available again. Keep trying in the days ahead.

Happy shopping and happy weekend!

xoxo,

Francesca

Pipedoll- 31% off *

Endorbit – 31% off

Nitelace – 30% off

Allaglow – 36% off

Buckleboot – 35% off

* The Pipedoll shoes put Francesca in mind of this fabulous dress by Igigi. What think you readers? A match made in heaven? Or too “matchy”? Deep thoughts by Francesca . . .

(“Approval” meets Francesca’s approval! Especially at 40% off!)

Certain t-shirts at Avenue are selling now for under $10, while supplies last. Each one comes in so many wonderful colors! Stock up for next summer.

Today only, get discounted ground shipping on any order over $100 at Zaftique, by entering code FRSUMMER08 at checkout.

The bi-annual “red tag” clearance sale is going on at Coldwater Creek. Save up to 80% on over 1,000 items. (Here are the 45 items still available in Size 3X. Francesca likes this sweet gingham front-tie shirt, and this silk wrap-shirt. She is also thinking about getting this eyelet shirt-and-shorts set, for lounging around on a Sunday at home, or to cover up a bit at the beach when the sun is too strong for her.)

At Swimsuits for All, Find Great Deals on The Hottest Styles on Sale Now at get 20% off any Plus Size New Arrival by entering code NEW20. Or get 50% off any Women’s Christina Style
by entering code CHRISTINA50.

Always for Me is having a swimwear sale, with many items 25-50% off. (The style to the left is available here, at 25% off.) Please note: no returns on sale items.

Labor Day sale at Lane Bryant for six days!

Through September 1, get 15% off your full-price purchase at J.Jill by entering code HBC241 at checkout. Women’s sizes are here. Tall sizes are here. Francesca notices that many beautiful items in the Women’s section are on sale — and therefore not eligible for the discount code, but at excellent prices on their own. This dress here is available up to size 4x and is great for work.

Through September 5th, use code FALL2008 to get 10% off your purchase at WomenSuits.com.

Win a $100 “shopping spree” at the HolyClothing Webstore: Send an email to contest@holyclothing.com with a photo of yourself in a HolyClothing garment, telling them “a bit about yourself, where you enjoy wearing it, compliments you’ve received, etc.” Entries will be judged for the “best photo and text combination,” and winners will get more clothes and have their photo featured in an upcoming Holy Clothing newsletter.

Lots of new items at the Overstock section of Land’s End.

Happy shopping!

xoxo

“Daelyn” by Taryn Rose – 38% off

“Allaglow” by Stuart Weitzman – 35% off

“Dudley” by Bruno Magli – 36% off

“Alleyway” by Stuart Weitzman – 28% off

Happy weekend!

xoxo,

Francesca

“Quilty” by Stuart Weitman.

Are not they sweet? And they are 24% off!

Happy weekend, everyone.

xoxo