Not budget-worthy in the truest sense, but hey, cute shoes!

I'm loving these BCBG Max Azria heels!

The fact that they're slingbacks but have a more substantial strap that wraps around the foot in a criscross is just gorgeous. And though the stacked heel/platform look is very much in style now, these have a classic vibe to them.

Others I like:

* Tahari's Shine at Lord&Taylor: on sale!
* The pair I'm really lusting after: Born's Enga heels

Packin' light, or What To Do This Summer Before Traveling

I'm really hooked on the articles on Divine Caroline, and this go-round there were a slew of 'em about heading out on vacation. 'Tis the season, right? That started me on a quest for info on how best to get myself outfitted for a decent trip without lugging a huge 10-piece set along with me everywhere I go. So here are a buncha links to what to do, how to do it, and what to put it all in.

10 Smart Family Vacation Travel Tips from chiff.com -- great tips for anybody, only tip 9 (take your child's safety seat and stroller) is just for families. And I think I have an old, dusty Game-Boy classic around here somewhere....

Before You Leave on onebag.com -- how to close down shop at home. I never thought about scheduling payments for utilities and such. Great idea! As for cleaning the fridge? I don't do that even when I'm at home...well, until the cheese starts talking to me.

Travel Resources on onebag.com -- a HUGE list of where to buy just about anything. I'm thinking about getting a copy of The Packing Book because I've always aspired to be one of those cool chicas rolling a single carryon, one that holds all manner of things I'd need. Because right now I'm lucky if I remember my underwear. And I could really use some Chums, not only on vacay but at spin class. It gets sweaty in there!

Dream Carryon, Part One: Redoxx's line of carry-on luggage, especially the Sunchaser and the Gator Bag. They probably wouldn't hold enough for me, but sigh. A gal can dream, right?

Meanwhile, I've been lusting after my roommate's Ogio travel backpack for years now. It's got two water bottle holders, two side zip pockets for stashing little things like sunscreen and your wallet, and three roomy storage areas. Sweet, right? She picked hers up for about fifteen bucks at Marshall's, and I've been hunting for one just like it for quite awhile now, with no success.

Last but not least, since Miami is my vacation destination this summer, what to pack for a trip to Miami from about.com. Nice article, with separate sections for each season.