Diamonds? Shoes? We'll take both.

UK based designer shoe retailer Kurt Geiger has seen a rise in operating profits by more than 21%, which accumulates to $18.3 billion dollars, in his 63 worldwide stores. {the Guardian} Considering the economic climate it seems like nothing will get between women and their love for shoes.

Kurt Geiger alone sells over 2 million shoes annually with the average price ranging between $285 and $365 per pair. Sales of designer shoes also reached record highs at Harrods and Selfridges, where Jimmy Choo, Prada and Gucci are some of the major brands that are flying off the shelves. Jewelers struggled majorly during the recession, but companies like Tiffany & Co. have shown signs of growth recently. Diamond.net reports that Tiffany’s Laurelton subsidiary recently agreed to a 25% price increase for fancy diamonds, which will probably make it’s way to shoppers this holiday season. Gem Diamonds, a company that operates diamond mines, cutting and polishing facilities reported increased third quarter sales driven by demand in Asia. For consumers worldwide, that will probably be reflected in the price of fine jewelry,  although you can still get amazing deals using vouchers such as Kays discount codes.

It has also been predicted that global luxury sales will grow 10% this year to $237 billion, but it is expected growth will cool next year to 4%-5% due to the weakening dollar. Consumer sales of jewelery in the U.S. market were strong during July of this year. Both specialty jewelers along with retail merchants who sell jewelry posted solid sales gains, in line with newly released data on the U.S. Department of Commerce. {IDEX Online}

Total U.S. jewelery sales rose by 8.2 percent to $4.1 billion in July 2010 above the same month not too long ago. Dependent on prior years†July results, jewelery sales have recovered towards same level as July 2007 and July 2008, both record months for jewelery sales.

Specialty jewelers†sales rose by 7.3 percent to $2.1 billion in July 2010, when compared with their sales in July 2009. The luxury sector is rebounding better than expected this year thanks in large part to wealthy Americans replenishing their wardrobes after a year of self-denial and nouveau riche Chinese indulging in a worldwide spending spree, according to a new study by consultancy Bain & Company. {Business Wire} Unfortunately, specialty jewelers†sales will still be running below record pre-recession levels.

Even though shoe sales are on the increase, jewelry sales are outweighing shoes by a huge margin and it looks like diamonds (and gold, and silver, and pearls…) have cemented themselves as a womanâ€s number 1 love. The modern preliminary government figures show the U.S. jewelery market is on target to come up with $63.3 billion in sales. This will represent a 2.1 percent gain above the prior record of $62 billion generated in 2008.  In comparison, US women’s footwear sales (including athletic shoes) accounted for a little over $23 billion in sales in 2008. Not too shabby when you consider that the figure represents almost 50% of the $48 billion in total U.S. footwear sales, but still some way to go before overtaking jewelry as the accessory of choice.

One saying is true; diamonds are forever, but buyers are becoming more and more fickle and shoes are on the heels of jewelry for their love.

First, Beyonce and her stylist mother, Tina, have teamed up with airbrushing company, Temptu to create limited-edition body art kits for the House of Deréon Fall 2010 ad campaign. The temporary tattoos will be available this November 1st in Deréon’s signature fleur-de-lis icon, rock ‘n roll, jewelry, and spider designs. They are waterproof and created to last two to five days. The kits will range from basic to deluxe and will be sold for $16 to $34 at Sephora stores and online at sephora.com, temptu.com and dereon.com, while supplies last. {Stylelist}

Betsey Johnson is the second designer to dabble in temporary tattoos, offering a recent collection of jewelry-deigned faux ink. The pearl, jeweled and chain-linked designs are created to mimic and exaggerate women’s accessories with an edgy, punk-rock twist. {High Snobette}

We aren’t sure how many people will rock the faux body art, but so far there is already a waiting list for Beyonce’s collection. Temporary tattoos are, of course, nothing super new – in the 90s they were all over the place. Unlike the temporary tattoos of the past, which often tried to appeal to a general audience, the latest versions are decidedly counting on more feminine details and designs. What about you? Would you revive the fake tattoo trend for fashion’s sake, or are you in favor of a more committed permanent inking?

The line was very demure, focusing on shades of red, cream and metallics. The silhouettes stood out with flowing maxi dresses, scalloped chartreuse, sleek white pants and belted mini dresses all- paired with chunky accessories.

The shoes were a spectacle all their own with varying geometric shapes, cutouts, straps and ties. In the past we have seen how adventurous Siriano can be with designing high heels, and this year was no different. The spiky, rounded and contorted designs are unique, yet feminine and classy. {Le Petite Fashionista}

There was some mixed reaction as the show’s attendees carefully examined each look.

Fashionista commented, “The problem with Siriano’s SS11 collection is that it’s caught in limbo between wearable and editorial looks. While the sportswear felt like a tribute to tried and true vacation-wear (slim white pants, leather short trenches, voluminous maxi-dresses, lone ruffles, and exotic prints) his sumptuous evening wear is a unique offering…At this point in his career, Siriano needs to choose a team and stick with it—I say drama all the way.” {Racked}

We agree that a lot of what we saw on the runway was theatrical and extravagant and not necessarily  practical for wear. The shoes in particular, although designed for Payless, will probably be heavily toned down by the time we see them hit store shelves. Either way, we will be the first in line to snag his sleek styles at a steal of a price.

Counting down the minutes until Christmas, it seems only yesterday we were all joined around the table for Thanksgiving. To help ease the stress of last-minute shopping, 364 K-Mart locations will stay open for 64 hours straight! We admit, we’re procrastinators, and if you haven’t had the time or have just been waiting on the sidelines for the absolute lowest prices possible, now’s the times to shop.

Read the Full Story {The Fashionable Housewife}