Spring Pumps of the Stars

Nothing kicks off the post-winter revelries better than a Spring soiree.

If you’re not hosting your own, at least make plans to attend a socialite function (or two) for no other reason than to show off your latest ensemble. And (of course) give yourself an excuse to explore the shoe racks.

These Marc by Marc Jacobs Star Pumps are decked out in bright red stars to make a star out of you for the day’s affairs. You’ll get more than a spring in your step with these stark white shoes that are yearning for attention this sunny season.

Pair these up with a too-short skirt for the ultimate debut at the Spring soiree. Teeter along in these 4” angular heels for stiletto-heights without the pain; these are an uber-comfortable pair that will soon become a crowd favorite.

Plus, you’ll have a backup plan for Fourth of July events right around the corner.

Devilish Delights for Post-Winter Revelries

Holiday season is long gone, but that doesn’t mean we’ve bid adieu to party season. The winter’s end revival period is the perfect time to stock up on the latest Spring fashions and deck out the closet with some fresh and sassy heels.

Case in point: The L.A.M.B. Tamika criss-cross heels designed with bold and bright red straps.

They’re the devil’s colors, you say; the deep red coupled with black straps and a subtle tan embellishment. Indeed they are, and they’re perfect for turning up the heat as we say goodbye to the frigid days of winter.

Turn up the heat on any basic outfit with these 4 ½” stacked heels that will give your gams a serious workout – and start turning a few heads in no time. The leather insole does provide some relief from the pressures of the heels, so you can head off to the night’s events in comfort. The bunched, criss-cross design adds a little style to that step. Plus, it’s an excuse to hike up that skirt just a little this season.

Oscar Party Showdown

It’s that time of the year again, a time to set our gaze on stars and starlets parading down the red carpet. If you’re hosting your own Oscar bash at your assigned Oscar-watching basecamp, make sure your outfit is Hollywood-worthy with the right ensemble.

The shoes are always a good place to start.

This year’s Oscars events call for the more than the little black dress, so don’t be afraid to sport some of the season’s hottest hues; dark purple, deep gold or dark green –

– and pair them up with these magnificent sandals:

Since it’s the season to show off that strut and really get noticed, enjoy a few moments of enchanting looks in these gorgeous Givenchy Sandals. They’re magical, bewitching and definitely something out of the ordinary; the criss-cross strapped booties are designed with a lace upper and leather lining, and your 3 ½” heel gives you a chance to enjoy a stiletto-like presence.

They’re the party heels of the season, and you can don them with any knee-length or mini-dress for Oscar night or beyond.

Inauguration Stilettos Salute the Night’s Festivities

Golden Globes, Oscar Night, the Emmy’s…who cares? This year’s must-dress-up-for event is Inauguration Night, and the First Lady isn’t the only one with an excuse to dress up for the occasion.

Stylelist reports that A-listers are preparing for this years event by reserving designer gowns and ensembles worthy of their own award. Designers Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs and Sean John have been plenty busy sketching up wardrobe options for the dapper President-to-be, but what’s in store for the ladies at the ball?

This year’s top trends for the festivities include black and navy ensembles with streamlined silhouettes, bold red accessories, and ‘50s inspired dresses and skirts.

Just think of ways to incorporate red, white and blue into your ensemble. As we head to the shoe aisle, it’s no surprise that stilettos will reign supreme, and with Spring right around the corner, you can even get away with an open toe.

These serpentine heels from LAMB  may just be the reason to show off those gams for the grand event; the 4” stacked stiletto heel sits atop a comfy ¾” platform and is designed with criss-cross straps with a sexy twist. It’s a perfect match for crashing the nearest inauguration party with your stiletto-loving self, or just for throwing a bash of your own as the hostess with the enviable shoes.

Stand tall and proud during the inaugural address and look forward to toasting to the event for history in the making – all while enjoying a few minutes under the spotlight.

It is Always Better in Black and White

Black and white cookies, black and white photographs, and the whole yin-yang balance are what, I believe, make the world go round. That, and these sassy shoes from the much-loved Giuseppe Zanotti.

They’re the stiletto lace ups with a purpose, the type of attention-commanders that are the perfect way to kick up 2009 in high style. My shoe collection has yet to compete with such a unique pair of open-toed sandals, and this season could be the one for me to put on a mod-inspired shoe revival.

These heels are simply divine, day or night; glossy patent leather, a sturdy buckle around the ankle and a gaping peep toe to show off the pedicure. What’s not to love? It’s mod fashion with an upscale twist, a chance to create a power house with feminine appeal. The black and white combo rarely goes out of style; it’s what fashionistas call a ‘perennial favorite’ and one that won’t be disappearing from this year’s fashion trend lineup of bold, contrasting color palettes.

These puppies also boast a 5” heel, but you’ll be supported by a thick and chunky platform so there won’t be so much tippy-toeing involved. Still, the high arch will sculpt your gams plenty; pair these up with the too-short minidress this Spring, or create the long-legged model illusion with a pair of tuxedo style black pants. Tote along a matching umbrella, and you’ll be pulling off a Rihanna-inspired look in no time.

Playing the New Year’s Princess

So it’s that time of year again, a time to take stock of the year’s past and count down to a New Year filled with hope, well wishes…and a new pair of shoes, perhaps?

It’s time to bid adieu to the woes and worries of 2008 and dream up a new life ahead. Indulge in the royal treatment during the post-holiday spending blitz – just one more purchase added to the 2008 shopping sprees couldn’t hurt, right?

End the year on the right foot, with the right shoes, I say, and you can’t go wrong.

Case in point: The Alexander McQueen Princess Platforms. These dazzling 4” heels will give you a chance to play Cinderella for the evening’s events, a beautiful pair of crystal shoes embellished with a silver paillette and made in a  classic peep-toe design. They’re strategically designed platforms, so you can dance the night away without fear of twisting your ankle. A perfect match for your royal ensemble that are sure to turn a few heads and even melt a few hearts.

Forget the fact that you may be teetering on a stiletto-like heel until sunrise. Forget the fact that a peep-toe pump means you could be playing footsie with some snow on your trek to the grand ball. And, forget the fact that these puppies will charge up at least four figures on the credit card statement.

Just enjoy the moment, and make a dramatic entrance to the night of revelries in high style, because when the clock strikes midnight and the carriage turns into a pumpkin…you could trade these $1,200+ heels for a used car.

The Little Pink Shoes That Could

Some women stash chocolate in that bottom drawer at the office, others collect fashion magazines for ‘educational’ reading during downtime, but I prefer to keep a cute pair of shoes on hand for a shoe emergency.

It’s officially declared a ‘shoe emergency’ under two conditions:
1. Your best friend is treating you to a spa and gab session over lunch
2. You’ve been asked out on a date after work (which leaves no time to run home for an outfit change)

I managed to declare the latter last Monday when the guy from marketing (finally) asked me out for drinks after work.

I happily obliged since the 9-5 rut was beginning to take its toll on me. Daydreams of running off on a coastal getaway with a new love, a Spring fling on the beach, or just taking a sabbatical for a couple of weeks were filling up my days of boredom at the office.

A spontaneous date was just what I needed, so I reached for my well-stashed pair of Marc Jacobs platform peep-toe pumps in charming pink. The perfect complement to my black pencil skirt and tunic blouse of the day, and sure to attract just enough attention to charm anyone’s heart out.

The clock strikes 5 and I quickly switch out my black Prada flats for the gleaming pink pair that are poised for action – as am I. A quick dash to the ladies room to spritz my hair, a fresh layer of makeup, a few dabs of perfume, and my mood is instantly transformed from office-rut mode to date-ready.

I rush off to our meeting spot – a classy jazz bar that serves up a mean martini on weeknights – dodging the after work crowds as I trot across the pebbled sidewalk. The shoes carry me to my next destination in no time flat – I’ve trained them well – and I’m early for my date.
As I get busy ordering my first martini, the bartender notices the shoes. “Date night, eh?” he asks.
I wink back, he knows me too well.

My powerful pink pumps are always a reliable pair for a shoe emergency.

The Quest for a Real Sole Mate

Finding a soul mate is a lifelong quest for some, yet a random act of the universe for others. It’s the plot of many a romance novel, the theme of a too-sappy chick flick, and the mantra of the poets among us.

Since I’m beginning to give up on the notion of true love in my future, I’ve settled for my own version of love and affection – in the form of shoes. Blahnik, Prada, and Gucci are more frequently penciled into my Covey planner than any date these days.

Only the shoe-obsessed can truly understand the process of coveting, the thrill of discovering a new love, and the satisfaction of acquiring the latest interest that appeals to the soul.
My quest fills my void, it’s my raison d’etre that rarely disappoints. Instead of wallowing in any pain of singledom, I’ve turned my facts of life into the ever-so-constructive quest of finding the perfect shoes – every week – each one a step closer to finding a real sole mate. The One I will cherish forever, the One that I will always reminisce about the day we met. We’ll go on great adventures, my sole mate and I, off to see the world.
Until that Big Day, I’m willing to continue on with my search – enjoying my weekly thrills that begin on mundane Mondays where I’m usually trolling shoe catalogs online and avoiding work meetings. And reaching their climax by Friday afternoons as I count down to the 5 o’clock hour and am set loose on the field, armed with credit card in hand.

Looking for love in all the right places in my red-heeled Tapeet wedges, of course. The platforms that help me reach the top racks of any boutique shelf for hidden gems, complete with a glossy black patent leather band for ultimate comfort – they easily slip into my Marc Jacobs tote I carry along to work on Fridays, ready for the occasion.
Hard work, preparation, and dedication to the quest for the ideal – it will all pay off someday.

Until then, it’s just me and my Tapeets…