Study of Shoes and Stilettos

Charles by Charles David, emerald green suede Mary-Jane 4-inch wedge.  Aren’t they just heaven?  I first saw these shoes a few summers ago and lusted over them for months before deciding that I’d loved them long enough to justify the triple-digit price tag (!!).  By that time, of course, they were sold out.  A few months later I happened to wander into a Charles by Charles David store in California (they don’t have any in my hometown), and that store happened to have one last pair of these babies IN MY SIZE on clearance for $40. Clearly, it was a sign that I was supposed to have green suede Mary-Janes. Right? Right.  (Don’t judge.)  I suppose these are more of a Spring/Summer shoe, but I figure when worn with chocolate brown they are passable for Fall.  Besides, I had to turn on my air conditioner today; I feel justified in my “summery” color choice.

While these shoes are no longer available, here is a similar option you may enjoy.

Today is the last day to enter my Giveaway!  Comments close at midnight and the winner will be announced on Monday!

Black suede knee-high boots with almond-shaped toes* and a 4-inch stiletto heel.  About a month ago I went to Ross to try and find a good-sized purple purse for Fall.  Thirty minutes later I hurried over to my two girlfriends weighed down with five or six pairs of shoes (including the bronze sparkly slingbacks) and exclaimed “I have got to get out of here immediately!”

Yes, I have a shoe-buying problem.  I see them, they are my size, they are on sale, I buy them.  Almost always.

*An almond-shaped toe is neither round or pointy, but a classy kind of in-between shape.

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Friday, Oct. 15, 2010.

Naughty Monkey 5-inch purple suede platform sandals with studs and black-and-white snake skin trim.  These heels could not be more fierce.  Initially purchased for a fancy party in Las Vegas, these stilettos have waited patiently for another opportunity to be worn; my friend A’s Princess-themed birthday party seemed like an ideal situation.

Sporty-Spice Princess, Hello Kitty Princess, Punk Rock/West Valley Princess

Yep, a couple of bonafide adults wearing tiara’s, sparkles, boas and even a tu-tu or two to a fancy-ish restaurant.  I should point out that my hair is not usually that pouffy.  Actually, it is never that pouffy.  But a Punk-Rock Princess simply must have big, pouffy hair, it compliments my tiara.

Tiara’s aside, look at the shoe!! The suede!  The studs!  The cut-outs at the toe!  The snakeskin platform!  These are the tallest heels that I own (clocking in at almost five-inches they should be!) and are absolutely unforgettable.  Lucky for you, these shoes are still available on Amazon!

Toenail color: Cover Girl Midnight Magic

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Oct. 15, 2010.

Steve Madden bronze-metallic glitter sling-backs with 4-inch heel and peep toe.  Also known as Love at First Sight.  I found these in TJ Maxx or Ross (can’t remember which) and immediately knew they would be coming home with me.  I have worn them several times and consider the sparkly bronze a neutral; when paired with a pencil skirt and cardigan these are practically demure.

I couldn’t find these glittery sling-backs online, but I did find a few other pairs that are similar if you’re in the market from some sparkle.

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Oct. 15, 2010.

Banana Republic leather espadrille wedges with 4-inch heel and peek-a-boo toes.  Over the weekend one of my best girlfriends got married.  The weather was summery and I decided to give these espadrille wedges one last hurrah for the season.

I absolutely love this pic–what a fabulous group of girls and their fabulous shoes.  Congrats L & M!

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Oct. 15, 2010.

These strappy Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret espadrilles are probably more of a summer shoe than an October shoe, but I’m wearing them anyway. (Yes, VS sells shoes, lots of shoes!)  This color is no longer available, but VS still has this style for sale.  Check it out!

Toenail Color: Chop-sticking to my Story by O.P.I

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Oct. 15, 2010.

Grapey purple suede Mary Jane’s from Aerosoles with 3.5-inch heel and peep toe.  These are some of my most comfortable heels, thanks to the Aerosoles brand.  Perfect for a very long day on my feet (and believe me, it’s going to be a very long day).

**Many lovely readers (hi readers!) have been asking for links to buy the shoes featured here.  If they are still available I will always link them up.  These are five years old (gasp!) and no longer available.

Toenail Color: Chop-sticking to my Story by O.P.I

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Oct. 15, 2010.

Steve Madden black patent leather strappy sandal.  These T-straps are some of the most comfortable heels I have ever worn and they are currently on sale (in several different colors) here.  I love the shiny patent leather, I love the 4-inch heel, I love the straps and I love how the cushioned platform means I can be on my feet all day.

Toenail Color: Chop-sticking to my Story by O.P.I

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Oct. 15, 2010.

To celebrate the launch of my new, shoe-obsessed corner of the Internet I will be giving away a free pair of shoes.  Yes, you read that correct, FREE SHOES!  Specifically, this gorgeous pair of mustardy-yellow, snakeskin stilettos from Nine West.  I have been coveting these for several weeks now–the color  is divine, the shape is classic, and I can’t imagine a better color for fall.

There are a few ways you can enter to win, and I hope you do a little of everything to increase your chances of free footwear!

1.  Leave a comment on this post, make sure you use a valid email address.  Duplicate comments will be thrown out.

2. Tweet about this contest, make sure to include BOTH a link to this post and mention @theshoeologist so I can track your entry.  (And while you’re tweeting, go ahead and follow me as well for more updates and info about contests and giveaways.)

3.  Post about this contest on your own blog, make sure to send a direct link to heidi.theshoeologist [at] gmail [dot] com or @theshoeologist so I can get you entered.

Contest is open until October 15, 2010 at midnight Pacific Time.  I will combine all entries from comments, tweets and blog posts and use random.org to generate a winner.  The lucky winner will be announced on Monday, Oct. 18.

Carlos by Carlos Santana ankle-wrap strappy sandal.  These heels are perfect for the chilly fall weather that has finally hit the Rocky Mountains.  I love the burnt-orangey color and the braided strap detail.

Toenail Color: Chop-sticking to my Story by O.P.I.