Study of Shoes and Stilettos

Black suede, velvet and leather strappy Mary Jane’s with 4-inch heel, from Coach. That’s right, Coach. Several years ago I went to Chicago for the weekend to reward myself after a particularly grueling year. I went to see Wicked, visited some of my favorite museums, and wandered along The Magnificent Mile for two days straight. In my wanderings and window shopping, I found these lovelies. They are, to date, the most expensive pair of shoes I own. I got them on sale, a really big sale, but they were still $156.74. I know this, because the receipt is still inside the box. Do I regret this purchase? No. Do I wear these often? No. Do I think they are a waste of money? Absolutely not. They are like the “good china” your grandmother had, beautiful and delicate and not meant for every-day wear. Will I hand these beauties down to my daughter? Maybe, if she happens to be a size 10. (wink.)

Here are a few similar pairs, although nothing quite so outrageous in price. Happy Monday.

BCBGeneration Drift Mary-Jane Pump

T.U.K. Mary Jane Pump

MICHAEL Michael Kors Clare T-Strap Heel
(these ones are a little pricey, but so pretty!)

Bordello by Pleaser Spectator Pump
(I love these, absolutely love them!)

Chocolatey brown satin strappy sandal with 3-inch heel, from B.P.  The last few days it has felt like spring here, it even smells like spring!  In fact, my allergies kicked in last week due to a prolonged thaw!  Don’t worry, I’m sure it will plummet into sub-zero temperatures and a couple more feet of snow will fall in my valley before too long.  But for now I am enjoying the toe-baring weather!

Here are a few sassy pairs of satin heels to tide you over until summer (or, if you happen to live somewhere where it’s always 70-degrees and sunny, you can wear them now)(it has not been 70 here, more like 50)(excuse the excessive parentheticals), or if you need to dress up for a fabulous party or swanky event or an otherwise uneventful Tuesday.

Calvin Klein Rudie T-Strap Sandal

BCBGeneration Erica Pump

Ok, I know these next two aren’t strappy or summery or anything–but there is snow in the forecast and these ankle booties just seem so cozy and snuggly!

Kenneth Cole REACTION How Chicky Ankle Boot

Liliana Carrie Open-Toe Ankle Boot

Chocolate brown suede vintagey pumps with slight pointed-toe, 2.5-inch heel, and bow detail.  These are one of the very few pairs of shoes I own that came from a thrift store, I absolutely love them.  They are so feminine and sweet and perfectly shaped.

Casual Friday + Overnight Snow Storm = leather winter boots.  I have started a massive overhaul of my shoe room, and in the clean-out discovered these black boots.  They only come up to the lower part of my calf, but seeing as how we don’t have 3 feet of snow on the ground (yet) I am totally fine with that.  Rampage black leather boots with 3-inch square heel.  (I know, I know, square, chunky heels aren’t really “in” anymore.  But here’s what, a stiletto heel would last approximately 10 feet on my sidewalk before you landed on your kiester.)

Navy blue suede pumps with 3.5-inch heel and square-ish toe.  These were a hand-me-down from my favorite aunt, they are Italian made and a classic regardless of that Elvis song.  Looking around the Interwebs, I found this navy suede platform pump and  this lovely pointy-toe version from Nine West,   I also really like these brighter royal blue suede pump from ZiGiny.

Burgundy Mary Jane with T-strap, 3.5-inch heel, and cut-outs at the toe, by Report.

It’s been a crazy weekend here at Casa de the Shoeologist, I had a pretty wicked head-cold yesterday and hardly moved from the comfort of my bed. Today the temperature is in single digits, I start classes again at the University, and I would very much like to be snuggled up under a fluffy feather comforter.  Instead, I’m bundled up at work in thick tights and a snuggly sweater with a steaming cup of cocoa.  It’s almost as good (who am I kidding, it’s not the same at all but it’s all I’ve got to work with).

Here is a gorgeous pair of burgundy T-strap heels from Frye.

Leopard print d’orsay* heels with sequin and lace embellishments, 4-inch heel and a peep-toe, by Steve Madden.  I don’t know if I can explain in how many different ways I love and adore these shoes.  I love the pony-hair animal print (not real pony hair, obviously), I love the sparkly bits, the peep toes…these are easily one of my all-time favorite pairs of shoes.  I wore these lovelies for 15-hours straight, from work straight to a holiday party, and by the end of the night I was still trotting all over the place without any kind of foot pain.  That, my friends, is the mark of a fabulous pair of heels.

*Vocabulary Lesson:

• A d’orsay (door-say) heel is cut away on the middle of the vamp from the toe-box to the heel so that the arch of the foot is exposed.
• The vamp is the center part of the shoe, the part that goes over/around your arch.
• Perhaps a bit more self-explanatory, the toe-box is the area where your toesies live.

Editors Note: Goodness, I never realized how many definitions it takes to explain something like this!  Huzzah for the mini vocabulary lesson!

Today’s shoes are brought to you from across the pond, Mackenzi is one of my most favorite former students and I was thrilled when she volunteered to fill in for me from her outpost in London.  Miss Kenzi, you have a great start on some amazing style with these beauties!

I have always, always, always wanted to own a pair of red patent leather heels. They are sassy, classy, and seriously hot.  However, I have never found that pair that is just quite right. Then I found these beauties. They are everything I ever wanted in a red shoe; skinny heel, peep toe, shinny, eye popping color, these ladies are the complete package. And the best part? Only $20. I’m in love.

Shannon is all-together lovely and charming and all those things you look for in a friend who lives in your computer.  Plus, she does awesome things like send me pictures of  shoe ornaments (as in, things that go on a tree).  Clearly, we are meant to be friends.

Howdy from Texas! (No, we don’t always say that, but it’s a good distinguisher from the other substitutes thus far.) What a wonderful opportunity we shoe-lovers have here to share while The Shoeologist is off getting sand in her toes.   In the southern part of Texas, our Christmas weather currently has a high of a nice chilly 78 degrees. Which is why I can still wear my favorite pair of shoes just a few days before Christmas.

This pair of gray suede peep toe slingbacks are from my favorite designers, Elie Tahari. Now, if you are familiar with Tahari, you might be with me and consider her a luxury designer… I shop sale racks only. But, during a quick trip to Marshall’s to look for a dress, I saw these shoes. And it was almost an “angelic” moment, for I could hear a chorus. (Maybe it was the background music, but go with it.) I tried the shoes on and they fit perfectly. They spoke to me and said, “We are coming home with you.” So, of course, they did!

One of my favorite aspects of these shoes is they are probably one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I own! I have worn them to work, and then social functions that evening, and it was only around the 12-hour mark that my feet started questioning my sanity.  Now, I fear these shoes were on such deep discount ($50) because they are no longer available…I cannot find any place on the internet to guide you to these lovely beauties. However, if you are at one of your local discount shopping stores, you never know what type of luxury shoes you can find at not-even-close-to luxury pricing.

Elizabeth has been one of my biggest fans and she actually sent me a picture of these shoes several months ago (or I may have seen them on her blog…either way.  I loved them immediately, of course).  Thanks a million, E., for subbing for me today.  Class?  Leave her a little comment love, won’t you?

———————————–

“Cinderella is proof that that right pair of shoes can, in fact, change your life”. –Unknown

Hi there.  Elizabeth from Such a Sew and Sew here.  First, I want to thank Heidi for letting me guest post today.  I love getting my daily shoe fix here at The Shoeologist.  Though I do not have 200+ pairs of shoes {or even 20+ pairs of shoes} I love pretty shoes and am excited to show you my favorite pair.  They are these beautiful 3¼” Silver Spectator Pumps.  I love everything about them – the ankle strap, the pretty rounded toe, the shiny silver patent leather. They make me feel a little magical, kind of like Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz {if you’ve read the book, you’ll know her magic shoes were silver instead of ruby} when I wear them.



My only regret about these shoes is that I didn’t also get them in the beautiful plum color too.  Thanks for letting me share my own little piece of shoe heaven with you today. And remember, if the shoe fits . . . buy it in every color!