Study of Shoes and Stilettos

Red leather pointy-toe, 3-inch heels by Carissa.  There is nothing that will brighten your day quite like a pair of red shoes.  Happy Friday everyone!

(Psst, I’m announcing the winner of my MuckBoots giveaway at the bottom of this post–keep reading, okay?)

Black leather Mary Jane’s with 3.5-inch heel, by Rampage.  These used to be my all-time favorite pair of shoes.  I wore them constantly and frankly, they are starting to show their age.  However, when I looked out the window this morning and saw a couple of inches of fresh snow, the suede shoes I was planning on wearing became a bit too impractical.  Paired with funky black lace tights these simple shoes make quite an impression.

AND NOW FOR THE AWESOME PART:  (Not that funky black lace tights aren’t the epitome of awesome, they are, but in this case FREE STUFF is probably more awesome.)  I am giving away a free pair of Muckboots in your choice of color (black, brown, hunter green or bright pink).  After weeding out a dozen or so invalid entries*, I had 228 comments, tweets, and blog-mentions.

And the lucky winner is commenter #37, Allie who said “Ooh!  I have heard great things about MuckBoots!  And in Rochester, winter boots are a must!”

Congrats Alllie!  I will be emailing you shortly with details on claiming your prize!  I really hope these lovelies help make your Rochester winter more bearable!

For those who did not win, make sure to keep checking back for your daily shoe fix and upcoming giveaways!

*As per the contest rules, detailed here.

Steve Madden black, reptile-print, strappy, t-strap platform sandal. These are absolutely swoon-a-licious and even with a 5-inch heel I managed to spin my way around the dance floor last night at a Christmas party.

Admittedly, my Christmas party ensemble did not include these hot pink tights…mostly because they did not particularly go with my mistletoe headband.  In an attempt at full disclosure, here is a photo of the actual tights+sandals duo.

Steve Madden is having a sale today, 25% off and free shipping with code HOLIDAYS25. So clickity-click-clack on over and find something strappy or sparkly or whatever strikes your fancy.

Save with Steve Madden Friends and Family, enjoy 25% off plus free shipping thru the 12/14! Some exclusions apply. Enter Holidays25!

Also, make sure you have entered my giveaway for free Muckboots–winner will be announced on Thursday!

Red patent leather, pointy-toe stiletto with ankle strap and silver studs, by Guess.  Rawr!  I found these lovelies at Nordstrom on one of their half-yearly sales for a steal.  They have been used for several costumes (Rainbow Brite being the most  awesome) but I also wear them on normal days to spice things up a bit.

My sister, pinksuedeshoe, has spent a couple of Saturday mornings taking pictures of me and my shoes–I can’t tell you how much easier this process is than the self timer or odd body-contortions that are required when I take pictures of my own feet.  My 2-year old niece, Creamie, loves these little photo sessions almost as much as I do, and that little munchkin knows how to work it for the camera.  *Heartmelt.

AND NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT STUFF!!

• Piperlime is having a 25% off Sale today only with free shipping.  You need to use code MUSTHAVE at checkout.  Head over there and find yourself or your shoe-loving sister/wife/girlfriend/favorite blogger ever (ahem) something lovely!

25% off cozy & covetable styles with code MUSTHAVE – ends 12/9 + free shipping & free returns!

• Make sure to enter my giveaway for a FREE pair of Muckboots in your color choice.  Contest ends Dec. 15, 2010.

Black satin round-toe pumps with bow detail and 4-inch heel and teeny little platform, by Amanda Smith.  Things are a little crazy around here, I’m in the middle of finals exams and finishing enormous research papers (done!  Holla!) and am running on a serious lack of sleep fueled by copious amounts of Dr. Pepper.  I have exactly one week of CrAzY left and then I can relax…until next semester.

Chocolate brown faux-croc leather, brown tweed, and camel suede peep-toe 4-inch pumps by Amanda Smith. I love these shoes; I love them so much, in fact, that I have them in three different colors; brown, black and red.  I’ve had all three of these shoes for several years now and I find that they will go with absolutely everything.  Jeans, casual skirts, dressier outfits, suits, whatever.

Toe Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Polish, Floral Taffeta

Make sure to enter my giveaway for a FREE pair of Muckboots!  Contest is open until December 15, 2010.

Seychelles Little Owl Sandals in navy blue suede and silver metallic leather, with 4-inch heel and peep-toe.  I have been looking for some navy blue footwear for several months now and when I accidentally slipped into Nordstrom yesterday I had no intention of even buying shoes.  But they were having a sale.  And as I scanned the racks of discounted shoes my eye zeroed-in on these beautiful suede and metallic heels.  I audibly gasped.  And when I tried them on it was all over, they simply had to come home with me.  What?  They were on sale! Besides, they go perfectly with my dress.

Toe Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Polish, Floral Taffeta

Make sure to enter my giveaway for a FREE pair of Muckboots!  Contest is open until December 15, 2010.

Is there someone in your life who absolutely adores shoes?  Do you have an affinity for footwear?  Well, you are in luck my friend.  Today I have delivered a list of amazing shoes anyone would love.  Buy her one, two, or all of them for the holidays. 

1. For the Color Addict:  She mixes brights and prints like nobody’s business.  She is not afraid of lime green, bright orange or hot pink.  She can make something chic out of the craziest thrift-store find.  Something in a saturated hue is perfect for this girl.

Blue Ink Kid Suede Pump by Jessica Simpson

2. For the Classic Girl:  Her wardrobe resembles that of Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly. She always looks classy and is never over-the-top.  These satin and lake heels will compliment her little black dress(es), or dark jeans and a cashmere sweater. 

Satin and lace pump by Steve Madden

3. For the Office Maven: She is constantly answering emails on her office blackberry and has a reputation for getting things done.  She has mastered the “Office Casual” look without resorting to khaki and/or polo shirts; this shiny red platform pump says “Next CEO.”

Red Patent Platform Pump by BCBGirls

4. For the Trendy and/or Rocker Chick: She is one of those people who can throw on leggings, tunic-T and chunky necklace and look like she walked straight out of a fashion magazine.  She has perfected the day-time smoky eye and knows all the best local bands.  Watch her squeal as she opens a pair of hot, studded booties.

Studded Leather Ankle Boots by Report

5. For the Ballet-Flat Lover: She has a million things to do and is constantly on her feet.  Her jeans are the perfect length for a skimmer and this purple flat is toughened up a bit with the zipper-trimmed flower detail.

Embellished Purple Ballet Flat by Kenneth Cole Reaction

6. For the Party Girl: She routinely starts her evening at 10:00 pm and has a closet-full of slinky dresses and tops that can only be more fabulous with a bit of sparkle on her feet. 

Glittery peep-toe by Steve Madden

7. For the Girl on the Go:  Whether she’s trucking across campus or around town this girl is all about the casual sneaker.  These double-tongued Chuck’s will stand out no matter where she goes.

Black and Plaid, Double Tongue Chuck Taylor All-Star’s by Converse

8. For Every Girl: It’s slushy, or rainy, or snowy and you need boots to keep your feet warm and your pants dry.  Enter to win my giveaway for these FREE BOOTS, contest open until December 15, 2010.

Oh wait, you CAN get these for FREE!  Make sure to enter my giveaway for a free pair of brand new Muckboots, your choice of color (black, brown, hunter green, pink).  Contest closes Dec. 15, 2010, make sure to enter!

 Steve Madden embroidered mary jane’s with 4-inch heel, rounded toes and an ankle strap. I found these several years ago and fell in-love immediately. I love the thicker heel and I love love LOVE the embroidered flowers. There is a little teal, a little emerald green, a little red, a little orange, and a little purple–basically, these heels go with anything. They are practically a neutral. I was feeling lazy this morning (and running a bit late) so I skipped shaving my legs and wore tan fishnet tights instead. (Shh, don’t tell.)

Soft pink suede and faux-ostrich strappy sandal with 3.5-inch heel.  Is there two feet of snow in my front yard.  Why yes, yes there is.  Did I tramp through it in these delicate heels?  No I did not.  I wore a pair of boots through the snow and then changed into these once my toesies were safe from the wet and cold and ice. 

Make sure you enter to win my giveaway for a pair of boots!

**Last night I was talking to my very best friend and she told me her 6-year old daughter reads this shoe blog every single day.  I cannot tell you how much this made me smile.  To my darling Lex: these pink shoes are for you.  I know they aren’t really REALLY pink, but it’s the best I’ve got at the moment.  Love, Aunt Heidi