Study of Shoes and Stilettos

Black patent leather, pointy-toe heels by Gabriella Rocha.  These heels could easily become the workhorse of your wardrobe.  They go with absolutely everything, are easy to take care of, and are the epitome of class.

Nine West Pointy Toe Tabera Mid-Heel Pump, Black Patent ($48.51)

BCBGeneration Tinas Round Toe Pump,Black Patent ($56.90)

Nine West Pointy Toe Bounding Pump, Black Patent ($79.00)

Calvin Klein Whinnie Round Toe Pump, Black Patent (08.00)

ALSO! Remember to enter to win a FREE pair of Lucha Shoes! Contest entry and details are here. Contest is open until March 18.

Red satin pointy-toe slingbacks with dainty bows and a demure 2.5-inch heel, by Karen Smith.  These are generally categorized as “fancy shoes”, but today feels completely springy and I, for one, would like to celebrate it.  With satin slippers.  Impractical?  Yes.  But when have I been known for being practical?

Also–this is my 100th post as The Shoeologist!  I think that deserves a little celebration, right?  For the next two minutes I will have a mini dance party in my cube.  I suggest you follow suit.  (wink)

Nine West Manequin Red Slingback Pump ($55.14)

J.Renee Amaya Slingback Pump, Gold ($52.22)

Moda Spana Quid Pump, Red Silk with bow ($85.00)
(these are quite possibly my favorite from this lot!)

J.Renee Rachele Slingback Pump, Fushia ($89.95)
(these lovelies come in ten different colors!)

Calvin Klein Daria Satin Pump, Midnight (09.00)

Martinez Valero Rusched Slingback, Bronze ($79.72)

Burgundy patent-leather pointy-toe pumps with bow and fringe at the toe and 3-inch heel, by Anne Klein.  I love how classic these heels look, I have worn them with dark, skinny jeans and a white button-up, or a suit, or (like today) a printed dress and cardigan.  They go with everything.

I tried to find a similar pair of heels, but apparently burgundy patent leather + menswear-inspired pumps are harder to come by than I thought! I did find some lovely burgundy heels though. I have a huge crush on these layered leather platform pumps and wish I had the extra pennies to order them. Ditto on these burgundy patent-leather Mary Jane’s from Joan & David. This pair of pointy-toe pumps from Charles by Charles David are swoontastic, and they have some color combinations that made my jaw drop (I’m looking at you, camel and orange.)  Here is a really cute pair of Menswearish ballet-flat from Chinese Laundry. I also found two pair of fantastic heels made from several different textures in the same, deep burgundy hue; slingbacks from Anne Klein and these day-to-night stunners by Lovely People.

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!

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.

No-brand black patent leather pointy-toe 3-inch pumps.  Nothing quite like wearing fishnets on a Tuesday to spice things up a bit (with a below-the-knee skirt, I’m not that spicy).  These heels were a gift from an aunt who worn them once or twice and then experienced the grave misfortune of having her feet grow a half-size.  Ohmygoodness, I can’t even imagine, I would cry if that happened to me.  Knock on wood.   If you’re in the market for a classic black patent pump, and I highly suggest that if you do not already own a pair that you look into it post-haste, here are a few you may enjoy.  These 3-inch black patent pumps from Steve Madden are very similar to the ones I’m wearing.  If you’re looking for a little higher heel these 4-inch heels from BCBGirls are drool-worthy.  And lastly, if you can’t say ”No” to an ankle strap (like me) you’ll love these black patent Mary-Jane’s.  (Seriously, I may have to buy those last ones.  I just can’t get over how de-lovely they are!)

Chocolate brown pointy toe 3-inch stilettos with ruching and bow at the toe.  I can’t remember where I purchased these, and the brand name has disappeared from the inside.  I love the sassy ruching on the toe and I love the classic shape.  In snooping around for something similar, I found this suede pair that I love, and this faux croc pair from Bandolino (I’m a sucker for anything snake skin, reptile print, or croc stamped).

Note from the Editor:  Skipping about the internet looking at delicious chocolatey brown heels has given me a serious hankering for about 12 new pairs of heels, all in various shades of brown, all lovely.   Do I need more shoes?  Not particularly.  Do I want them?  Absolutely.  Will I buy them?  ….I will not buy shoes today. I will not buy shoes today.  I will not buy shoes today (repeat 100 times).  I am announcing this here on the hope that it will keep me from running up credit card today.  Cross your fingers for me!

These pointy-toe black kitten heels from Naturalizer were a very spontaneous purchase several years ago.  They were the perfect height for the pants I was wearing at the time and I was bored with the shoes on my feet (shocker, I know).  These very comfortable heels have been a staple; I have had the heels remade twice and the toes fixed three times.  That, my friends, is the mark of a fantastic pair of shoes.  These particular shoes are no longer available, but here is a pair in a snazzy reptile print, embellished tweed, a classic shape in black patent leather or leapord print.

On taking well-loved heels to the Shoe Hospital: I have a very delightful cobbler who does all my shoe-fixing for me.  I probably visit him every other month with a pair of shoes that I love too much to throw away–he can fix the heels, fix the toes, fix the straps, fix the sole.  If you do not already have a cobbler, I highly recommend you find one to breathe new life into your favorite heels.

These black patent-leather pointy-toe d’orsay stilettos are a classic.  The shape is perfect, the toe isn’t too long ot pointy and the heel is a conservative 3-inches.  These heels are also lined in an leopard print which just makes me smile every time I slip them on or off.

Winter has finally arrived and I wish I had worn these with a pair of tights.  Tomorrow, perhaps, I will introduce bright tights on theShoeologist.

Enzo Angiolini pointy-toe striped stilettos with ankle strap and 4-inch heel.  I remember when I bought these (six years ago, shh, don’t judge) they had an all black option and this black-and-white stripey pair.   At this point I wish I’d bought them both because I love the fit and feel of these heels, but as I can’t go back in time I am content with the fact that, of the two, I made the best choice; I get compliments on these every time I wear them.