Study of Shoes and Stilettos

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.

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.

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.

First things first: Did you know Amazon is having a sale on all their shoes today?  Specifically they are offering 30% Off Shoes on any purchase!  I highly recommend you clickity-click right on over there and get yourself something cute, or something warm, or whatever strikes your fancy. 

Oxblood red patent leather Dansko clog.  This is a departure from my regular 4-inch heel, but the requisite 20 minutes of scraping ice off my car after yesterday’s storm made stilettos too impractical for even me.  Besides, I’m treating this Thanksgiving Eve like a casual Friday (as are the 6 other people in my office who were suckered into working today).

Now, I’ve heard many people rant about how ugly and boring and dumb clogs are, I will respectfully disagree.  These particular clogs are closed around the heel, so now snow can get in (thank heavens!), and the Dansko sole and foot-bed mean they are RIDICULOUSLY comfortable.  Sure, they come in matte black or brown for anyone looking for sensible shoes–but they also come in a zebra print, a veganversion, and even purple patent leather! (I am crushing on the purple ones, they very well may be my 30% Off Shoes purchase for the day!)

Be sure to enter my giveaway for a FREE pair of boots!  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!)

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.

Steve Madden black patent-leather mary jane pumps with rounded toe and 4-inch heel.  I absolutely adore these shoes–they are classic in every possible way.  I looked for the elusive black patent mary jane for several months before scoring these from TJ Maxx.  These are no longer available from Steve Madden, and I couldn’t find many comparable shoe in my cursory search (Maybe these?  Or these? They are both kind of similar).  Thus, I am validated in my decision to buy them when I did. (I find I do this kind of validation or justification all the time, by the way.  I do not, however, usually use words like “thus”.)

Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret, pointy-toe stiletto with 4-inch heel in aqua patent-leather. I found these on a fantastic clearance sale for less than $20 dollars and bought them without a clue as to how to wear or style them (I don’t usually say things like “How do I style these shoes?” but I just watched three back-to-back episodes of Project Runway and my vocabulary is all skewed in favor of Nina Garcia). Today’s ensemble was a gray skirt, black-and-white striped T, light blue cardigan and hot pink patent-leather belt. Perhaps a little Barbie-ish, but I loved it.

These particular shoes are no longer available, but these aqua stilettos are just as fabulous. Shiny aqua vintage Ford pick-up sold separately. (Editor’s Note: There is absolutely no photo editing on the above photo, I am still delightfully shocked at how similar the color of the truck is to the color of my heels. Love!)

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.