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

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!

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.

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

Franco Sarto pink metallic strappy sandal with 3.5-inch heel.  I’m pretty sure I found these at Nordstrom Rack (I heart Nordstrom Rack!) and I’m also pretty sure that, when paired with a lot of neutral gray, I can get away with wearing them to work. Right?  Right.  (Whatever, my boss is out of the office and my feet are underneath my desk most of the day.)  I’m pretty sure this is the last gorgeous day before winter weather descends, and I take comfort knowing that with these springy shoes I took full advantage.  Come back next week for a full line-up of delicious fall-inspired footwear!  Cross my heart and kiss my elbow.

Toenail color: Baby Doll by Sally Hansen

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.

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.