Ladies Footwear: Then & Now

Vintage looks always come around to become popular again. But today's shoe trends have drawn much more inspiration from the past – and deeper in the past – than you might think. See how the following types of footwear have evolved over time:

Sneakers:

Women's sneakers took a while to catch on as a style. After all, athletic shoes – invented in the early 1900's – were originally for men and athletes. But with our health conscious lifestyle today, sneakers may be the most ubiquitous footwear as they can be worn for walking, running, and even causal occasions. Check out the sparkly gold sequined Juicy Couture Delia or the classic Converse Chuck Taylor, which has hardly changed at all over the years.

Ballet flats:

Inspired by the pointe shoes worn by ballerinas on stage, the first ballet flats for the public were introduced as early as the mid 16th century. Audrey Hepburn made them popular again in the 1950's. Today, the shape has become among the most popular footwear, and although you may not be able to go tippy-toe like dancers do, the designs like Tory Burch Patent Revas are certainly worthy of a standing ovation.

Gladiators:

Where gladiator sandals were primarily the footwear for the men who battled to the death in the Roman Coliseum, the look made a huge splash in women's footwear in the 1960's and 70's. It took nearly forty years (and possibly one Russell Crowe movie) to come back, but since 2008, designs like the Steven by Steve Madden Chancee have been burning up the aisles once again.

Platform shoes:

Did you know that the Chopine, the original wedge type shoe built in the early 15th century, went up to 30 inches? They were typically made of wood, but today our platforms are not only a bit more height conservative (and easier to walk in), but also sport materials from cork to rubber. Marc by Marc Jacobs Red Patent and kork-ease Ava Sandals are excellent examples of how far we've come.

Stilettos:

Possibly one of the most significant advancements in footwear design came with the addition of metal to women's heels in the 1950's, allowing for the incredibly thin heel known as the stiletto. The heel is indeed the thing, and has been put to use in everything from shoes to boots. The Stuart Weitzman Evening Maria in Black Satin is a classic, as is the Chinese Laundry Willy in Gold Leather that will elevate any evening wear.

Nowadays, the biggest trend that is on our doorstep in is eco-friendly footwear – it will be exciting to see what designers come up with when it comes to sustainable, green designs using the materials of today.

Summer is in full swing! Now that the dust has settled and we've had the chance to sample many of the great new summer shoes out there, we have put together a list of our must haves for summer 2009. These shoes will be great for a range of activities from day to night, and will keep you looking stylish and feeling comfortable all season long.

Best Overall Daytime

After a lot of deliberation, the gladiator is back on top again. This stylish category of footwear really has everything going for it - they feel great to wear and have a powerful look. We especially liked the Greco Orchid Purple Leather gladiators by Sam Edelman, which have a classic look combined with a striking color that looks great with your favorite summer dresses.

Runner Up:

Gladiators aren't for everyone, and what's better in the summer than a pair of sandals? One of the standouts this summer is the Frankie Fuschia Suede by Juicy Couture. It's bright, colorful, and has an incredibly cute rhinestone starfish ornament. It's great to slip on and off for casual activities.

Best Overall Nighttime

We think the ballet flat is the perfect summer shoe for all of your nighttime activities. They are extraordinarily comfortable and great for long periods when you are on your feet. Have we mentioned the design? The range of colors and materials you can find these days is extraordinary, and can pair with your sundress, jeans shorts and more. We have to recommend both the Waffle White Leather flat by French Sole as well as the Reva Gold Leather Ballet Flat by Tory Burch.

Runner Up:

We can't stop talking about the Gwen Black Satin by Kate Spade. The pink sole is just adorable and it is a classy shoe that looks great in everything from a cocktail dress to a pair of your favorite jeans. These are perfect for an outdoor wedding or any formal or semi-formal event this season.

Best All Around Summer Shoe

If you had to have just one addition to your summer shoe closet, we think you'd be happy with a pair of cork wedges. These give the extra height that you may typically only get from stilettos, but in a shoe that is remarkably comfortable and easy to walk in. Wedges like the Marc by Marc Jacobs Red Patent can elevate your summer outfit and allow you to get around in style whether you're by the pool, at the beach, or at a barbeque.

Runner Up:

When we were over at Jildor, we spied multiple pairs of Jack Rogers Sandals in various colors and trims. While the Navajo Fuchsia with White Trim was more our style, you can find it in nearly every color to match with your personality. There's gold, navy, black, and materials including cork, leather and suede. If any sandal is thinking about EVERY girl, these would be it.

If you haven't stocked up on all of your favorite summer shoes you still have time. Start with this list of must-haves and check out your favorite shoe stores in person and online. Whatever you're looking for, you can spend the rest of the season in style!

Everyone knows how clothing can boost your confidence - it is indeed like throwing on a second skin, protective armor and in some cases clothes can feel like a superhero outfit. When so often your first impression is made by how you look, it is important to make sure that you are in complete control of your outfit. This is no different when it comes to shoes. When someone looks at your feet, they will also try to define who you are.

What roles do you play on a regular basis? How can you make the best impression? Here are some suggestions on how to select the right footwear for every part you may have to slip into during your daily routine.

The Professional

At your job, you need to balance your personal expression with being work-appropriate. With your shoes, you want to exude competence, assertiveness, and good taste. The biggest trap you can fall into is to opt for a meek pair of shoes that may be comfortable, but are also forgettable. Instead, choose a pair of pumps that are both a pleasure to wear and nice to look at. There are also many beautiful flats that are great for the office, like the Monzamoc Black Crocco Patents by Stuart Weitzman. Kate Spade Glenda Black Patent pumps are also great for that extra bit of lift.

The Athlete

Your running shoes may be what you wear most often, but you know you can't wear them to every occasion. So how do you tell people that you are someone who is active and enjoys being healthy in style? A pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars is a classic statement that everyone admires, but for even more flair, you should turn your attention to the Ed Hardy Lowrise Beige Dragon. If you want a little more femininity, then try on some Juicy Couture Envy Ruby Suede ballet flats that are great to walk in and also look great with a dress.

The Ringmaster

Does life sometimes feel like a circus? Whether you're a parent, student, or all-around busybody you may feel like you're juggling countless responsibilities. If you need to get into the mindset of the ringmaster, you need to have shoes that are not only stylish but also comfortable. A pair of gladiators like the Dolce Vita Ellie Black Leather will immediately show people that you are in charge as well as tell them that style still matters. If you need to stand tall, a pair of Steve Madden Quickk Taupe Suede wedges offers the durability and comfort you need while you tackle every task on your to-do list.

The Socialite

If parties and events are your battleground, then every pair of shoes is a crucial part of your arsenal. A cocktail party that requires you to wear your best little black dress may require the services of the Kate Spade Georgia Ruby Croc Patent. Attend a formal ball in an elegant pair of evening shoes like the Anne Klein Papaya Black Satin. Whatever the engagement, always choose a pair of shoes that is eye-catching and elegant.

The R and R Girl

Imagine all responsibilities just washed away and you had nary a care in the world. Even if it's just for a short while, why not take advantage of it fully with a pair of footwear that feel comfortable, look great, and define a life of leisure? The Tory Burch Thora Watermelon Patent is one of the most comfortable thong sandals you will ever wear, they are perfect for the pool, the beach, the park, or anywhere else you can sit back and watch the world go by.

Think about all the rhythms of your life while choosing the pairs of shoes you need and we guarantee you'll never go wrong.

Summer encouragement Need a little inspiration for coming up with your summer outfits? We can sympathize. Sometimes coming out of the colder months and into hot sunny days can take a little adjustment; it can feel overwhelming to coordinate the right colors and materials after months of hiding in the same drab coat. Whether you need some renewed inspiration or a refresher course on putting together the best combinations for the warm weather, use this handy guide for bright and beautiful summer looks.

Fast and Easy

Summer is best for casual looks that are still chic and trendy. This is the only season when a cute and comfortable T-shirt can be enough to look and feel great – you should always keep some at hand in your wardrobe. Wear it with some jeans shorts or a short skirt, tie it off in front or back to show off the hard work you put in at the gym, and pair it with a colorful Tory Burch Reva Leather Ballet Flat for an added layer of class.

Breezy and Bright

For those hot summer days, there's no better way to sizzle than in some tank tops and short shorts. Whether you're rollerblading down the boulevard or lounging in the shade, few other outfits can be as flexible or as alluring in the sunshine. Make sure to choose some bright colors in order to stand out from the crowd. If you're on the go, always remember to bring some cute sandals like the Navajo Platinum by Jack Rogers with you that you can slip on and take off at any time.

No Nonsense and Reliable

The working girl shouldn't have to feel hampered by her job. Warm weather allows for beautiful pencil skirts that when paired with blouses are both fashionable and professional statements. Shirtdresses are another fantastic option. Wear them with some Michael Kors Niki Black Crocco platforms and people will still take you seriously while you feel like you're loosening up for the summer.

Flirty and Smart

A flowing top can be all you need when you want to go from day to night without having to change first. Try a lightweight camisole that you can cover with a cardigan or jacket – when it's time to go casual you'll look ready for any evening engagement that requires you to turn on your sex appeal. A pair of elegant Kate Spade Colin Suede slides will go along with you from the staff meeting to the dance floor.

Simple and Beautiful

If you need an outfit for a picnic, barbeque or luau, nothing is more dependable than a summer dress. Choose a cute, comfortable sundress that shows off the right colors, beautiful patterns and of course your stunning figure. These are perfect for social events – and more importantly – dates. Look your best by adding a pair of Tory Burch Miller Red Patents to complete your look.

Warm Weather Tips

Looking good in the summer is not only about the clothes. Make sure that you take good care of yourself by paying attention to your body. If you're spending a lot of time in the sun, make sure you're fully protected with sun block, and keep yourself hydrated. Drink lots of water – it's good for you on the inside and outside.

If you're stuck trying to come up with ideas on what to wear this summer, just think about what look you're trying to achieve, and pair your favorite tops, bottoms, and summer footwear. The worst that can happen is that you'll need to go on a shopping spree – how bad can that be?

Attention all fashionistas! Are you feeling the pinch of the economic downturn? Are you crunching numbers to make sure you can afford your favorite brands? The fact of the matter is that we all have had to cut back, stay aware of financial trends and be smarter shoppers. There are some surefire ways of making your wardrobe recession-proof without going to desperate measures - here's how you can do it:

Reinvent the Wheel:

We all end up in cycles of wearing the same combination of clothes. When we feel like we get a look right, we tend to repeat it because we know it looks good. It's time to shake things up a little bit, and come up with some new combinations for the season. Find inspiration in magazines like Vogue and Marie Claire, and stop thinking inside the box.

Seeing your wardrobe in a whole new light is part of the process of beating the recession. Whether it is using some of your favorite summer items in the winter, or putting everything you can with your favorite 7 Jeans, you'll stretch your dollar by getting more use out of your favorite items.

Evaluate What You Need:

The bigger the closet, the more likely there's stuff in there that you have not seen in a while - some of those tops, accessories, dresses, pants and shoes are just waiting for you to bring them back into your life. You will also see the gaps in your wardrobe and can plan on adding them to the high priority list of things to buy. By making a concrete list of items you need you can avoid unnecessary impulse buys.

Lose the attitude of saving something for a rainy day. This is the time when breaking out your favorite Samantha Ronson dress will not only make you feel better wearing it, but also make you feel like you're getting the most out of your fashion investments.

Look For The Right Places To Shop:

Everyone seems to have deals lately. But being a smart shopper is not about waiting for those sales to happen, but to go seeking for them yourself. The thrill of the hunt can be quite exhilarating and whether you prefer to look online or do a daily walk through your favorite stores, you can uncover some seriously great discounts.

Stay loyal to your favorite boutiques, but don't forget to go to the big stores. Places like Banana Republic are receiving renewed attention thanks to a certain First Lady. Do an online search for shoes on sale, and you'll find stores like Jildor offering some incredible discounts on those pair of Tory Burch flats you've been looking for.

Shop For Quality:

This is an important thing to remember because you don't want to keep buying everything you like. Purchase only the items that you are truly going to wear, and are made to last. Why bother with buying several shirts you'll only wear once, when instead you can spend that money on something like a cute top by Marc Jacobs? And how about buying a pair of durable and eye catching wedges by Steve Madden?

During these times, there's no such thing as a disposable income, and your clothes should not be disposable either. Quality items will make you look and feel like you're above the recession, and give you new appreciation for fashion and style.

Last but not least, let go of everything you don't need to wear. Donate them to a worthy cause and wait for good karma to come back at you. By keeping only the clothes you want, you will dress better, feel better, and prepare yourself for when times get good again.

There is no doubt that the right pair of shoes can make a difference to your mood. Like any article of clothing, accessory, hairstyle or cosmetics, shoes help complete the look you want to achieve. We all understand how getting the details right can make us feel better about ourselves, give us confidence and even boundless amounts of energy. So how do you go about choosing the pair of shoes that will make you happy?

Here are some scenarios to get you thinking:

Turn Some Heads

Going to a party that is calling out to you to wear your little black dress? You know you are going to get some attention - whether you like it or not - when you walk through the door. So why not look your best with a pair of shoes like your favorite stilettos or fierce gladiators? Gladiators like the Stuart Weitzman Gladly Black Patent will give you all the height you want while making a bold fashion statement. You will quickly feel a lot better when you get looks of approval from men and jealous stares from women.

Keep Standing

When you have to be on your feet for a long time, ballet flats like the Tory Burch leather ballet flat can be a godsend. You can feel good knowing that your feet won't start to hurt while you're talking to a cute guy, or making the rounds with all the important people in your life. What makes a girl happier than getting to talk to all of her friends and find a new crush - without fatigued feet?

Make A Splash

If you're somewhere warm right now - get yourself to a pool immediately. Whether you're tanning or sipping a frosty beverage with an umbrella sticking out of it, the poolside is irrefutably one of the most relaxing places to be. You'll make yourself even happier with some brightly colored and comfortable flip flops that you can slip on and off, like a Juicy Couture Frankie Off White Patent. Say 'fashion maven' and 'life of leisure' all at once, and you may catch yourself smiling.

Heel Kickers

Sometimes you don't need an occasion to be in a good mood. Whether you're going down to the store or picking up some fresh flowers for home, making yourself look nice can be enlivening. You never know whom you might meet or what might happen. A pair of Michael Kors Niki Black Croccos, for example will not only put a spring in your step - the attention you may get may event make you want to jump and kick up your heels. Just make sure to keep it on the inside.

Pamper Yourself

Sometimes all you need is to feel comfortable. Had a long day at work? Danced too much and your feet are hurting? Just got off the redeye and feel like a mess? A beautiful pair of shoes that also pampers your feet can make you feel better any day. Whether that's a ballet flat or sandals, make sure to always have a comfy pair of shoes handy. If comfort needs to wait until you're home, why not have a nice pair of UGG Dakota Suede moccasin style slippers ready for your toes after a warm footbath? You definitely can't go wrong when you envelop your feet in soft materials like plush fleece.

Basically, what it comes down to is staying focused on finding happiness. Think about the mood you want to be in. Coordinate your outfit. Prepare for the occasion. And don't forget to treat yourself. In fact, isn't it about time you were thinking about a new pair of shoes right now?

For many of us, shoes are a passion. We love to find them and buy them, but more than anything we want to enjoy wearing them as much as we possibly can. If you have a lifestyle that keeps you on your feet most of the day or simply love really comfortable shoes, here are four secrets for finding footwear you will never want to kick off.

1. Know your feet

   You would be surprised at how many of us try to buy shoes for someone else's feet. When you go shoe shopping, keep an eye out for shoes that not only look great but also fit the shape of your foot. For example, if you have wide feet you will typically be uncomfortable in any slim and pointed toe pump and if you have high arches you may want to stay away from narrow, pull-on shoes or any shoes that don't make much room for your arch height and shape. Whether you like your feet or not, they are the key to your overall comfort. By knowing your feet before you set out to find your next pair of perfect shoes, you will also know the right shapes and styles to keep them happy.

2. Always try them on first

   Finding shoes that really fit us sounds more obvious that it really is. Many of us actually buy the wrong size shoe because we follow the size charts blindly, ignoring the fact that each shoe brand, style and even pair, are unique. After you pick out a pair of shoes that match with your foot shape, always try them on for size and comfort. Make sure the toe box fits comfortably, that your arches get the support they need and remember not to squeeze into a size or shape that does not work in the first place. A good rule is to try shoes until you find a size and style that lends itself well to your foot's natural position and where your toes can move around a bit inside. Also, try on both shoes in a pair and always buy for the larger foot (yes, your feet may be slightly different sizes – it's normal).

3. Buy the right brands

   With so many stunning shoe labels out there, it can be difficult to know which collections to consider if you want really comfortable shoes. A good rule is to do your research, and see which are the true comfort brands out there. To most of us, Birkenstock Sandals and Juicy Couture shoes are natural summer favorites when it comes to flat and open shoes, and to many, Dansko Clogs are a real treat in our busy everyday lives. But if you really want high heels or on-trend fashion shapes in uncompromisingly comfortable designs, Thierry Rabotin is a designer who strikes the perfect balance. Comfort shoes do not come much better than this; with everything from sculpted heels to full leather lining, these stunning fashion statements will add a whole new kind of bounce to your step. Thierry Rabotin shoes are available in a variety of great looks; just imagine wearing striking snakeskin pumps or metallic leather flats that feel like the finest comfort shoes for women you have ever slipped into. There are many more great brands that make exquisitely comfortable shoes, and by doing some research you will find them.

4. Never settle

   Whatever you do when you shop for shoes, never settle for anything less than the comfort you seek. The right shoes for your kind of feet do not ever ask you or your feet to compromise on how you feel when you are on the go.

No matter what kind of lifestyle you lead, your feet deserve to feel good all day long. By knowing your feet, trying on shoes for the best fit, choosing the right brands and never settling for anything less than comfort perfection, you'll enjoy every step you take throughout your day.

The fall season is here and everyone is heading back to school. So to bring in the school year, Juicy couture has decided to release a Preppy argyle slipper detailed with a pompom that appeals to thge young crowd. The margot will be a big fab for this years shool goers.

Price: $68

It's less of a statement, but it is probably oh so very wearable, Animal print,from snake skin to leopard. Animal print has taken this fall by a storm. Tory Burch has taken the animal print to a next level displaying styles ranging from ballet flats women to hi heel womens wedges.

Tory Burch Reva


Price: $225
Comes in 24 different colors

Tory Burch Sophie


Price: $310
Colors: Black patent & Brown snake print

Bernardo Becky


Price: $159
Colors: Pewter, Bronze & Giraffe

Jeffrey campbell has come a long way with there many styles. Just arrived this morning is the Sistah & Ruffy. Both are well stylish and depict a sexy look. The First shoe, Ruffy is detailed with ruffles and has 4 ¾" heel. The Sistah is a strappy platform sandal with antique stud detailing on a 3 ¾" platform.


Price: $115

Price: $115