I’m loving two current trends: brightly-colored heels (think demure, ladylike peep toes or pumps in orange, yellow or lime green patent leather) and crazy booties and sandals with sky-high heels or creative cutouts. I love a good pop of color on the foot, and I admire an out-there heel…but I don’t know if I’m ballsy enough to combine the two trends.

Lately, I’ve been seen lots of fuchsia and purple-colored confections show up on my Watchlist, so obviously someone out there is loving the combo. But are they actually wearing them? I want to hear from you fashion-forward ladies….would you sport these stunners? And if so, what are you pairing them with?

Well eco fashionistas of the world, it’s true-eco-friendly high heels are still few and far between. Greenloop has pulled together the most gorgeous high heels for Spring…we wish there could be more, but I guess we’ll have to wait for Spring ‘09 for the green wave to take over the women’s shoe industry.

These gorgeous FSC-certified walnut wedges from Mohop are a must for Spring. Annie Mohaupt’s unique design allows you to create totally different looks depending on the way you tie the ribbons. Each handmade pair of platforms comes with 5 sets of ribbons, which allows you to have casual, office, and evening looks all from one pair of shoes. The recycled rubber bottoms makes walking in the platforms much more comfortable and you won’t have to complain about not having shoes to match your outfit this sandal season! Get the whole scoop »

College is rough on the budget. As a general rule, I don’t like to spend more than $100 on any one item of clothing (unless it is a very special coat or dress), and for all practical purposes, if I want to eat, I really shouldn’t spend more than that.

That makes buying accessories difficult. I always want the latest “It” bag or shoes (who doesn’t?), but I absolutely do not have the budget to buy them. I find interesting ways to compensate, though, namely what I like to call “designer-inspired goods”.

Designer-inspired has a much better ring to it than the more common “knock-off,” and really, they’re nearly as fun as the real thing. As long as they come from reputable sources…NOT street vendors. You can rest more easily knowing that your designer-inspired look came from Steve Madden, not a street vendor in Mexico selling goods stolen from unsuspecting tourists.

Want a piece of the action? Check out the following:

These YSL tribute pumps are actually being sold from Bluefly, which makes them marginally less expensive than buying straight from the source. But, sadly, marginally less expensive still means you’ll need to pay $528. Sigh.

BUT: do not despair that you cannot own one of the most sought-after shoes of the past year or two or three. because you can own something inspired.

Starting from the left, these Steve Madden Laveda’s are a pretty good inspired look. I love the sexy stiletto heel. The Xhilaration Sveta pumps from Target are only $19.99 and come in four different colors. I liked the red and brown, but not the black: it looked a little cheaper than the other shades. BCBG is one of my favorite designers, and their BCBGirls line is less expensive and much more accessible. These white and black platforms also come in a sexy, vampy red. My favorite pair of YSL-inspired pumps are Nine West’s electric blue version. Steve Madden also makes a pair of pumps called the Reede, and this version has a more classic styling/vintage feel than the Laveda’s. But, the most true-to-Tribute pair you can buy? Jessica Simpson’s Miami Maryjanes. They are nearly an exact “inspired” match for the YSL Tributes…and such a great deal, too, at $50.

Get the whole scoop »

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away, meaning that all the lucky women in the world with a date for that night are now out shopping, concerned with putting together the perfect date outfit. (And single gals like me wouldn’t mind going shopping for something new, either!) The ensemble: top & bottom (or make it simpler for yourself and opt for a dress!), bag, and, of course, shoes.

While it’s a little typical for the holiday, the color red is extremely appropriate — it’s attention-getting, powerful, and passionate. And red shoes are just the thing to channel your inner “smoldering temptress”, as Satine says in Moulin Rouge. Here are just a few I’ve found:

This strappy, suede and patent leather pair of evening shoes just screams vixen. They’re definitely not for the faint of heart!

If you’re vertically-challenged like me (or even if you’re not!), wear these glossy peep-toe platform heels. The platform is actually metallic — something different to catch the light while you’re strutting around!

Want a more classic option? Try these peep-toe pumps, both in faux suede and faux patent leather. ($14.99 and $24.99, respectively — not bad!)

And, of course, my favorite kind of shoe: the classic and versatile pointy-toed heel.

I hope all you StyleFeeders have the perfect Valentine’s Day you’ve always dreamed of! Stay safe, stay comfortable (by carrying a pair of spare ballet flats…or by asking for a foot massage!), and most importantly, have fun!