Philly Science Festival

Did you have fun during Tech Week?  Well, good news: you can continue the nerdy fun at the Philadelphia Science Festival, which starts today!  So many things to do… what to pick?

Kick the festival off right tonight at Astronomy Night!  What’s something universities, community centers, cemeteries, and wildlife refuges all have in common? A beautiful view of the starry night sky! Join the biggest stargazing party in the region as local astronomers at 25+ sites provide a tour of the cosmos. Grab a blanket, take a seat, and look up at the stars!

The Lo Pro by Vans is so out-of-this-world lovely, with its starry canvas of blue and purple galaxies.  (And can we appreciate the purple soles for a moment?  How perfect are those?)  Available in 17 other options (including a second galaxy option!); your choice for $55 from Zappos.

Sunday morning, head to the University City Science Center for selfies like you’ve never seen.  Use a digital microscope to examine and photograph your cheek cells, hair follicles, and even your DNA! Walk away with pictures that capture the real you after viewing yourself in a whole new way!

Look at these double helix shoes!  Hand painted with twisting strands of DNA, they’re the perfect thing to wear as you explore your genetics.  Yours from Etsy seller B Street Shoes for $159.

Later that day, head over to Fairmount Water Works to take a closer look at some of the local inhabitants of the Schuylkill River. Dig, determine, and divulge to discover how healthy your river sample is by the examining the different species. There’s no better way to conserve a river than by learning from the fish that call it home.

Hmm, I’m no scientist, but I’m thinking the fish specimen on the Fish Bone Sandal by Giuseppe Zanotti isn’t too healthy.  But boy, is it shiny!  Gleaming silver bones, head, and tail adorn this black leather sandal, which also sports a half-inch stacked heel.  Catch a pair for $950 from Bergdorf Goodman.

On Tuesday, head to the Chemical Heritage Foundation raise a glass to the alchemists, who promised that their philosopher’s stone could transmute lead into gold, heal a multitude of diseases, and provide an exceptionally long, youthful life. Explore the fascinating world of alchemy, its surprising importance in the history of science and medicine, and the way alchemy’s values are carried on by modern scientific research.  Admission includes soup and two drink tickets!

Lead into gold, indeed!  The Paisley by Charles by Charles David starts out as black suede at the four-inch heel and turns to metallic gold leather at the pointed toe.  Sleek, sophisticated, and definitely less likely than alchemy to get you hung on the Iron Gallows of Stuttgart.  Yours for $76 at Lord & Taylor.

Go and get your science on!

Sales this weekend:

Bakers: 40% off all clearance
Bloomingdales: $25 off every $100 you spend with code SHOP25
Bus Stop Boutique: Fourth Friday party tonight!
Lord & Taylor: 25% off with code FRIENDS
Macy's: 15% off with code STOCK
Payless: Buy one, get one half off
Saks: 30% off with code FRNFAM

Peter Blume @ PAFA

Looking for something interesting to see?  Head on over to PAFA for their retrospective of modernist painter Peter Blume.  Called Nature and Metamorphosis, it includes 159 works, including 56 paintings and 103 drawings.  Throughout his career, Blume crafted elaborate allegories that dramatize the growth of cities, the creative process, cultural memory, political power, and regeneration. A consistent theme in his work is metamorphosis—whether in nature, manifested in dreamlike imagery, or as a working method traced in the numerous drawings and studies he made for compositions.

And there’s some really cool stuff on display!  Take a look at this:

It’s called Tasso’s Oak.  Look at that gorgeous sky, and the beautifully painted town in the background.  Not to mention that all the people are dressed from several different time periods…I love this.

The Circle Cutout Sandal by Giuseppe Zanotti is just the perfect shade of sunset orange, and I like how the oval shapes mimic the circles of the green harness around the tree and the chalk drawing of the sun on the ground.  The vamp is made of suede and the heel is five inches tall, and a zipper up the back lets you in.  Yours for $1395 from Neiman Marcus.

This one is called The Rock:

We’ve got construction.  We’ve got ruin.  We’ve got a big, craggy rock that looks like the deserts in the southwest.  Fascinating.

I love how the craggy red shapes of the Mimoza by Bleona for Scene mimics the jagged red rock in the middle of the painting.  Plus it’s a sexy boot in its own right, with its stiletto and ankle buckle.  Also available in a blue and black combo; your choice for $67 from ShoeDazzle.

The show runs through April 5.  Go take a look!

Shoe Etymology Part II

Today, even more about the shoe names we all use, but know nothing about!

Mule

The mule’s name derives from the Latin word “mulleus” (“red high-soled shoe”) which was a type of ceremonial shoe worn by highly placed government officials in ancient Rome. Then, mules were always dark red leather, thus the name.  The mule as an indicator of status continued long after ancient Rome, and we see the word “mule” in 1560s middle French.  A laborer would derive little use out of a shoe that could so easily slip off the foot, and it certainly wasn’t a style that would protect from the elements, so that anyone who owned mules surely had the luxury of owning other pairs of shoes as well, or not having to work!

The Patent Leather Mid-Heel Mules by Giuseppe Zanotti are the sleek, modern embodiment of the ancient mulleus.  Shiny patent leather (red, of course), a slender 3.25-inch heel, a peep toe… and the open back, don’t forget!  The defining feature of the mule.  At $595 from Saks they may not be for the common man, but if you’re an aristocrat with an extra six hundred bucks lying around, I say live the dream.

D’Orsay

D’Orsay shoes, in which the side or sides of the shoe is cut very close to the sole, were named after Count Alfred d’Orsay: nineteenth-century dandy, artist, and friend of Lord Byron. The shoes were worn by men at the time, and the cut-out sides were introduced to accommodate wider feet.

The Tambra by Tevolio is a bright green satin D’Orsay.  See how the vamp disappears between the heel and the toe?  Voilà!  D’Orsay!  I love the rhinestone detail at the peep toe, all round and marquis stones—you could always use rhinestones.  (Plus: marquis stones on a shoe named for a count.  Get it?  Why is no one else laughing at my nobility joke?)  The apple green color makes this so refreshing, but it also comes in pewter, ivory, and blush; your choice for $27 from Target.

Loafer

The origin of “loafer” is a bit all over the place, but I’ll give it a shot.  The word comes from German “läufer,” meaning “runner.”  Doesn’t sound much like our current definition of loafing, does it?  But the loafer, with its easy-on-and-go design, would be a good shoe if you need to put it on and run away in a hurry—perhaps that’s why the Wildsmith Shoe Company named their new house shoe design the loafer in 1847.  But maybe after seeing how little energy it took to put it on and shuffle around the house in, we’ve got our current definition of loafer as someone who hangs around not doing much.

The Sabrina by Cole Haan definitely doesn’t look good for running, and it’s a little fancy for genuine loafing…but it’s a loafer nonetheless!  It has a purple haircalf print flannel upper, and is trimmed around the foot and at the toe with purple suede.  How perfect is this for fall?!  I’m so excited!  Also, it’s made with Nike Air technology, so you know it’ll be comfy.  Yours for $110 from The Shoe Mart.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles, the rope-soled shoes we all know and love, take their name from the Provençal word “espardilho”, which in turn comes from the Latin “spartum”, meaning a tough, wiry grass.  The grass, of course, wraps the bottom of the shoe, whether flat or wedge.  I always thought what made an espadrille was something about the ankle strap + wedge.  Little did I know!

This gorgeous shoe is Paige by Fitzwell.  It has all the raffia braids around the four-inch wedge and 1.25-inch platform that makes it an espadrille, but it also has a super-fun multicolored striped upper trimmed in faux leather.  (It even has a faux leather bow at the peep toe!  Adorable.)  Also available in navy, black, or khaki fabric, but none holds a candle to the stripes.  Find them at Zappos for $52.

The more you know!

Sales this weekend:

Aerosoles: End of season sale-- up to 70% off

Bakers: Buy any sandal plus one more shoe of your choice and get 25% off

Call it Spring: Extra half off all sale shoes and sandals

Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and sale and 25% off clearance

Macy's: Extra 15% off with promo code LUCKYU

Payless: Back to school sale, up to 40% off

Go Union!

Can you believe it’s already been five seasons that the Philadelphia Union have been playing soccer in Chester?  And they’re already become such a part of the Philly sports landscape—that didn’t take long!  So if you’re one of the Union’s fans, you already know that the season begins tomorrow with an away game against the Columbus Crew, but next Saturday is the first home game against the Montreal Impact!  Get your tickets and be ready with shoes in the club colors: blue and gold.

The Royal Marriage by Irregular Choice is the perfect marriage of blue and gold!  The upper is leather trimmed with sparkling gold around the foot, and the round toe is adorned with a rainbow of blue and gold stripes in different materials.  The 3.5-inch heel is wrapped in gold metal too!  Yours for $102 from Heels.com.

Ooh, preeeeeeeeeetty.  The Delite Me by Luichiny has a sizeable shiny gold wedge (5.25 inches at the heel, and 1.5 inches under the toe) wrapped in faux suede laser-cut roses.  This will be just too perfect for summer, so grab a pair from Overstock for $75.

In case you’re going to one of their Wednesday games straight from work:

Perfect for work, and blue and gold for the game!  The Sonar Heels are faux suede trimmed in gold around the bottom of the foot, and decked out with bold gold chain across the toe.  It says, “It’s okay—I’ve got this.”  And you can get them for $72 from ASOS.

And finally, in homage to the stars on the Union logo:

The Star Stiletto Sandal by Giuseppe Zanotti is so shiny and beautiful!  You’d be the belle of PPL Park in these gorgeous things.  The upper is blue leather bedecked with almost a dozen golden stars, and a zipper up the back lets you in.  Yours for $1727 from Farfetch.

Go Union!  “I’m looking over a four-leaf clover…”

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: 20% off Stitch-N-Turn styles
Bakers: 20% off flats and sandals
Bloomingdales: $25 off a purchase of $100-$250; $50 off $250-$500; $100 off $500-$1000; $250 off $1000+
Lord & Taylor: Save 20% on regular and sale with code SALE or savings pass
Macy's: 25% off two or more pairs of shoes (regular, sale, or clearance!) with code SHOES
Nine West: Friends and Family sale-- 30% off your entire purchase
Payless: 30% off all comfort styles

Dîner en Blanc

This Thursday is one of the hottest dinners in the city—Dîner en Blanc.  Thousands of people dressed in white, carrying white chairs, tables, and picnic baskets, all assemble at a secret location for the dinner of a lifetime. 

Of course, white shoes are required (and glamorous ones to boot).  Here are some that fit the bill, if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket!

Aah, rhinestones!  The Glittering is a satin pump with a pointed toe and a 4.5-inch heel, but the heel is covered in rhinestones!  Round ones of varying sizes.  Also available in blue, pink, or black; your choice for $89 from Nine West.

The Roseanne by Lauren Ralph Lauren is a sleek leather wedge, with a swooping 3.5-inch heel, cork trim, and T-strap with silver buckle.  Also available in black, dark brown, pink, blue, lime, and yellow—all so summery!  Find them at Amazon for $49.

Okay, I’m not sure if the I37120 by Giuseppe Zanotti is technically allowed because of the black, but they were too cool not to include!  The chunky gold chain, the gold at the peep toe, the way the 4.5-inch heel is attached to the body… awesome.  Yours for $1295 from Zappos.

Or just a classic flat:

The Chelsea by Lower East Side is a simple, round toe flat.  You’ll need the white for Dîner en Blanc, of course, but it’s also available in turquoise or pink eyelet; silver, gold, or black glitter; or black, tan, or merlot patent leather.  Some very nice choices!  Find them at Payless for $18.

Whatever you wear, you’ll have a fabulous time!

Father's Day

A little girl needs Daddy

For many, many things:

Like holding her high off the ground

Where the sunlight sings!

The Trench-89 by Qupid is sunshine in shoe form, all right!  This faux-suede Mary Jane has a 4.25-inch heel and one-inch hidden platform, and a feminine lace bow on the strap.  Also available in a lovely pink; your choice for $40 from DSW.

Like being the deep music

That tells her all is right

When she awakens frantic with

The terrors of the night.

No terrors here!  The Star Flat Thong Sandal by Giuseppe Zanotti is simple and elegant and beautiful—just three black leather straps and a faceted gold star sitting pretty front and center.  The sole and footbed are mirrored leather, too!  Yours for $625 from Neiman Marcus.

Like being the great mountain

That rises in her heart

And shows her how she might get home

When all else falls apart.

This pair of hand-painted TOMS has purple mountains majesty, a sunny day, a field of flowers, and a little red car off on an adventure!  The chorus of the song "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line is on the sides too.  Find them from Etsy seller Purple Lizard Studio for $104.

Like giving her the love

That is her sea and air,

So diving deep or soaring high

She'll always find him there.

The Crystal Winged Heart Boot by Roper is a faux leather cowgirl boot that gives off the impression of “soaring love” with the winged, studded heart on the front and the back!  And those studs are crystals, too.  It has a two-inch heel, 13-inch shaft, 14.5-inch circumference, and can be yours for $71 from 6pm.

Poem’s author is unknown, but it sums it up—love you, Dad!  Happy Father’s Day.

Sales this weekend:
Bakers: 20% off two items; 30% off three items
Lord & Taylor: Save 20% with promo code SUMMER
Macy's: 15% off one pair, 20% off two pairs, and 30% off three or more pairs
Nine West: Buy two pairs, get 20% off
Payless: Up to half off all sandals
Saks: Save up to 30% on designer shoes
Steve Madden: Free shipping on $75 with code SMFREESHIP

The Magic Flute

Among the many things I love (the Olympics, Valentine’s Day, and, er, this whole list here), I also love opera, and tonight is opening night for Opera Philadelphia’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute!  The Magic Flute invites us into a land of enchantment, full of queens and princesses, evil sorcerers, heroic princes, mythical creatures, and unpredictable, epic adventures. 

Needless to say, the costumes are fantastic.  There’s a giraffe:

Please also add giraffes to the list of things I love.  I love giraffes.  I also love the Chuck Taylor Sequins Ox Sneaker by Converse: it’s got giraffe, of course, but it’s also covered in clear sequins so it’ll sparkle in the light!  Yours for $90 from Nordstrom.

A dragon:

The Leland by Michael Antonio has dragon written all over it: scales, spikes… even the red is evocative of a dragon breathing fire, isn’t it?  It has a five-inch heel (and a hidden platform so it doesn’t feel quite that tall), and is also available in a cool blue.  Your choice for $40 from 6pm.

The Queen of the Night:

Fit for a queen indeed!  The Suede Wedge Pump by Giuseppe Zanotti is so much more than just a suede wedge: it’s covered in multicolored rhinestone stars!  Blue, purple, orange, green… a galaxy of sparkle and color.  (Stars are WAY more than just white, people!)  It has a peep toe, 4.5-inch wedge and half-inch platform, and ankle strap, and can be found at DSW for $800.

And a man covered by the feathers of exotic birds:

The bright blue of the Adore by David Tutera makes me so happy!  (Though it’s also available in a pale pink, if the blue is too much for you.)  It has a beautiful satin upper, ankle strap (with touch of tan at the buckle there), five-inch heel, one-inch platform… and of course the feathers across the peep toe!  They just feel like spring, and they can be yours for $145 from Zappos.

If you’ve never been to an opera, why not give The Magic Flute a try?  Performances run through next weekend, so treat yourself to an evening of spectacle and spectacular music.  Who knows?  You may love opera too!

Don't forget!  Philly Shoe Fairy's second birthday party is next weekend!  The DSW in King of Prussia is opening early just for us.  Raffles, food, fun... and SHOES!  It'll be fabulous.

Sales this weekend:
Lord & Taylor: Friends and family sale: 25% off with promo code FRIENDS
Macy's: 15% off one pair, 20% off two, 30% off three or more with promo code GREAT
Payless: Buy one, get one half off

Oscar Night

The glamour, the jewels, the hair, the makeup… must be time for the Oscars!  Film’s biggest night is this Sunday, and you can be sure the starlets will be decked out to the nines.  (Maybe even the tens.)  Drool alert.  And even if you can’t see them under the sweeping hemlines, you know every woman is in an extraordinary pair of shoes.  Maybe something like these pairs of couture beauties I give you today!

The Cassiane by B Brian Atwood is a cascade of loveliness: gold metallic snake at the toe and up around the ankle, delicate gold chains down the front of the foot, a five-inch heel and a one-inch contrast platform.  A zipper up the back lets you in; find them at Shopbop for $425.

Oh god, they’re like Fabergé eggs you can wear on your feet!  The Jeweled Ankle-Wrap Platform Sandals by Rene Caovilla are blue suede sandals (trimmed with gold leather on the one-inch platform) with an elaborately jeweled crisscross up the front of the foot: blue and orange and green and red and purple, all in gold.  It also has a five-inch heel, but check out the sole—covered in silver glitter; Caovilla’s trademark.  Pick up a pair for $1365 at Neiman Marcus.

The Leaf-Embellished Wedge Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti are so sculptural, with the gold leaves floating up the front on straps of black patent leather.  (And see those two buckles at the ankles?  Love!)  The body of the shoe is black suede, and while it is one of those heel-less heels, it looks more like a wedge (a 5.25-inch wedge, with a one-inch platform).  Yours for $1695 from Saks. 

The W12A313292-24 by Dsquared2 is too amazing for words: a body covered in silver glitter, a pointed toe, a 4.25-inch heel, and a chain of rhinestones from a handful of rhinestone flowers on the toe across the foot and up the outside.  To.  Die.  For.  Yours for $718 from Zappos Couture.

So grab some popcorn and settle in for a night of beautiful fashion—head to toe!

Sales this weekend:

Bakers: 40% off full price items, plus an extra 20% off sale items
Lord & Taylor: 20% off regular and sale and 25% off clearance with code FEB
Nordstrom: Shoe clearance-- save 33% or more

Titanic at the Franklin

Boy, it’s been cold around here lately!  You know where else it was really cold?  In the north Atlantic, just shy of 101 years ago, when the luxury ship RMS Titanic hit an iceberg and sank.  (Actually, that sounds way colder.)  Some of the objects that went down with the ship have surfaced at the Franklin Institute in their new special exhibit, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. 

While I don’t think any shoes survived to make it on display, I give you some modern interpretations of women’s shoes found in this 1913 ad—likely styles wealthy women wore on the Titanic!  (Why wealthy women?  Those $10 shoes in the ad equal a $232 pair of shoes today.  I tried to keep the prices of these pairs similar, ‘cuz I am a NERD.)

Inspired by the purple and gold brocade slipper, the Goodie by Badgley Mischka is a purple satin peep-toe with a 4.25-inch heel, three-quarter-inch platform, and oval rhinestone feature reminiscent of the slipper’s rhinestone buckle.  Also available in navy and crimson; your choice for $245 from Shoes.com. 

Inspired by the two-tone walking boot, the Amelia by Miz Mooz is a tall black boot (with a 15.25-inch shaft) buttoned up the side Victorian-style with eleven buttons.  (There’s a zipper up the other side, of course, so you don’t have to deal with all the buttons.  The ladies in the ad didn’t want to deal with “the inconvenience of side buttons” then; you don’t have to deal with them now either.)  It has a 2.75-inch stacked Louis heel and is also available in burgundy, dark brown, olive, and camel.  Your choice for $170 at Infinity Shoes.

Inspired by the satin dancing slipper, I give you the E30130 by Giuseppe Zanotti.  The upper is purple suede delicately arranged in half-moons, held together by purple lacing.  There’s a zipper up the back to let you in, and a four-inch heel and half-inch platform complete the look.  Find them at Zappos Couture for $1,150.

Inspired by the Russia riding boot, the Calabria by Mercanti Fiorentini has a beautiful chocolate leather upper with perforated detailing around the toe and ankle, a 15-inch shaft (with a 13.5-inch circumference) lined in leather, and a one-inch block heel.  Yours for $300 from DSW.

Hey, if you’re going to go down, go down in style, right?  J

Check out the exhibit at the Franklin between now and April 7.  Daytime tickets are $29 for adults, but if you go Thursday through Saturday after 5:00 PM they’re only $19.50.  Sweet!

High "Heels"

So I remember when those heel-less high heels started popping up on runways.  “What the...?!?!” was my general reaction.  They were the weirdest things I’d ever seen.  No stilettos?  No wedges?  Just... space?  It’ll never take, I thought.

Ah, world; you have proven me wrong.

Heelless heels are popping up all over the place!  They’re not quite the completely-tipped-forward ones you see on the runway, but they still don’t have any heels to speak of so they count.  Let’s start nice and easy with a neutral:

The Bennett by Aldo is a bone patent leather number with a round toe, 1.75-inch platform, and 6.5-inch...heel?  (Can we really call it that?)  Also available in black; yours from Nordstrom for $120.

The Cover Up by Chinese Laundry is a black suede and patent leather combo, with sheer panels running up the front of the foot—very sleek indeed.  It balances you on a 1.75-inch platform under its peep toe, raising you 5.75-inches in the air overall.  Find them on Amazon for between $79 and $109 depending on your size.

The Gimmick sure brings the fun for party season, doesn’t it?  A mosaic of blue, purple, black, and silver rhinestones cover the 1.5-inch platform and six-inch rise, and the rest is black suede.  A zipper up the back and ankle strap keep you in!  Yours for $130 from Steve Madden.

The Great Lee is a green (or orange, or yellow, or red, or black) suede pump-type thing with a round toe, 1.5-inch platform, five-inch heel, and dainty strap around the ankle.  Your choice of colors at Bakers for $70 (online only!).

Now while I generally am distracted by the oddness of this trend, I do get a bit of a shoegasm every time I see these:

Ah, Giuseppe Zanotti!  Why do you torment me with the I27034?  Its black suede body is studded with sparkling Swarovskis, has a peep toe on a two-inch platform, and raises you on a 6.5-inch “heel.”  I’m really digging up the black stripe up the back too.  If you’re a 7 or an 8 you’re in luck—Zappos has a pair for you!  The bad news is that they’ll run you $2,300.

This trend is for those with bravery and good balance!  If that sounds like you, why not give it a go?

Halloween (Part II)

Alright—now for the really fun Halloween shoes! Not quite as practical as Tuesday’s (can’t wear these to work!), but oh-so-awesome. For instance, these glow in the dark.

 
Don’t believe me?

 
I know! These beauties have awesome laces up the front (but a zipper up the side too), four-inch heels, 14-inch shafts—and hey, they’re vegan friendly! Find them at Plasticland for $78.

How about a classic: witch shoes! So evocative of every picture you’ve ever seen of a witch’s shoes, but still so sophisticated. And a three-inch heel—this witch has style! Available in whole sizes from 6-12, and you can pick up your pair from Party City (online only!) for $25.

Something I’ve always wanted to be for Halloween: a gangster moll. Classic styling, with heels that look like... brass knuckles? Outrageous! What a cool silhouette. Pick up a pair for $46 from Nightmare Factory.

Now let’s get a little more dancey. Can-can, anyone?

  They’re actually called “burlesque shoes,” but I have can-can music running through my head when I see these! (Da, da da da da, da da, da da da da, da da, da da da da da, DA da da da da da da.....) There are six red satin bows up the side (a zipper up the other side to help you get them on) and a three-inch heel. Yours for $57 from BuyCostumes.

Or perhaps a modern devil: Oh, they just make you feel wicked, don’t they? The Spiky Crystal-Studded Sandal by Giuseppe Zanotti is black satin and crystal studs on the outside, purple on the inside, and has a zipper up the back. Lucky you, if you’re a 6—you’re the only size left! Find them at Farfetch.com for $635.

Whatever you’re being for Halloween, have an awesome one!

Sales this weekend: 
Aerosoles: Up to 35% off all boots
Aldo: Free shipping on orders over $75
Bakers: All pumps and heels on sale (up to 50% off)
Bus Stop Boutique: Faces of Philly party tonight, 5:30-8:30!
Macy’s: Save 15% off and free shipping on orders over $99 with code PARTY
Nine West: 30% off all tall boots
Payless: BOGO!
Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and sale items using promo code SAVE
Bloomingdales: Fall Women’s Shoe Sale: 25-30% off

Red Hot Philadelphia Summer

According to this article, Philly gals can’t get enough of OPI’s Malaga Wine on their nails this summer. If you’re one of the ladies walking around with these raspberry-crimson toes, let’s get you some shoes that best show them off! I love the idea of strong crimson toes peeking through this frilly, nude wedge—ladylike and seductive at the same time; all the color focus is on the toes but there’s still so much going on subtly. The Sandy Wedge by Two Lips has a five-inch cork wedge, a 1.25-inch platform, and a synthetic upper and sole. Also in black; find them at DSW for $50.

I love red and teal:

Bam! The Bridgit has a teal microsuede upper (or pink, or natural, or black) with a slingback, and a 3.75-inch wedge and a 5/8-inch platform wrapped in rope. Find them at Bakers, on sale for $20!

Nothing looks richer than red and gold:

  The Ivalee by Isola have a leather upper in gold, black, or ivory, a sleek T-strap, a four-inch heel and a half-inch platform, and a leather insole with a cushioned toe. They even have studs around the heel, since the spikes post was such a big hit. Warning: runs narrow! Pick up a pair at Macy’s for just under $170.

Red and white: so bright and cool!

The Hooped Caged-In Flat is a classic gladiator sandal with silver studs and chain detail, and a zipper going up the back for easy entry. Also available in black or tan. Pick up a pair from Bare Feet Shoes for $25.

And the grand finale, if you’re an 8.5:

The I00092 by Giuseppe Zanotti are so beautiful: sleek ankle and toe straps, red jewels all around the heel, leather lining and sole, and a four-inch heel. Get these Italian beauties from Zappos Couture for $850.

Sales this weekend: 
Aerosoles: 10% off everything $34.99 and below—no coupon needed!
Bakers: 25% off Blowfish
Payless: BOGO! Now through September 6
Steve Madden: 25% off $75 using code SAVE25; 30% off $125 using code SAVE30
Neiman Marcus: Exclusive Roxanne Assoulin cuff with $350 purchase of regular-priced women’s clothes and accessories using code TRENDNM