Archive for the 'Style Inspiration' Category

Hey Shoe Fans!  I think it is safe to say that awards season is in full swing.  With the Critics Choice Awards & Golden Globes a few weeks ago and then the SAG Awards this past weekend, our favorite movies of the year are raking in the statues by the truckload.  I’ve taken some time to choose a few Award Winning Movie Inspired Shoes that I think you will like.

First up is one of my personal favorite movies of the year, Black Swan.  Natalie Portman has swept all 3 major awards shows in the favorite actress category thus far and is favored to take home the Academy Award for her portrayal of the neurotic Ballerina, Nina Sayers.

Courtesy:  NYDailyNews.com

If you can’t get enough of her demented dancer look, I suggest you try these:

Black Tulle Platform Fifi Sandals from Steve Madden

There is no denying the impact that www.Facebook.com has on our daily lives.  I will even post a link to this blog on Facebook when it is finished (like I always do).  And of course this year’s movie about Facebook was a monster hit with fans and nominating committees alike.  The Social Network tells the story of its inception.

Courtesy:  Poptower.com

Facebook is known for its simple, classic, blue logo.  If you are searching for the same thing in your footwear, take a look at these:

Navy Suede Embellished Platform Pumps from Paris Hilton

I have to admit when I first saw previews of The Fighter, I thought it would be a typical guy-sports movie that I wouldn’t really care for.  I am so glad that my best male friend convinced me to see it with him selling me on the fact that I could stare at Mark Wahlberg shirtless for the better part of two hours.  I am happy to say that I had this film pegged all wrong and I enjoyed watching the plot unfold (as well as the muscles) very much.

Courtesy:  EW.com

If you want to Knock-Out the fashion competition with some boxing glove footwear, lace up these:

Distressed Grey Side Saddle Booties from Not Rated

One film that is still on my list to watch before the Oscars roll around is The King’s Speech.  Colin Firth‘s performance as King George VI has earned him Best Leading Actor accolades in the first 3 major award shows of the season so of course he is a favorite to take home the Academy Award as well.

Courtesy:  LATimes.com

If you are searching for footwear that is worthy of the Royal Family a la 1939, you must take a look at these:

Lacey Chestnut Black Mapple Pumps from Pour La Victoire

The re-make of classic cowboy/western True Grit has brought this genre back to life.  Breakout star Hailee Steinfeld is fierce in this film as she tries to avenge her father’s death.  I predict a bright future ahead for this shining new star.

Courtesy:  PopTower.com

If you need a rugged boot that is still sleek and fashionable, you have to get your hands on these:

Leather Charcoal 15R Harness Boots from Frye

Hi there Shoe Fans!  Let’s dive into my last 3 dance shoe styles.  These are guaranteed to give you “Happy Feet.”

I know a lot of people say that Disco is dead.  Even though the music can be kinda corny the Dance style is still funky fresh.  Who wouldn’t want to do “The Hustle” in these?

Silver Very Fine Latin/Rhythm Signature Series 2804 Ballroom Shoes

Keep your Saturday Night Fever Strut going strong on the sidewalk in these

Pewter Platform Swaggaa Shoes from Eight2Six

Hip-Hop is not only the youngest but the fastest evolving dance form created in the USA.  When compared to other classical forms that have been around for hundreds of years, this urban street dance style has sky-rocketed to popularity.  I dare you not to Pop n’ Lock with these on your feet.

Metallic Purple Fierce Boots with Buckle from Punkrose

Get totally Crunk and Buck in these

Black Faux Suede Single D Slouch Boots with Buckle from Not Rated

If you like a dance style that is a perfect mixture of timeless elegance and sultry fun then the Foxtrot is for you.  With a 4/4 time signature and close Tango body positions, this up-beat classical ballroom style is a marriage of both worlds.  Why not take a spin on the dance floor in these?

Black X-Strap Capezio Vivian

Translate this look into everyday wear with

Black Satin Star Heel from Luichiny

Hey Shoe Fans!   I’ve got three more dance inspired shoes styles for you on this lovely Tuesday.  Let’s check them out!

Broadway and Musical Theater numbers hold a special place in my heart.  Hearing a classic tune to an old movie or stage production can magically transport you back to a memorable place and time.  Take a look at this shoe that is used in the most recent Broadway production of 42nd Street.

Leather T-Strap 2-Toned Capezio Lido

You are sure to be a Star of the Great White Way in these.

Gold Leather T-Strap Zyla Pumps with Double Buckle from Modern Vintage

The Cha-Cha-Cha style of Latin Ballroom dance is easily the most fun and pretty easy to learn in my opinion.  With a 4/4 time signature and syncopated rhythms it is also very recognizable.  The perfect amount of flirty-ness and flair are hard to deny while cutting a rug in these.

Metallic 3″ Capezio Latina

There is no doubt that these will also keep you on your toes.

Silver Strappy Sicily Sandals from Hale Bob

Coming in at a very close 2nd, of my favorite style of dance to perform, is Jazz.  Whether it is character driven or super stylized, there is such a wide range of Jazzy interpretations under this genre umbrella that are too much fun.  This sleek and sexy Jazz shoe is perfect for any cool cat.

Black Leather “E” Series Capezio Jazz Oxford

I dare you not to have “Jazz Hands” when you feast your eyes on these

Black Leather Wing-Tip Tuxxedo Flats from Steve Madden

Hi Shoe Fans!  Are you ready for some more dance inspired shoe fashion?  Let’s take a look at three more examples.

The Waltz is one of the most recognizable Classical Ballroom styles.  With it’s sweeping movements, closed hold position, and easy to count 3/4 time signature it is the epitome of elegance.  Like other Classical Ballroom styles, most dancers wear closed toe pump shoes like these.

White Satin Very Fine Shoes Standard/Smooth- Competitive Dancer CD5027M

Keep the Spring in your step outside the dance studio in these.

Black Satin Closed Toe Carlo Heel Pumps from Badgley Mischka

One of my new favorite Sunday night shows is “Boardwalk Empire.”  Watching all of the gorgeous flapper fashions from the 1920′s makes me wanna do the Charleston.  If you get the urge to bust a vintage dance move a’la the Roaring 20′s I recommend these.

Black Leather Very Fine Shoes Standard/Smooth- C Series C6819

Keep your Speakeasy Spirit going strong today with these.

Wine Patent Leather T-Strap Glaze Maryjane Heels from Me Too

There is no denying that the sexy Latin Ballroom dances are a great way to burn calories.  The passionate fire of the Salsa is so entertaining to watch and even more fun to actually do.  If this sounds like your idea of a good time, you will need some dance shoes like these.

Black Leather Capezio Sofia 2.5 (BR 24)

Keep that Salsa Sizzle in your everyday look with these.

Black Satin Strappy Willy Heels from Chinese Laundry

Hey Shoe Fans!  One of my favorite shows on TV these days is “So You Think You Can Dance.”  One trivia fact that you may not know about me is that I’ve spent my entire life dancing and even majored in Dance while I was in college.  So you can obviously see why this show is appealing to me.   And even though it is not currently airing, I am reliving all my favorite moments from this past season with clips from the Internet.  This particular routine featuring Billy and Lauren from this past season combines two loves of my life;  Dance and Shoes!

Since starting work here at Heels.com I’ve noticed how much Dance shoes influence some footwear fashions and how some Dance shoes are getting a lot more stylish.  In this series of blogs I show you exactly how similar they are.  Here are my first 3 examples.

First up we are gonna start with my favorite kind of dance;  let’s take a look at some Tap Shoes.  Way back when I was in High School, I did a Tap routine to “Puttin’ On The Ritz” and we wore shoes just like these.

Beige Leather T-Strap Capezio Chorus

Sporting a flesh-tone shoe accentuates and elongates your leg line.  No wonder we won a “Radio City Rockette” judges award for that number!  If you want to translate this style into an every day look try these.

Taupe Leather T-Strap Hill Top Pumps from Kenneth Cole NY

Next up is a style of dance that I honestly don’t know a ton about but I love to watch.  Lacey Schwimmer hypnotized me with her West Coast Swing Dance moves on Season 3 of “So You Think You Can Dance.”  She is now one of the ballroom experts on “Dancing with the Stars.”  One thing that I have noticed is that when dancing in this style, you need a lower heel shoe like these.

Leather Open-Toe Capezio Eva with Suede Sole

If you like this style, you can keep on swinging off the dance floor in these.

Black Patent Leather Open-Toe Rizzo Pumps from Oh … Deer!

When a trendy shoe style is straight up called a “Ballet Flat” it is pretty obvious where the inspiration is coming from. Being one of the oldest traditional dance forms with a rich and colorful history that reaches all corners of the globe doesn’t hurt either.  Ballet is easily the most recognized and universal dance style that is present today.  There is no mistaking what shoes like this are for.

Black Leather Capezio Long Sole Ballet Flat

Other than the obvious comfort factor, Ballet Flats come in every color imaginable for unbeatable versatility like these.

Pewter Calypso Ballet Flats with Contrast Toe from Sam Edelman

The last Trend on my hot-list for this Fall is Zippers.  Not only are these embellishments functional, but they are fun and flashy too!  Zippers can spice up any dull ensemble with the greatest of ease.

I love this Thrill Seeker Jacket from ModCloth.com for only $59.99.  Not only is it cute and funky but the cut has a professional edge that you could totally sport at the office.

Thrill Seeker Jacket from ModCloth.com

If you are craving some sweet Zipper action for your feet, take a look at these

Pewter Leather D’Orsay Zapato Heels from Carlos by Carlos Santana

If you need your Zipper footwear in a more professional style, check out this

(Another Heel view for maximum impact)

Two-Toned Brown Leather Peep Toe Ellep Pump from Jessica Simpson

Are you looking for a close toed Boot with Zippers?  Look no further than these

Grey Leather Square Heeled Whitney Boots from DV by Dolce Vita

Without a doubt the sexiest Fall Trend on my list is the Corset look.  I know you may be thinking that this style belongs in the bedroom, but with casual fabrics these pieces won’t make you look like a porn star.

For instance, I came across this fabulous Denim Corset at Charlotte Russe for only $24.  This could match almost anything in my closet!

Denim Corset from Charlotte Russe

If you want some Corset inspiration in you footwear, you have to consider these

Black Leather Lace Up Darek Heels with Silver Grommets from L.A.M.B.

If you wanna add some Metallic sheen to accent your Corset Heels, take a look at these

Bronze Open Toe Carly Heel Booties from DV by Dolce Vita

If you need your Corset style in a Pump, look no further (Heel view shown for maximum impact)

Natural Apache Leather Nellia Pumps with Red Suede Detail from Jessica Simpson

One hot trend that has been gaining momentum through the warmer weather months is  the Cutout look.  I don’t see this style disappearing anytime soon even as the thermometer drops.  I think it will transition well into more accent pieces so you don’t lose too much body heat.

I found this Tribal Print Lattice Dress at Forever 21 for only $18.90.  Throw it on with a vintage leather jacket and some leggings for a versatile cool weather look.

Tribal Print Lattice Dress from Forever 21

You can transition into Fall with ease in Cutouts like this

Pewter Peep Toe Curiosity Sandals from Carlos by Carlos Santana

If you want to show a little more skin and a little less shoe, check out the Cutouts on this look

Sand Leather Stiletto Quiana Sandals with Ankle Strap from L.A.M.B.

This edgy style has cute Cutouts at the arch;  feast your eyes on this style

Black Leather Open Toe Huntley Booties from Steven by Steve Madden

The next essential style element for your Fall wardrobe is anything with Buckles.  Adding Buckles to any boring staple from your closet brings the perfect opportunity to accessorize with metallic hardware touches.

You can find this adorable & chunky Daytrip Woven Belt for only $29.95 at where else … Buckle of course!

Daytrip Woven Belt from Buckle

If you want some serious Buckle action on your feet, try these

Grey & White Leather Platform Denise Sandals with Triple Buckles from L.A.M.B.

If you need some Booties with Buckles, take a look at these

Black Closed Toe Admit Ankle Boots with Buckle Straps from Carlos by Carlos Santana

Do you need some animal print served up along side your Buckles?  If so, you must get your hands on these

Pony-Hair Leopard Print Peep Toe In The Park Pumps with Buckle and Studs from Naughty Monkey

Even though August is only half-way over and it is still hot and humid outside, the gang here at Heels.com is already lusting for Fall temperatures and fashion.  In this series of blog posts, I’ll highlight some of my most anticipated trends for the Autumn season that can carry you into the colder weather months.

First up on my gotta-have-it list is anything embellished with Studs.  You can grab this cute little Tripp Studded Mini Skirt at Hot Topic for only $26.00.

Tripp Studded Mini Skirt from Hot Topic

If you want this look to translate to you feet, take a look at these

Black Leather Dakota Sandals with Pryamid Studded Straps and Red Heel from L.A.M.B.

Or try some Golden Studs with these

White Bling Heels with a Pink Bottom from Paris Hilton

Or Rock some Heel Studs with these

Grey Faux-Suede Platform Stiletto Fantastic Boots from Luichiny

For all of our blog followers, you may recall the post about shoe sizes being on the rise. I dabbled a little in where to get larger sizes, but I thought it best to give the whole scoop!

It’s true! Pretty shoes do come in big packages. A size 12 shoe box!

Barefoot Tess is an internet-based site that offers some of your favorite brands in the sizes you crave. Ranging from sizes 10 to 15, women can now enjoy the same fashionable shoes of the average woman. The site carries flip-flops to boots with bridal shoes and rain boots in between. Some of their better know brands are Corso Como, Boutique 9, Dolce Vita, Poetic Lisence and Steve Madden. Barefoot Tess has thought of everything. They even carry vegan styles for all of you activists out there.

Here are a few of the styles I just had to show you…

Chie Mihara ‘Miosen’ in Brown

 Butter ‘Gardenia’ in Violet

Madeline ‘Vitality’ in Fuschia

 Poetic Lisence ‘Ideals’ in Black/turquoise

Corso Como ‘San Jose’ in Black Multi

Faryl Robin ‘Madison’ in Black

I wanted to show you many more, but you’ll just have to check out the website! You really should. I was impressed and I’m sure you will be too. There are too many options for you NOT to find something.

Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day with a backyard bbq, lakeside on a blanket or with glamorous yacht party, it never hurts to show a little patriotism with your foot wear. Luckily – red, white and blue are great colors to show off during these hot Summer months. Here are some of my favorite American flag-inspired styles. Happy 4th of July everyone!

Oh…Deer! Pout Wedge

Guess Chief

Harajuku Lovers Karl