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

Last week the one and only Report Signature paid us a visit to showcase some of their upcoming styles for the Spring and Summer 2011 season and we were simply delighted with the selection. Report Signature brings us their same vampy style but this time adding a more feminine flair. These pumps are glam and pack a major punch with sky high stilettos and double hidden platforms. Our favorite pumps include these glossy nude/black styles along with the lacy and sparkle versions below. Happy Heel Hunting!

Ok, all you procrastinators;  You have less than a week until Halloween so you might be scrambling right about now.  Don’t worry because I have three more last minute ideas that are easy to pull off.  I also want to take this opportunity to remind you that costumes everywhere get marked down to half off on November 1st so save yourself some hassle and stock up for next year!

First up is another ole stand-by:  The Devil.  This costume has been re-worked about a million different ways so you have plenty of styles to choose from.  I like this one that looks like fire and flames.

Courtesy:  partypants.co.uk

Complete this evil look with these

Red Patent Leather and Plaid Punkalicious Pumps with Studds from Naughty Monkey

Lots of people can agree that Halloween is an excuse for any girl to dress a little slutty.  Why not dress up as the most lovable Street Walker we know?  I’m talking about Pretty Woman, of course.

Courtesy:  fancy-dress-costumes.jn22.com

Work that corner with style in these

Black Patent Slouchy Hide and Seek Over The Knee Boots from Dereon

The last costume on my list is one of my favorites.  I have always wanted to be a Mermaid ever since that Disney movie was released way back in 1989.

Courtesy:  costumecraze.com

Get some Flashy Flipper Feet with these

Pewter Multi Snake-Skin Palane Stilettos from Guess

Ok Shoe Folks, we are closing in on the final weeks before Halloween.  Costumes should be coming together real soon if not completed already.  Did you get one of those bagged ones from the generic “Halloween Store” in the mall? or did you rent yours from a costume house? or did you piece yours together at a vintage store?  No matter the construction, the correct footwear is essential.  Lets take a peep at three more costumes.

The Queen of Hearts is another character from the wildly popular Alice in Wonderland film from this year.  In the movie Helena Bonham Carter had a CGI larger-than-life head that added to twisted plot style of this Tim Burton interpretation.  If you want to be a sexy Queen, I suggest something more along the lines of this costume.

Courtesy:  baci-farfalle.com

Rule your kingdom in style with these

Red Marble Peep Toe Destiny Pumps with Bow from Paris Hilton

The biggest reality show of the year was most definitely MTV’s Jersey Shore.  Whether you watch it because you like to drool at overly spray tanned hard-bodies or you can’t take your eyes off this trainwreck of a show.  Either way, these Snooki and Jwoww costumes are hilarious.

Courtesy:  fashonablygeek.com

Keep your fist pumpin’ all night long in these

Leopard Print Pony-Hair Dione Sandals from L.A.M.B.

Another classic costume that is in constant rotation is the Gypsy.  Add lots of gold bangle bracelets, hoop earrings, and maybe a tambourine to pull off this nomadic look.

Courtesy:  maskworld.com

My Crystal Ball tells me you should snatch these

Gold and Brown Woven Nail Sandals with Wooden Heel from Guess

Did you know that Halloween originally started out as a Christian holiday?  The tradition of dressing up in costumes comes from the ancient Celts.  They believed that this time of year the border between the afterlife and this world is weakened and spirits could pass through and harm them.  So they would in turn dress in masks to keep the bad spirits away.

Ok enough History;  Let’s get on to the Costumes and Shoes!

First up is another classic that returns time after time.  The Cowgirl costume is also good to have on hand for any western themed parties that can happen all throughout the year.  Plus cowboy boots never go out of style.

Courtesy:  Beauty-and-the-Bath.com

You’ll shout “Giddy Up!” when you feast your eyes on these

Brown Suede Linus Cowboy Boots from Bronx

Next up we have the ever popular Gangster.  No, I”m not talking about being a GangstA for Halloween;  I’m talking about being a Mobster a’la Al Capone.  Machine Guns, Pocket Watches, and Fedoras are the perfect accessories to bring this look together.

Courtesy:  buycostumes.com

Get your Gangster strut on while wearing these

Patent Leather Black and Bone Canny Spectator Heels from Charles David

One of the biggest stars on the planet right now is Lady Gaga.  I’ve seen pictures of the fans that go to her concerts and dress like her and the homemade costumes are fabulous.  One of my personal favorite looks that she has worn is most definitely the “Bubble Dress.”  I better see someone wearing this out on  Halloween.

Courtesy:  KingofPeople.com

Pull out all the stops for the avant garde look with these

Glittering Platform Blush Wowww Wedges from Steve Madden

Now that it is officially October I hope your plans have kicked into high gear.  With Halloween falling on a Sunday night this year, will you be celebrating before on Saturday … or Friday … or both?

If you feel the need to show off your killer abs but don’t want to wear an arbitrary 2 piece sexy cop uniform, the Belly Dancer option is most appropriate.  I hate costumes that are made into separates just for the sole fact that it needs to be as tiny as possible.  Who’s with me?!

Courtesy:  ArabPrincessCostume.com

Continue this Tassel Trend down to your toes with these

Pewter Dance Heels with Gold Beading from Dereon

Without a doubt THE biggest movie of the year was Avatar.  So of course I expect to see some ladies dressed up Neytiri this Halloween.

Courtesy:  iOffer.com

Complete this Na’vi look with these

Sapphire Blue Patent Leather D’Orsay Peep Toe Acadia Heels from Jessica Simpson

Shiver Me Timbers!!! Another classic that has been reinvented over the years the Lady Pirate.  I must admit, I have even dressed up as one before, as a last minute desicion.

Courtesy:  Christopher-Robin.co.uk

There is no way you’ll be walking the plank in these

Tan Triple Buckle Boystown Boots from Not Rated

It is Tuesday again, so you know what that means … time for more Halloween costume inspiration.  And just in case you are counting, you have 33 shopping days left until the big day!   Have you narrowed down your choice yet?

One of the biggest movies this year was Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.  I loved his new vision on this classic story.  This Alice costume is a lovely take on that boring blue dress/white apron combo we have seen for years.

Courtesy:  DisneyDreaming.com

Don’t fall down the Rabbit Hole while wearing these

Black Leather Peep Toe Jet MaryJane from Fergie

Another classic costume that never goes away is Cleopatra.  I personally like this one because there are so many different styles and interpretations of this character.  Plus, there are a ton of accessories you can pick and chose from to bring this look to life.

Courtesy:  fancydress.com

You’ll, no doubt, be Queen of the Nile in these

Bronze Snake-Skin Gladiator Mariella Heels from Sam Edelman

During my Freshman year of college I decided to dress as Tinkerbell for Halloween.  I don’t know if it was me or I am just really good and being ahead of the trend curve, but the Tinkerbell costume has been booming with popularity ever since then.  I wish I could have worn a sequined Tink dress like this gorgeous one.

Courtesy:  TinkerbellHalloween.com

Sprinkle your Pixie Dust with the greatest of ease while wearing these

Gold D’Orsay Erika Flats with Bow from Hollywould

Are you still debating on what to dress yourself as this Halloween?  Have no fear, because I have 3 more trendy costume ideas and the perfect footwear to bring your look together.  Did I mention that these shoes are so fabulous, you might not want to wait till Halloween to wear them?

First up is Pocahontas.  While I am pretty sure most costumes like this are most likely nowhere near historically accurate, there are lots of extra accessories that can lend to this Native American inspired ensemble.

Courtesy:  Top_Dog_Costumes on ebay.com

You’ll feel right at home in the wilderness while you are wearing these

Cognac Leather Braided Kasidy Sandals from Steve Madden

Next up is the most undeniably popular costume for this year.  Vampires have infiltrated almost every aspect of pop culture and media lately, so don’t do the boring old Dracula style.  Instead, try something more up-to-date like this costume.

Courtesy:  SexyCostumes.com

You can prey on your dinner with ease while Vamping it up in these

Black Mesh Fabric Hide and Seek Open Toe Bootie from Chinese Laundry

Being one of the hottest TV shows of the year automatically means that people will want to emulate their favorite characters from the small screen on All Hallows Eve.  Besides Mad Men being a fan favorite, it has also won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series for the past 3 years.  This show’s 3 leading ladies always look impeccable on-screen and off.

Courtesy:  Otago Daily Times

You can totally rock this Retro style in these

Houndstooth Pony Hair and Red Patent Peep Toe In The Park Pumps from Naughty Monkey

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, it is unofficially Fall and one of my favorite Holidays will be here before you know it.  I’m talking about Halloween of course.  It is never to early to start planning your costume and all the little details.  For this series of blogs, I’ll showcase some amazing shoes to compliment a long list of costumes that are sure to be hott for 2010.

First up is the always popular Sexy Sailor.

Courtesy:  HalloweenAdventure.com

You’ll definitely shout “Shoes Ahoy!” when you feast your eyes on these

Red Nautical Slingback Karl Heels from Harajuku Lovers

Next we have the ferociously feisty Catwoman.

Courtesy:  Catanna.com

You are sure to get Cat Scratch Fever with your paws in these

Black Croco Knee High Grange Boots from Guess

This Marie Antoinette look is sure to turn heads (Just don’t loose yours, haha).

Courtesy:  RetailTerminal.com

You’ll be the Queen of any court in these

Gold Metallic D’Orsay Senorita Heels from Paris Hilton

I love watching awards shows and finding alternatives to expensive Celebrity shoe fashions.  This was no easy task during the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards that aired on Sunday evening.  Why you ask … because most everyone was wearing long dresses that completely hid their shoes.

Courtesy:  Just Jared

For all we know, Claire Danes could have been wearing Harley Davidson Steel Toe Motorcycle Boots under her Armani Prive sequined ball gown.  Probably not but still;  Here are some amazing shoe styles that I did manage to spot on the Red Carpet.

Dancing with the Stars Co-Host Brooke Burke was simply stunning in her white strapless Mark Zunino dress with Chopard Diamonds;  The perfect compliment to the dainty sparkle on her feet.

Courtesy:  Zimbio

To channel your inner bombshell like Brooke, try these

Silver Thin-Strapped Juliette Rhinestone Sandals from Betsey Johnson

Even though I personally think this look is a train-wreck, Lauren Graham did have some pretty cool footwear.  I am digging the gladiator-like shoe vibe that the Modern Family star is sporting.  It is pretty much the only think I like about this photo.

Courtesy:  TVGuide.com

If you wanna strut your stuff like Lauren, I suggest these

Black Leather Strappy Dominica Sandals with Metallic Heel from L.A.M.B

While her hit TV Show The Vampire Diaries wasn’t nominated for any awards, Nina Dobrev was part of the opening “Glee-Inspired” musical number.  It has reached a record number of views on the Internet in just a few short days following the Emmy ceremony.

Courtesy:  Gossip Center

To score some sweet feet style like Nina, check out these

Ivory Satin Open Toe Slingback Xulia Heels with Jewel Accent by Badgley Mischka

Without a doubt the most jaw-dropping dress (napkin, handkerchief, wash cloth, etc) of the evening was worn by Heidi Klum.  I’m not entirely sure she could have climbed the steps to accept the award that Project Runway was nominated for if they had won.  Nonetheless, I love the sparkles though.

Courtesy:  TVGuide.com

If you want to walk on the wild side like Heidi, you have to get your hands on these

Black Glitter Pointed Toe Carrielee Pumps from Guess

CSI:  Miami Star Eva La Rue was definitely on trend for the evening with another white Grecian style gown with a super high slit.  Her metallic shoes add just the right amount of glitz.

Courtesy:  TVGuide.com

If you want to glam it up like Eva, take a look at these

Metallic Peep Toe Florina Pumps from Betsey Johnson

One of the perks of working at a place like Heels.com is that we get the inside scoop on all things shoe related.  We have recently received a nifty new creation from the team at Diva Dilemmas.  They are called High Heel Stoppers and they protect your Stilettos from sinking into the lawn or scuffing expensive hardwood floors.

Take a look at their video here

This is definitely one of those “Why didn’t I think of that!” products.  They are super simple and very easy to use.  Just slip them on your stilettos and you are good to go!

You can order them in 3 different sizes which are Petite, Small, & Medium;  And there are 5 different colors/styles to choose from such as Classic Sparkle, Classic Black, Black Rose, White Rose, and Jewel.

Here I am testing the Medium Classic Sparkle Heel Stoppers in my friend Meghan’s back yard.

They do help prevent your heels from sinking into the ground but they don’t really improve your balance.  It was still a little tricky navigating over small twigs and such.

Heel Stoppers are also ideal if you need to protect those beautiful hardwood floors in your house.  Here I am trying out the Classic Black Heel Stoppers in the Petite size.

Definitely no scuff  marks here but one thing that I do miss … the sound of my heels on the floor.  If you want to silence the sound your shoes make when you walk these are perfect for that.  I personally like all the noise.

Don’t forget to check out the Diva Dilemmas Twitter and Facebook pages!

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