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2013 Summer Shoe Trends for Women

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:04:26 +0000

As we all know, shoe trends don't really change all that much from spring to summer. I mean, if a color is hot in spring, it's generally going to be popular during the hotter summer months as well. Usually the biggest style and trend shifts are from summer to fall, and winter to spring.

Having said that, those same trends that are popular in spring might look very different on summer shoe styles, and then of course, some styles are just more popular in summer (like sandals, or flip-flops), so you do have a few new trends to look forward to each May or June.

With those things in mind, I rounded up a few of the hottest summer shoe trends for 2013. If you're looking for the latest, be sure to check them out.

Pictured: Mixx Shuz 'Dolly' (Buy Direct)
Image: LuLus.com

5 for Friday : Bright Heels for Summer

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:02:12 +0000

We've been talking a lot about pastel shoes -- which are great, but there are times when you really want a jolt of bright color -- and summer is a great time to get that fix. Especially during a summer like this one when there's such an awesome array of brightly-colored shoes to choose from.

There are so many out there right now that it didn't take long at all to round up this week's collection of pretty bright heels for summer -- and honestly, I could have kept going. In fact, I'd say it was actually nearly painful to stop. It's OK though, you're worth it. -- Enjoy!

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Shoemaking Books

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:02:14 +0000

I've mentioned before that I have an ever-growing library of shoe books, but there's one that's been on my list for years that I've never gotten around to purchasing: Bespoke Shoemaking, A Comprehensive Guide to Handmade Footwear by Tim Skyrme.

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5 for Friday : Mint Green Shoes for 2013

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:08:12 +0000

I've been featuring a lot of pastels lately because they're so hot this season, but let's face it, we all know that the color of year is mint green.

As a kid, I was absolutely obsessed with all things mint green; to the degree that it was a running joke for me and some of my friends. (Actually, the "joke" was more them making fun of my passion for the combination of mint green and pastel pink -- a combination I still have trouble resisting.)

I'm all grown up, but I still love the shade. Granted, I'm not quite as single-faceted as I was back then, and there are so many colors to love that it would be difficult to limit myself to just one -- but still, if you were going to, mint would be a great choice.

Here are five gems in the hottest color for spring and summer 2013: mint green. -- Enjoy!

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10 Must-Have Women's Shoes

Thu, 09 May 2013 23:36:01 +0000

It's been a while since we've covered some of the staples, so I thought it might be nice to have a little refresher. Even if you already know all the basics and your footwear needs are covered, you might want to have a look, as it's sometimes helpful to remind ourselves that it's not all about the latest trends and hottest labels.

Be sure to check out these 10 Must-Have Women's Shoes.

Pictured: Calvin Klein 'Diema' (Buy Direct)
Image: Zappos.com

Just Wanted You to See These : Sexy High Heel Sandals

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:03:59 +0000

I see shoes like these sexy sandals from Chinese Laundry and, like a lot of women, my first thought is how great they'd be for a night out, clubbing.

But then the reality of my lifestyle (read: not a lot of clubbing, these days), and I think that maybe I don't actually need a pair of shoes like these.

And it's true, I don't need them. But, I do still covet them. And, I do have a silky, mid-thigh wrap dress that would look fantastic with them. They also come in black, if I wanted a pair that was even more versatile.

See, I think it's a common mistake to believe that you have to: have a certain body type; wear a specific style of clothing; or live a fast-paced lifestyle (one that is usually reserved for people in their twenties) to enjoy a pair of sexy high heels.

Would sandals like these work with a nurse's uniform? No. Well, they might, but only in really private situations that we probably shouldn't get into.

But, they would work with a pretty skirt or dress, even if it's not a bandage dress or mini skirt, and they'd look just as lovely in a nice restaurant as they would in a flashy club. Plus, you don't have to be super-tall or model-thin to wear them either. In fact, that's one of the most wonderful things about shoes: they don't discriminate based on body-type or age.

Of course, 4.5" heels, and rhinestone-covered uppers aren't to everyone's liking, and they wouldn't earn a place in a lot of people's wardrobes -- that's fine. I just wanted to make the point that you don't have to confine yourself to boring, stodgy shoes -- or even pretty but basic pumps -- just because your clubbing days are behind you.

If you see a pair of shoes that makes your heart flutter, try to find a way to work them into your wardrobe. I think you might be surprised to find some shoe styles are more versatile than you initially thought.

Pictured: Chinese Laundry 'Jovial' (Buy Direct)
Image: Heels.com

5 for Friday : Cute Flip-Flops for Women

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:06:18 +0000

Even though I'm pretty set for flip-flops for the rest of 2013 -- all will be revealed on that front in an upcoming review -- I still can't resist looking.

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I'm a sucker for adorable casual sandals, and if the temperature is over about 50 degrees, I'll find any excuse I can to wear flip-flops -- especially if they're comfortable and embellished with cute bows, rhinestones, beads, or some other eye-catching detail.

Needless to say, rounding up five styles for this week's collection was almost too easy, in the sense that there are so many to choose from. Of course, narrowing down the list wasn't simple at all.

In fact, I had so much trouble with that task, that I decided to throw in a bonus pair -- but I have to warn you, the adorable bow-accented jelly sandals that appear at the bottom of this list are currently only available in U.S. women's sizes 5-8 and, even in those sizes, the color choices are very limited.

Since I wear an 8.5 or 9, I'm gutted about this... and it's the only reason they're the "bonus" pick, and not one of my first choices. But, they come in four awesome color combinations, and they're priced at only $11.30 per pair, making them quite the find for anyone who can fit into them.

The rest of us will have to just enjoy the other five pairs... somehow, I think we'll survive it. -- Enjoy.

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2013 Prom Shoes

Thu, 02 May 2013 21:05:22 +0000

You don't really need a prom date -- or even a student ID -- to enjoy the pretty, prom-perfect evening shoes on this list. But if there is a prom in your future, then you really don't want to miss my top picks in prom shoes for 2013.

Or, you can view a slew of other prom-shoe related articles in my 2013 Guide to Prom Shoes.

Pictured: RSVP 'Cailyn' (Buy Direct)
Image: Zappos.com

5 for Friday: Pretty Pastel Sandals

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:51:50 +0000

Even when they aren't the hottest thing going, I love sandals in pastel colors. They're so perfect for spring and summer, and they're just such a nice change of pace from all the blacks and browns of winter.

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Women's Shoes for Shorts

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:58:22 +0000

Between all the different styles of women's shorts that are available; all the different women's body types; and all the different occasions when you might wear shorts, it's no wonder that selecting the right pair of shoes might drive you crazy.

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