Suede, Stacked, Strapped, and Sparkling

We’re conditioned to believe that what we wear on our feet to parties should be limited to our sexiest of heels. However, these pumps by Opening Ceremony par Robert Clergerie (made with suede, a stacked heel, an ankle strap, and sparkling flair) have more school girl charm than they do sex appeal, and they're surprisingly fitting for the party scene.

Opting for platform pumps is a great alternative in lieu of the typical stripper-heels you may be inclined to slip your feet into. We suggest styling these with your favorite pair of tights for your next holiday party.

While the pair above comes with a price point of nearly $800, we’ve hunted down a more wallet-friendly pair: Sam Edelman’s Lyla. Though they are sans sparkles, they still offer the suede, the stacked heel, and the classy ankle strap. Happy feet and a happy wallet!

Text Jennifer Bernard 
Image The Man Repeller

Prada Presents Fall Footwear

The cold season is upon us, but there is no need to retreat from bright and bold footwear. Prada has presented a wide selection of colorful and unique pieces in its Fall Winter 2011-2012 shoe collection. Coronate your best fall ensembles with the Italian fashion brand's sophisticated and style-conscious footwear designs.

The collection features heels, pumps, wedges, and the trompe l’oeil combo of high heel and knee-high socks. The boots were inspired by the school girl outfit and are designed to resemble a pair of heeled pumps with knee highs, which results in high boots with a two-toned combination that resembles shoes and socks. The daring knee-high boots decorated with python, leopard, and crocodile skin are the innovative creations of Miuccia Prada. A signature look of the collection are tri-color Python Patchwork Boots that blend feminine sophistication and sex appeal together.

The advertising campaign, shot by Steven Miesel, presents a refined collection of animal prints and color blocking in two-tone shoes with straps and button accessories.

Text Tiffany Frasier
Image courtesy of Prada

Pretty Pumps: Sparkle in Stilettos

From glitter to floral to chains and leather, it seems like anyone can find a shoe that suits their fancy now. But, it is the style of shoe that is creating some attention.

Summer is usually known for espadrilles and sandals, but the popular shoe this summer seemed to be the pump, and designers were pulling out all the stops for their consumer. Whether is be a Roger Vivier shoe that costs almost $3,000 that is encrusted is diamonds or a Casadei shoe with an antique feel, the pump is in charge of this season.

The thing is, the pump is such a classic that it can be done in a multitude of ways. You can dress it up with a ball gown for some fancy dinner, or they are completely appropriate for work with a nice suit. With such a classic piece, the consumer has such a wide variety to choose from. There is likely to be a shoe that fits their style perfectly. With the cold weather approaching, the predominance of the pump will only continue to grow.

Text Dalton Brasington
Source(s): Roger Vivier & Casadei