When in Rome? Maybe not, but I am still on a quest for the perfect gladiator sandals. They were around last summer, but this summer they’re going to be a very hot trend. My coveted spring purchase this year is: gladiator sandals.

I’m already betting that by end of summer I’ll have about four pairs - and one of them will be gold. But first pick!

Nine West Jobilyn (right) have been on the list for comfort & a crazy amount of colors to choose from at just under $100. I was surprised that the gold too pale for what I wanted, and instead I left the store with a light grey pair. The light colors look best in this style because there’s this subtle black trim on the edges.

If you’re out to splurge the gladiators I’d most love are these (left) Giuseppe Zanotti’s gladiators for $650, quite a lot for sandals (insert drool here). But if you’re looking for a budget option then both H&M and Urban Outfitters have black or brown versions for under $50.

One pair down…many more to go!

I know from experience that living your life as a vegan is not easy.  Natalie Portman who is a long-time vegan has just recently rolled out a cruelty-free line of shoes for specialty retailer Té Casan.

100% of the proceeds benefit The Nature Conservancy, an organization dedicated to ecological protection.

Today is the day that an actual shoe line is passing the test and giving us an option when it comes to a fashionably responsible way of life.   I thank you so much Miss Portman for your contributions, it’s nice to have a fashion forward vegan step up to the plate.

However your styles are a lil plain jane, so please be sure give us a call when Mary Janes aren’t the cutest option in the collection.

~ Nicole, guest "it" writer.

There is always some point in your day when enough is enough with your hippest highest heels. 

Whether it be on the way home from work or after dark, Spare Sloe Flats will have your weary feet out of your shoes and in better condition in no time. 

Tucked away in a cute light-weight tote, available in black or white, you will have no problem bringing spare sole flats along with you any day, all the time.  Its the simplest solution for spare footwear I’ve seen to date. 

~ Nicole, guest "it" writer.

I’ve been looking at my little booties and wondering how they were going to fit into spring. Well they’re not going away, but to be completely in style they’ve evolved to peep-toe booties.

Expect to see the updated oxford, slips of patent leather, and ribbons for spring 2008’s version of the ankle boot. And of course spring colors in trend - like pink.

Here are some tips for wearing peep toe shoes: http://womens-shoes.suite101.com/article.cfm/peep_toe_shoes 

Spring slush is far away, but that doesn’t mean you won’t still have some autumn days and puddles to contend with. If that’s the case try sporting these Aquatalia "Wasabi" synthetic patent leather boots  - totally waterproof knee-high round-toe rain boots that have the added benefit of not looking like rain boots. The red ones are hot! and you can’t go wrong with classic black.

This style was so hot they sold out back in March, but restocked now for fall!

I love, love, love my new Hilary Radley black quilted ankle boots - Chantal. From the quilted toes that peak out from jeans to the silver toggles that dangle when I’m in a little swing dress. Feet down! my best purchase this season.

After 12 years, Montreal-based Hilary Radley is one of North America’s best outerwear designers. Elle Magazine has bestowed her as the “Designer of the Decade,” and recently as “Best Designer” by Outerwear Magazine. From Chicago thru to LA, New York and Montreal she’s achieved a loyal fan base who want warmth and style.

Her website hilaryradley.com is under construction, but in the meantime you’ll have to be creative looking for her shoes. Nordstrom and Bloomingdales carry her coats – hopefully her footwear won’t be far behind. Canadians are in better luck: Wear Else? and The Bay.

Cute shoes! - thanks they’re [whisper] jessica simpson. It cracks me up when my gal pals whisper with guilt that they purchased the pop tart’s shoes. I am unabashedly proud of my Jessica purchases. I first discovered her when I was ‘tipsy’ on chardonnay and went shopping. I bought the shoes a size too small, bless the vino, but adored the shoes.

And I’m not disappointed by Jessica Simpson’s fall 2007 round up starting to appear. Jessica’s Henri Scarlet Plaid Combo (search EC1051470 at Shoes.com) is a nice simple pump in plaid is the perfect way to bring a dab of color and pattern into your outfit. Love the red plaid.

Here’s a cute bronze flat for a totally different option of Simpson.

Booties aren’t just something you shake, they’re glam footwear too. Over the last few seasons they evolved into to wrapped suedes and high textures. Expect more of those!

The Fall 2007 shoe trend "must have" isn’t quite shoe, not quite bootie. Its the laceup oxford. And best of all you’ll find it any heel imaginable - from stiletto to cone, to wedge or platform.

Both of these Oxfords are stunning. I love brown leather, and the detailing works from cocktails to conference calls.  Here is Miss Sixty’s  "Wanna" - from the Silvy Collection ($185) for a simpler, version. And for a more classic oxford look it’s hands down United Colors of Benetton ($129).

Here are a few more options: 
Urban Outfitters Made By Elves Oxford Heel
Marc Jacobs has a gorgeous black patent oxford pump too!

If Sevens can make jeans fit like an old friend, imagine what they’ll be able to do with heels!

The genius behind 7 For All Mankind are launching their next evolution in style - shoes! This shoe line is a mix of 60’s and 80’s styles in an array of chunky wooden heels and round toes, lots of military bits, and stretch leather - they are 7’s after all.

Later this month you’ll see these 7’s starting to pop up. The pair I can’t wait to see the slate colored, calf skin booties. For their first fall season, the womans footwear line will be monopolized by detailed materials. Lizard, python, crinkled patent, retro heavy canvas with piping, and a mirror-like metallic leather (laminato). And all in this fall’s colors: ivory, russet orange, rose-pink, tobacco, and cognac.

I tried really, really hard to give you pics - but no go. Consider yourself teased!

So if you’re not doing the maxi, and are all about the shorter hemline’s this season then here’s your shoe tip. Ken Downing, VP and Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus, hand picks the gladiator sandal as the best of the bunch to ground your look no matter how short you go.

 

I’m not sure about the Marc Jacobs jelly gladiator (I think Shoewawa summarizes my perplexity) or the thigh high versions, but for Giueseppe Zanotti is hands down the man that knows this trend.

I could unleash my inner Greek goddess in any of these, but my pick for this summer trend is the brown patent, six strap version flats - bottom left.

Have you ever noticed those funky Tod’s flats the roll up into balls and their trademark rubber nubs on the bottom and up the heel. In the last weeks they’ve popped into my life - most recently as some gals in the blogosphere perplexed at why you’d want the nubby wonders and at $325 a pop.

They’re driving shoes! Haven’t you ever wrecked the heels on a glam pair of shoes (especially suede) because you were driving in them? Solution? Tod’s are elastisized on the top to roll up into compact balls so you can keep them in the car and quickly swap during the drive with no damage to your Jimmy Choo’s. Tod’s are so cute (and pricey) it’s a shame to use them just for driving.

I found this great knock off from Steve Madden the Sara for $89.95. Steve Madden (right) has this pair of floppy red and black flats almost exactly identical to the Tod’s Ballerina Dee (on the left). P.S. The silver with black patent tip is a good one!

Haviannas sandals are like the most comfortable rubber flip-flops in the world, they’re made in Brazil using a secret rubber formula. I’m left to ponder that a bit, since all rubber formulas seem a bit dubious to me.

Created in 1962, Havaianas (Portuguese for "Hawaiians") have been flip, flip flopping for years. But it’s really only in the last 5 years Havaianas have been named by Cosmopolitan, Elle, and other fashion trendhunters as one of summer’s hottest items. Need it.

Summer 2007 Havaianas as actually improving an already great thing. Especially with their new Slim Collection that combines a thin metallic strap and pretty flower print in ultra comfy style.

Exclusively at www.shopintuition.com is the adorable SUPERGIRL fashion collection! The line is based on the universally recognized symbol of strength and leadership – the S-shield, and celebrates the power of independence and self expression. Fans include Molly Sims, Gabrielle Reece, and Tori Spelling.

But if you’re feeling more grown up than Super Girl and want to release the Lynda Carter in you - -   Custom Wonder Woman flip flops in two hot colors with the option to customize with your own color of crystals. Girl power on the beaches!

Lacoste’s crocodile has become one of fashion’s most famous logos. But not since Ralph Lauren’s polo pony, has any animal been iconic in my closet.

Well now I’ve found some shoes that might just welcome the critter to me, and in the form of a sporty ballet shoe no less.

Lacoste’s Ithia  Search #7317114 at Zappos.com It’s great for jeans and cute dresses.  And when I was on the Lacoste site I also found in the sportswear collection, these cute flats, Lunata.

News for Canada Fans!! Zappos is now shipping to Canada. Icon in the far upper right corner of the US site.

The wedge is back, many times in the form of cork, straw, or wood. But the other popular heel is the cone.

Cone heels and platforms popped up last fall. Marc Jacobs and Lanvin were extreme versions on the runways - gorgeous works of arts with crystal balls embedded under the arch. Even Katie Holmes was spotted glamming up with YSL’s version.

Now the mainstream is catching up with softer versions - even Marc Jacobs is toned down - and has stylish zippers and metalic running up its trend factor.

And if you can’t manage the height here’s a fun low-cone option in trendy patent. Tom Brown is a winner!