One other thing to remember is if you plan on wearing a lot of high heel sandals, keep your feet looking attractive by keeping them clean and properly groomed.  No one wants to see the  callus, dirt and ashiness on your feet — that’s just nasty.  Keep your toe nails properly groomed, your feet cleaned and scrubbed and lotioned and let the shoes compliment your feet rather than be disgraced.

Here’s to a great year in high heels and foot care.

I have to give it up to Amiclubwear.com who has so graciously dressed up their high heels selection with these shoes that rock a touch of class and rock a hot, sexy style, featuring a pump style heels, with denim fabric, stud decor on vamp and cushion footbed.  Possesses a 1″ platform and 5″ heel, giving these shoes a sleek look and appeal; available in black, dark blue and light blue.  Nicely priced at $24.99.

I especially love these shoes because the footbed is cushioned for comfort wear, your toes are scrunched at the toe of the shoe, the platform brings ease to wearing the 5 inch heel; they can dress up any pairs of jeans or capri jeans, or any other stylish jean ensemble.  I already have the light blue pair, and kicked off 2010 by ordering the dark blue pair once I discovered they were back in stock.  Go to www.amiclubwear.com to check out their latest selections.  Photo to come later.

One style of boots that is certainly gaining popularity this season is the over the knee boots.  Whether suede or leather, they have been completely taken out of their sexuality realm and thrown into a new concept that almost everyone can enjoy whether in the workplace, our just out on the town.  Becoming more tasteful, stylish and flavorful, these boots are setting records across the board.  It is said that a flat heel is more ideal for these boots, as well know that a high heel can be closely associated with the movie, “Pretty Woman.”  Coming from the 80′s these boots are more retro and vamped up to meet the expectations of growing trends.

In previous posts I’ve mentioned how boots have evolved into something we’ve not seen before, as shoe designers are taking popular open toe high heels shoes and combining them with the look and styles of boots, that (and for those who like that sort of style) we are getting the best of both worlds, to say the least.

Today’s boots are decorated with buckles, chains, zippers and a combination of sorts.  And their aired out with holes throughout the design, open heal and toe, and sides.  You have the high heel bootie sandal, it’s a cross between low-calf boots and high heel sandals.  You cut away the important parts of the boots with a high heel sandal in mind, and voila, the high-heel bootie sandal.  Ideal for wet weather?  I wouldn’t think so, and yet you are more than likely to find them dressing up someone’s wardrobe.  

From thigh high (or over the knee as they are now called) to knee-high, to ankle to calf high – boots, in all of their variety of styles, have taken the fashion industry by storm.  And what’s ironic is boot connoisseurs young and old are swooping them up faster than they can make them available.  And with high heels meeting the idolized style of boots, sales are more than likely to sky-rocket through the roof this season.

Boots have gone from frumpy, clunky, dull and dreary to appealling, sexy and out of this world.  There is something for everyone to indulge in with price tags ranging from the very low to astronomically high. 

This season is an exciting one.

What needs to be done is emphasize the need to take proper care of our feet.  Starting by keeping a pair of flats, slippers and/or sneakers in our car and/or at our desk when we’re in the office.  Soaking our feet at the end of the day can provide much more relief than we realize.  Slip off our shoes during the day for a period of 15-20 minutes a day if not longer.  I tend to take my shoes off for an hour every chance I can during my lunch hour — when I’m not out to lunch with friends, or running errands.  Using foot creams can act as massagers to the muscles in your feet.  And propping your feet up at the end of a busy day can take the stress off not only your feet, but your legs and back as well.

Know your feet:  I especially want to take a moment to emphasize that you should know your feet very well.  Know what you can and cannot wear.  This will save you a life long period of foot treatments because you were careless in selecting the right choice of shoes.  If your feet are wide, wear shoes designed for women with wide feet.  Wearing narrow shoes and you have a wide foot can create nerve and muscle damage, and ultimate ruin the bones in your toes because they are scrunched together and have no room to move.  Wearing shoes a size smaller than your regular size (just because you really like that shoe and it wasn’t in your size) is another common cause of foot damage.  Corns, calluses, nerve and muscle damage, irreversible problems can be the result of wearing the wrong size shoes.  Don’t get me wrong, there are those shoes that I can get away with wearing a half size smaller than my normal shoe size…however, a half size is the lowest I’ll go.  Anything beyond that is just murder to my feet.  Taking the proper measures to know just what your feet can and cannot wear only means that you really care about your feet because you want to enjoy long-term wear of wearing your high heels.

Odors and Fungus:  Switching up your shoes can prevent odors and fungus problems.  Stay away from wearing nylons with your high heels during warm weather to prevent your feet from sweating constantly.  If you must wear nylons, take some time to slip off your shoes at some point during the day to let your feet breathe, or air out — so to speak.

Fetish Shoes are for Show:  You’ve seen the ballerina high heel shoes, sporting a 7-inch high heel (see below).  Look at how the foot is extended downward.  What pressure is put on the arch of the feet?  These shoes are not and should not be recommended for long-term wear, let alone everyday use.  The damage that can be cause may very well be irreversible.

It’s likely that the toes are suffering at the end with pressure from standing and walking.  To what weight limit is put on these shoes, and how is the back standing up to wearing these kinds of shoes.  If there are going to be continuing reports on the irreversible damage put on long-term wear of high heels, then we need to satisfy these reports by pointing at various types of shoes that are more likely known for being hazardous to our feet.  Then again it starts with the person wearing the heel.  Realistically looking at the height of the heel, style and design and asking, “can I really wear those shoes?”  Perhaps the reports will reduce if more people took an active stand in proper foot care, and perhaps we can tell shoe designers to get more real in their styles and designs.  While we’re ruining our feet, they’re getting richer.

Selecting a good pair of boots for me is a huge issue.  I not only look for looks, style, comfort and fit, I also look for quality, design originality, and weather proofing…meaning, how a pair of boots will hold up in frigid weather.  Cost is a factor, too, because I really don’t want to spend a fortune just on one pair of boots.

I especially like these boots because they are like nothing I’ve ever seen before.  They are different in every way.  With their crocodile look, seams and rope, they give to a different look and style and possess a unique originality that absolutely made them a must have.  The question is, how will they wear?  What is the comfort level around the ankle area?  And what is the quality of the material and stacked heel — will there be sufficient wear?  These are questions one has to keep in mind because they’re being ordered online.  Which means I don’t get the satisfaction of test driving them before I leave the store.

Boots have to be given the same level of respect as in buying high heel pumps and sandals.  Because not every body’s feet are the same, consideration needs to be given to the pointed toe area and whether or not there’ll be some comfort because some feet are wider than others and more narrow than others.

So far I’ve not had any problems ordering shoes and boots online.  I think in my life time I’ve had to return two pairs of shoes and that was back in the late 90′s.  Since then shoes have crossed many barriers and designers have become very self aware of their designs and have maintained a conscience level of the consumers who will play a large roll in purchasing their products.

For me, boots have to wear nicely.  I have to be able to get a good wear out of them, meaning the heel has to be strong and sturdy.  The material has to be quality material that will give to long-lasting durability.  I stay away from suede boots only because of their weather factor.  However, I will wear boots with a combination of suede and leather, with the leather being more at the lower feet area. 

I don’t really like thick heels on boots…just makes them look bulky.  I wear a lot of slacks, so a stiletto heel something comparable is ideal, and I usually go for the 4-inch to 4 3/4 inch heel.  If I go 5-inch on a pair of boots, like my high heels, there has to be a platform for easy wear and comfort.

If you’re going to spend money on a pair of boots, at least make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

Designers have taken old classic favorites and given them a more modern day look and appeal.  You’ll see more of the squished down, gathered look in both leather and sued; there’ll be more buckles, chains, loops and hoops, and even boots with an open toe and cutout sides.  Would you have thought of ever seeing something like that back in the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s? 

Hmmm…your feet are nice and warm, comfy and cozy while your toes are left to brave the frigid weather, and parts of your feet are exposed to cold temperature if you sport the cut out styles.  Sexy and stylish, yes, but at the same time, I would not recommend for freezing cold and wet weather.

When you look at how boots have changed over the years and what they’ve changed into, it’s safe to say that designers see how much further boots can be explored, taking a more fresher and bolder approach to creating something you never thought in a millions years of ever seeing on the runway and in shoe boutiques and fashion retailers.

Ranging from the very pricey to the more affordable, you don’t have to break your pocket book to enjoy a sexy, stylish pair of boots that seems to just pump up your wardrobe during the cold season.  You’ll find that there’s something for everybody, it’s just a matter of where you go, what your taste is and if you’re a boot person of a different kind.  And of course you have your average keep it plain and simple kind of person who is likely to shy away from hot new trends.  I’m 42, and even I keep up with today’s trends to stay in the fashion spectrum.

Because winter white fashion during the winter season is continuing to take is proper place in the fashion world, be prepared to see more white, winter white, ivory and beige colored boots, sporting stiletto heels, thick stacked-look heels, covered platforms, wedges and, of course, and as previously mentioned, the open toe.

Surprisingly so, boots are no longer just for the winter season.  

Zippers, straps, feux fur, charms – additions to what you will find more in today’s stylish boots, and let’s not forget they come in an array of colors to choose from.  However, the question is how will you dress up these fabulous boots?  And will you serve them well as they enter the world of fashion with their bold statements.

Too, I think some of the styles of these boots have been inspired by some of todays and yesterday’s artists and heavy metal rock bands whom we all know love sporting their boots, tight jeans, vests and T-shirts.  Let’s give it up to them for being a part of the new spark in the designs of boots in today’s time.

What she’s done is taken the 1/2 inch platform and redesigned it to give it a stacked look, giving 4 1/4 high heel shoes a sleaker, more dazzling look to really compliment the overall style of the shoe.  If you’re old school and grew up during the 60′s and 70′s like I did then you should be familiar with the Baby Doll shoes which were hot ticket items coming up from the 40′s with their low, wide heel, round toe look, which have been given a complete makeover in today’s style of shoes. 

What Jessica has done is taken a closer look at the Baby Doll shoes and envisioned a more stylish, sheik look to them by slimming down the heel and adding the 1/2 inch platform giving them a more sexy appeal that just wows up an ensemble, whether for work, or a night out on the town (photos below).  She took other designer’s approach to the redesign of the Baby Doll shoes and added a touch of class to them with their patent leather look.  They come in two other colors; brushed metallic and rose.  Of course I have the black ones.

Although dubbed Layla, they have the Baby Doll appeal, which at the same time is very fashionable, stylish and a must have this summer. 

My favorites are the tan high heel pumps with the black stacked platform and black stiletto heel.  Very snazzy (photo coming soon).  I can say some thought, effort and time has gone into styling these shoes.  The pointy toe has been slimmed way back just enough to add heightened features to the overall shoes. The black heel and platform give them color and pizazz. 

They come with a pricey price tag, but if you’re lucky you can find them at some of your local Ross Stores starting from $14.99 to $26.99.

I took a gander at these on Cathy Jean’s web site at  http://www.cathyjeanshoes.com and thought, wow…with these shoes you can dress up any pair of jeans or jean capri, with a snazy top or sweater.  They have a smooth insole to comfortably slide your foot into and just accessorizes your feet nicely.  Too, they are perfect for wearing out to dinner, or to cocktails.  And are nicely priced at $30 — easy on your pocket book.

Every woman needs a pair of silver high heel sandals.  They can do up a nice dress for any occassion.  The don’ts to wearing silver sandals is I just don’t recommend them to be worn with sweat pants, short shorts, skin tight pleather pants or outfits that went out back in the 60′s.  The right styles are meant to be kept classy, to show you are a woman of fashion and knows how to coordinate.

So if you’re out shopping for that right pair of shoes, consider a pair of sexy silver shoes — you can never go wrong if you’ve got the right ensemble.

Polka dot shoes is definitely the style now.  And they are coming in many different styles; tennis, flats and high heels, just to name a  few.   Jennifer Lopez did it best when she came out with the polka dot high heel platform sandals — very sheik and sexy.   But here in this picture, this woman clearly defied the laws of shoe size.  This is just wrong…wrong, I tell you.  What was she thinking?  What did she expect to achieve?  Did she actually take the time to get dressed and leave the house wearing these very small sized shoes?  What’s worse is she has ugly toes.  No offense, but come on, I am just calling it like it is.  I hope she doesn’t find this appealing, because to see any woman’s toes sitting on the ground or hanging completely off the shoes when she wears open toed shoes or sandals makes me physically sick.  And I am a shoe lover to heart!

Recent reports have identified feet problems with the incorrect wearing of shoes and to be honest it doesn’t stop at high heels as the reports have been geared towards.  Women who just can’t be comfortable with their shoe size will make some of the most unforgettable mistakes to include wearing shoe sizes that are smaller than their actual size as well as improper foot care, and will blame the problems of their feet that they experience on the designer of the shoes.  Go figure!  Let’s be real.  If you wear a size 10, don’t let your mind tell you, “Oh, yeah, you can wear that size 7 1/2,” because your mind is playing dirty tricks on you because you don’t want to come to terms with your actual shoe size.

I’m a fan of the hottest, sexiest looking shoes just as the next person, but I also know better than to wear a shoe that isn’t my size.  It  is just using a level of common sense.  Now don’t get me wrong, some of us can get a way with wearing a half size smaller or larger, but it solely depends on how the shoe is made.  Keep that little known fact in mind.

You want to stop damaging your feet?  Stop with the damaging of shoes.  Your feet will take  care of you if you take care of them, and I think I made this point very clear once before. 

Ladies! Get a grip!  Wear your right shoe size!  Stop making perfectly good looking shoes look ugly and unattractive.

It’s the one thing to look for when buying shoes at small shoe boutiques and booths because you may not always know what you’re getting.  And also, here’s something else, too, the shoes you are buying, make sure they haven’t already been tried on that can take away from the quality of the shoes.

I have found that at two swapmeets that there are booths selling shoes that are old and have been worn.  And they have been sitting there for months.  Wether or not the person is aware of it or not is something that is very questionable.  You have to take into consideration the bacterial factor that comes in to play when these shoes are on the rack for sale.  It doesn’t matter if they’ve been sterilized, the point is shoe buyers don’t want to see old, worn shoes where new shoes are supposed to be, it gives them a thrift store appeal which is not attractive.  These kinds of shoes belong in a thrift store and sold at thrift prices.

What do you look for when buying shoes at these places?  Check the in-sole of the shoes.  If it looks raised, has dirt or crust is present, the sole of the shoes looks scuffed and worn, the outside of the shoes has scuffs and marks acquired from wear and tear, that’s a sign that the shoe has been worn, returned, and placed back on sale.  The right thing to do is for these owners to remove the shoes, discard them if necessary, but never put them back on the rack.   It’s poor decision and poor business practices.

You have to be careful when you buy shoes from these places.  Although there are great bargains to be found, the dangers are very high.